Integrated pump mechanism and inflatable liner for protective
AssigneeRiddell, Inc.
InventorsNelson Kraemer, Ralph Infusino
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention is a specific, illustrative embodiment of an integrated pump and inflatable liner assembly which comprises a hollow inflatable member for the reception and storage of fluid, the inflatable member having a selected configuration so as to line the protective headgear and partially encircle a user's head; the inflatable member housing at least one resilient member for protection of the user's head; and a pump formed integrally with the inflatable member for moving fluid therein. When the member is positioned inside a helmet, the pump is exposable for adjustment by the user. A bleed valve in the hollow member controls the passage of fluid from the hollow member.
Claims11
An inflatable liner for protective headgear, the liner comprising a hollow member for the reception and storage of fluid, the member having a configuration for lining the protective headgear and partially encircling a user's head, and housing at least one resilient member so as to protect the user's head;
- means detachable secured to the headgear interior for moving fluid into the member, the moving means being formed integrally with the member and being positioned adjacent to a first hole in the headgear such that the moving means is accessible to the user through the first hole, the first hole being proximate to an ear of the user;
- and means for controlling the passage of fluid from the hollow member, the control means being formed integrally with the member and being positioned adjacent to a second hole in the headgear such that the control means is accessible to the user through the second hole, the second hole being proximate to an ear of the user.
A protective headpiece which comprises:
- a headpiece shell having a hold proximate to one ear of a user,
- a protective liner positioned inside the shell, the liner comprising a hollow member for the reception and storage of fluid, the member having a configuration so as to line the shell and partially encircle the user's head,
- means formed integrally with the liner for moving fluid into the member, the moving means including a pump detachable secured to the shell interior for inflating the liner with fluid,
- at least one member in the hollow member for protection of the user's head, and
- means for controlling the passage of fluid from the hollow member, the control means being positioned adjacent to the hole such that the control means is accessible to the user through the hole.
A protective headpiece which comprises:
- a headpiece shell having a hole proximate to each ear of a user,
- a protective liner positioned inside the shell, the liner comprising a hollow member for the reception and storage of fluid, the member having a configuration so as to line the shell and partially encircle the user's head,
- means formed integrally with the liner for moving fluid into the member, the moving means including a pump detachably secured to the shell interior for inflating the liner with fluid, the pump being accessible to the user through one of the holes in the headpiece shell,
- at least one member in the hollow member for protection of the user's head, and
- means for controlling the passage of fluid from the hollow member, the control means being positioned adjacent to one of the holes such that the control means is accessible to the user through that hole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.