Bicycle Helmet with Modular Impact Absorbing Structures

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/825,756, filed May 26, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/194,738, filed May 28, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of helmets and specifically to a bicycle helmet having impact absorbing structures. The present disclosure also relates generally to the field of bicycle helmets and specifically to a system for adjusting the fit of a bicycle helmet. The present disclosure also relates generally to the field of bicycle helmets and specifically to a system for mounting items to a bicycle helmet.

Bicycle helmets commonly include a hard outer shell, an impact absorbing inner shell, and a fit system that secures the helmet to a rider's head. The inner shell is made of an energy-absorbing material. The fit system often includes one or more adjustable straps that are designed to wrap around at least a portion of a rider's head. An adjustment mechanism can be used to adjust the straps to the size of the rider's head.

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior and an impact absorbing layer positioned on the interior of the outer shell. The impact absorbing layer comprises a first impact absorbing structure having a first interface and a second impact absorbing structure having a second interface in lateral compression against the first interface.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a helmet comprises an outer shell having a first receiving portion and an impact absorbing layer positioned on an interior side of the outer shell. The impact absorbing layer comprises an impact absorbing structure having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion spaced from the first engagement portion. The impact absorbing structure is mechanically secured to the outer shell by the first engagement portion engaging the first receiving portion and the second engagement portion engaging a second receiving portion spaced from the first receiving portion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a helmet from an outer shell and multiple impact absorbing structures comprises securing by lateral compression a first impact absorbing structure with the outer shell. The securing by lateral compression the first impact absorbing structure with the outer shell comprises contacting the first impact absorbing structure with the outer shell deflecting a first deflecting portion of at least one of the first impact absorbing structure or the outer shell from a static position to a deflected position, moving the first impact absorbing structure further toward the outer shell, and relaxing the first deflecting portion back from the deflected position toward the static position to mechanically secure the first impact absorbing structure in the outer shell.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a bicycle helmet comprises a helmet body adapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head. The helmet body including a wall portion and a vent extending through the wall portion from an exterior of the helmet body to an interior of the helmet body. An adjusting assembly is provided for adjustably securing the helmet to a user's head. The adjusting assembly includes an adjusting input movable to adjust a size of the helmet. The adjusting input is positioned at least partially in the vent.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a bicycle helmet comprises a helmet body adapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head. The helmet body comprises a mounting structure adapted to mount an accessory, and a visor coupled to the helmet body. The visor comprises a main body and a removable panel removably secured to the main body and positioned to cover the mounting structure. The helmet body may include an impact-absorbing layer, wherein the mounting structure is recessed in the impact-absorbing layer. The helmet body may include an outer shell covering at least a portion of the impact-absorbing layer, and the outer shell may include a shell opening aligned with the mounting structure. The removable panel of the visor may be aligned with the shell opening in the outer shell. The helmet body may have an outer surface adjacent the mounting structure, the outer surface defining a tangential plane, and the mounting structure may include an upper mount portion having an upper width parallel to the tangential plane, and a lower mount portion having a lower width parallel to the tangential plane, the lower width being larger than the upper width. The mounting structure may include a plurality of spaced-apart finger portions connecting the upper mount portion to the lower mount portion. The visor may include a visor opening aligned with the mounting structure, the visor opening being substantially covered by the removable panel. The visor may include a recessed ledge around at least a portion of the visor opening, the recessed ledge supporting the removable panel. An upper surface of the removable panel may be substantially flush with an upper surface of the main body of the visor.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a bicycle helmet comprises a helmet body adapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head. The helmet body comprises a mounting structure adapted to mount an accessory, a visor coupled to the helmet body, and an accessory mount adapted to support the accessory. The visor comprises a main body and a visor opening aligned with the mounting structure. The accessory mount is positioned at least partially in the visor opening and engaged with the mounting structure. The helmet body may include an impact-absorbing layer, and the mounting structure may be recessed in the impact-absorbing layer. The helmet body may include an outer shell covering at least a portion of the impact-absorbing layer, and the outer shell may include a shell opening aligned with both the mounting structure and the visor opening. The visor may include a recessed ledge around at least a portion of the visor opening, the recessed ledge supporting at least a portion of the accessory mount. The accessory mount may include an upper surface that is substantially flush with an upper surface of the main body of the visor. The accessory mount may include a ledge extending upward from the upper surface. The accessory mount may include an elongated track and an adjustable mount movable relative to the elongated track. The adjustable mount may include a pawl movable between an engaged position that inhibits movement of the adjustable mount relative to the elongated track and a disengaged position that permits movement of the adjustable mount relative to the elongated track. The elongated track may include a plurality of recesses that are spaced along a longitudinal direction of the elongated track. The pawl of the adjustable mount may be sized to engage with one of the recesses of the elongated track to secure the adjustable mount in the engaged position. The helmet body may have an outer surface adjacent the mounting structure, the outer surface defining a tangential plane, and the mounting structure may include an upper mount portion having an upper width parallel to the tangential plane, and a lower mount portion having a lower width parallel to the tangential plane, the lower width being larger than the upper width.

Referring now to an illustrated embodiment,illustrates a bicycle helmethaving a helmet bodyadapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head, a visorcoupled to the helmet body, and an accessory mountcoupled to the helmet bodyto support an accessory(e.g., a camera, a light, etc.). The visorincludes a main bodythat may be coupled to the helmet bodyvia a standard connection method (e.g., fasteners, a protrusion that engages a recess in the helmet body, etc.).

As illustrated in, the helmet bodymay include an impact absorbing layerand an outer shellcovering the impact absorbing layer. The impact absorbing layermay be formed of a material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or the like. The outer shellmay be formed of a material such as polycarbonate, carbon fiber, or the like.

As illustrated in, the outer shellmay have an outer surface(). The outer surfacemay define a tangential plane() and include a shell openingthat is sized to receive a mounting structure. The mounting structuremay be positioned within the shell opening(e.g., adjacent the outer surface) and may be recessed in the impact absorbing layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structureincludes an upper mount portionhaving an upper width W() parallel to the tangential planeand a lower mount portionhaving a lower width W() parallel to the tangential plane. The lower width Wis larger than the upper width W. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower mount portions,have an octagonal shape. In other embodiments, the upper and lower mount portions,may have an alternative geometry (e.g., circular, rectangular, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structurefurther includes a plurality of spaced-apart finger portionsextending between and connecting the upper and lower mount portions,. In other embodiments, the mounting structuremay include, for example, a continuous structure extending between the upper and lower mount portions,.

With reference to, the visormay include a visor openingaligned with the shell openingand the mounting structure. Such positioning of the visor openingfacilitates access to the mounting structure by the accessory mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the visorfurther includes a recessed ledgearound at least a portion of the visor opening.

The accessory mountmay at least partially extend through the visor openingand engage with the mounting structureto secure the accessory mountto the helmet body. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory mountincludes an elongated track, an adjustable mountthat is movable relative to the elongated track, and a fastener assemblythat secures the accessoryto the adjustable mount. The elongated trackmay include a securing structure() formed on a lower surface of the elongated trackthat engages the upper mount portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing structureincludes a plurality of segmented structures (e.g., detents) that form a heptagonal shape and selectively engage the upper mount portion() to secure the elongated trackto the helmet body. Other embodiments may include other securing structures, including other numbers and arrangements of segmented structures than that illustrated. When engaged with the mounting structure, a portion of the elongated trackis positioned in a recess formed by the recessed ledgeof the visor, and thus the recessed ledgesupports at least a portion of the accessory mount(e.g., a portion of the elongated track). When the elongated trackof the accessory mountis secured to the helmet body, an upper surfaceof the accessory mountmay be substantially flush with an upper surfaceof the main bodyof the visor. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated trackincludes a ledgeextending from the upper surface. During removal of the elongated trackfrom the mounting structure, the user may provide a force on the ledge, which deforms the securing structureand moves the securing structureout of engagement from the recessed ledge. Alternatively, for example, the user may grasp an opposing, free end of the elongated trackand pivot the elongated trackupwards (e.g., away from the helmet body) to remove the elongated trackfrom the mounting structure.

Referring to, the elongated trackmay include rail portionsextending from the upper surfaceand spaced from each other to define a receiving channelthat selectively receives the adjustable mount. The receiving channelmay include a plurality of recessesthat are sized to receive a pawlof the adjustable mount. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessesare spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the elongated trackso the adjustable mountcan be positioned in a plurality of positions with respect to the elongated track. The pawlof the adjustable mountis movable between an engaged position, where the pawlengages one of the recesses(), that inhibits movement of the adjustable mountrelative to the elongated trackand a disengaged position, where the pawlis disengaged with the recesses, that permits movement of the adjustable mountrelative to the elongated track.

The adjustable mountmay include an extensioncoupled to the pawl. In the illustrated embodiment, the extensionhas a half-circle geometry and extends upward between the rail portionsof the elongated track. The extensionis designed to be pivoted relative to the elongated track(e.g., in the direction), which causes the pawlto disengage from the recesses. Other embodiments may include shapes other than the half-circle shape illustrated.

With continued reference to, the adjustable mountmay further include mounting portionsthat are spaced from the pawl. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portionseach include an aperturesized to receive the fastener assembly() to secure the accessoryto the adjustable mount. The accessoryincludes a connection portionthat has an aperture that is designed to be aligned with the apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener assemblyincludes a boltthat extends through the aperturesof the mounting portionsand the connection portionand a nutthat engages the bolt.

Referring to, the helmetmay further include a removable panelthat can be removably secured to the main bodyof the visorin place of the accessory mount. The removable panelprovides a cover for the visor openingwhen the accessory mountis not being used. The removable panelmay include a connection structure(e.g., lip or groove, etc.) formed on a lower surfaceof the panelthat is sized to engage with the recessed ledgeformed around the visor opening(e.g., such that the recessed ledgesupports the removable panel). In other embodiments, the removable panelmay be secured to the helmet through engagement with the mounting structure. When the removable panelis secured to the helmet, an upper surface() of the removable panelmay be substantially flush with the upper surfaceof the main bodyof the visor. In some embodiments, the removable panelmay include a feature (e.g., recess formed on the upper surfaceor a ledge (or other protrusion) that extends upwards from the upper surface) for the user to grasp or otherwise engage during removal of the panel.

During use, the removable panelmay be coupled to the recessed ledgeof the visorto cover the mounting structureand enclose the visor opening. In order to secure the accessory mountto the helmet, the removable panelmay be disengaged from the recessed ledgeto provide access to the mounting structure. The accessory mountmay then be attached to the mounting structurethrough the visor opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing structureof the elongated trackextends through the visor openingand engages the upper mount portionof the mounting structure. The adjustable mountmay be inserted within the receiving channelof the elongated trackand moved to a desired position. For example, the user may grasp the extensionand pivot the extensionand the pawlrelative to the elongated track(e.g., in the direction). When the adjustable mountis in a desired position, the extensionmay be released so the pawlengages with one of the recesses, which inhibits movement of the adjustable mountrelative to the elongated track. To remove the accessory mount, the user may grasp the ledgeto disengage the securing structureof the elongated trackfrom the mounting structure. Once the accessory mountis removed, the removable panelmay be coupled to the recessed ledgeof the visorto cover the mounting structureand enclose the visor opening.

illustrate a bicycle helmet. The bicycle helmetis like the bicycle helmetshown inand described above. Therefore, like features are identified with like reference numerals plus “200”, and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

The bicycle helmetincludes a helmet bodyadapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head. The helmet bodymay include a wall portionhaving an impact absorbing layer() and an outer shellcovering the impact absorbing layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet bodyincludes a lower portion() that encloses an interior portion of the helmetand that may provide up to 360-degree protection for the rider's head (e.g., around the user's chin). In other embodiments the lower portiondoes not extend around a user's chin. As illustrated in, one or more ventsmay extend through the wall portionfrom an exterior of the helmet bodyto the interior of the helmet body. The ventsmay be defined at least partially by one or more vent surfacesthat extend between the interior and exterior of the helmet body. In the illustrated embodiment, a ventis positioned along a rear portion of the helmet and above a drip line(i.e., the lowest line of coverage of the helmetas seen in). A vent surfacedefines an outer boundary of the ventand at least partially encloses each side of the vent. In the illustrated embodiment, the venthas a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape (), although embodiments may include shapes and sizes other than that illustrated.

With reference to, an adjusting assemblymay be positioned at least partially in the ventand positioned above the drip lineof the helmet. The adjusting assemblymay be used to decrease or increase an internal volume of the helmetto create a tighter or looser fit. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting assemblyincludes an adjusting inputcoupled to a strap memberthat is positioned within the helmet bodyto wrap at least partially around a user's head. The adjusting inputmay be fixed to the helmet bodyand may include, for example, a rotating dialthat is coupled to the helmet body. In some embodiments, the adjusting inputis embedded at least partially within the impact absorbing layerand is positioned within the venton a rear, lower portion () of the helmet body. In other embodiments, the adjusting inputmay be coupled to the helmet bodyin an alternative fashion (e.g., via a fastener), may be located outside of the impact absorbing layer, or the like. A portionof the strap membermay be coupled to the adjusting inputand may be adjustable relative to the helmet bodyvia the adjusting input. In the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the dialof the adjusting assemblycauses the strap memberto displace, which may cause a change in the shape of an internal volume defined by the helmet(e.g., to tighten or loosen the helmet on the user' head). In some embodiments, the dialmay be coupled to the portionof the strap memberin a similar fashion as the adjustment mechanisms described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,625 filed on May 6, 2009 or U.S. Pat. No. 10,420,385 filed on, Apr. 25, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to, the vent surfacemay define a lower vent surface, an upper vent surface, and side vent surfaces, which together at least partially enclose the vent. The upper vent surfacemay be angled relative to the lower vent surface(). For example, the upper vent surfacemay taper toward the lower vent surfaceas the upper vent surfaceextends from the exterior of the helmet bodytoward the interior of the helmet body. The lower vent surfacemay taper toward the upper vent surfaceas the lower vent surfaceextends from the exterior of the helmet bodytoward the interior of the helmet body. The upper vent surfacemay also at least partially define a recess() that is sized to receive at least a portion of the adjusting inputof the adjusting assembly. In some embodiments, the recessis a recess located within the impact absorbing layer. In some embodiments, the recessmay be positioned on the lower vent surfaceor the side vent surface. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the recessmay be considered a portion of, or extension of, the vent.

With reference to, the adjusting assemblymay include an adjusting housingthat may rotationally support the rotating dialof the adjusting inputand may be at least partially (e.g., fully) positioned within the recess. The dialmay have a plurality of protrusionsspaced circumferentially around the dial. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusionsdefine surfaces for the user to grasp during rotation of the dial. As illustrated in, the dialmay have a diameter Ddefined between opposing protrusions on the dial. The dialmay further have a first portion (e.g., that is disposed within the housing) defined by a length L, a second, recessed portion (e.g., that is disposed outside of the housingand within the recess) defined by a length L, and a third, exposed portion (e.g., that is disposed outside of the housing) defined by a length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion of the dialis positioned within the adjusting housing, the second, recessed portion is positioned within the recess, and the third, exposed portion is positioned within the vent(). In other words, only a small portion of the dialis visible when the helmetis viewed from the rear (). In other embodiments, the second and third portions of the dialmay together form a single exposed portion that is visible from a rear view of the helmet. In yet other embodiments, the dialmay include no portions that are exposed within the ventfrom a rear view () of the helmet. Rather, the entire dialmay be hidden or otherwise blocked from view when viewing the helmet.

In some embodiments, the length Lof the first portion of the dialis in a range of 60%-75% of the diameter Dof the dial. The length Lof the second, recessed portion of the dialis in a range of 5%-30% of the diameter D. The length Lof the third, exposed portion of the dialis in a range of 1%-15% of the diameter D. In the illustrated embodiment, the length Lof the first portion is approximately 70% of the diameter D, the length Lof the second, recessed portion is approximately 20% of the diameter D, and the third, exposed portion is approximately 10% of the diameter D. In some embodiments, only the protrusionsmay form the third, exposed portion. In some embodiments, and as described above, the second and third portions of the dialmay together form a single exposed portion of the dialthat is positioned and visible within the ventfrom a rear view of the helmet. In some embodiments, the overall exposed portion of the dialmay be in a range of 10%-40% of the diameter D.

illustrate a bicycle helmet. The bicycle helmetis like the bicycle helmetshown inand described above and the bicycle helmetshown inand described above. Therefore, like features are identified with like reference numerals plus “300”, and only the differences between the two will be discussed.

The bicycle helmetincludes a helmet bodyadapted to cover at least a portion of a rider's head. The helmet bodymay include an impact absorbing layer() and an outer shellcovering the impact absorbing layer. The outer shellmay define an upper wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall(). In the illustrated embodiment, the helmet bodyincludes a lower, chin strap portionthat encloses an interior portion of the helmetand that may provide up to 360-degree protection for the rider's head (e.g., around the user's chin). In other embodiments, the helmetmay be devoid of the lower portion, similar to the helmet. The illustrated helmetfurther includes a visorcoupled to the helmet body, an accessory mount, and an adjusting assembly. The accessory mountextends through a visor openingin the visorand engages with a mounting structurepositioned within a shell openingto support an accessory(e.g., a camera, a light, etc.), similar to the accessory mountdescribed above with reference to. The adjusting assemblymay be positioned at least partially in a vent, positioned above a drip lineof the helmet, and may be used to decrease or increase an internal volume of the helmetto create a tighter or looser fit, similar to the adjusting assemblydescribed above with reference to. In other embodiments the helmetmay not include the visor, the accessory mount, the adjusting assembly, and/or the impact absorbing layer.

With reference to, in the illustrated embodiment the impact absorbing layerincludes a plurality of impact absorbing structures,,,,that are coupled together (e.g., via lateral compression). As illustrated in, the impact absorbing layermay include a rear impact absorbing structure, a left impact absorbing structure, a right impact absorbing structure, an upper impact absorbing structure, and/or a lower, chin strap impact absorbing structure. In other embodiments, the impact absorbing layermay be formed of more impact absorbing structures (e.g., 6, 7, etc.) or less impact absorbing structures (e.g., 4, 3, 2). Each impact absorbing structure,,,,includes at least one interface that interacts with an interface of an adjacent impact absorbing structure through lateral compression to form the overall impact absorbing layer. It should be appreciated that such lateral compression may be formed by applying a compressive force and/or pressing one or more of the impact absorbing structures,,,,laterally against an adjacent impact absorbing structure to secure the impact absorbing structures,,,,together in a compressed state to form the overall impact absorbing layer.

With continued reference to, in some embodiments an additional connection structuremay extend between adjacent impact absorbing structures,,,,to additionally mechanically secure the impact absorbing structures,,,,together. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional connection structureis arcuately shaped and engages a groove formed in each of the upper, left, and right impact absorbing structures,,to form a snap-fit arrangement that helps to rigidly secure the impact absorbing structures,,together. Other embodiments may include other types of additional connection structures(e.g., straps, snaps, fasteners, etc.), or may include no additional connection structures. In addition, in some embodiments additional connection structuresmay be used to secure the rear impact absorbing structureand the chin strap impact absorbing structureto the upper, left, and right impact absorbing structures,,. In some embodiments, and as noted above, the impact absorbing structures,,,,may all be held together without any additional connection structures (e.g., may be held together entirely through lateral compression).

With reference to, the impact absorbing structures,,,,may be secured to various receiving portions formed in the helmet body. The receiving portions may include, for example, one or more ventsformed in the outer shell, one or more recesses formed in the outer shell(e.g. indentations or other recessed areas along an interior of the helmetthat do not extend entirely through the outer shell), and/or one or more recesses formed in an intermediate layer or inner shell() positioned between the impact absorbing layerand the outer shell. The ventsmay be defined at least partially by one or more vent surfacesthat extend between the interior and exterior of the helmet bodyand include a vent edge(). The recesses formed in the inner shellor the outer shellmay only extend partially between the interior and exterior of the helmet body. As such, it should be appreciated that a receiving portion formed in the helmet bodymay encompass any of the embodiments described above.

With reference to, in the illustrated embodiment the upper impact absorbing structureincludes a first interface(e.g., lateral surface) and the rear impact absorbing structureincludes a second interface(e.g., lateral surface) that is in lateral compression against the first interface. The upper impact absorbing structurefurther includes a first engagement portion() and the rear impact absorbing structureincludes a second engagement portion() that engage respective receiving portions (e.g., vents) formed in the helmet body. The upper impact absorbing structurealso engages a first supporting structureformed by the outer shelland the rear impact absorbing structureengages a second supporting structureformed by the outer shell. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second supporting structures,are each formed as inwardly extending lips on the outer shell. The first engagement portionof the upper impact absorbing structuremay engage the vent edgeof the ventformed in the upper wallof the outer shell, and/or a front portion of the upper impact absorbing structuremay engage the first supporting structure. The second engagement portionof the rear impact absorbing structuremay engage the vent edgeof the ventformed in the rear wallof the outer shell, and/or a lower portion of the rear impact absorbing structuremay engage the second supporting structure.

The upper impact absorbing structuremay be held in lateral compression (e.g., between the first interfaceand the first engagement portionand/or between the first interfaceand the first supporting structure). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second engagement portions,are mechanically secured to the outer shell(e.g., via a snap fit connection) at the ventsalong the top and rear of the helmet. The combination of the connection of the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,via the engagement portions,and/or the supporting structures,secures the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,to the outer shelland promotes the lateral compression between the interfaces,. In some embodiments, the first and second engagement portions,of the rear and upper impact absorbing structures,may be secured to the outer shellby mechanically securing the first and second engagement portions,to the outer shellin other ways.

In some embodiments, the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,may coupled to the outer shelland may be held in compression against one another at the interfaces,solely via the contact of the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,with the first and second supporting structures,(e.g., lips of the outer shell), without the aid of the engagement portions,.

With reference to, in the illustrated embodiment the inner shell, or a portion thereof, may be secured to an outer surface of the rear impact absorbing structure, and in some embodiments may be formed as part of the rear impact absorbing structure(e.g., may be co-molded with the rear impact absorbing structure). Each of the impact absorbing structures may thus include its own inner shell(e.g., outer layer). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the rear impact absorbing structuremay include an energy-absorbing layer having a first density and the inner shellmay be formed of a material that has a higher density than the energy absorbing layer. For example, the energy-absorbing layer may be formed of expanded polystyrene and the inner shellmay be formed of polycarbonate. The inner shellmay form part of the engagement portion, which may engage the vent edgeto help secure the inner shelland the impact absorbing structureto the outer shell. The rear impact absorbing structuremay be coupled to the outer shellvia the inner shell.

In some embodiments, one or more of the impact absorbing structures (along for example with its associated inner shell) may not be directly adhered or directly mechanically fastened to the outer shell. In some embodiments, the impact absorbing structure (along for example with its inner shell) may not be indirectly adhered or indirectly mechanically fastened to the outer shell. The impact absorbing structures, such as the rear impact absorbing structure, may be removable from the outer shell. In addition, it should be appreciated that one or more of the remaining impact absorbing structures,,,may have a similar construction as the rear impact absorbing structureillustrated in(e.g., may be formed of both an expanded polystyrene layer, as well as an outer polycarbonate layer).

With reference to, in the illustrated embodiment the left impact absorbing structuremay include for example a third interfaceand the right impact absorbing structuremay include a fourth interface. The third and fourth interfaces,may each be in lateral compression against the first interfaceof the upper impact absorbing structure() and the second interfaceof the rear impact absorbing structure(). The left impact absorbing structuremay further include a third engagement portionand the right impact absorbing structuremay include a fourth engagement portionthat are sized to engage respective receiving portions (e.g., vents) formed in the helmet body. The left and right impact absorbing structure,may engage third and fourth supporting structures,formed by the outer shell. The third engagement portionmay engage the vent edgeof the ventformed in the left wallof the outer shelland third supporting structure. The fourth engagement portionmay engage the vent edgeof the ventformed in the right wallof the outer shelland the fourth supporting structure. The left impact absorbing structuremay be held in lateral compression between the first interface, the third engagement portion, and/or the third supporting structure. The right impact absorbing structuremay be held in lateral compression between the first interface, the fourth engagement portion, and/or the fourth supporting structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the third and fourth engagement portions,may be mechanically secured to the outer shell(e.g., via a snap fit connection).

With reference to, the lower impact absorbing structuremay include a fifth interfacethat is in lateral compression against each of the third and fourth interfaces,of the left and right impact absorbing structures,. The lower impact absorbing structuremay further include a fifth engagement portionthat engages a receiving portion (e.g., vent) formed in the lower portionof the helmet body. The fifth engagement portionmay engage the vent edgeof the ventformed in the left wallof the outer shelland the vent edgeof the ventformed in the right wallof the outer shell. A lower portion of the lower impact absorbing structuremay engage a fifth supporting structure(e.g., lower lip) formed in the left and right wallof the outer shell. The lower impact absorbing structuremay be held in lateral compression between the third and fourth interfaces,, the fifth engagement portionand/or the fifth supporting structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifth engagement portionmay be mechanically secured to the outer shell(e.g., via a snap fit connection).

In some embodiments, during assembly of the helmet, two or more the impact absorbing structures,,,, and/ormay be secured to the outer shellof the helmet bodyat least in part through compressing the impact absorbing structures,,,, and/orand placing them into lateral compression with one another within the helmet. While the installation of the impact absorbing structures,,,,are described in a sequential order below, it should be appreciated that the impact absorbing structures,,,,may be installed within the helmet bodyin any order.

With reference to, the upper impact absorbing structuremay be secured to the outer shell. For example, the front portion of the upper impact absorbing structuremay be moved towards and engage the first supporting structureof the outer shell. A first deflecting portion of at least one of the upper impact absorbing structureor the outer shellmay be deflected from a static position to a deflected position. In some embodiments, the vent edgeof the outer shell, a recess in the helmet body, the first supporting structure, the engagement portion, or the inner shell() of the impact absorbing structureitself may form the first deflecting portion. After deflecting the first deflecting portion, the upper impact absorbing structuremay be moved further towards the outer shelland the first deflecting portion may be relaxed back from the deflected position toward the static position. In some embodiments, with the front portion of the upper impact absorbing structureengaged with the first supporting structure, the first engagement portionof the upper impact absorbing structuremay then contact the vent edgeformed in the upper wallof the outer shellto further secure the upper impact absorbing structure in place.

With reference to, in some embodiments the rear impact absorbing structuremay then be inserted and laterally compressed against the upper impact absorbing structure(e.g., at the interfaces,). For example, the lower portion of the rear impact absorbing structuremay be moved toward and engage the second supporting structureof the outer shell. A second deflecting portion of at least one of the rear impact absorbing structureor the outer shellmay be deflected from a second static position to a second deflected position. After deflecting the second deflecting portion, the rear impact absorbing structuremay be moved further toward the outer shelland the second deflecting portion may be relaxed back from the second deflected position toward the second static position. In some embodiments, with the lower portion of the rear impact absorbing structureengaged with the second supporting structure, the second engagement portionof the rear impact absorbing structuremay then be moved to contact the vent edgeformed in the rear wallof the outer shelland the lower portion of the rear impact absorbing structuremay engage the second supporting structureof the outer shellto further secure the rear impact absorbing structure.

In some embodiments, the vents and vent edgesare not utilized to help further secure the rear impact absorbing structuresor the upper impact absorbing structureto the outer shell, or to provide any compression. Instead, the compression between the upper impact absorbing structureand the rear impact absorbing structuresat the interfaces,may be entirely or substantially entirely due to the front end of the upper impact absorbing structurepressing against the first supporting structure(e.g., inner lip) and the bottom of the rear impact absorbing structurepressing against the second supporting structure(e.g. inner lip).

In some embodiments, the rear impact absorbing structuremay be laterally compressed against the upper impact absorbing structureafter the securing by lateral compression of the upper impact absorbing structurewith the outer shelland the securing by lateral compression of the rear impact absorbing structurewith the outer shell. In other embodiments, the engaging of the rear impact absorbing structurewith the upper impact absorbing structuremay occur before contacting the rear impact absorbing structurewith the outer shell. In other words, the rear and upper impact absorbing structures,may be laterally compressed together prior to mechanically securing the rear impact absorbing structures,to the outer shell.

With reference to, the left and right impact absorbing structures,may be laterally compressed against each of the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,(e.g., through the interfaces,, interfaces,(), interfaces,(), and interfaces,) after the securing by lateral compression of the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,with the outer shell. The left and right impact absorbing structures,may then be secured by lateral compression with the outer shellby engaging each of the left and right impact absorbing structures,with the outer shell. For example, a portion of each of the left and right impact absorbing structures,may be moved towards and engage each of the third and fourth supporting structures,of the outer shell. A third deflecting portion of at least one of the left impact absorbing structureor the outer shellmay be deflected from a third static position to a third deflected position. After deflecting the third deflecting portion, the left impact absorbing structuremay be moved further toward the outer shelland the third deflecting portion may be relaxed back from the third deflected position toward the third static position (e.g., to mechanically secure the left impact absorbing structurein the outer shell). A fourth deflecting portion of at least one of the right impact absorbing structureor the outer shellmay be deflected from a fourth static position to a fourth deflected position. After deflecting the forth deflecting portion, the right impact absorbing structuremay be moved further toward the outer shelland the fourth deflecting portion may be relaxed back from the fourth deflected position toward the fourth static position (e.g., to mechanically secure the right impact absorbing structurein the outer shell). In some embodiments, the third and fourth engagement portions,of the left and right impact absorbing structures,may contact the vent edgeformed in the left walland right wallof the outer shell.

With reference to, the lower impact absorbing structuremay be laterally compressed against each of the left and right impact absorbing structures,(e.g., through the interfaces,, and interfaces,) after the securing by lateral compression of the upper, rear, left, and right impact absorbing structures,,,with the outer shell. The lower impact absorbing structuremay be secured by lateral compression with the outer shellby engaging the lower impact absorbing structurewith the outer shell. For example, the lower portion of the lower impact absorbing structuremay be moved towards and engage the fifth supporting structureof the outer shell. A fifth deflecting portion of at least one of the lower impact absorbing structureor the outer shellmay be deflected from a fifth static position to a fifth deflected position. After deflecting the fifth deflecting portion, the lower impact absorbing structuremay be moved further toward the outer shelland the fifth deflecting portion may be relaxed back from the fifth deflected position toward the fifth static position to mechanically secure the lower impact absorbing structurein the outer shell. For example, the fifth engagement portionof the lower impact absorbing structuremay contact the vent edgesformed in the left walland right wallof the lower portionof the outer shell.

Similar to the upper and rear impact absorbing structures,, the left, right, and lower impact absorbing structures,,may also rely partially or entirely on inner lips or other supporting structures (e.g., such as supporting structure) on the outer shellto provide compression between two or more of the impact absorbing structures. The vents and/or recesses along the outer shellmay then provide other locations for helping to secure the impact absorbing structures, and/or for providing additional compression to help hold the impact absorbing structures in place against one another.

In some embodiments, all of the impact absorbing structures,,,,may be laterally compressed together to form a single, uniform impact absorbing layer. As noted above, each of the impact absorbing structures,,,,may include or be coupled to a separate inner shell. Other embodiments include different numbers and arrangements of impact absorbing structures than that illustrated

Clause 1: A helmet comprises an outer shell having an interior and an exterior, and an impact absorbing layer positioned on the interior of the outer shell, the impact absorbing layer comprising a first impact absorbing structure having a first interface and a second impact absorbing structure having a second interface in lateral compression against the first interface.

Clause 2: The helmet of Clause 1, wherein the first impact absorbing structure includes a first engagement portion that engages the outer shell such that the first impact absorbing structure is held in lateral compression between the first interface and the first engagement portion.

Clause 3: The helmet of Clause 2, wherein the outer shell comprises a vent opening defined by a vent edge, and wherein the first engagement portion engages the vent edge.