IP Library Granted Patent US 11,339,904
Granted Patent B2
US 11,339,904 · App. 16/166,051 · Granted May 24, 2022

Magnetic hose coupling for helmet forced air hose

Inventors: Arvand Ghodrati (Walnut Creek, CA); William A. Hilgenberg (Ben Lomond, CA); Allen A. Bischofberger (Ben Lomond, CA)
Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
F16L37/004F16L15/006F16L21/06
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,339,904
App. No.
16/166,051
Granted
May 24, 2022
Kind
B2
Abstract

A magnetic hose coupling system for a helmet includes first and second coupling conduit segments magnetically coupled to each other. The first segment includes a hinged clamp at a first end to attach to a forced air intake barb on a motorsport helmet and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The second segment includes an internally threaded first end to attach to a forced air hose and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The polygonal mating surfaces of the first and second segments magnetically couple together and resist rotational and sheer movement of the first and second segments with respect to each other.

Claims (36)

1. A magnetic hose coupling system for a helmet, comprising:

a first coupling conduit segment configured to magnetically couple to a second coupling conduit segment, the first coupling conduit segment having:

a first end comprising a hinged clamp having a body, and a clasp hingedly coupled to the body, the first end comprising an internal ridge sized and adapted to receive and engage with a groove on a forced air intake barb on a motorsport helmet when the first end is coupled to the motorsport helmet, the hinged clamp proximate the first end; and

a second end, distal to the first end, the second end comprising a leading edge extending between inner and outer walls of the first coupling conduit segment, the leading edge comprising a first hexagonal mating surface and an annular ring extending inward at the leading edge from the outer wall, the leading edge further comprising a magnetic attractor at a surface of the first hexagonal mating surface on each of six sides of the first hexagonal mating surface; and

the second coupling conduit segment having:

a first end internally threaded and adapted to connect to a forced air hose; and

a second end, distal to the first end, the second end comprising a leading edge extending between inner and outer walls of the second coupling conduit segment, the leading edge comprising an annular ring extending inward at the leading edge from the outer wall, the leading edge further comprising a second hexagonal mating surface comprising a magnetic attractor at a surface of the second hexagonal mating surface on each of six sides of the second hexagonal mating surface, the second hexagonal mating surface angled to mate with the first hexagonal mating surface of the first coupling conduit segment; and

a longitudinal axis centered in both the second end of the first coupling conduit segment and the second end of the second coupling conduit segment;

wherein the magnetic attractors of at least one of the first hexagonal mating surface and the second hexagonal mating surface comprise magnets flush with the respective hexagonal mating surface at which it exists, the first hexagonal mating surface and the second hexagonal mating surface forming an angle with the longitudinal axis that is less than 80 degrees.

2. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the angle is less than 70 degrees.

3. The magnetic hose coupling system for the helmet of claim 1 , wherein the angle is 60 degrees or less.

4. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic attractors are each planar facets of the respective hexagonal mating surface at which it exists.

5. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , further comprising a motorsport helmet with a forced air intake barb having at least one groove on an outer surface of the intake barb, wherein the at least one groove is seated against the internal ridge of the first end of the first coupling conduit segment.

6. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , further comprising a seal ring positioned on the leading edge of either the first coupling conduit segment or the second conduit coupling segment that is positioned between the first coupling conduit segment and the second coupling conduit segment when the first hexagonal mating surface is mated with the first hexagonal mating surface.

7. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second hexagonal mating surfaces is inside of the other of the first and second hexagonal mating surfaces when the first coupling conduit segment is magnetically coupled to the second coupling conduit segment.

8. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic attractors for both the first and second hexagonal mating surfaces are magnets.

9. A magnetic hose coupling system for a helmet, the magnetic hose coupling system comprising:

a first coupling conduit segment configured to magnetically couple to a second coupling conduit segment, the first coupling conduit segment having:

a first end adapted to receive a forced air intake barb on a motorsport helmet when the first end is coupled to the motorsport helmet; and

a second end, distal to the first end, the second end comprising a leading edge between inner and outer walls of the first coupling conduit segment, the leading edge comprising a first polygonal mating surface and a first plurality of magnetic attractors each on different planar facets of the first polygonal mating surface; and

the second coupling conduit segment having:

a first end adapted to connect to a forced air hose; and

a second end, distal to the first end, the second end comprising a leading edge between inner and outer walls of the second coupling conduit segment, the leading edge comprising a second polygonal mating surface a second plurality of magnetic attractors each on different planar facets of the second polygonal mating surface, the second plurality of magnetic attractors positioned to align with the first plurality of magnetic attractors first polygonal mating surface; and

a longitudinal axis centered in both the second end of the first coupling conduit segment and the second end of the second coupling conduit segment;

wherein at least a portion of the plurality of magnetic attractors of at least one of the first polygonal mating surface and the second polygonal mating surface comprise magnets, the first polygonal mating surface and the second polygonal mating surface forming an angle with the longitudinal axis that is 80 degrees or less.

10. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein the first end of the first coupling conduit segment further comprising a clamp hingedly coupled to the first coupling conduit segment, the clamp movable between an open position in which the first coupling conduit segment is open and sized to receive the air intake barb of the helmet, and a closed position in which the first coupling conduit segment is closed.

11. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , the leading edge of each of the first and second coupling conduit segments further comprising an annular ring positioned to mate with each other when the first polygonal mating surface and the second polygonal mating surface are mated.

12. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 11 , further comprising an annular seal positioned between the leading edges of the first and second coupling conduit segments when the first polygonal mating surface and the second polygonal mating surface are mated.

13. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein the first end of the second coupling conduit segment is internally threaded.

14. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second polygonal mating surfaces comprise at least five planar facets.

15. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second polygonal mating surfaces comprises at least six planar facets.

16. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein the angle is 70 degrees or less.

17. The magnetic hose coupling system for the helmet of claim 9 , wherein the angle is 60 degrees or less.

18. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , further comprising a motorsport helmet with a forced air intake barb having at least one groove on an outer surface of the intake barb, wherein the at least one groove is seated against an internal notch of the first end of the first coupling conduit segment.

19. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second polygonal mating surfaces is inside of the other of the first and second polygonal mating surfaces when the first coupling conduit segment is magnetically coupled to the second coupling conduit segment.

20. The magnetic hose coupling system of claim 9 , wherein the magnetic attractors for both the first and second polygonal mating surfaces are magnets.

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: MICHAELS OF OREGON CO.; MILLETT INDUSTRIES, INC.; 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; 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 Nov 19, 2018
From: GHODRATI, ARVAND; HILGENBERG, WILLIAM A.; BISCHOFBERGER, ALLEN A.
To: BELL SPORTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 047537/0195 →
Continuity (1)
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