IP Library Granted Patent US 11,103,024
Granted Patent B2
US 11,103,024 · App. 16/017,664 · Granted Aug 31, 2021

Helmet with magnetically-operated air vent

Inventors: Allen A. Bischofberger (Ben Lomond, CA); Scott S. Whitesell (Boulder Creek, CA); Scott R. Allen (Scotts Valley, CA)
Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
A42B3/283A42B3/10
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,103,024
App. No.
16/017,664
Granted
Aug 31, 2021
Kind
B2
Abstract

A helmet may include a helmet body and an air vent assembly. The air vent assembly may include a vent body including a vent border and a vent base; a vent cover pivotally coupled to the vent base by at least a cover anchor; and at least a first magnet disposed on at least one of the vent cover and the vent body, and at least a second magnet or attractor disposed on the other of the vent cover and the vent body opposite the at least a first magnet. The vent cover may pivot to the open position or the closed position through interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet or attractor.

Claims (29)

1. A helmet comprising:

a helmet body including:

an outer shell; and

an energy management liner, a majority of the energy management liner disposed inside the outer shell; and

an air vent assembly disposed on the outer shell, the air vent assembly comprising:

a vent body comprising a vent border and a vent base receded from the vent border and comprising at least one opening through the vent base, the vent base and the vent border forming a recess;

a vent cover pivotally coupled to the vent base by at least a cover anchor, the vent cover configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position about a pivoting axis extending between the at least a cover anchor, and the vent cover covering at least a majority of the recess when the vent cover is in the closed position; and

at least a first magnet disposed on the vent cover; and

at least a second magnet disposed opposite the at least a first magnet on the vent body, wherein the at least a first magnet comprises a first polarity facing the at least a second magnet, the second at least a magnet comprises the first polarity facing the at least a first magnet such that the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet repel each other;

wherein the at least a first magnet is angled toward a first side of the at least a second magnet and the vent cover is angled toward a first side of the at least a second magnet through magnetic interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet when the vent cover is at the open position, and the at least a first magnet is angled toward a second side of the at least a second magnet and the vent cover is angled away from the second side of the at least a second magnet through the magnetic interaction when the vent cover is at the closed position.

2. The helmet of claim 1 , the at least a first magnet further comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion and the second portion of the at least a first magnet comprise separate magnets, wherein the first portion is magnetically coupled to the at least a second magnet when the vent cover is in the open position and the first portion is decoupled from the at least a second magnet when the vent cover is in the closed position, and wherein the second portion is magnetically coupled to the at least a second magnet when the vent cover is in the closed position and the second portion is decoupled from the at least a second magnet when the vent cover is in the open position.

3. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the helmet comprises two or more air vent assemblies each disposed in the outer shell.

4. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet are spaced apart and are not touching each other.

5. A helmet comprising:

a helmet body including an outer shell and an energy management liner, a majority of the energy management liner disposed inside the outer shell; and

an air vent assembly disposed in an outer surface of the outer shell, the air vent assembly comprising:

a vent body including a vent border and a vent base receded from the vent border, the vent base comprising at least one opening through the vent base, the vent base and the vent border forming a recess;

a vent cover pivotally coupled to the vent base by at least a cover anchor, the vent cover configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position about a pivoting axis extending between the at least a cover anchor, the vent cover covering at least a majority of the recess when the vent cover is in the closed position; and

at least a first magnet disposed on the vent cover, and at least a second magnet disposed on the vent body adjacent to and opposite the at least a first magnet; wherein the at least a first magnet comprises a first polarity facing the at least a second magnet, the second magnet comprising the first polarity facing the at least a first magnet such that the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet repel each other;

wherein the at least a first magnet is angled toward a first side of the at least a second magnet and the vent cover pivots to the open position through interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet when first pressure is exerted upon a first portion of the vent cover, and the at least a first magnet is angled toward a second side of the at least a second magnet and the vent cover pivots to the closed position through the interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet when second pressure is exerted upon a second portion of the vent cover opposite the first portion.

6. The helmet of claim 5 , wherein the helmet comprises two or more air vent assemblies each disposed in the outer shell.

7. The helmet of claim 5 , wherein the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet are spaced apart and are not touching each other.

8. An air vent assembly for a helmet, the air vent assembly comprising:

a vent body including a vent border and a vent base receded from the vent border, the vent base comprising at least one opening through the vent base, the vent base and the vent border forming a recess;

a vent cover pivotally coupled to the vent base by at least a cover anchor, the vent cover configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position about a pivoting axis extending between the at least a cover anchor, the vent cover covering at least a majority of the recess when the vent cover is in the closed position; and

at least a first magnet disposed on the vent cover, and at least a second magnet disposed on the vent body opposite the at least a first magnet, wherein the at least a first magnet comprises a first polarity facing the second magnet, the second magnet comprising the first polarity facing the first magnet such that the first magnet and the second magnet repel each other;

wherein first magnet is angled toward a first side of the second magnet the vent cover pivots to the open position through interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet when first pressure is exerted upon a first portion of the vent cover, and the vent cover pivots to the closed position through the interaction between the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet when pressure is exerted upon a second portion of the vent cover opposite the first portion;

wherein the first magnet is angled toward a first side of the second magnet when the vent cover is in the open position, and wherein the first magnet is angled toward a second side of the second magnet opposite the first side of the second magnet when the vent cover is in the closed position.

9. The air vent assembly of claim 8 , wherein the at least a first magnet and the at least a second magnet are spaced apart and are not touching each other.

Assignments (14)
ENTITY CONVERSION Recorded Sep 17, 2025
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.
To: BELL SPORTS LLC
Reel/Frame 072908/0382 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 25, 2025
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FOX HEAD, INC.; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; QUIETKAT, INC.; SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC; STONE GLACIER, INC.; WAWGD NEWCO, LLC; REVELYST OPERATIONS LLC; MILLETT INDUSTRIES
To: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 072238/0250 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 3, 2025
From: GACP FINANCE CO., LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: BUSHNELL INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC; BELL SPORTS, INC.; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.
Reel/Frame 069817/0138 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 3, 2025
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FOX HEAD, INC.; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; QUIETKAT, INC.; SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC; STONE GLACIER, INC.; WAWGD NEWCO, LLC; MILLETT INDUSTRIES; REVELYST OPERATIONS LLC
To: FORTRESS CREDIT CORP., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 069817/0586 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 27, 2024
From: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC; BEE STINGER, LLC; BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; MILLETT INDUSTRIES, INC.; STONEY POINT PRODUCTS, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 069460/0001 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF TERM LOAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 1, 2024
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC; BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; MILLETT INDUSTRIES, INC.; STONE GLACIER, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC; WAWGD NEWCO, LLC; FOX HEAD, INC.; SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS LLC
Reel/Frame 066959/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 5, 2022
From: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC; BEE STINGER, LLC; BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY; FOX HEAD, INC.; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; MILLETT INDUSTRIES; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; QUIETKAT, INC.; STONE GLACIER, INC.; STONEY POINT PRODUCTS, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC; VISTA OUTDOOR SALES LLC; WAWGD NEWCO, LLC; VISTA OUTDOOR INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 061521/0747 →
RELEASE OF ABL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT Recorded Apr 1, 2021
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC; C PREME LIMITED LLC
Reel/Frame 055796/0486 →
ABL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 1, 2021
From: AMMUNITION OPERATIONS LLC; BEE STINGER, LLC; BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; EAGLE INDUSTRIES UNLIMITED, INC.; FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY; GOLD TIP, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; MILLETT INDUSTRIES; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; STONEY POINT PRODUCTS INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
To: CAPITAL ONE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 056033/0349 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 11, 2019
From: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 049724/0931 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 15, 2019
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; SAVAGE ARMS, INC.; SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
To: GACP FINANCE CO., LLC
Reel/Frame 049515/0590 →
ABL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT Recorded Feb 25, 2019
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; SAVAGE ARMS, INC.; SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 048421/0556 →
TERM LOAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT Recorded Feb 22, 2019
From: BELL SPORTS, INC.; BUSHNELL HOLDINGS, INC.; BUSHNELL INC.; C PREME LIMITED LLC; CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC; NORTHSTAR OUTDOORS, LLC; LOGAN OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC; NIGHT OPTICS USA, INC.; SAVAGE ARMS, INC.; SAVAGE RANGE SYSTEMS, INC.; VISTA OUTDOOR OPERATIONS LLC
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 048413/0051 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 20, 2018
From: BISCHOFBERGER, ALLEN A.; WHITESELL, SCOTT S.; ALLEN, SCOTT R.
To: BELL SPORTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 046420/0914 →