Abstract: A helmet (1, 100, 200) for protecting a user's head (90), comprising a cap (2) for protecting the user's cranium (92) and a chin guard (3) for protecting the user's chin (93), wherein the chin guard (3) is adapted to move between a first protecting position (31) and a second protecting position (32) under the action of a force (50) acting in the direction of the chin (93) of a user wearing on said helmet (1), the chin guard (3) in said second protecting position (32) being nearer to the user's chin (93) with respect to the chin guard (3) in said first protecting position (31).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the concussive effects of impact. The system includes a helmet for protecting the head of a user. The helmet has a surface, an array of strain gauges attached on the surface for detecting an impact, an array of cells attached within the helmet and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the cells. Each cell is selectively inflatable to redirect impact forces to the shell of the helmet, and selectively deflatable to cushion a users head during impact. The process of inflation and deflation is enabled and optimized through the use of a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves. Accordingly, when the system detects impact, the microprocessor selectively signals at least some of the valves to rapidly change pressure in the cells near the impact.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet vent and venting system that is low profile and does not take up much space on the helmet shell. A motorcycle vent that pivots internally to allow air flow and pivots such that the vent tab may penetrate the outer plane of the helmet shell. A motorcycle helmet with raised portions in its shell rearward of vents in the helmet shell.

Abstract: An ear pad for use with a headphone apparatus. The ear pad comprises a pad portion comprising an outer circumference and an inner circumference defining an opening. The pad portion comprises an upper width between the outer and inner circumferences along a vertical mid-line of the pad portion, a lower width between the outer and inner circumferences along the vertical mid-line of the pad portion, a left side width between the outer and inner circumferences along a horizontal mid-line of the pad portion, and a right side width between the outer and inner circumferences along the horizontal mid-line of the pad portion. The lower width of the pad portion is greater than at least one of the left and right side widths of the pad portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include helmet liners, helmets, helmets with deflective structures, helmets with thermochromic features, and methods of making helmet liners, helmets, helmets with deflective structures, and helmets with thermochromic features.

Abstract: Protective structures, such as helmets, may have a shell including an outer shell and a tunnel element integral to the outer shell. The tunnel element may have a first opening at an outer surface side of the shell and a second opening at an inner surface side of the shell so that air flow may occur between the openings and wherein the tunnel element is fused to the outer shell. An impact liner may be directly in-molded to shells suitable for use in motorcycle helmets and other helmets that must meet certain standards. The impact liner may include one or more venting channels that are coupled to a tunnel integral to the shell structure.

Abstract: A hardhat provides ventilation and controlled lighting. A crown of a modified semi-spherical shape terminates downwardly with a generally oval peripheral edge in a horizontal plane, the crown having a plurality of apertures therein arranged in spaced apart sequence, and a flexible venting strip fixed forwardly on the crown and extending over the apertures, the venting strip positionable in each of a plurality of arcs above the crown, wherein each one of the arcs provides a selectable ventilation conductance into the hardhat. A brim is joined integrally to the peripheral edge of the crown extending outwardly.

Abstract: In combination, a hard hat lanyard and a hard hat includes a lower strap having a first end and a second end, a lower strap fastening mechanism fastened to the lower strap second end where the fastening mechanism is adapted to fasten the lower strap second end to an article of clothing, an upper strap having a first end and a second end, an intermediate release mechanism fastened to the lower strap first end and the upper strap second end that is adapted to releasably secure the lower strap to the upper strap, and an upper strap fastening mechanism where the lower strap, the lower strap fastening mechanism, the upper strap, the intermediate release mechanism, and the upper strap fastening mechanism form the hard hat lanyard that attaches to the hard hat where the upper strap is fastened around a non-separating portion of the hard hat without modifying the hard hat.

Abstract: A respirator mask has a removably mounted support frame that adjustably and removably mounts a corrective lens frame. The corrective lens frame further has a molded bridge with a biasing member embedded therein. A pivotal tab on the support frame is received in one of a plurality of detents on the lens frame for releasably securing the lens frame in the desired position on the support frame. Laterally disposed mounting lugs on the support frame are received in integrally molded pockets in the respirator mask.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a ventilated orthotic cranioplasty helmet for treating positional plagiocephaly in infants. Specifically, a system and method are disclosed in which patient-specific parameters such as head size, patient age, degree of patient sweating, diameter of patient's hair, average length of patient's hair, and sweat range are input into a computer implemented algorithm along with a user-proposed ventilation hole array to determine an optimal ventilation hole arrangement. The computer may be connected either directly or indirectly to an automated hole drilling machine to drill the hole array in the specified portion of the helmet. The same computer implemented algorithm can be used to revise the ventilation hole array to accommodate changes in patient physiology during treatment to thereby achieve an optimal ventilation hole design throughout the treatment process.

Abstract: A resilient shock-absorbing device includes an absorber body having a first absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed first longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent first longitudinal ends of two adjacent first outer tube halves, and a plurality of first heat-seal seams each interconnecting two adjacent first longitudinal ends that contact each other, and a second absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed second longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent second longitudinal ends of two adjacent second outer tube halves, and a plurality of second heat-seal seams each extending longitudinally and interconnecting two adjacent second longitudinal ends that contact each other. A plurality of first and second foam members are respectively filled in the first and second outer tube halves.

Abstract: A hockey helmet (20) comprising a front helmet portion (22) and a rear helmet portion (24) disposed to be moveable relative to each other so as to define an internal cavity of varying volume, a securing member (26) being mounted to a location on the front helmet portion (22) adjacent the temple thereof, the securing member (26) being slidable between a first or open position and a second or closed position, the rear helmet portion (24) having a restraint (28) configured and disposed to be complimentary to the securing member (26) such that when the securing member (26) cooperatively engages the restraint (28), the relative displacement of the front helmet portion (22) and the rear helmet portion (24) is inhibited. The restraint (28) comprises a number of positions in which the securing member (26) can be cooperatively engaged such that the volume of the helmet (20) may be modified.

Abstract: A head-positioning aid for treating or preventing plagiocephaly and torticollis is formed of a soft, compliant beanie-style cap. A soft and pliable deflector is attached to the beanie cap and extends downward from near the apex to near the lower edge of the cap. The cap is applied on an infant's head in an orientation to place the deflector at any required position about the circumference of the head. The cap and deflector are united by themed indicia designed to bring family acceptance of the cap to promote acceptance and thereby support long term usage, as may be required.

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a circumferential band with biasing means support at the crown of the head on the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from just below the forehead of a patient to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support hold a nasal or face mask apposed to the face of a patient. The circumferential band is stabilized by a band extending from the circumferential band at the region of the ear to the biasing means support.

Abstract: A fixing structure for safety helmet fastening strap, including a frame body mounted under a bottom of a helmet shell. The frame body has multiple fixing seats each of which is formed with a passage and an opening through which a fastening strap can pass. The fixing seat has arms extending from the fixing seat. The fixing seats are securely connected with the frame body with better load capability. Accordingly, the fixing seats can bear the extrusion force of the injection molded foam material without deflection or displacement. The helmet shell, the frame body and the fixing seats are bonded with a foam material filler to together form an integrated body. The arms of the fixing seats help the fixing seats and the frame body to hold the foam material filler.

Abstract: A helmet system that employs an outer shell and a unitary inner shell formed with compatible grooves and ridges respectively. The outer shell is formed with a switch. The outer shell and inner shell are further secured together via magnetic force or a system of springs and levers in conjunction with the switch that allows for a user of the helmet system to seamlessly remove the outer shell through either a set amount of breakaway force or by using the switch.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising a shell (1) whereon are rotatably mounted a visor (2) and a chin strap (3), the lower portion of the visor (2) being urged to rest on a zone (4) of the chin strap (3) when they are lowered and the chin strap (3) capable of being raised about the visor (2). The invention is characterized in that the helmet is such that it comprises additional means for moving the visor (2) configured to bring its lower edge closer to or move it away from the raising trajectory of the support zone (4) on the chin strap (3).

Abstract: A non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types. In a preferred embodiment, the skin includes an upper curved surface having an opening, and a narrowing base portion. Each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are preferably stretchable. The base portion also preferably has a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves. The upper curved surface preferably has a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions. An opening may be provided, in the skin, for use in attaching goggles, straps or other accessories associated with the helmet. Preferably, the helmet skin is capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, types and sizes.

Abstract: A helmet with an illumination device with at least one electric light source arranged on the outside of the helmet shell, a sensor for detecting the arrangement of the helmet on a head, an electric control device and an electric voltage source electrically connected with the electric light source and the sensor, wherein the electric control device is designed such that it switches on the electric light source or only permits the switching on of the electric light source when the sensor detects the arrangement of the helmet on a head.

Abstract: Trauma cervical stability devices for use by ambulatory personnel arriving at the scene of an injured patient are disclosed. The trauma cervical stability devices comprise a cap element, releasable and adjustable head straps, a shoulder harness, and at least one adjustable member operatively connected to the cap element and the shoulder harness. The trauma cervical stability devices are compact, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be placed on a patient with little or no movement of the patient. The trauma cervical stability devices are also useful in diagnosing the severity of damage to a neck and the stability of the patient's neck by applying forces to the patient's head using the trauma cervical stability device. In another embodiment of the devices the devices comprise head straps 210, shoulder harnesses 220, lateral head elements 212, and adjustable pressure fixation elements 214. The fixation elements may be vacuum pillows.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for use with headgear that includes a headtop and a shield, and a method for coupling the headtop to the shield using the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can include a housing, a socket dimensioned to be received in the housing and having a plurality of first engagement features, and a post having a plurality of second engagement features adapted to engage the first engagement features. The pivot assembly can further include a spring dimensioned to be received in the housing to bias the first engagement features and the second engagement features into engagement, while allowing relative rotation between the post and the socket. A method can include moving the socket in a first direction into the housing, moving the post in a second direction that is different from the first direction toward engagement with the socket, and moving the spring in the first direction into the housing.

Abstract: The impact protection cap manufactured from a bendable synthetic material comprises at least one middle shell (3), connected in the forehead area of the wearer by means of flexible areas (12, 13) to lateral shells (1, 2) appended to the sides thereof, characterized in that the lateral shells (1, 2) extend at least partially over the middle shell (3) thereby building overlapping areas (22, 22?) wherebetween ventilation slots (7, 8) are formed.

Abstract: A safety helmet visor setting mechanism includes a shell having an indent at each side and a long opening behind the indent at one side. An anchored unit fits in the long opening and has two grooves. A hold plate has two push chunks placed in the two grooves respectively. A link bar, fixed in the anchored unit and jostled with the hold plate, can be moved by the drive of the push chunk. A cover, capping the anchored unit, jostles with the link bar and the hold plate for a lockup. A first visor joint, positioned inside the shell in one side, has a bottom end pinned joined with the top end of the link bar, and has a top end provided with a cave. A second visor joint, positioned inside the shell in the other side has a springy slice forming an accommodation space with the shell. A visor has a clasp slice at each side penetrating the caves and the accommodation spaces of both the first visor joint and the second visor joint for assembly.

Abstract: A safety helmet visor setting mechanism includes a shell having a shaft base inside at each side, with one side provided with a shell base provided with an internal lodging space and with an external wall. A control mechanism, located at the right side of the shell, has a knob for turning and driving an actuating element that again links a handle to rotate a displacement. The knob and the actuating element are provided with a fixed dish in between and provided with corresponding oblique chunks and sliders in between. The fixed dish and the handle are provided with corresponding clasp segments and lumps. A joint mechanism, set up on the shaft base of both sides of the shell, includes a first visor joint and a second visor joint each provided with hollows. The first visor joint and the handle of the control mechanism are linked by a rod. A visor has a clasp slice at each of both sides for insertion into the hollow of the visor joint.

Abstract: A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet restraint system for restraining the forward and downward movement of a helmet having an unfavorable center of gravity. A buckle strap having a first end and a second end is configured to be movably disposed in a wearer's garment. The buckle strap is preloaded between its first end, which is attached to the adjustment mechanism, and its second end, which is attached to an emergency release, and is extended in a loop coming out from first and second openings respectively in the collar of the garment for connection with a snap hook on the helmet.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body includes a channel extending along at least a portion of the cap section and/or at least a portion of the side and back sections. A transparent face member is held by the hood body. An adjustable head harness assembly is held by the hood body. The adjustable head harness assembly includes an elastic member extending through the channel for securing the hood body on the wearer's head.

Abstract: The invention provides a shield structure which is compatible for a plurality of helmets in spite that an auxiliary shield mounting mechanism has a comparatively simple structure, is less expensive, and provides a good appearance as a whole. According to one aspect of the invention, each of left and right auxiliary shield mounting mechanisms which are disposed on a main shield includes an inner auxiliary shield mounting portion and outer auxiliary shield mounting portion in common.

Abstract: A protective helmet is composed of an external crown made from plastic material, and a semi-rigid neckband adjustable by adjustment means. To ensure that the helmet is efficiently secured on the user's head regardless of his or her hair-style, the neckband is in the shape of an Omega composed of lateral securing zones and a curved central part for free passage of the user's hair worn in a pony tail. The ends of the lateral securing zones of the neckband are joined to the adjustment means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helmet suitable for use in an operating room setting, an emergency room setting, a hospital setting, or a lab. The helmet of the present invention provides one or more of the following features: (i) superior barrier protection to a surgeon (or other operating room personnel) during a surgical procedure, (ii) a desired degree of air flow through the helmet so as to minimize the potential for carbon dioxide buildup within the helmet, and (iii) an integrated battery pack positioned within the helmet.

Abstract: The combination chin protector and mouth guard provides a device for protecting both the user's teeth and chin. The device is particularly adapted for use in combination with a motorcycle or motocross helmet, for example. The combination chin protector and mouth guard includes a chin protector having opposed front and rear faces, and a mouth guard, adapted for insertion into the mouth of the user, having a front face adapted for positioning against the lips of the user and at least one substantially U-shaped recess being formed in the mouth guard to receive and protect the user's teeth. A support having opposed upper and lower ends is further provided, the upper end thereof being attached to the mouth guard, and the lower end thereof being secured to the chin protector in order to tether the mouth guard to the chin protector.

Abstract: A safety helmet (1) has a circumferential module ring (2), made especially of a thermoplastic plastic. The module ring (2), has a plurality of plug-in slots (3), which are located at spaced locations from one another in the direction of the module ring (2). This provides standardized simultaneous mounting possibilities for various functional accessories with plug elements complementary to the plug-in slots (3).

Abstract: Sensing a force and/or a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a conformal sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the surface. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface to ensure accurate sensing. Examples of arbitrarily-shaped surfaces include body parts of a person (e.g., a head). A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer.

Abstract: Sensing a change in motion proximate to a body part of a person via one or more sensing elements disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the body part. A proximity of the sensing element(s) to the body part is detected, and power is coupled to or decoupled from the sensing element(s) based at least in part on the detected proximity.

Abstract: An electronic helmet is provided that includes a helmet body and an integrated electronic system disposed in the helmet body, providing a number of convenient functions. The helmet body has a hard outer shell and a hard inner shell mounted to the outer shell such that a cavity is defined between the outer and the inner shells. The inner shell can include suitable material to provide the wearer effective RF shielding from the electronic system, such as, nickel-plated carbon fiber to provide RF shielding. The helmet body further includes a shock-absorbent structure disposed between the inner shell and the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A winter liner system, including a hunter knit liner for wear underneath a protective helmet. The hunter knit liner fully encircles, and partially covers, the head of the wearer and includes a decorative exterior layer, an interior layer, and an interior foam layer sandwiched therebetween. The liner has two ear flaps extending downwardly to cover ears, and a looping band on each ear flap for holding the chinstrap of the helmet. At least one ear flap includes a side pocket integrated therein. The liner includes an elongated bill extending downwardly and horizontally across the front portion. The bill has an exterior surface which adheres directly to the front of the helmet. A plurality of snapping mechanisms, which include male snap heads embedded within the helmet and cooperating female snap receptacles integrated into the liner, removably securing the liner into the helmet.

Abstract: A pad (10), a plurality of which can be positioned in a helmet (21) or the like for comfort and protection, includes a first generally rectangular fabric material (11) having truncated corners (25). A first generally rectangular foam material (12) having truncated corners (24) includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces (18), the top surface being attached to the first fabric material (11). A second generally rectangular foam material (14) having truncated corners (22) includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces (19) having a scallop (23), the top surface being attached to the bottom surface of the first foam material (14). A second generally rectangular fabric material (16) having truncated corners (22) and sides having a scallop (23) is attached to the bottom surface of the second foam material (14). The side surfaces (18, 19) of the first and second foam materials (12, 14) are exposed.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for universally rotatably adjusting a night vision device with respect to a helmet is provided that includes a first attachment mechanism for connection to the night vision device; a second attachment mechanism for connection to the helmet; and a universally rotatable joint for universally rotatably adjusting the night vision device with respect to the helmet.

Abstract: The SMSAH 06 helmet is intended to provide the Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator exceptional situational awareness from the time he exits the aircraft until he lands and beyond. During the military freefall (MFF) operation, the helmet's night vision and global positioning systems will enable the user to know exactly where his intended drop zone (DZ) is and where he is in relation to his team-mates. The user will also be provided a turn by turn audible guide and visual reference towards his target. The SMSAH 06 system also incorporates the following existing technologies of a Heads-up display (HUD) screen, altimeter, Infra-red (IR), laser range finder, communications systems and emergency signaling system. Finally, use of the SMSAH 06 drastically reduces the likelihood of MFF operators sustaining serious injuries during landings or suffering mid-air collisions because of their inability to visualize their surroundings and thus enhances the chances of mission accomplishment.

Abstract: Articles of apparel provide at least one protective characteristic. The articles of apparel may include a generally annular first element, such as a neckband, and a second, retractable element that is operably secured to the first element. The second element may provide at least one protective characteristic. The first element may (or may not) include a receptacle into which the second element is retractable.

Abstract: A helmet for use by an operator or rider of a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle or snowmobile, includes a ventilation system with an air intake subsystem, an air diffusion subsystem, and an air exhaust subsystem. The air intake subsystem includes a plurality of air intake vents located in the outer shell of the helmet, as well as a plurality of air intake holes located within the foam liner of the helmet. The air diffusion subsystem includes a plenum located between an upper portion and a lower portion of the foam liner, which can act as a pressure chamber to forcefully direct air onto the user's head. The air exhaust subsystem includes one or more exhaust ports that create a vacuum near the back of the helmet to draw large volumes of airflow through the helmet as it travels forward.

Abstract: A mouth guard having a proximity sensor, an impact sensor, a processor in signal communication with the sensor, a memory in data communication with the processor, a transmitter in signal communication with the processor, and a battery. The processor is configured to allow data transmission the mouth guard has been inserted into a mouth. The processor is also configured to instruct the transmitter to transmit a signal if an impact above a predefined first threshold is sensed.

Abstract: A protective helmet cap having improved ventilation. The helmet cap includes a cap piece, a cap bill, and a plurality of apertures designed to increase ventilation of the wearer's head under the cap piece. The helmet cap offers impact protection to the wearer's head while also being more comfortable to wear due to the increased ventilation. The helmet cap may also includes structure that helps secure the helmet cap to the wearer's head. The helmet cap may be constructed from a variety of different materials, and may also include additional additives designed to enhance selected characteristics of the helmet cap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to protective helmets having vents with a manually operable vent shutter and methods of using same. In one embodiment, a helmet includes an outer shell, an upper liner, a lower liner, and a vent shutter positioned within a space defined by the upper and lower liners. The helmet includes at least one vent formed through the outer shell, upper liner, and lower liner. The helmet further includes an actuator assembly operable to move the vent shutter to open and close the at least one vent. The actuator assembly includes an engagement member, such as a gear. The engagement member engages the vent shutter and effects movement of the vent shutter when rotated relative to the vent shutter about the rotation axis. In another embodiment, the upper liner may be omitted and the vent shutter may be disposed between the interior of the outer shell and the lower liner.

Abstract: A head strap for helmets, particularly welders' helmets, is configured in three parts and can therefore be provided with a separate forehead band. The head strap offers the possibility of connecting the helmet with the head strap in resilient or fixed manner, and, in this connection, of displacing the helmet relative to the head strap and/or rotating it between defined positions. Additional convenient adjustment possibilities for the back-of-the-head band and the head band are also implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a cap includes a rigid liner that is secured to an interior or exterior of the cap to provide impact protection over a portion of the forehead region, crown and temple area. An absorbent liner is preferably included if the cap does not include an interior liner. The absorbent liner absorbs perspiration from the brow of the wearer. An optional energy attenuating liner can also be included as an inner layer that is disposed adjacent to the rigid liner and intermediate the head of the wearer to more safely distribute kinetic energy. The energy attenuating liner can include a material that provides single-use only or multiple-use capability. The rigid liner and other components are either permanently attached to the cap or they may be detachably-attachable with respect to the cap or with respect to a remainder of the apparatus and replaced, as desired. Any preferred material may be used for any component part of the protective shield for a cap.

Abstract: This protective helmet comprises a rigid or semi-rigid external shell comprising a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid flaps joined together and a compressively deformable internal liner acting as a shock absorber, the latter also comprising several elements associated with said flaps. At least some of the flaps that constitute the external shell are capable of moving relative to each other at their respective means of connection and the elements that constitute the internal liner associated with the flaps in question are designed so that they retract inside the volume defined by the helmet during relative displacement of the corresponding flaps.

Abstract: A helmet liner that is infinitely adjustable by the user in the field is provided. The helmet liner includes front, center and rear cushioning portions with integrally formed spaces between the front and center portions, and the rear and center portions. The integrally formed spaces provide the liner with the ability to independently flex [in one degree of freedom] and bend [in a second degree of freedom] to collapse the spaces without any overlapping of cushioning portions and thereby conform the liner to the hemi-spherical shape of the wearer's head. The spaces provide ventilation for the wearer's head. The helmet liner may also provide for variable thickness of one or more of cushioning portions as well as antimicrobial treatment of the fabric.

Abstract: A safety fastener for mounting fitting equipment such as suspension and retention systems onto a ballistic helmet. The nut portion of the fastener fits substantially within a grommet that is attached to a strap that forms part of the suspension or retention systems. The nut retains, rather than clamps, the grommet to the helmet. The grommet can be pulled off the nut. The pull-out force is less than the fastener fracture force. The configuration of the fastener allows ballistic threat energy to be absorbed by helmet deformation and delamination along with grommet pull-out to provide energy dissipation in stages which avoids the creation of secondary projectiles from the fastener itself.