Helmet comprising integrated rotational impact attenuation and fit system

Abstract

A helmet can include an energy absorbing shell including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. A fit system member can be coupled to a rear of the energy absorbing shell to adjust a fit of the helmet for a user. A sliding layer can include an outer sliding layer surface oriented towards the inner surface of the energy absorbing shell and an inner sliding layer surface opposite the outer surface. The sliding layer can include at least one attachment member and at least one integrated fit system arm. The at least one integrated fit system arm can be coupled to the fit system member. An elastomeric member can include a first end coupled to the energy absorbing shell and a second end coupled to the attachment member of the sliding layer. Comfort padding can be coupled to the inner surface of the Sliding layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet, comprising:
 an energy absorbing shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface;   a fit system member coupled to a rear of the energy absorbing shell and adjustable to fit the helmet for a user;   a sliding layer comprising an outer sliding layer surface oriented towards the inner surface of the energy absorbing shell and an inner sliding layer surface opposite the outer sliding layer surface, the sliding layer comprising at least one attachment member and at least one integrated fit system arm, wherein the at least one integrated fit system arm is coupled to the fit system member;   an elastomeric member comprising a first end coupled to the energy absorbing shell and a second end coupled to the at least one attachment member of the sliding layer; and   comfort padding coupled to the inner surface of the sliding layer.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the comfort padding is disposed over the second end of the elastomeric member and the at least one attachment member of the sliding layer. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one attachment member of the sliding layer is formed as an opening in the sliding layer;   the second end of the elastomeric member is disposed within the opening in the sliding layer; and   the first end of the elastomeric member is coupled to the energy absorbing shell with a pin.   
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising helmet straps coupled to the energy absorbing shell and threaded through the fit system member. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a second sliding layer disposed between the outer surface of the sliding layer and the outer surface of the energy absorbing shell. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the sliding layer is injection molded. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the fit system member is formed as a fit system cradle comprising a pinion; and   the at least one integrated fit system arm comprises a first fit system arm and a second fit system arm, the first fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a first side of the pinion and a the second fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a second side of the pinion.   
     
     
         8 . A helmet, comprising:
 an energy absorbing shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface;   a fit system member disposed inward of the energy absorbing shell and adjustable to adjust a fit of the helmet;   a sliding layer comprising an outer sliding layer surface oriented towards the inner surface of the energy absorbing shell and an inner sliding layer surface opposite the outer surface, the sliding layer comprising an attachment member and at least one fit system arm, wherein the at least one fit system arm is coupled to the fit system member; and   an elastomeric member comprising a first end coupled to the energy absorbing shell and a second end coupled to the attachment member of the sliding layer.   
     
     
         9 . The helmet of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the attachment member of the sliding layer is formed as an opening in the sliding layer;   the second end of the elastomeric member is disposed within the opening in the sliding layer; and   the first end of the elastomeric member is coupled to the energy absorbing shell.   
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 8 , further comprising helmet straps coupled to the energy absorbing shell and threaded through the fit system member. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 8 , further comprising a second sliding layer disposed between the outer surface of the sliding layer and the outer surface of the energy absorbing shell. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 8 , wherein the sliding layer is injection molded. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the fit system member is formed as a fit system cradle comprising a pinion; and   the at least one integrated fit system arm comprises a first fit system arm and a second fit system arm, the first fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a first side of the pinion and a the second fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a second side of the pinion.   
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 8 , wherein the fit system cradle is coupled to the energy absorbing shell with a pin. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet, comprising:
 an energy absorbing shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface;   a fit system member disposed inward of the energy absorbing shell;   a sliding layer comprising at least one fit system arm coupled to the fit system member; and   an elastomeric member coupled to the energy absorbing shell and the sliding layer.   
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 15 , further comprising the comfort padding disposed over where the elastomeric member is coupled to the sliding layer. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the sliding layer comprises an opening disposed in the sliding layer;   the elastomeric member comprises a second end disposed within the opening in the sliding layer; and   the elastomeric member comprises a first end coupled to the energy absorbing shell with a pin.   
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 15 , further comprising a second sliding layer disposed between the outer surface of the sliding layer and the outer surface of the energy absorbing shell. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the fit system member is formed as a fit system cradle comprising a pinion; and   the at least one integrated fit system arm comprises a first fit system arm and a second fit system arm, the first fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a first side of the pinion and a the second fit system arm comprising teeth contacting a second side of the pinion.   
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 15 , wherein the sliding layer is formed with injection molding.