Helmets with Facemask Gaskets

Abstract

A helmet comprises a shell, a gasket, and a facemask. A recessed region is formed on an exterior surface of the shell of the helmet. The gasket is disposed on the recessed region of the shell. The facemask is disposed on the gasket.

Therefore, the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A helmet, comprising:
 a helmet shell comprising an exterior surface, wherein a recessed region is formed on the exterior surface of the helmet shell;   a compressible gasket disposed in the recessed region of the helmet shell; and   a facemask attached to the helmet shell and the compressible gasket, wherein the facemask is disposed on the compressible gasket.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gasket prevents the facemask from directly contacting the helmet shell. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gasket comprises an elastomeric gasket. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener that retains the facemask to the helmet shell, wherein the fastener extends through a hole that is formed in the compressible gasket. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gasket comprises a grommet for a fastener that retains the facemask to the helmet shell. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the facemask comprises a flange that directly contacts the compressible gasket. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet comprises an athletic helmet. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the helmet comprises a football helmet. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet, comprising:
 a helmet shell;   a facemask attached to the helmet shell; and   means for dissipating energy from the facemask, wherein the means for dissipating the energy is disposed between the helmet shell and the facemask.   
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the means for dissipating the energy prevents the facemask from directly contacting the helmet shell. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the means for dissipating the energy comprises a gasket. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the means for dissipating the energy is embodied as a single component. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the means for dissipating the energy comprises a plurality of components that are separate relative to each other. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the means for dissipating the energy is disposed in a recessed region of the helmet shell. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 9 , wherein the facemask comprises a flange that is disposed on the means for dissipating the energy. 
     
     
         16 . A method, comprising:
 disposing a gasket on a helmet shell; and   attaching a facemask to the helmet shell so that the gasket is disposed between the helmet shell and the facemask;   wherein the gasket is configured to dissipate energy from the facemask.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising inserting a fastener through a hole in the gasket to retain the facemask to the helmet shell. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising cutting the gasket from a sheet of gasket material. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising forming the gasket from a mold. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the gasket comprises at least one of a visco-elastic polymeric solid, linear or non-linear elastic, or a viscoplastic solid.