ADAPTABLE HELMET SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/704,423, filed October 7, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/735,209 filed December 17, 2024, the contents of both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to helmet systems, and more particularly, to helmet systems specifically configured and adapted to enable attachment to interchangeable accessories.

2. Description of the Related Art

Helmets are commonly worn while partaking in a wide variety of activities. Construction helmets are worn on a worksite to protect those present on the worksite from potential hazards associated at the worksite, such as falling construction materials (e.g., nails, tools, etc.). It is also common to wear helmets when participating in various leisure activities, such as horse riding, to protect the user in the event of an unexpected fall. Military personnel also wear helmets to protect themselves from various dangers associated with their occupation.

Most helmets include an outer shell and an inner pad or straps to assist in securing the helmet to the wearer’s head. Furthermore, the helmet may be designed for a particular use in mind. For instance, construction helmets may be designed with the particular construction environment in mind. This may include forming the shell to include an integral brim to provide some degree of sun protection, as well as protection from precipitation. A military helmet may be primarily concerned with providing robust protection against projectiles, while also trying to maintain some semblance of camouflage.

As such, conventional helmets tend to be limited in their range of functional adaptability. If you want a helmet for several different functions, you would likely need several different conventional helmets.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a helmet system that is more functionally adaptable relative to conventional helmet. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a helmet system selectively configurable to implement a desired functionality. The helmet system comprises a helmet shell having a front portion, a pair of side portions, a rear portion, a crown portion and a lower edge extending along the front portion, the pair of side portions and the rear portion. A universal attachment body is coupled to the helmet shell at one of the pair of side portions, with the universal attachment body having an attachment portion. The helmet system additionally includes a first accessory include a first connector adapted to cooperatively engage with the attachment portion of the universal attachment body, with the first accessory being associated with a first functionality. The helmet system additionally includes a second accessory having a second connector adapted to cooperatively engage with the attachment portion of the universal attachment body, with the second accessory being associate with a second functionality. The first accessory and the second accessory are interchangeable with each other as to engagement with the attachment portion of the universal attachment body, such that when the first accessory is attached to the universal attachment body, the second accessory is detached from the universal attachment body and the helmet system integrates the first functionality, and when the second accessory is attached to the universal attachment body, the first accessory is detached from the universal attachment body and the helmet system integrates the second functionality.

The attachment portion of the universal attachment body may include a groove. The first connector may include a first tongue insertable into the groove, and the second connector may include a second tongue insertable into the groove when the first tongue is removed from the groove.

The attachment portion may be a forward attachment portion, and the universal attachment body may additionally include a rearward attachment portion. The first and second accessories may be configured for interchangeable engagement with the forward attachment portion. The helmet system may additionally include third and fourth accessories configured to be interchangeably engageable with the rearward attachment portion.

The helmet system may additionally include a mount integrated into the shell and configured to be detachably engageable with a helmet mounted accessory.

The universal attachment body may be coupled to shell via a mechanical fastener.

The first accessory and the second accessory may be selected from the group including a brim, an eye guard, and a chin strap connector.

The helmet system may additionally include an inner pad coupled to the helmet shell and extendable over at least a portion of an inner surface of the helmet shell. The inner pad may be formed of at least two different densities.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a lower perspective view of a helmet system including a helmet shell and a brim accessory coupled to the helmet shell;

FIG. 1B is a lower perspective view of the helmet system including the helmet shell and an eye/face shield accessory coupled to the helmet shell;

FIG. 1C is a lower perspective view of the helmet system including a helmet shell and a chin strap accessory coupled to the helmet shell;

FIG. 2 is a front exploded view of the helmet system including the brim accessory and auxiliary clips;

FIG. 3 is a side exploded view of the helmet system depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom, cross sectional view depicting engagement between a brim connector and a universal attachment body;

FIG. 5 is a front exploded view of the helmet system including the eye/face shield accessory and auxiliary clips;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the helmet system depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view depicting engagement between a universal attachment body and an eye/face connector used to connect the eye/face to the helmet shell

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom, cross sectional view depicting engagement between the eye/face connector and the universal attachment body;

FIG. 9 is a partial, cross sectional view depicting engagement between an accessory clip and the helmet shell;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view depicting a dual density inner pad positioned within the helmet shell;

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet having a brim that extends around the entirety of the helmet;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the helmet depicted in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the helmet depicted in FIG. 11.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a highly customizable protective helmet and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a highly customizable helmet system adaptable for a variety of different uses and environments. The helmet system may include a shell that is configured to be interchangeably engageable with a variety of different attachments or accessories to customize the helmet to suit the particular users interests and needs. For instance, the shell may be attachable to a brim to provide shade or protection from the rain. Alternatively, the shell may be attachable to a protective eye shield or face shield, or in a further alternative, to a dedicated chin strap. In this regard, rather than having to procure a variety of different helmets for various situations, a single helmet shell may be used with a wide range of accessories to customize the helmet as may be desired.

FIGS. 1A-1C show various implementations of the helmet system, with FIG. 1A depicting a helmet system 10 fitted with a brim accessory 12A, FIG. 1B depicts the helmet system 10 fitted with an eye visor accessory 12B, while FIG. 1C depicts the helmet system 10 fitted with a chin strap accessory 12C. The accessories will be referred to generally as accessories 12, and may be interchangeable with each other to customize the functionality associated with the helmet system 10.

The accessories 12 are each attachable to a helmet shell 14 having a front portion 16, a pair of side portions 18, a rear portion 20, and a crown portion 22. The crown portion 22 may refer to the upper portion of the helmet shell 14, and may be generally surrounded by the front portion 16, the pair of side portions 18, and the rear portion 20. The pair of side portions 18 may extend between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 20 in opposed relation to each other. The shell 14 may further include a lower edge 24 extending along the front portion 16, the pair of side portions 18 and the rear portion 20. The lower edge 24 may include a forward segment that is generally arcuate in configuration and adapted to extend around a user’s forehead. The lower edge 24 may also include a pair of side segments that having a generally arcuate shape to extend around the user’s ears. In this regard, the arcuate shape may be concave to extend from in front of the user’s ears, over the top of the user’s ears, and then to the back of the user’s ears. A rearward segment of the lower edge 24 may extend around the back of the user’s head between the pair of side segments.

The helmet shell 14 may additionally include a variety of recesses, holes or other apertures formed therein. In the exemplary embodiment, the helmet shell 14 includes a front recess 26 defined by a front recess ridge 28 extending from an outer surface 30 and a forward recessed surface 32. The front recess ridge 28 may include a first lateral portion 34 extending downwardly in a crown-to-front direction, a central portion 36 extending generally parallel to the forward segment of the lower edge 24, and a second lateral portion 38 extend downwardly in a crown-to-front direction, opposite the first lateral portion 34, with the central portion 36 being located between the first and second lateral portions 34, 38. The front recess ridge 28 may include a thickness as a distance between the outer surface 30 and the forward recessed surface 32 along an axis perpendicular to both surfaces. In one embodiment, the thickness of the forward recess ridge 28 may be greatest at the central portion 36, and smallest at the distal ends of the first and second lateral portions 34, 38 furthest from the central portion 36 and closest to the crown portion 22. A mount 40 may be integrated in, coupled to, or otherwise located in the central portion 36. The mount 40 may include an opening or aperture surrounded by a mount wall, with the mount being configured to facilitate engagement with an accessory, as will be described in more detail below. If no accessory is attached to the mount 40, the mount 40 may remain open to enhance airflow or circulation around a user’s head.

The shell 14 may additionally include a pair of side recesses 42 formed in each side portion 18 of the shell 14. Each side recess 42 is defined by a side ridge 44 that may completely circumnavigate the corresponding side recess 42. In this regard, the side ridge 44 may extend between the outer surface 30 and a side recessed surface 46. The side ridge 44 may include a forward portion 48 extending in a crown-to-front direction, and a lower portion 50 extending in a front-to-rear direction. The side ridge 44 may also include a rearward portion 52 extending in a rear-to-crown direction, and an upper portion 54 in a rear-to-front direction. The contour of the lower portion 50 and upper portion 54 may mimic the contour of the lower edge 24, with both the lower portion 50 and upper portion 54 including a portion that extends upwardly in an area aligned with the lower edge 24 designed to extend over the user’s ear. In this regard, the lower portion 50 and upper portion 54 may each include a middle segment that is positioned between two transition segments, wherein each transition segment extends from the corresponding middle segment toward one of the forward portion 48 and rearward portion 52. The side ridge 44 may include a thickness as a distance between the side recess surface 46 and the outer surface 30 along an axis perpendicular to both surfaces 46, 30. A mount may be integrated in, coupled to, or otherwise located in the lower portion 50. The mount may include an opening or aperture surrounded by a mount wall, with the mount being configured to facilitate engagement with an accessory, as will be described in more detail below. If no accessory is attached to the mount, the mount may remain open to enhance airflow or circulation around a user’s head. It is contemplated that for any mount described herein, the mount wall may be separate from the helmet shell 14, or integrally formed with the helmet shell 14.

The helmet shell 14 may additionally include a rear recess 56 configured similar to the front recess 26. In particular, the rear recess 56 may be defined by a rear recess ridge 58 extending from the outer surface 30 and a rear recessed surface 60. The rear recess ridge 58 may include a first lateral portion extending downwardly in a crown-to-rear direction, a central portion extending generally parallel to the rear segment of the lower edge 24, and a second lateral portion extend downwardly in a crown-to-rear direction, opposite the first lateral portion, with the central portion being located between the first and second lateral portions. The rear recess ridge 58 may include a thickness as a distance between the outer surface 30 and the rear recessed surface 60 along an axis perpendicular to both surfaces. In one embodiment, the thickness of the rear recess ridge 58 may be greatest at the central portion, and smallest at the distal ends of the first and second lateral portions furthest from the central portion and closest to the crown portion 22. A mount may be integrated in, coupled to, or otherwise located in the central portion.

The helmet shell 14 may have a groove 62 or other contour that surrounds at least some of the crown portion 22. The groove 62 may be for aesthetic appeal, or for structural reasons, such as to strengthen the shell 14 or to provide a channel for rain or other liquid diversion.

The shell 14 may include one or more vent openings 64 therein to increase air circulation and ventilation around the user’s head. The vent openings may extend through any surface of the shell 14. In one particular embodiment, the shell 14 includes a plurality of vent openings 64 arrange in a pair of arrays. Each vent opening 64 may be elongate in nature (e.g., having a length greater than a width) and may be located in the upper portions 54 of the side ridges 44. The vent openings 64 may be arranged such that their length extends in a front-to-back direction. In particular, one side ridge 44 may include a first group of elongate vent openings 64, while the other side ridge 44 may include a second group of elongate vent openings 64. By forming the vent openings in the upper portions 54 of the side ridges 44, the vent openings 64 may be oriented in a generally vertical position when the shell 14 is worn on a user, to avoid precipitation or other falling particulate or debris from entering the shell 14 through the vent openings 64.

The helmet system 10 may additionally include a pair of universal attachment bodies 66 coupled to the helmet shell 14 at the side portions 18 of the shell 14. In particular, one universal attachment body 66 may be located on one side 18 of the helmet shell 14, while the other universal attachment body 66 may be located on the other side 18 of the helmet shell 14. Each universal attachment body 66 may include a forward attachment portion 68 and a rearward attachment portion 70, with each attachment portion 68, 70 being configured to be selectively engageable with an accessory connector, as will be described in mor detail below.

The universal attachment body 66 may be configured to be attachable to the outer surface 30 of the helmet shell 14 such that the forward attachment portion 68 generally extends towards the front portion 16 of the helmet shell 14, and the rearward attachment portion 70 generally extends towards the rear portion 20 of the helmet shell 14. The universal attachment body 66 may be shaped similar to the lower contour of the helmet shell 14, such that in a front-to-rear direction, the universal attachment body 66 extends upwardly, then rearwardly, then downwardly, similar to the contour of the lower edge 24 around the ear. Mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws, pins, or the like, may be used to secure the universal attachment body 66 to the helmet shell 14. The universal attachment body 66 may be formed of plastic, rubber, or other materials known in the art.

The universal attachment body 66 is configured to facilitate attachment to a variety of different helmet accessories 12. The Figures show a variety of different accessories 12, including a brim, an eye shield, a face shield, and a chin strap, although other accessories 12 may be included without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

A first example of an accessory 12 is a brim accessory 12A configured to implement the functionality of a conventional brim. That is, to provide some measure of shade and physical protection over one’s eyes, while also providing an extended surface over and in front of the user’s eyes to keep water run-off away from the user’s eyes. It is also contemplated that the brim accessory 12A may also be used to provide protection for an arborist, e.g., to protect the arborist from sawdust and other tree particles that may be airborne when conducting tree-cutting activities. To that end, the brim accessory 12A includes a main brim member 72 including an upper edge 74 and a lower edge 76. The radius of the upper edge 74 is less than that of the lower edge 76. Stated another way, the radius of the lower edge 76 is greater than that of the upper edge 74. An outer surface 78 extends between the upper edge 74 and the lower edge 76, with the outer surface 78 having a generally concave cross section. The main brim member 72 extends between two terminal ends 80. The brim accessory 12A also includes a pair of accessory connectors 82 extending from each terminal end 80. In general, the configuration of each accessory connector 82 on the variety of different accessories 12 is the same to enable attachment to one or both of the attachment portions 68, 70 of the universal attachment body 66. In some instances, a particular accessory 12 may be specifically configured to extend in a forward direction, and thus, may be intended to connect with the forward attachment portion 68, while other accessories 12 may be configured to extend in a rearward direction, and thus, may be intended to connect with the rearward attachment portion 70. In this case of the brim accessory 12A, it is configured to function as a forward brim, and thus, is configured for attachment to the forward attachment portion 68. However, the helmet system 10 may also include another brim accessory 12A_rear that is configured to function as a rearward brim, and thus, is configured for attachment to the rearward attachment portion 70.

In the exemplary embodiment, each accessory connector 82 includes a tongue 84 extending from a respective terminal end 80 of the main body of the accessory 12, which in the case of the brim accessory 12A is the main brim member 72. The tongue 84 is configured to be insertable within a groove 86 on the universal attachment body 66, with the groove 86 defining at least part of the attachment portion 68, 70 of the universal attachment body 66. The tongue 84 may extend at an angle Θ relative to the lower edge 76 of the main brim member 72. Similarly, the groove 86 may extend into the universal attachment body 66 at an angle relative to the forward portion of the lower edge 24, wherein such angle has a magnitude equal to Θ. Thus, the similar angular magnitudes may facilitate desired alignment between the accessory 12 and the helmet shell 14 when the accessory 12 is connected to the universal attachment body 66. The rearward attachment portion 70 and the corresponding accessory connector 82 may also have similar angular configurations to achieve desired alignment between the rear portion of the shell 14 and any accessory 12 that positioned adjacent the rear portion of the shell 14.

The tongue 84 may include a generally stationary peripheral portion 88, and a flexible lock member 90 that is moveable relative to the peripheral portion 88. The accessory connector 82 and the attachment portion 68, 70 of the universal attachment body 66 may be configured such that as the tongue 84 is inserted into the groove 86 of the attachment portion 68, 70, the flexible lock member 90 passes over a locking portion of an inner surface, which causes the flexible lock member 90 to flex away from that inner surface. As the tongue 84 advances into the groove 86, the flexible lock member 90 completely passes over the locking portion, and is allowed to flex back toward its neutral state. At this point, the tongue 84 may be completely advanced into the groove 86, and with the flexible lock member 90 flexed toward its neutral state, the locking portion of the inner surface interfaces with the flexible lock member 90 to prevent retraction of the tongue 84 from the groove 86 (e.g., the tongue 84 is locked within the groove 86). When the tongue 84 is completely inserted into the groove 86, an exposed portion of the flexible lock member 90 is positioned outside of the groove 86.

If the user wants to detach the accessory 12 from the universal attachment body 66, the user presses the exposed portion of the flexible lock member 90 to flex the lock member 90 by an amount sufficient to create clearance between the lock member 90 and the locking portion of the inner surface of the universal attachment body 66. Once sufficient clearance is created, the user can remove the tongue 84 from the groove 86. In this regard, the detachable engagement facilitated by the accessory connector 82 and attachment portion 68, 70 of the universal attachment body 66 allows the accessory 12 to be selectively added to, or removed from, the helmet system 10, as may be desired.

While the foregoing describes the tongue 84 as being formed on the accessory 12 and the groove 86 as being formed on the universal attachment body 66, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the configuration may be reversed. That is, the tongue 84 may be formed on the universal attachment body 66 and the groove 86 may be formed on the accessory 12.

The accessories 12 may also include an eye shield accessory 12B. The eye shield accessory 12B may include an eye shield 96, a shield mount body 98, and a fastening device 100. The eye shield 96 may be similar to a conventional eye shield, and thus, may be generally transparent to enable viewing through the eye shield 96. The eye shield 96 may be sized to extend over and across the user’s eyes to provide protection to the user from dust, precipitation, or other particulate. The eye shield 96 may be tinted, polarized or have other desirable optical characteristics associated therewith. The accessories 12 may also include a face shield, which may be similar to the eye shield accessory 12B, with the primary difference being the size of the shield itself. In particular, the face shield may be larger than the eye shield so as to extend over a greater portion of the user’s face than just the eyes, such as over the user’s nose and/or mouth, and/or chin.

The shield mount body 98 may include an accessory connector 82 similar to the accessory connector 82 described above, and a shield attachment portion 102. The shield attachment portion 102 may include a planar surface having an opening formed therein, with a cylindrical boss 104 extending around the opening and configured to facilitate attachment to the eye shield 96. In this regard, the eye shield 96 may include a pair of lateral portions 106, each of which has an opening formed therein. The openings in the lateral portions 106, the shield attachment portion 102, and the fastening device 100 may be aligned to connect the eye shield 96, the shield mount body 98 and the fastening device 100.

The shield mount body 98 is configured such that when the accessory connector 82 is engaged with the universal attachment body 66, as described above in relation to the brim accessory 12A, the shield attachment portion 102 may reside outside of, and extend over a portion of the universal attachment body 66. This arrangement may allow the eye shield 96 to extend completely between the two universal attachment bodies 6 to maximize coverage provided thereby.

The eye shield 96 may be configured to pivot relative to the helmet shell 14 when the eye shield 96 is attached to the universal attachment body 66. The eye shield 96 may pivot about the boss 104 and the openings formed in the lateral portions 106 thereof.

While the foregoing describes accessories 12 that may intended to extend in front of the helmet, it is also contemplated that various accessories 12 may be configured to extend in the rear of the helmet. For instance, a rear brim accessory may be attached to the rear of the helmet, or a rear filler accessory may be attached to the back of the helmet to fill in any void or recess at the back of the helmet.

The accessories 12 may include additional features to enhance the usability thereof. For instance, the accessory 12 may include grip elements 15 made of silicone, rubber, plastic, or other grip-enhancing materials (e.g., anti-slip materials) known in the art, with ridges or other texture elements to make it easier to push and pull the accessory when trying to engage or disengage the accessory relative to the universal attachment body 66. FIG. 1A shows grip element 15A coupled to an end portion of main brim member 72, FIG. 1B shows grip element 15B on opposed side portions of eye visor accessory 12B, and FIG. 1C shows grip element 15C on opposed sides of chin strap accessory 12C. The accessories 12 may also include a portion of a chin strap.

The helmet system 10 may further include a size adjustable headband 17 to facilitate proper sizing of the helmet on the head of the wearer. The headband 17 may be configured to completely circumnavigate the wearer’s head, while also being connected to the helmet shell 14. Thus, the headband 17 may provide a physical connection between the wearer’s head and the helmet shell 14. The size of the headband 17 (e.g., the diameter or periphery thereof) may be selectively adjustable to enable customized sizing to the wearer’s head. Thus, the wearer may initially adjust the headband 17 to a larger size to facilitate placement on the wearer’s head, followed by subsequent tightening to snuggly, yet comfortably, fit the headband to the wearer’s head. According to one embodiment, the size adjustment may be facilitated by a manually operated ratchet wheel 19, wherein rotation in a first rotational direction results in an increase in the headband size, while rotation in an opposing second rotational direction results in a decrease in the headband size. In one embodiment, the position of the ratchet wheel 19 relative to a headband body 21 may be adjustable. For instance, the ratchet wheel 19 may be moveable up or down, as well as left or right, relative to the headband body 21. It is also contemplated that the modular ratchet wheel 19 may be detachably engageable with the headband body 21. In this regard, the ratchet wheel 19 may include a wheel engagement portion that may be engageable with a corresponding headband body engagement portion. When the respective engagement portions are coupled to each other, the ratchet wheel 19 may be rotatable in the first and second rotational directions to facilitate the size adjustment described above. When the ratchet wheel 19 is detached from the headband body 21, the headband body 21 may be locked in its current size.

The helmet system 10 may also include various accessories that may be attached directly to the shell 14, i.e., attached at a location separate from the universal attachment body 66. For instance, various accessories may be attached to the mounts discussed above in relation to the various recess ridges. On particular accessory may include a clips 106, 108. Each clip 106, 108 may include a connecting finger 110 that extends into the mount and engages with the shell 14. The clips 106, 108 may be used to hold documentation, identification information (such as individual name, company name, project name, etc.), or additional contents. It is also contemplated that the clips 106, 108 may have alternate configurations to implement additional functionality, such as headlamps, video cameras, etc. For instance, the clips 106, 108 may hold an elastic strap to which a headlamp or nametag may be attached.

It is contemplated that the helmet system 10 may further include an inner pad 110 configured to enhance the comfort and safety of the helmet. In this regard, the pad 110 may be adapted to absorb forces from the helmet shell 14 to reduce or eliminate any force transferred to the user’s head. The inner pad 110 may be formed of materials having two different densities, e.g., dual density EPS foam, which may allow for optimized force attenuation and comfort.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, there is depicted another embodiment of a helmet 210 that is similar to the helmet described above, with the primary distinction being that the helmet 210 in FIGS. 11-13 includes an integrated brim 212 that extends around the entirety of the helmet 212. In this regard, the brim 212 includes a forward portion, a pair of lateral portions and a rear portion, each of which extend outwardly relative to a main shell portion 214 (e.g., away from a cavity defined by the main shell portion 214). The brim 212 may be integrally formed with the main shell portion 214, such that the brim 212 and main shell portion 214 are configured to remain connected to each other during the lifespan of the helmet 210. In this regard, the brim 212 and main shell portion 214 may be formed of a similar material. Furthermore, the brim 212 may be configured to completely circumnavigate the main shell portion 214 and may be of a fixed configuration (i.e., not adaptable to other configurations).

The brim 212 may include one or more gripping regions 216 having gripping elements 218 formed of rubber or other grip enhancing material known in the art. The gripping regions 216 may include recessed areas within which the gripping elements 218 reside. Each gripping region 216 may be strategically placed at an area where a user may grab for the brim 212, with either their right hand and/or their left hand. In the exemplary embodiment, the helmet 210 includes a right-forward gripping region, a left-forward griping region, a right-rear gripping region and a left-rear gripping region. The size and shape of the gripping regions may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the gripping elements 218 may also vary from one embodiment to the next. The exemplary embodiment includes gripping elements 218 in the form of circular (or semi-circular) nubs or protrusions, although gripping elements 218 having a different configuration, such as linear-fin-type protrusions, or finger-like protrusions may also be used.

The helmet 210 may also include an accessory mount 220 at a lateral portion of the helmet 210 and adjacent an intersection between the brim 212 and the main portion 214 of the shell. The accessory mount 220 may include a wall extending around an opening sized to receive a portion of an accessory attachable thereto.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.