Nape pad

Abstract

A nape pad for a helmet includes a comfort pad that receives a nape of a wearer. The comfort pad includes an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof. A mounting plate is coupled to the comfort pad. The mounting plate includes an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the open-ended slot in the comfort pad. The open-ended slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate allow a user's hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

Description

Docket No. 063758-02-5180-WOTITLE

[0001] Nape PadCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 746,640 filed January 17, 2025 entitled “Nape Pad”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a nape pad for helmets and, in some embodiments, to a nape pad for use with users having long hair (e.g., a ponytail).SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment there is a nape pad for a helmet, the nape pad including a comfort pad configured to receive a nape of a wearer, the comfort pad having an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof, and a mounting plate coupled to the comfort pad, the mounting plate including an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the open-ended slot in the comfort pad, the open-ended slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate are configured to allow a user’s hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

[0005] In some embodiments, a retention system is coupled the mounting plate and is configured to couple the nape pad to a helmet shell, the retention system including a strap extending through an aperture in the mounting plate and wrapping around the open-ended slot in the mounting plate. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the mounting plate includes a ridge and the strap of the retention system is situated atop the ridge. In some embodiments, the open-ended slots in the comfort pad and the mounting plate are generally centered along a width of the corresponding comfort pad and mounting plate. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the comfort pad and the mounting plate are U-shaped slots.

[0006] In some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the comfort pad extends along a length of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 10% to about 25% of a total length of the comfort pad. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the comfort pad extends along a width of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the comfort pad. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the mounting plate extends along alength of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 60% to 80% of a total length of the mounting plate and extends along a width of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the mounting plate. Tn some embodiments, the open-ended slot in the comfort pad and mounting plate are substantially the same size and shape.

[0007] In another embodiment there is a nape pad for a helmet, the nape pad including a comfort pad configured to receive a nape of a wearer, the comfort pad having a U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof, a mounting plate coupled to the comfort pad, the mounting plate including an U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the U-shaped slot in the comfort pad, and a retention system coupled the mounting plate and configured to couple the nape pad to a helmet shell, the retention system including a strap extending through an aperture in the mounting plate, wrapping around the U-shaped slot in the mounting plate and resting on a ridge of the mounting plate that protrudes from the U-shaped slot thereof, the U-shaped slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate are configured to allow a user’s hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

[0008] In some embodiments, the U-shaped slot in the comfort pad extends along a length of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 10% to about 25% of a total length of the comfort pad and extends along a width of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the comfort pad. In some embodiments, the U-shaped slot in the mounting plate extends along a length of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 60% to 80% of a total length of the mounting plate and extends along a width of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the mounting plate.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following detailed description of embodiments of the nape pad, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011] Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a nape pad in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a helmet assembly worn by a user with long hair.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the nape pad of Fig. 1;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the nape pad of Fig. 1;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a helmet assembly including the nape pad of Fig.1;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the nape pad of Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a rear elevational view of the nape pad of Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the nape pad of Fig. 1; and

[0018] Fig. 8 is a rear elevational view of the nape pad of Fig. 1 coupled to helmet and retention system thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Helmets for head protection are worn in a variety of environments and for various purposes. The primary purpose of a helmet is to mitigate the effects of impact on the user’s head. Helmets used in military applications are designed to provide comprehensive protection against various threats, including ballistic, blunt, and blast impacts. In some instances, the helmets include impact liners that are disposed on the interior of a helmet shell and configured to provide impact attenuation properties and / or comfort to the wearer. Impact liners and the like may also include nape pads configured to at least partially cover and protect the nape of a wearer’s neck. A wearer of the helmet liner may have long hair (e.g., hair that extends beyond the nape). In such instances the wearer’s hair may interfere with the placement and functionality of the nape pad.

[0020] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-8 a nape pad, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the nape pad 100 is configured for use with wearer’s having long hair. In some embodiments, the nape pad 100 is configured to rest against the nape of a wearer’s neck when in use while permitting hair of the wearer to pass through an opening in the nape pad 100.

[0021] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in relation to a wearer’s hair and to the length thereof (e.g., long hair). Long hair may refer to hair having a length that is sufficient to allow the hair to hang past a user’s nape or shoulders. However, it should be understood that long hair as referenced herein may include any length, configuration and / or styling of hair on a wearer’s head that would otherwise interfere with the intended positioning of a nape pad against the wearer’s neck. For example, in some instances a wearer of the nape pad may wear their hair in a bun positioned proximate to the nape of their neck or a ponytail that extends beyond the nape of their neck and below their shoulders.

[0022] Referring to Figs. 1-4, there is shown a nape pad 100 configured for use with a helmet. For example, the nape pad 100 may be configured for use with the helmet assembly 10 illustrated in Fig. 3. The helmet assembly 10 may include a shell liner 12 coupled to the interior surface of a helmet shell 14 and retention system 16. The nape pad 100 may be a portion of the shell liner 12. For example, the nape pad 100 along with other impact attenuation and / or comfort padding may form the shell liner 12 of the helmet system 10. In some embodiments, which the nape pad 100 may be coupled to the retention system 16 as discussed in more detail below. The helmet shell 14 may be a helmet shell for use in a variety of environments and for various purposes including, but not limited to, adventure activities, sporting, industrial safety, and police or military purposes. In some embodiments, the helmet shell 14 may be any type of head protection helmet shell known in the art. For example, helmet 14 may be included in a standard infantry ballistic helmet, an advanced combat helmet (ACH) an enhanced combat helmet (ECH), a modular integrated communications helmet (MICH), a tactical ballistic helmet (TBH), a lightweight marine helmet, a police general duty helmet, a personnel armor system for ground troops (PASGT), or an aircrew helmet, such as a fixed wing aircrew helmet, a rotary wing aircrew helmet, an HGU-56 / P rotary wing helmet or an HGU-55 / P fixed wing helmet.

[0023] The nape pad 100 may include a comfort pad 102 configured to receive the nape of a wearer and a mounting plate 104 configured to couple the nape pad 100 to a helmet. The mounting plate 104 may be coupled to the comfort pad 102. For example, the mounting plate 104 may be coupled to the rear surface 106 of the comfort pad 102. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is positioned along the rear surface 106 proximate a bottom edge 108 of the comfort pad 102. The comfort pad 102 may be configured to be positioned against the nape of a wearer’s neck when in use. For example, the inner surface 110 of the comfort pad 102 may receive the nape of a wearer’s neck when the nape pad 100 is worn by a user. The comfort pad 102 may be configured to protect the nape of a wearer’s neck from impacts and / or external forces. In some embodiments, the comfort pad 102 includes one or more padding and / or impact attenuation articles. The comfort pad 102 may include one or more impact attenuation pads, comfort pads, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the comfort pad 102 includes a fabric material encapsulating the padding and / or impact attenuation articles. The fabric may be any suitable fabric for use with the comfort pad 102. For example, a fabric may be selected based on the breathability and / or texture thereof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is detachably coupled to the comfort pad 102. The mounting plate 104 may be coupled to the comfort pad 102 via one or more fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fasteners) such that the fasteners may be disengaged and the mounting plate 104 maybe decoupled from the comfort pad 102. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 includes one half of a hook-and-loop fastener on an interior surface thereof and the comfort pad 102 includes the remaining half on the exterior surface thereof such that the fasteners may be used to detachably couple the interior surface of the mounting plate 104 to the comfort pad 102. In other embodiments, the mounting plate 104 may be fixedly coupled to the comfort pad 102 via adhesives or other fasteners.

[0025] In some embodiments, the comfort pad 102 includes an open-ended slot 112 along a bottom edge 108 thereof and the mounting plate 104 includes an open-ended slot 114 along a bottom edge 116 thereof. In some embodiments, the open-ended slots 112, 114 are open along the bottom edges 108, 116 of the comfort pad 102 and mounting plate 104 respectively. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 112 in the comfort pad 102 and the open-ended slot 114 in the mounting plate 104 are configured to allow a user’s hair 20 to extend through the nape pad 100 during use. When the nape pad 100 is worn by a user, the user’s hair 20 may pass freely through the open-ended slots 112, 114 such that the user’s hair 20 does not interfere with the position of the nape pad 100. For example, a user with long hair 20 as illustrated in Fig. 1 using the nape pad 100 of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the wearer’s hair 20 extends through the open-ended slot 114 of the mounting plate 104 and, although obscured from view in Fig. 1, the open-ended slot 112 in the comfort pad 102.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 5-6, the open-ended slots 112, 114 of the comfort pad 102 and mounting plate 104 may be aligned with one another. For example, and as illustrated in Figs. 5-6, each the open-ended slots 112, 114 substantially centered with one another. The alignment of the open-ended slots 112, 114 may allow the hair of a wearer to pass through both slots 112, 114 more easily than in instances where the slots 112, 114 are misaligned. However, it should be understood that the open-ended slots 112, 114 need not be perfectly aligned in order for a wearer’s hair to pass therethrough substantially unhindered. In some embodiments, the open-ended slots 112, 114 are generally centered along a width Wl, W2 of the corresponding comfort pad 102 and mounting plate 104. The open-ended slot 112 of the comfort pad 102 may be generally centered along the width Wl of the bottom edge 108 of the comfort pad 102. The open-ended slot 114 of the mounting plate 104 may be generally centered along the width W2 of the bottom edge 116 of the mounting plate 104.

[0027] In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 112 of the comfort pad 102 extends along the width Wl by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of the width Wl . For example, the maximum width W3 of the open-ended slot 112 may be between about 25% to about 60% of the width Wl. In some embodiments, the width Wl is between about 4.00 inches to about 9.00 inches.In some embodiments, the width W1 is between about 5.00 inches to about 8.00 inches. In some embodiments, the width W 1 is between about 6.00 inches to about 7.00 inches. In some embodiments, the width W1 is about 6.25 inches. In some embodiments, the width Wl is about 6.16 inches. In some embodiments, the width W3 is between about 30% to about 55% of the width Wl. In some embodiments, the width W3 is about 50% of the width Wl. In some embodiments, the width W3 is about 2.61 inches. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 114 of the mounting plate 104 extends along the width W2 by a distance that is between about 25% to about 70% of the width W2. For example, the maximum width W4 of the open-ended slot 114 may be between about 25% to about 70% of the width W2 of the bottom edge 116 of the mounting plate 104. In some embodiments, the width W4 is between about 40% to about 60% of the width W2. In some embodiments, the width W4 is between about 50% to about 60% of the width W2. In some embodiments, the width W4 is about 55% of the width W2.

[0028] In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 112 of the comfort pad 102 extends along a length of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 10% to about 25% of the total length LI of the comfort pad 102. For example, the open-ended slot 112 may have a length L3 that is between about 10% to about 25% of the length LI. In some embodiments, the length L3 is between about 15% to about 20% of the length LI. In some embodiments the length L3 is about 25% of the length LI. In some embodiments, the length L3 is about 1.90 inches. In some embodiments, the length LI is between about 4.00 inches to about 8.00 inches. In some embodiments, the length LI is between about 5.00 inches to about 7.00 inches. In some embodiments, the length LI is about 5.25 inches. In some embodiments, LI is about 6.85 inches. In some embodiments, the comfort pad has a length LI of about 6.84 inches and a width Wl of about 7.65 inches and a thickness of about 0.05 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the comfort pad is between about 0.05 inches to about 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 114 of the mounting plate 104 extends along a length of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 50% to about 90% of the total length L2 of the mounting plate 104. For example, the open-ended slot 114 may have a length L4 that is between about 50% to about 90% of the length L2. In some embodiments, the length L4 is between about 60% to about 80% of the length L2. In some embodiments, the length L4 is about 75% of the length L2.

[0029] In some embodiments, the open-ended slots 112, 114 have generally the same size and / or shape. The length L3 and width W3 of the open-ended slot 112 may be generally equal to the length L4 and width W4 of the open-ended slot 114 respectively. In some embodiments, each of the open-ended slots 112, 114 are generally the same shape. For example, and as illustrated in the Figures, theopen-ended slots 112, 114 are U-shaped. In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 112 and / or open-ended slot 114 are, for example, generally U-shaped, rectangular in shape, square in shape, semicircular in shape or trapezoidal in shape.

[0030] In some embodiments, the nape pad 100 may not include any elements that extend across the open-ended slot 114 of the mounting plate 104 and / or the open-ended slot 112 of the nape pad 102. For example, no straps 18 of the retention system 16 (discussed in more detail below) or other elements extend across the open-ended slot 114 from one end to another. Accordingly, the open-ended slot 114 may remain substantially open to freely permit the hair 20 of a wearer to extend therethrough. In some embodiments, the open-ended slots 112, 114 open downwardly. For example, each of the open-ended slots 112, 114 is open along a bottom surface of the respective comfort pad 102 and mounting plate 104. The nape pad 100 of the present disclosure may allow a user’s hair 20 to pass freely through the slots 112, 114 at the bottom of the nape pad 100 such that their hair 20 is not attached to the nape pad 100. For example, in an instance where the nape pad 100 moves upwards the user’s hair 20 may not move with the nape pad 100. Accordingly, the user may more easily doff or don the nape pad 100 while reducing the risk of tangling, pulling, or generally snagging their hair 20 in the nape pad 100.

[0031] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is a generally rigid structure. The mounting plate 104 may be comprised of a generally rigid plastic or metal that is substantially inelastic. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 includes arms 119a, 119b on opposite sides of the open-ended slot 114. In some embodiments, the arms 119, 119b and open-ended slot 114 are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the arms 119a, 119b are generally fixed in position relative to one another. For example, the mounting plate 104 is a monolithic structure comprised of a generally rigid material such that the position of the arms 119a, 119b relative to one another and the open-ended slot 114 remains substantially unchanged during use of the nape pad 100. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is comprised of a plastic material. The mounting plate 104 may be comprised of a thermoplastic. The mounting plate 104 may be comprised of a material having one or more of a tensile modulus of about 3100 MPa, a yield stress of about 71 MPa, a flexural modulus of about 3000 MPa, a Poisson’s ratio of about 0.37. a Hamess, measured on the Rockwell M-scale, of about 92 and an Izod impact strength at 23°C of about 280 kl / m2. In some embodiments, the mounting plate is comprised of an acetal resin material or polyoxymethylene (POM). In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 is injection molded.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 6-8, the nape pad 100 may be configured to couple to a retention system 16 that is coupled to a helmet shell 14. The mounting plate 104 may include an aperture 118configured to receive a strap 18 of the retention system 16. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 includes two apertures 118 proximate opposite sides of the open-ended slot 114. Straps 18 of the retention system 16 may extend through the apertures 118 of the mounting plate 104 and wrap around the open-ended slot 114. In some embodiments, the straps 18 include a distal portion 19 that connects to the helmet shell 14. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 8, two straps 18 of the retention system 16 extend through respective apertures 118 and wrap around side edges of the open-ended slot 114. Further to this example, distal portions 19 of the straps 18 extend upwardly from the open-ended slot 114 into the interior of the helmet shell 14 (e.g., as illustrated by the broken lines in Fig. 1) and connect to the helmet shell 14. In some embodiments fasteners extending through apertures 15 in the helmet shell 14 may couple the distal portions 19 of the straps 18 to the helmet shell 14. In some embodiments, at least one end of the strap 18 is fixed relative to the helmet shell 14. For example, a distal end may be fixed to the helmet shell 14 via a fastener. Accordingly, the retention system 16 may couple the nape pad 100 to the helmet 14.

[0033] In some embodiments, the apertures 118 are angled relative to the open-ended slot 114 to direct the straps 18 of the retention system 16 towards the helmet shell 14. The apertures 118 may be disposed at an angle 0 of between about 30° to about 85° relative to a horizontal plane (e.g., direction that width is measured in). In some embodiments, the angle 0 is between about 45° to about 75°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 of the aperture 118 may be selected to enable a strap 18 to pass therethrough and curve around the edge of the slot 114 and extend upwardly to the helmet shell 14.

[0034] In some embodiments, the nape pad 100 is slidable relative to the helmet shell 14. The comfort pad 102 and mounting plate 104 coupled thereto may slide toward or away from the top (e.g., crown) of the helmet shell 14. In some embodiments, the retention system 16 is configured to permit the comfort pad 102 to translate relative to the helmet shell 14. For example, the straps 18 are sized to permit sliding of the comfort pad 102 relative to the helmet shell 14 such that the comfort pad 102 generally remains covering the nape of the wearer’s neck during head movements (e.g., tilting head upwards or downwards).

[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 104 may include one or more apertures 121 proximate the top edge thereof. The apertures 121 may facilitate connection of one or more accessories via straps or other fasteners and / or may be provided to reduce the overall weight of the mounting plate 104. In some embodiments, the apertures 121 may engage with fasteners (e.g., straps, hook and loop fasteners, zip-ties) for coupling the mounting plate 104 to the comfort pad102. In some embodiments, the apertures 121 may aid in routing cables (e.g., zip-ties, tension cables, hook and loop strips) through and / or around the mounting plate 104.

[0036] In some embodiments, the open-ended slot 114 may include ridges 120 to aid in retaining the straps 18 of the retention system 16 in engagement with the mounting plate 104. The ridges 120 may protrude outwardly from opposed sides of the open-ended slot 114 toward one another. In some embodiments, the straps 18 may be situated atop the respective ridges 120 when the retention system 16 is coupled to the comfort pad 102. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 8, the straps 18 wrap around the open-ended slot 114 and are positioned on top of the ridges 120. The ridges 120 may prevent, or substantially reduce the risk, of the straps 18 sliding out of the opening in slot 114.

[0037] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether or not “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0038] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed methodshould not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A nape pad for a helmet, the nape pad comprising:a comfort pad configured to receive a nape of a wearer, the comfort pad having an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof; anda mounting plate coupled to the comfort pad, the mounting plate including an open-ended slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the open-ended slot in the comfort pad, wherein the open-ended slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate are configured to allow a user’s hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

2. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein a retention system is coupled to the mounting plate and is configured to couple the nape pad to a helmet shell, the retention system including a strap extending through an aperture in the mounting plate and wrapping around the open-ended slot in the mounting plate.

3. The nape pad of claim 2, wherein the open-ended slot in the mounting plate includes a ridge and the strap of the retention system is situated atop the ridge.

4. The nape pad of claim 2, wherein the strap does not extend across the open-ended slot of the mounting plate.

5. The nape pad of claim 2, wherein the strap extends through the aperture in the mounting plate and includes a distal portion that wraps around the open-ended slot in the mounting plate and extends upwardly therefrom to couple to the helmet shell.

6. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slots in the comfort pad and the mounting plate are generally centered along a width of the corresponding comfort pad and mounting plate.

7. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot in the comfort pad and the mounting plate are U-shaped slots.

8. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot in the comfort pad extends along a length of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 10% to about 25% of a total length of the comfort pad.

9. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot in the comfort pad extends along a width of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the comfort pad.

10. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot in the mounting plate extends along a length of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 60% to 80% of a total length of the mounting plate and extends along a width of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the mounting plate.

11. The nape pad of claim 1, wherein the open-ended slot in the comfort pad and mounting plate are substantially the same size and shape.

12. A nape pad assembly for a helmet, the nape pad assembly comprising:a nape pad comprising:a comfort pad configured to receive a nape of a wearer, the comfort pad having a U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof; anda mounting plate coupled to the comfort pad, the mounting plate including an U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the U-shaped slot in the comfort pad; and a retention system coupled the mounting plate of the nape pad and configured to couple the nape pad to a helmet shell, the retention system including a strap extending through an aperture inthe mounting plate, wrapping around the U-shaped slot in the mounting plate and resting on a ridge of the mounting plate that protrudes from the U-shaped slot thereof,wherein the U-shaped slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate are configured to allow a user’s hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

13. The nape pad of claim 12, wherein the U-shaped slot in the comfort pad extends along a length of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 10% to about 25% of a total length of the comfort pad and extends along a width of the comfort pad by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the comfort pad.

14. The nape pad of claim 12, wherein the U-shaped slot in the mounting plate extends along a length of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 60% to 80% of a total length of the mounting plate and extends along a width of the mounting plate by a distance that is between about 25% to about 60% of a total width of the mounting plate.

15. The nape pad of claim 13, wherein the strap does not extend across the open-ended slot of the mounting plate.

16. The nape pad of claim 13, wherein the strap extends through the aperture in the mounting plate and includes a distal portion that wraps around the open-ended slot in the mounting plate and extends upwardly therefrom to couple to the helmet shell.

17. A helmet system comprising:a helmet shell;a nape pad comprising:a comfort pad configured to receive a nape of a wearer, the comfort pad having a U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof; anda mounting plate coupled to the comfort pad, the mounting plate including an U-shaped slot along a bottom edge thereof aligned with the U-shaped slot in the comfort pad; and a retention system coupling the nape pad to the helmet shell, the retention system the retention system including a strap extending through an aperture in the mounting plate of the nape pad, wrapping around the U-shaped slot in the mounting plate and extending upwardly therefrom to the helmet shell;wherein the U-shaped slots of the comfort pad and mounting plate are configured to allow a user’s hair to extend through the nape pad during use.

18. The helmet system of claim 17, wherein a distal portion of the retention system extends upwardly from the u-shaped slot and is fixedly connected to the helmet shell.

19. The nape pad of claim 17, wherein the strap does not extend across the open-ended slot of the mounting plate.

20. The nape pad of claim 17, wherein the strap extends through the aperture in the mounting plate and includes a distal portion that wraps around the open-ended slot in the mounting plate and extends upwardly therefrom to couple to the helmet shell.

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