Neck Protector

The present disclosure relates generally to a neck protector.

In some industries, such as, sports, military, and law enforcement, protective equipment is worn by users to protect their bodies from injury. This equipment includes protective gear for the users' neck. In some examples, this includes neck collars, bibs, and base layers.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for protecting a neck of a user from injury includes a body, and a helmet connection configured to removably couple the body to a helmet. The body is configured to cover the neck of the user to protect the neck from injury. The body is further configured to offer additional support for helmet retention.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for protecting a neck of a user from laceration includes a helmet, and a neck protector configured to couple to the helmet, the neck protector comprising a helmet connection configured to removably couple the neck protector to the helmet. The neck protector is configured to cover a portion of the neck surrounding the carotid artery to protect the carotid artery from injury. The neck protector is further configured to provide a robust and stable platform for connecting to the helmet.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for protecting a neck of a user from injury includes providing a neck protector having a helmet connection comprising a first side helmet connection, and a second side helmet connection, coupling the first side helmet connection to a first side of a helmet, and coupling the second side helmet connection to a second side of the helmet. After coupling the first side helmet connection and the second side helmet connection, the neck protector covers the neck of the user to protect the neck from injury.

Features, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second,” and the like, may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached,” “connected,” “coupling,” “connection,” and the like, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. The terms include integral and unitary configurations.

Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined, and interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or the machines for constructing the components and/or the systems or manufacturing the components and/or the systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a one, two, four, ten, fifteen, or twenty percent margin in either individual values, range(s) of values and/or endpoints defining range(s) of values.

In sports, such as hockey, for example, there is a risk of bodily injury. For example, the carotid and occipital arteries extend along the vertical length of the neck. The carotid arteries are vital for providing oxygenated blood to the brain. The occipital artery supplies blood to the back of the scalp and the muscles of the neck and back. A laceration or puncture to the neck, such as, for example, by an ice skate or hockey stick can therefore result in severing or damage to the carotid or occipital arteries. Such severing or damage can lead to catastrophic injuries to the player.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a neck protector, also referred to herein as a neck guard, to provide protection to the user's neck, which, in turn, protects the vital internal organs, such as, the carotid and occipital arteries. That is, the neck protector of the present disclosure provides coverage to the player's neck to protect against puncture or laceration (e.g., from an ice skate).

The neck protector of the present disclosure is constructed to provide coverage over a majority of the length of the neck (e.g., the vertical area or space from the shoulders to the head) and coverage over a majority of the circumference of the neck (e.g., the horizontal area or space encircling the neck). The neck protector of the present disclosure provides various helmet connections to couple or connect the neck protector to a helmet to provide protective coverage over the majority of the length and circumference. The helmet connection types described herein are exemplary and other connection types between the neck protector and helmet are contemplated. The neck protector of the present disclosure is formed of materials that are puncture resistant, laceration resistant, or both.

In addition to its protective coverage, the neck protector can also include a reinforced area at the top front portion. This area offers additional support for helmet retention that can be used as an alternative to or in addition to a helmet chin strap. The reinforced area may include an internal or external material, or a flange built onto the top of the neck guard. This enhancement helps secure the helmet more effectively while maintaining the protective qualities of the neck guard.

Sports and hockey are just one example, and neck protection is a focus of other industries as well, such as, but not limited to, the military and law enforcement, where personnel require neck protection from projectiles (e.g., bullets, shrapnel, etc.). Accordingly, the neck protector of the present disclosure protects a user's neck from laceration and puncture in a variety of situations.

illustrate various embodiments of a neck protector according to the present disclosure. Each embodiment, as shown in the figures or described in this specification, provides a protection portion that covers a majority of the length and circumference of a user's neck. As used herein, the term “protection portion” refers to the portion of the neck protector that covers the carotid and occipital arteries on a first side of the neck, extending around the front of the neck, and covering the carotid and occipital arteries on the second side of the neck. The “protective portion” provides continuous (e.g., uninterrupted) coverage and protection (1) near the shoulders to a lowermost portion of the helmet in the area of the carotid and occipital arteries (in the vertical/height direction) and (2) from near a nape of the neck on one side of the head to near a nape of the head on the other side of the neck in the area of the carotid and occipital arteries (in the circumferential direction). A midpoint of the protective portion may be positioned midway between the ends of the neck protector.

As used herein, the term “length,” when referring to the user's neck, refers to the distance or height of the user's neck from the shoulders in a vertical direction to the intersection with the user's head. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “majority,” when referring to the coverage of the protective portion on the height of the user's neck, includes at least about 51% coverage of the height of the user's neck. In some examples, at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% of the height of the user's neck. In the exemplary neck protectors of, the protection portion covers the height of the user's neck from about the clavicle in the front of the neck and from about the nape in the back of the neck to a lowermost portion of the helmet. In some examples, the lowermost portion of the helmet is a side helmet strap (e.g.,). In some examples, the lowermost portion is different around the circumference of the helmet, such as,, having a lowermost portion in the front of a chin strap and a lowermost portion on the sides of a side helmet strap. In such examples, the protective portion provides coverage to about the lowermost portion on respective sides of the neck protector. In some examples, such as, the lowermost portion is a side helmet flap.

As used herein, the term “circumference,” when referring to the user's neck, refers to the distance around the outer surface of the user's neck in a generally circular manner. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “majority,” when referring to the coverage of the protective portion around the circumference of the user's neck, includes at least about 51% coverage of the circumference of the user's neck, including the area of the carotid and occipital arteries. In some examples, at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% of the circumference of the user's neck, including the area of the carotid and occipital arteries.

A common theme with each embodiment of, is a helmet connection, which couples the neck protector to a helmet donned by the user. A variety of different connection types are described herein and it will be understood that other helmet connection types are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, so long as such helmet connection types provide a coupling between the neck protector and the helmet in a manner that provides protection to the neck, and, in particular, to the carotid and/or occipital arteries. Accordingly, as used herein, “helmet connection” refers to any connection between the neck protector and the helmet, regardless of location (for example, connections to the ear loops, chin strap, or directly to the helmet) or connection type (for example, snaps, hook and loop connectors, magnets, etc.).

illustrate views of an exemplary neck protectoraccording to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates a userwearing the neck protector. The useris wearing a helmethaving a helmet side strap. The helmetshown inis an example of an ice hockey helmet with ear loops illustrated as the helmet side strap. The neck protectoris secured to the helmet side strapwith a helmet connection, as described in more detail to follow. As illustrated in, the neck protectorprovides coverage over the sides, front, and rear of the user's neck. Such circumferential coverage of the user's neck provides protection to the user's neck from injury, such as, but not limited to, protection from laceration or puncture. Furthermore, as illustrated in, the neck protectorprovides coverage to a majority of a length of the neck along the sides of the neck (e.g., where the carotid and occipital arteries extend).

With reference to, the neck protectorincludes a neck protector body. In some examples, the neck protector bodyis a singular, monolithic body. In some examples, the neck protector bodymay have a first endand a second end. In some examples, the neck protector bodyis a continuous loop with no first endand no second end, for example, taking a form similar to a balaclava. In examples where the neck protector bodyis a continuous loop (e.g., having a continuous, substantially circular profile), the userdons the neck protectorby pulling the neck protectordownward over their head, much as one would don a balaclava or turtleneck shirt. In examples where the neck protectoris not a continuous loop, but instead includes the first endand the second end, the first endand the second endare provided with connections to couple together once donned by the user.

Regardless of whether continuous or not, the neck protector bodyincludes a first side, a middle portion, and a second side. Referring to, together, the first sideprotects a first side of the user's neck and the second sideprotects a second, opposing side, of the user's neck. Furthermore, the middle portionprotects the front of the user's neck or throat. Additionally, the first endand the second end, when coupled (or the rear of the continuous loop version), may protect the rear of the user's neck. Thus, once donned by the user, such as in, the neck protectorprovides coverage over a majority of the circumference of the neck of the user. In some examples, the connection at the rear or nape of the neck may be formed of a material that is different than the material of the remaining body (e.g., elastic), in these examples, the connection may provide less protection to laceration and puncture as compared to the remaining body, or, in some examples, may provide no protection to laceration and puncture. In such examples, the neck protector still provides a protective portion that covers a majority of the circumference of the neck, as discussed previously.

illustrate the shape of the neck protector. The neck protector may have substantially straight sides (e.g., first side, second side) and a curved middle portion. The curved middle portionaccommodates the user's face and chin in the front of the neck protector. As mentioned previously, and as best illustrated in, the neck protector, when donned by the user, provides protection over a majority of the user's neck.

In the example shown in, the first sideextends between the first endand the middle portionand the second sideextends between the second endand the middle portion. The first endincludes a first end connectionand the second endincludes a second end connection.show the first end connectionis on a first surfaceof the neck protector bodyand the second end connectionis on an opposing second surface. In the neck protector shown in, the first surfaceis the exterior of the neck protector when in use, and the second surfaceis the interior of the neck protector when in use. This allows, when donned by the user, the first end connectionand the second end connectionto be coupled or connected together to provide a generally circular shape to the neck protector. In some examples, the first end connectionand the second end connectionare a hook and loop connection (e.g., the first end connectionis one of a hook layer or a loop layer and the second end connectionis the other of the hook layer or the loop layer). In some examples, the connection type may be permanently connected (e.g., an elastic closure provided between the first end and the second end may be permanently connected) and in some examples, the connection type is removably connected (e.g., the hook and loop connection, snaps, magnets, etc.).

Connecting the neck protectorto the helmetprovides stabilization for the neck protector, which reduces sagging or receding of the neck protector toward the shoulders, which may expose the major arteries to injury. Such stabilization maintains the protective portion of the neck protector over a majority of the neck at all times during use of the neck protector. In addition, connecting the neck protectorto the helmetmay support the neck protector in a position that avoids the bottom of the neck protector from resting on the user's shoulders, improving overall comfort and encouraging use. To this end, the neck protector may include one or more helmet connections.

illustrate an embodiment with two helmet connections, however, more or fewer helmet connections may be provided.illustrate an embodiment with two helmet connections, one on each side of the helmet, however, other locations are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, the front (e.g., the middle portion) of the neck protector, the rear of the neck protectoror any location therebetween.

The helmet connection(s)ofincludes a first side helmet connectionand a second side helmet connection. The first side helmet connectionextends from the first sideof the neck protector bodyand the second side helmet connectionextends from the second sideof the neck protector body. The first side helmet connectioncouples or connects the first sideof the neck protectorto a first side of the helmet(). The second side helmet connectioncouples or connects the second sideof the neck protectorto a second, opposing side, of the helmet(). By coupling the neck protectorto the helmet, the neck protectorprovides protection of a majority of the user's neck. This is due to the fact that the helmet connection(s)maintains the neck protectorin a vertical position between the user's shoulders and head to provide a cover for the neck. The cover, as discussed previously, protects the major arteries in the neck.

illustrate an exemplary connection type for the helmet connection. Each of the first side helmet connectionand the second side helmet connectioninclude a flapextending from the respective first sideand second side. The flapincludes a first connectionand the neck protector bodyincludes a second connection. In use, the flapextends over the helmet side strap, as illustrated in. After the flapis extended over the helmet side strap, the first connectionis secured to the second connectionto secure the neck protectorto itself, thus, coupling the neck protectorto the helmet(). This process is repeated on the opposing side of the neck protectorsuch that both the first sideand the second sideare secured to opposing sides of the helmet. Althoughillustrate a configuration in which the flapis positioned between the helmet side strapand the user and the connectors join on the exterior portion, the flapcould also be positioned external to the helmet side strap and the connectors joined between the neck protector and the user.

In the example, of, the first connectionand the second connectionare a snap connection, however, other connections are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop connection, as described with respect toa pass through hole connection, as described with respect to, a magnet, etc. Additionally, the location of the components of the helmet connectionmay be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the flapmay extend from the helmet side strap(instead of from the neck protector) for coupling to the neck protector bodyin any of the manners described herein.

illustrate views of an exemplary neck protectoraccording to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The neck protectoris substantially similar to the neck protector, except for the manner of the helmet connection, as described to follow. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the neck protectorthat are the same as or similar to the components of the neck protectordiscussed above. Similarly, some part numbers are omitted, however, like illustrated parts are understood to be the same as or similar to the parts illustrated inwith respect to the neck protector. The description of these components above also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. The alternatives, modifications, and additional examples described above with respect to the neck protectorapply equally to the neck protectorand are, thus, not repeated herein for clarity of the description.

illustrate an exemplary connection type for the helmet connection. The helmet connectionincludes a first side helmet connectionand a second side helmet connection. Each of the first side helmet connectionand the second side helmet connectioninclude a flapextending from the respective first sideand second side. The flapincludes a first connectionand the neck protector bodyincludes a second connection. In use, the flapextends over the helmet side strap, as illustrated in. After the flapis extended over the helmet side strap, the first connectionis secured to the second connectionto secure the neck protectorto the helmet. This process is repeated on the opposing side of the neck protectorsuch that the first sideand the second sideare secured to opposing sides of the helmet. In the example, of, the first connectionand the second connectionare a hook and loop connection. That is, for example, the first connectionmay be one of a hook layer or a loop layer and the second connectionmay be the other of the hook layer or the loop layer. The alternative helmet connections described with respect to helmet connectionapply to helmet connectionas well.

Other methods of making the connection of the that protector to the helmet are also contemplated. For example, a helmet connecting strap can be provided which connects to the helmet side strap. In such an embodiment, the helmet connecting strap can be a circular loop to accept the helmet side strap and include a first coupling mechanism for attaching to the neck protector. The first coupling mechanism can be, for example, a first portion of a snap connector or one part of a hook and loop connector (i.e., one of a hook layer or a loop layer). In such an embodiment, the neck protector has a flap with a second connecting mechanism complementary to the first connecting mechanism, for example a second portion of a snap connector or the other of the hook layer or the loop layer of the hook and loop connector for attaching to the first coupling mechanism of the helmet connecting strap. In another embodiment, the helmet can have an attached button, e.g., a first portion of a snap connector, and the neck protector can have a complementary connector for attachment to the button of the helmet.

The helmet connectionoptionally includes a chin strap connection. The chin strap connection, when included, is coupled to a chin strapof the helmet(see). The chin strap connectionmay be, but is not limited to, a hook and loop connector, a snap, a string or tie, magnets, buckle, etc. The chin strap on the helmetmay include a mating connection type for the chin strap connection(e.g., the mating connection on the chin strap may be, for example, one of a hook layer or a loop layer and the chin strap connectionmay be the other of the hook layer or the loop layer). Other mating connections are also contemplated (e.g., the mating connection on the chin strapmay be a first portion of a snap connector and the chin strap connectionmay be a second portion of the snap connector). An embodiment of the present disclosure, for example the embodiment shown in, may include a similar chin strap connection. Alternatively, the chin strap connectionmay be replaced by use of a reinforced area, as described further below with respect to. Further, the chin strap connectionmay be used in combination with the reinforced area.

The neck protectorincludes an optional additional second end connection. The additional second end connectionmay be aligned with and spaced from the second end connection. The additional second end connectionmay be included to provide adjustability of the neck protector. For example, if the user has a large neck, the user may connect the first end connectionto the second end connection. If the user has a smaller neck (as compared to the large neck user), the user may need to tighten the neck protectorand, thus, may connect the first end connectionto the additional second end connectionto provide a smaller inner diameter of the neck protector (as compared to the inner diameter of the neck protector when connected at the second end connection). In some examples, the second end connectionand the additional second end connectionmay be a single, unitary piece or single component (e.g., a single elongated connection) to provide the aforementioned adjustability. Although illustrated with the second end connection, the adjustability (e.g., the additional end connection, whether separate or unitary) may be provided on the first end connection.illustrate views of an exemplary neck protectoraccording to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The neck protectoris substantially similar to the neck protector, except for the manner of the helmet connection. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the neck protectorthat are the same as or similar to the components of the neck protectordiscussed above. Similarly, some part numbers are omitted, however, like illustrated parts are understood to be the same as or similar to the parts illustrated inwith respect to the neck protector. The description of these components above also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here.

illustrate an exemplary helmet connectionfor the neck protector. The helmet connectionincludes a first side helmet connectionand a second side helmet connection. Each of the first side helmet connectionand the second side helmet connectioncomprise a flapwith an openingextending therethrough. In use, the helmet side strapmay be fed through the openingof each flap.illustrates an embodiment having the openingformed by a folding of the flap.illustrates an embodiment wherein the openingis present as a hole or slit in the flap. In the examples of, the helmet side strapdoes not need to be disconnected from the helmet to install the neck protector,. In the examples of, the helmet side strapis disconnected from the helmetprior to feeding through the opening. After being fed through the opening, the helmet side strapis secured to the helmet. This process is repeated on the opposing side of the neck protectorsuch that the first sideand the second sideare secured to opposing sides of the helmet.

The helmet connectionincludes an optional chin strap connection. The chin strap connection, when included, is coupled to a chin strapof the helmet. The chin strap connectionmay be, but is not limited to, a hook and loop connector, a snap, a string or tie, magnets, buckle, etc. For example, the chin strapon the helmetmay include a mating connection type for the chin strap connection(e.g., the mating connection on the chin strapmay be one of a hook layer or a loop layer and the chin strap connectionmay be the other of the hook layer or the loop layer). Other mating connections are also contemplated (e.g., the mating connection on the chin strapmay be a first portion of a snap connector and the chin strap connectionmay be a second portion of the snap connector).

show an additional feature that may be incorporated into any embodiment of the present disclosure to provide additional support for the neck protector and helmet stabilization.is a plan view of the neck protectorand includes a reinforced areaalong the top edgeof the middle portion. The reinforced areaextends between the flapon the first sideand the flapon the second sideto provide continuous reinforced coverage around the jaw line of the user. The reinforced area can be further extended beyond the connection. Although illustrated with snap connections (,) shown in, additional connections are possible, for example, the hook and loop connectors (,) shown in, a flap with an opening () shown in, or any other suitable type of connection. The reinforced areaof neck protectormay function similar to a helmet chin strap, removing the need for a separate chin strap.

are cross-sectional views taken along the line-of the neck protectorof, illustrating embodiments of the reinforced area. The neck protectormay include a reinforcing materialthat may be disposed either inside an outer cover, as illustrated in, or outside the outer cover, as illustrated in. The neck protectorcan also include an inner layerof flexible material in its construction. The reinforcing materialextends between the flapon the first sideand the flapon the second sidesuch that the portionprovides continuous reinforced coverage around the jaw line of the user. The reinforcement materialprovides rigid support of the chin area of the user afforded by the flexible pad material of the inner layerin other portions of the neck protector.

Advantageously, the reinforced areacan offer additional support for helmet retention in several ways. First, the reinforced area, which may include additional reinforcement materialor a flange, provides a more robust and stable platform for connecting the neck protectorto the helmet. A more secure connection can help prevent the helmetfrom shifting or moving during intense physical activity, reducing the risk of helmet displacement during collisions or sudden movements. The flange or reinforced areacan increase the surface area for the helmet connections, ensuring a tighter, more stable attachment to the helmet.

Second, the reinforced areaprovides a more integrated fit around the neck and jawline. This extended area helps the neck protectoranchor the helmetmore securely in place. A better fit around the top of the neck can improve the overall stability of the helmet, making it less likely to shift or be displaced during high-impact situations. The enhanced retention of the helmetcan also contribute to preventing neck injuries by ensuring that the helmetstays in the correct position during play.

Third, the reinforced areacan help distribute the forces experienced during collisions or sudden impacts more evenly across the neck and the helmet. Instead of the helmetbearing the full brunt of the impact in one spot, the extended and reinforced areacan help absorb and spread those forces across a larger area, reducing the likelihood of the helmetbecoming dislodged. This can increase overall safety by maintaining the helmet's position and improving its protective effect during the event of a high-energy impact.

Fourth, in certain scenarios, especially during sports that involve rapid movements or impacts (such as hockey), the helmetcan be at risk of lifting off the head if it is not securely retained. The reinforced areaof the neck protector, by anchoring the helmetmore effectively, helps to prevent this “lifting” action, ensuring that the helmetand neck protectorstay firmly in place to protect the head and neck.

illustrates an exemplary neck protectoraccording to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The neck protectoris substantially similar to the neck protector, except for the manner of the helmet connection, as described to follow. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the neck protectorthat are the same as or similar to the components of the neck protectordiscussed above. Similarly, some part numbers are omitted, however, like illustrated parts are understood to be the same as or similar to the parts illustrated inwith respect to the neck protector. The description of these components above also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here.

The helmetofinclude helmet side straps. In some examples, the helmetmay alternatively include a side flap having a helmet connection, such as, but not limited to, a snap connection. This example is illustrated in. In such an example, the helmet connectionmay include a mating second side helmet connection(first side helmet connection not visible) to couple or connect to the helmet connection. For example, the connections may be, but is not limited to, a snap connection, a hook and loop connection, a buckle connection, etc.

illustrates an exemplary neck protectoraccording to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The neck protectoris substantially similar to the neck protector, except for the manner of the helmet connection, as described to follow. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the neck protectorthat are the same as or similar to the components of the neck protectordiscussed above. Similarly, some part numbers are omitted, however, like illustrated parts are understood to be the same as or similar to the parts illustrated inwith respect to the neck protector. The description of these components above also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here.

The helmet ofincludes both a helmet side strapand a helmet connection. In this configuration, the helmet connectionincludes a first strap connectorformed as a loop to connect to helmet side strapand a mating first side helmet connection(strap connector and second side helmet connection on opposite side not visible) on the neck protector. In use, the first strap connectorcouples or connects to the side helmet connectionby, for example, a snap connectionas illustrated, a hook and loop connection, a buckle connection, or other connector.

illustrates a neck protectoron a user according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The neck protectormay be any of the neck protectors,,,, or, or any variation thereof, described in this application.illustrates the neck protectorcovering a majority of the length and circumference of the user's neck. In particular,illustrates how the neck protectorcovers nearly all of the neck in the region of the major arteriesin the neck (e.g., the carotid and occipital arteries). This coverage provides the protection described herein. That is, the coverage of the major arterieswith the neck protectorprevents and inhibits laceration or puncture to the neck at the major arteries.

In the embodiments of, the helmet connection, the first end connection, the second end connection, the first side helmet connection, the second side helmet connection 1, the helmet connection, the additional second end connection, the optional chin strap connection, the first side helmet connection, the second side helmet connection, the helmet connection, the first side helmet connection, the second side helmet connection, the optional chin strap connection, the helmet connection, the first side helmet connection of(not visible), the second side helmet connection, the helmet connection, the first side helmet connection, the second side helmet connection of(not visible), or any combination thereof, may have a connection type other than described previously, such as, but not limited to a snap connection, a tie connection, a buckle, a magnetic closure, a string or laced closure, an elastic closure, or other connection types.