US008813269B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Bologna et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,813,269 B2
`Aug. 26, 2014
`
`(54) SPORTS HELMET WITH QUICK-RELEASE
`FACEGUARD CONNECTOR AND
`ADJUSTABLE INTERNAL PAD ELEMENT
`
`(75) Inventors: Vittorio Bologna, Elk Grove Village, IL
`(US); Thad M. Ide, Chicago, IL (US);
`Nelson Kraemer, Mount Prospect, IL
`(US); Ralph J. Infusino, Bloomingdale,
`IL (US)
`(73) Assignee: Riddell, Inc., Rosemont, IL (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1331 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/082,920
`(22) Filed:
`Apr. 15, 2008
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`|US 2008/0250550 A1
`Oct. 16, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/923,603, filed on Apr.
`16, 2007.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A63B 71/10
`A42B I/24
`A42B 3/{}{}
`A63B 71/08
`A42B 3/20
`(52) U.S. CI.
`CPC ........... A63B 71/10 (2013.01); A63B 2243/007
`(2013.01); A63B 2243/0045 (2013.01); A63B
`71/081 (2013.01); A63B 2.209/10 (2013.01);
`A63B 2243/0041 (2013.01); A42B 3/20
`(2013.01); A63B 2243/005 (2013.01)
`USPC ................. 2/425, 2/422: 2/6.2; 2/411; 2/424;
`2/410; 2/6.3
`
`
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ............ 2/410, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7,
`2/6.8, 411, 412, 413, 414, 422, 424, 425;
`D29/102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108;
`411/322, 348; 24/607, 606, 453,
`24/573.11, 110
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`|U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,373,083 A * 4/1945 Brewster ....................... 41.1/348
`2,515,807 A * 7/1950 Spooner .........
`... 41.1/348
`2,779,228 A *
`1/1957 Meepos et al. .
`... 41.1/348
`3,097,559 A * 7/1963 Chapman ...................... 41.1/348
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner – Khoa Huynh
`Assistant Examiner – Katharine Gracz
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm – McDermott Will & Emery
`LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`The present invention is directed to an improved sports hel
`met including a quick release connector assembly for the
`faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard
`from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and
`a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head com
`ponent, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer.
`The connector assembly is moveable between a use position
`wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket
`and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein
`the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell.
`An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational
`component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the
`use position to the released position. In addition, the sports
`helmet includes an adjustable pad assembly comprised of an
`inflatable bladder and a pad member, wherein the bladder
`displaces the pad member towards the center of the shell.
`Once sufficiently displaced, the pad member, which includes
`a molded pad element, cradles a portion of the helmet wear
`er’s skull.
`
`23 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
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`Kranos Exhibit 1001, Page 1
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`US 8,813,269 B2
`Page 2
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`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`|U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1/1964 Myers ........................... 41.1/348
`3,117,484 A *
`3,283,336 A * 11/1966 Critser .................................. 2/9
`3.849.801 A * 1 1/1974 Holt et al. ......................... 2/413
`3.889.396 A * 61975 Martin... 2/9
`4,060,855 A * 12/1977 Rappleyea ..
`... 2/413
`:};
`4,136,403 A
`1/1979 Walther et al. ...................... 2/10
`:};
`4,287,613 A
`9/1981 Schulz .............................. 2/413
`-
`4,370,759 A * 2/1983 Zide .........
`... 2/424
`1/1986 Gooding ..
`4,566,137 A *
`... 2/413
`4.885,807 A * 12/1989 Snow, Jr. ........................... 2/424
`
`5/1991 Schulz .............................. 2/412
`5,014,365 A *
`5,061,112 A * 10/1991 Monford, Jr. ...
`403/328
`5,263,203 A * 11/1993 Kraemer et al.
`... 2/413
`5,452,979 A * 9/1995 Cosenza ....................... 41.1/348
`5,494,323 A * 2/1996 Huang .......................... 292/252
`5,502,843 A * 4/1996 Strickland
`... 2/424
`5,675,875 A * 10/1997 Servatius .....
`24/7.04.1
`6,199,219 B1* 3/2001 Silken et al. ....
`... 2/424
`6,301,719 B1 * 10/2001 Goodhand et al.
`2/422
`6,934,971 B2 * 8/2005 Ide et al. ......
`2/425
`7,328,462 B1* 2/2008 Straus ...
`2/411
`:};
`2005/0278835 A1 * 12/2005 Ide et al.
`2/424
`2007/0151003 A1* 7/2007 Shih .................................. 2/424
`* cited by examiner
`
`
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1001, Page 2
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`
`1
`SPORTS HELMET WITH QUICK-RELEASE
`FACEGUARD CONNECTOR AND
`ADJUSTABLE INTERNAL PAD ELEMENT
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`5
`
`Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §120, this Application claims prior
`ity from U.S. Provisional Application 60/923,603, which was
`filed on Apr. 16, 2007.
`
`10
`
`FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
`DEVELOPMENT
`
`N/A
`
`15
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The invention relates to a protective helmet, namely for
`contact sports, having a faceguard and a quick release con- 20
`nector that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard
`from the helmet shell by the application of an inwardly
`directed force, without rotation of the object applying the
`force. The helmet also includes an adjustable pad assembly
`featuring a pad member that is brought into contact with an 25
`extent of the wearer’s head by an inflatable bladder residing
`between the helmet and the pad member.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`30
`
`40
`
`Helmets for contact sports, such as those used in football,
`hockey and lacrosse, typically include a shell, a faceguard or
`face mask, and a chin protector or strap that removably
`secures the helmet on the wearer’s head. The faceguard is
`rigidly secured to the shell by a plurality of connectors, 35
`whereby the faceguard can sustain a number of impacts dur
`ing the course of play while remaining connected to the shell.
`Most faceguards include a plurality of intersecting and/or
`overlapping bars that form openings through which the
`wearer views the field of play.
`One existing faceguard connector is a plastic U-shaped
`strap member that has a receiverportion that encircles a bar of
`the faceguard. This strap connector includes a tab portion,
`wherein a threaded fastener, such as a screw, extends through
`the tab portion and into the shell to secure the connector and 45
`the faceguard to the helmet. Typically, these U-shaped strap
`connectors are found above the brow region of the shell and
`along each ear flap to join the faceguard to the shell. A second
`existing faceguard connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
`6,934,971, which is owned by Riddell Inc., the assignee of the 50
`present application. That connector, marketed under the Iso
`lator System brand name, includes a nut, a bushing, a grom
`met, a rectangular bracket and a threaded fastener (screw).
`The bracket includes a first channel that receives a first bar of
`the faceguard and a second channel that receives a second bar, 55
`wherein the faceguard bars are positioned between the shell
`and the bracket. The fastener extends through the bracket and
`the shell and is received by the nut (residing within the shell)
`to couple the faceguard to the shell. The threaded fastener is
`employed to secure the connector to the shell and as a result, 60
`a rotational force is applied to tighten for securement and
`loosen the fastener to permit removal of the bracket and
`faceguard. While such conventional faceguard connectors
`provide a number of benefits, they nevertheless have certain
`limitations. For example, adjusting and/or removing the face- 65
`guard from the shell can be difficult and time consuming.
`Because a threaded fasteneris utilized, rotation of a flat-blade
`
`US 8,813,269 B2
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`2
`or Phillips screwdriver is required to loosen the fastener to
`allow for removal of the bracket and the faceguard. In the
`event a player is injured and/or requires immediate medical
`attention, the training staff or coaches must undertake the
`time consuming process of unscrewing the fastener to remove
`the connector and faceguard in order to gain access to the
`player’s facial area.
`Conventional sports helmets include an internal pad
`assembly that is designed to absorb impacts to the helmet.
`The internal pad assembly includes a number of pad elements
`which may be formed from absorbent foam, air, gel or a
`combination thereof. Air can be utilized as an inflation fluid to
`adjust the dimensions of the pad element. An example of an
`inflatable pad assembly of this type is found in U.S. Pat. No.
`5,175,889. This type of pad assembly is affixed to the inner
`surface of the shell and does not fully accommodate the
`anatomical distinctions among various wearer’s heads.
`Another internal pad assembly that utilizes an inflatable blad
`der positioned between the shell and the pad elements is
`disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,365 to Schulz. There, a
`bladder 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is formed from four elongated
`cells 32a-d and is secured to the inner surface of the shell 20
`by Velcro R. 38a–d. A padding assembly 50 includes four pad
`segments or fingers 52a-b that are fastened to a corresponding
`bladder cell 32a-d by Velcro R 34a–b. Thus, the pad fingers
`52a-b are secured in place and cannot pivot when the bladder
`30 is inflated. Also, the pad fingers 52a-b are spaced a dis
`tance apart and do not form a continuous rear padding ele
`ment that cradles the base of the skull. Because the bladder 30
`extends between the lower rear octant and the upper front
`octant, Schulz states that “the helmet is elevated from the
`head by pressure applied by the bladder at the upper octants’
`of the wearer’s head.” While the pad fingers 52a-b of the
`padding assembly 50 are moveable by operation of the blad
`der 30, the range of movement is limited by the fact that the
`lower regions of the padding assembly 50 are coupled to the
`bladder 30, which is coupled to the inner surface of the helmet
`shell 20. These structural aspects limit the ability of Schulz’s
`padding assembly 50 to adapt to the anatomical distinctions
`among various wearers’ heads.
`The present invention is provided to solve these limitations
`and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by con
`ventional sports helmets. A full discussion of the features and
`advantages of the present invention is deferred to the follow
`ing detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is directed to a helmet that includes
`a protective shell, a faceguard or face mask, and a faceguard
`connector assembly that couples the faceguard to the shell
`and that allows for quick-release of the faceguard.
`According to another aspect of the invention, the connector
`assembly of the helmet includes a bracket and a releasable
`coupler mechanism that provides for rapid attachment and
`rapid detachment of the bracket and the faceguard to the shell.
`The coupler mechanism includes the following components:
`ahead, a sleeve body, a pin, a spring and a washer. The pin and
`the sleeve extend through an opening in the bracket and an
`opening in the shell. In a use position, the faceguardis secured
`to the helmet shell by the connector assembly. The connector
`assembly is retained in the use position by the engagement
`between the pin and the washer, the latter of which resides
`within the helmet shell. To move the connector assembly
`from the use position, an inwardly directed actuation force is
`applied to the pin whereby the head, the pin and the sleeve are
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1001, Page 12
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`Kranos Exhibit 1001, Page 13
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`5
`54 oriented 90 degrees apart. The pin 60 has a button portion
`61 that is accessible via the central bore 44 extending through
`the head 40. The pin 60 also includes a main body portion 62,
`a groove 63 that operably receives the ball 54, a ring 64 with
`an increased diameter that retains the pin 60 within the sleeve
`50, and a distal end portion 65. Depending upon whether the
`pin 60 is released or depressed, the ball 54 slidingly engages
`the distal end portion 65 and/or the groove 63. Preferably, the
`groove 63 has an angled or sloped circumferential wall 63a
`leading to the distal end portion 65, whereby the wall 63a
`facilitates movement of the ball 54 into and out of the groove
`63. The washer 70 includes a main body portion 71 that
`extends through the shell opening 16, a flange 72 extending
`from the main body 71 and a central opening 73. As shown in
`FIG. 6, the central opening 73 is defined by an internal wall
`arrangement 74 that includes a first wall segment 75, a second
`wall segment 76, and a retaining structure, preferably notch
`77, separating the first and second wall segments 75, 76. Due
`to the notch 77, the diameter of the first wall segment 75 is less
`than that of the second wall segment 76.
`FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show the connector assembly 25 securing
`the faceguard 20 against the helmet shell 15 to define a use
`position P.. In the use position P., the two bars 21 of the
`faceguard 20 reside between the bracket 30 and the outer
`surface 17 of the shell 15 to secure the faceguard 20 to the
`shell 15. In the bracket 30 configuration of these Figures, two
`vertical bars 21 are secured against the shell 15 by the bracket
`30. However, the bracket 30 can be configured such that two
`horizontal bars 22 (see FIG. 2) are secured against the shell 15
`by the bracket 30. In the use position P., the bracket channels
`31 are oriented perpendicular to the coupler mechanism 35.
`Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the longitudinal axis A-A of the
`bracket channels 31 is substantially perpendicular to the lon
`gitudinal axis B-B of the coupler mechanism 35, as provided
`by the pin 60.
`In the use position Pº, the elongated actuating pin 60
`extends through a substantial extent of the head 40, the sleeve
`body 50 and the washer 70. The head 40 resides within the
`recess 32d of the central portion 32 and the pin button 61 is
`accessible such that it can be depressed to allow the head 40,
`the bracket 30 and the faceguard 20 to be disconnected from
`the washer 70 and the shell 15. Preferably, the pin button 61 is
`recessed a small amount from the outer surface of the head 40
`such that the pin 60 is not inadvertently actuated during the
`course of play. The ring 64 of the pin 60 is longitudinally
`positioned a distance from the outer edge of the first segment
`51 of the sleeve 50 such that a gap G is formed there between.
`As explained below, the gap G provides clearance for move
`ment of the pin 60 and is reduced as the pin 60 is actuated. The
`spring 80 receives an extent of the pin 60 and resides within
`the sleeve 50, namely against the notch between the first and
`second segments 51, 52. In the use position P., the spring 80
`is not compressed and does not exert a force upon the pin 60.
`The washer 70 resides between an inner surface 18 of the shell
`15 (or the grommet 90) and the internal padding assembly 100
`and is retained there between when the bracket 30 and the
`coupler mechanism 35 are disconnected. Depending upon its
`length, the main body flange portion 71 extends through the
`shell opening 17 to adjoin the internal end of the flange 40.
`The connector assembly 25 is retained in the use position
`P., by the engagement between the ball 54, the retaining notch
`77 and the distal end segment 65 of the pin 60. The ball 54 is
`positioned against the notch 77 and inward movement of the
`ball 54 is prevented by the end segment 65. While inward
`movement of the ball 54 is precluded by the end segment 65,
`outward movement of the ball 54 is precluded by the second
`wall segment 76. Due to the position of the pin 60, the groove
`
`40
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`45
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`50
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`63 is misaligned with the ball 54. The spring 80 is selected
`with a spring constant (k) sufficient to prevent unintended
`movement of the pin 60. The interaction of these components
`prevents disconnection of the connector assembly 25 until the
`button 61 is actuated. The dual nature of the interaction
`between the spring 80 and the pin 60, and the ball 54, the end
`segment 65 and the retaining notch 77 causes the coupler
`mechanism 35 to be in tension to maintain the use position
`P,,.
`To move the connector assembly 25 from the use position
`Pº, through a intermediate position P, to a disconnected posi
`tion Po (see FIG. 6), an inwardly directed actuation force F
`(see FIG. 5) is applied to the pin 60 by an object O. In the
`intermediate position P, of FIG. 5, the actuation force F dis
`places the pin 60 within the sleeve 50 and towards the washer
`70 such that the groove 63 aligns with the ball 54 to permit
`movement of the ball 54 into the groove 63. When the distal
`end segment 65 no longer engages the ball 54, the ball 54
`moves into the groove 63. This movement is facilitated by the
`sloped circumferential wall 63a that slidingly engages the
`ball 54. The displacement of the pin 60 towards the washer 70
`eliminates the gap G (between the pin ring 64 and the first
`sleeve segment 51) and compresses the spring 80. The move
`ment of the ball 54 into the groove 63 disengages the ball 54
`from the washer notch 77 which enables the majority of the
`coupler mechanism 35—the sleeve 50, pin 60, head 40 and
`spring 80—to be disconnected from the washer 70 by the
`application of an outwardly directed removal force (not
`shown) typically applied by an operator. While movement of
`the pin 60 and the balls 54 is occurring, the head 40, the sleeve
`50 and the washer 70 remain substantially stable. When the
`ball 54 is received by the groove 63, the ball 54 no longer
`engages the notch 77 and obstructs removal of the coupler 35
`from the washer 70. Once these components are discon
`nected, the bracket 30 can be removed to allow for removal of
`the faceguard 20 to arrive at the disconnected position Po of
`FIG. 6.
`If the actuation force F is released from the pin 60 in the
`intermediate position P; prior to removal of the bracket 30, the
`compressed spring 80 exerts an outwardly directed force (op
`posite the actuation force F) on the pin 60 causing it to slide
`within the sleeve 50 towards the head 40 such that the ball 54
`is forced from the groove 63 and along the angled wall 63a to
`reside against the distal end 65 of the pin 60. In the event only
`two connector assemblies 25 are utilized, such as one con
`nector assembly 25 on each ear flap of the shell 15, the
`disconnection of the bracket 30 allows the faceguard 20 to be
`pivoted about the two conventional connectors residing along
`the brow region of the helmet 10. In another configuration
`employing only connector assemblies 25 to secure the face
`guard 20–with one connector assembly 25 at each ear flap of
`the shell 15 and at least one connector assembly 25 at the brow
`region of the shell 15—the actuation force Fallows for the
`complete and rapid removal of the faceguard 20, not just
`pivoting of the faceguard 20.
`The actuation force F is applied substantially perpendicu
`lar or normal to the outer surface of the helmet shell 15, the
`head 40 and/or the bracket 30, and can be applied by a coach,
`a member of the training staff, or another player. Assuming
`the helmet 10 has a longitudinal axis extending vertically
`through the shell 15, the actuation force F is applied substan
`tially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Described in a
`different manner, the actuation force F is applied substantially
`perpendicular to a faceguard interface area, which is defined
`as the area of the faceguard bars 21 that interact with the
`bracket 30. Depending upon the configuration of the pin 60
`and the head 40, the object O that applies the actuation force
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`F can be a pointed probe, a small key or a pen. Unlike con
`ventional faceguard connectors that employ a threaded fas
`tener (or screw) which requires rotation for loosening and
`removal, the actuation force F does not include a rotational
`component. Thus, the actuation force F lacks the time-con
`suming rotational component and provides a more efficient
`disconnection process.
`To attach the connector assembly 25 and secure the face
`guard 20 to the helmet 10, an operator aligns the bracket 30
`and the faceguard 20 and then inserts the coupler mechanism
`35 through the bracket 30 for reception with the washer 70
`residing between the padding assembly 100, the grommet 90
`and the shell 15. Next, the operator applies the inwardly
`directed actuation force F in the manner described above,
`whereby the ball(s).54 retracts into the groove 63 to allow for
`further insertion of the sleeve 50 into the washer 70. Once the
`sleeve 50 has been sufficiently inserted into the washer 70, the
`actuation force F is released whereby the retracted ball 54 is
`deployed from the groove 63 into engagement with the retain
`ing notch 77. As explained above, the interaction between the
`ball 54, the notch 77 and the distal end segment 65 of the pin
`60 retain the connector assembly 25 in the use position P.).
`FIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the connector
`assembly 225 which includes a bracket 230 with a band or
`strap member 235 that wraps around the faceguard bar 21.
`Described differently, the band 235 forms a receiver 237 that
`encircles the bar 21. This is contrary to the U-shaped channels
`31 of the bracket 30 that receive the bar 21, but do not encircle
`it. Therefore, the bracket 230 includes a single, encircling
`point for the faceguard 20, not the two receiving points pro
`vided by the channels 31 of the bracket 30. The band 235
`further includes a peripheral flange 240 and a tab portion 245
`with an opening 250 that receives the coupler assembly 35.
`The tab 245 may include an angled tip 255 that conforms to
`the shape of the helmet 10. Preferably, the bracket 230 has a
`“clam-shell” design such that it opens about a hinged flange
`240 to receive the faceguard bar 21. Due to the clam shell
`configuration, the bracket 230 has an upper half 231 and a
`lower half 232 that meet at a seam leading to the receiver 237.
`Referring to FIGS. 9-13, the protective helmet 10 also
`includes an internal padding assembly 100 comprised of a
`plurality of stationary pad members 105 and at least one
`adjustable pad assembly 110. The stationary pad members
`105 are removably connected to the inner surface 18 of the
`shell 15 and may include jaw pads 106, crown pads 107, ear
`flap pads 108, and front pad 109. The helmet 10 may also
`include a rear trim piece 111 that wraps around the lower edge
`of the shell 15. The adjustable pad assembly 110 includes an
`inflatable member or bladder 115 and an adjustable pad mem
`ber 125, preferably a rear pad member 125, wherein the
`50
`bladder 115 resides between the shell 15 and the rear pad
`member 125. The trim piece 111 can be configured to provide
`support to the rear pad member 125 through the range of
`adjustability. As explained in detail below, the rear pad mem
`ber 125 is brought into contact with a rear portion of the
`55
`wearer’s head by the bladder 115. Thus, the adjustable pad
`assembly 110 is moveable between a collapsed position Pa.,
`and an inflated position P, wherein the rear pad member 120
`is angled to engage the base of the wearer’s head (proximate
`the brain’s occipital lobe and the cerebellum). Although exist
`ing sports helmets include inflatable pad members that can, to
`some extent, compensate for anatomical variances in the
`wearer’s head 40, the inventive adjustable pad assembly 110
`features a pad member 125 that engages and cradles the base
`of the wearer’s head to reduce the likelihood of the helmet 10
`rotating forward from an impact. While shown as having a
`single adjustable pad assembly 110, the helmet 10 may have
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`40
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`45
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`60
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`65
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`8
`a number of adjustable pad assemblies 110 that reduce the
`likelihood of helmet 10 rotation. For example, the helmet 10
`can have an adjustable front and rear pad assemblies 110.
`As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the rear pad member 125 has a
`central portion 126, a first lateral portion or lobe 127, a second
`lateral portion or lobe 128 and an upper portion or lobe 129.
`The first, second and upper lobes 127, 128, 129 extend out
`ward from the central portion 126. The central portion 126
`also includes at least one opening 133 that can receive a
`product label or identifier. Preferably, the pad member 125
`has a recessed configuration resulting in curvilinearinner and
`outer surfaces 130, 131, and a curvilinear lower edge 132.
`Referring to FIG. 12, the pad member 125 is symmetric about
`a vertical axis C-C. The pad member 125 further includes a
`housing 125a, preferably formed from vinyl, and a pad ele
`ment 134 enclosed within the housing 133. In a preferred
`embodiment and in contrast to conventional helmet padding,
`the pad element 134 is formed from an injection molding
`process that provides a unitary pad element with a number of
`benefits, including increased design freedom with respect to
`the pad element configuration, reduced weight, increased
`durability, and increased structural rigidity. Alternatively, the
`pad member 125 includes a number of discrete molded pad
`elements that interact and form an assembly within the hous
`ing 133. In another embodiment, the pad element 134 has a
`multi-layer construction, for example, an open-cell layer
`adjoining a closed-cell layer. The pad member 125 includes
`means for securing 135the pad member 125 to either the shell
`15 or the bladder 115. The securing means 135 can be an
`elongated fastener, such as a rivet, hook and pile materials
`(Velcro R), or a resilient adhesive, such as tape or heat acti
`vated glue. In conjunction with the bladder 115, the securing
`means 135 allows for pivotal movement of the pad member
`125 between the collapsed position PC and the inflated posi
`tion P.
`The bladder 115 is an inflatable reservoir that is affixed to
`the inner surface 18 of the shell 15 behind the rear pad mem
`ber 125. The bladder 115 includes a casing 116 and an internal
`fluid reservoir 117. The bladder 115 is influid communication
`with an inflation valve 140 that preferably extends through
`the shell 15, or is integrated with the bladder 115. As shown in
`FIGS. 9 and 10, the bladder 115 has a curvilinear configura
`tion that substantially corresponds to the radius of curvature
`of both the shell 15 and the pad member 125. Once installed,
`a first surface 118 of the bladder 115 engages the pad member
`125 and a second surface 119 engages the inner surface 18 of
`the shell 15. Preferably, the bladder 115 has an arc length that
`is less than the arc length of the pad member 125, wherein the
`bladder 115 does not make contact with the first and second
`lateral lobes 127, 128 of the pad member 125.
`As mentioned above, the pad member 125 and the bladder
`115 interact as the adjustable pad assembly 110 is moved
`between the collapsed position P. and the inflated position P.
`In the collapsed position P., the bladder 115 is substantially
`or completely deflated and the first and second lateral lobes
`127, 128 of the pad member 125 are positioned proximate to
`the inner surface 18 of the shell 15, which results in only a
`minimal gap G between the bladder 115 and the pad member
`125. Depending upon the anatomical aspects of the wearer’s
`head, the pad member 125 may engage the base of the wear
`er's head. To reach the inflated position P, an inflation fluid,
`such as air or water, is delivered through the valve assembly
`140 to the bladder 115. As it is inflated, the bladder 115 causes
`the pad member 125 to be pivoted about the securing means
`135 and towards the central portion of the shell 15. In the
`inflated position P, the bladder 115 engages the central por
`tion 126 of the pad member 125, however, there is a larger gap
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1001, Page 15
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
`
`

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`G between the first and second lateral lobes 127, 128 and the
`shell 15. When the helmet 10 is worn by a player and the
`inflated position P, is attained, the pad member 125 engages
`the base of the player’s skull at the occipital lobe and cerebel
`lum regions of the brain. Due to its curvilinear configuration
`and the first and second lateral lobes 127, 128, the pad mem
`ber 125 cradles the player’s head to reduce the chance of the
`helmet 10 rotating from an impact. Although not shown, the
`adjustable pad assembly 110 can reach an intermediate or
`partially inflated position where the gap G is less than that
`shown in FIG. 10, however, the pad member 125 still engages
`the base of the player’s skull as explained above. The inter
`mediate position is particularly useful for a player having
`different anatomical head 40 characteristics.
`While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and
`described, numerous modifications come to mind without
`significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the
`scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accom
`panying Claims.
`We claim:
`1. A sports helmet comprising:
`a shell:
`a faceguard;
`a faceguard connector assembly having a bracket with at
`least one channel that receives an extent of the face
`guard, the faceguard connector assembly further having
`a releasable coupler mechanism that extends through
`both the bracket and an opening in the shell to secure the
`faceguard to the shell in a use position, the releasable
`coupler mechanism including:
`a washer having a main body that extends substantially
`perpendicular from a flange of the washer, the main
`body having a central opening and extending into and
`positioned within the shell opening;
`a cylindrical body that extends through the bracket and
`the shell opening, wherein an extent of the cylindrical
`body is received by the central opening of the washer
`in the use position; and,
`a head positioned within the bracket, the head config
`ured to receive a tool that applies an actuation force;
`and,
`wherein the actuation force is applied to the coupler
`mechanism to move the coupler mechanism from the use
`position to a disconnected position that allows for
`removal of the bracket from the shell to permit the face
`guard to be displaced with respect to the shell.
`2. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the application of
`the actuation force lacks a rotational component.
`3. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the head has an
`outer diameter that exceeds both an outer diameter of the
`cylindrical body and an outer diameter of the central opening.
`4. The sports helmet of claim 1, the cylindrical body having
`a first segment with a first diameterand a second segment with
`a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is different than
`the second diameter.
`5. The sports helmet of claim 4, the releasable coupler
`mechanism further comprising a spring, the spring being
`operably connected to the first segment of the cylindrical
`body.
`6. The sports helmet of claim 5, wherein the spring is
`retained by a notch formed between the first segment of the
`cylindrical body and the second segment of the cylindrical
`body.
`7. The sports helmet of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical
`body lacks threads.
`8. The sports helmet of