Abstract: A protective head-gear apparatus and a method for making the same is disclosed. The protective head-gear apparatus is buoyant and includes a cap and ear-guard that covers a user's ears while wearing the cap. The ear-guards include pads of cushions that are formed from a buoyant material and which are vented to allow water to pass through the ear-guard elements and allow the user to hear wearing the protective head-gear apparatus. In further embodiments of the invention, the ear-guards include outer shells or covers that are also vented. The ear-guard elements are permanently attached to the cap or alternatively are configured to detachably couple to the cap through an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A head and neck support device for an occupant of a vehicle with a shoulder harness over the shoulders of the occupant and a helmet on a head of the occupant. The head and neck support device having a yoke, a tether, and at least one sleeve member, which has a cavity defined therethrough. The tether is configured to slide through the sleeve member cavity for a defined distance, which allows the occupant a greater range of side-to-side rotary head mobility.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer includes a helmet body and a strap for coupling the helmet to the head, the strap being secured to the helmet body. The strap has two halve each with a front portion for passing under the wearer's chin and a rear portion for passing around the side and rear of the head. The front portion of each strap half has an end that is secured to the helmet body at a first location at the side and the second portion has an end that is secured to the helmet body towards the rear. An elastically deformable pad such as a suction cup is located in a pocket towards the end of the second portion. This provides additional grip, comfort and security.

Abstract: A sports helmet having a front shell and a rear shell, and a plurality of straps interconnecting the front and rear shells. At least one of the straps is connected to the front shell along an inner surface thereof, and a portion of the at least one of the straps extending from the rear shell to the connection with the front shell is completely contained inside the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet having a shell configured to fit about a head of a wearer of the helmet. The shell includes a top portion that defines a front edge and a bottom portion adjoining the top portion. The bottom portion defines a first side edge integral with a first end of the front edge and a second side edge integral with a second end of the front edge. The front edge, first side edge, and second side edge define a segment of a circumference of the shell. The helmet includes a faceguard comprising a faceguard assembly formed in a substantially closed loop. A top portion of the faceguard assembly overlies the top portion of the shell and substantially overlies and coincides with an entire shape of the front edge. At least a segment of a top portion of the faceguard assembly makes direct contact with the top portion of the shell.

Abstract: A head support system includes a helmet that has an upper surface and a bottom edge. A strap has a pair of ends. Each of the ends is attached to the bottom edge so that the strap traverses an open bottom side of the helmet. A plurality of belts is provided. Each of the belts has a first end and a second end. Each of the second ends is attached to a bottom side of a vehicle roof. A coupling apparatus is attached to each of the first ends of the belts and to the helmet to suspend the helmet from the roof. The helmet may be positioned on a person's head to prevent excessive vertical movement of the person's head.

Abstract: A chin strap retainer for gathering the forward and rearward chin straps of a headgear into a substantially overlapping arrangement having the appearance of a single strap link. A substantially circular frame of the chin strap retainer defines an open interior region. A primary cross member extends across a central portion of the open interior region and a pair of secondary cross members are disposed on either side of the primary cross member. The frame and the cross members are part of a single integral workpiece. A pair of strap openings are provided between the primary cross member and the secondary cross members. A pair of apertures are provided between said secondary cross members and the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is longitudinally movable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. One or more substantially rigid straps or similar elements are attached to the front shell and extend to the interior of the rear shell. A cam mechanism or similar device is included on the rear shell for securing the straps directly or indirectly against the interior of the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the front shell relative to the rear shell once the helmet is adjusted to a desired length. Alternatively, the one or more straps may be attached to the rear shell and the cam mechanism may be included on the front shell.

Abstract: Headgear of the type having an outer layer and a relatively flexible inner layer includes a belt which extends around the inner layer within the outer layer, and a tensioning device which can tension the belt causing the belt to urge the inner layer inward away from the outer layer and against the helmet wearer's head. Preferably, the tensioning device includes a chinstrap assembly releasably fastened to the front of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet with a helmet shell (3) which, when it is in use, at least partly encloses the user's head with the exception of the face area, a chin guard (1) which, when it is in use, encloses the lower parts of the user's face area, as well as a visor (4) preferably arranged in a pivoting manner on the helmet shell (3) for covering the visual field opening between helmet shell (3) and chin guard (1), with the chin guard (1) comprising two sections (1a, 1b) which are movable relative to each other. It is provided in accordance with the invention that each of the two chin guard sections (1a, 1b) is pivotally arranged on the helmet shell (3), and said pivoting arrangement of the chin guard sections (1a, 1b) on the helmet shell (3) takes place every time by means of a flexible plate element (2) which connects the helmet shell (3) to the corresponding chin guard section (1a, 1b).

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: Described herein are various protective helmets, including helmets designed for equestrian use. In one embodiment, an equestrian helmet (1) includes a front shell (2) and a rear shell (3). Shell (3) is moveable with respect to shell (1) to provide the helmet with two configurations. The first of these is an open configuration where the helmet is configured for receiving within the helmet or removing from the helmet a human head (4). The second configuration is a closed where shell (3) is releasably lockingly engaged to shell (2) for securely containing head (4) within helmet (1).

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutching mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism also prevents the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A system of tethers for controlling a driver's head during operation of a vehicle, comprising: at least two frontal straps having first ends attached to a helmet and second ends attached to shoulder straps, torso strap and/or vehicle's seat belt; at least two rear straps having first ends attached to a helmet and second ends attached to shoulder straps or the support member; and wherein the frontal and rear straps are taunt during normal operation.

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: The present invention generally relates to protective headgear worn by a user to protect his eyes, head, and face. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a protective headgear assembly used by welders and the like wherein a headgear strap can be tightened or loosened upon the ratcheting of a knob connected to the headgear strap. The headgear strap can also be automatically disengaged for removal of the headgear by pulling the knob away from the user's head.

Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed which limits the range of motion of a driver's helmet, and consequently the flexure of an individual's neck. In particular, the proposed system is laterally symmetric and comprises an arrangement of straps including a first strap extending from the “chin” of the helmet downwardly over the shoulder to an attachment point near the shoulder blade. A second strap extend form the occipital region forward over the shoulder and is attached on the chest. A separate strap also extends from the chin to the mid-point of the second strap. A fourth strap extends from the occipital region to the mid-point of the first strap. In addition, a harness is disclosed comprising a strap which encircles the check and straps which encircle the thighs, and use of a VELCRO fastener to anchor the restraint system to the harness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a helmet, in particular a protective helmet for emergency services or intervention forces. Said helmet comprises a dome (1), which is provided with internal padding and lateral convex sections (1a) in the ear regions for accommodating ear defender capsules (5). The dome (1) and the lateral convex sections (1a) in the ear regions consist preferably of a single deep-drawn titanium sheet.

Abstract: In combination, a hard hat lanyard and a hard hat for securing the hard hat to a wearer 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 a wearer's 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 an inner brim of the hard hat without modifying the hard hat.

Abstract: A restraint system is disclosed which limits the range of motion of a driver's helmet, and consequently the flexure of an individual's neck. In particular, the proposed system is laterally symmetric and comprises an arrangement of straps including a first strap extending from the “chin” of the helmet downwardly over the shoulder to an attachment point near the shoulder blade. A second strap extend form the occipital region forward over the shoulder and is attached on the chest. A separate strap also extends from the chin to the mid-point of the second strap. A fourth strap extends from the occipital region to the mid-point of the first strap. In addition, a harness is disclosed comprising a strap which encircles the check and straps which encircle the thighs, and use of a VELCRO fastener to anchor the restraint system to the harness.

Abstract: Provided is also an apparatus and method for preventing, reducing, or curing snoring, snoring-related apnea, and/or chocking during snoring, the apparatus comprising a cap body, a cap strap, a chin support belt, an cap edge of the cap body, a first belt buckle, a cavity, a chin support plate, a second belt buckle, and flat straps. The cap opening and the cap strap are disposed on the cap edge of the cap body. The first belt buckle is disposed on the cap strap. The chin support plate with a cavity in the center is disposed on the chin support belt. Both ends of the chin support belt are flat straps with a belt buckle. An elastic belt or a locking belt is disposed between the two sides of the cap opening on the cap edge of the cap body.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet having a body, which preferably includes both a base and a reinforcement structure. In one arrangement, the reinforcement structure is an external shell and, in another arrangement, the reinforcement structure is an internal skeletal frame. In some arrangements, the helmet body may include both an external shell and an internal frame. The helmet also includes a retention mechanism defining a contact surface configured to contact a rearward surface of the head of the user. A strap arrangement includes a first strap portion and second strap portion selectively connectable to one another to extend from opposing sides of the body and underneath a chin of the user. Desirably, no portion of the strap arrangement is secured to the retention mechanism. The strap arrangement includes a strap section extending through a pair of spaced openings in a lower, rearward portion of the body such that a portion of the strap section extends across an outer surface of the body between the openings.

Abstract: In the case of an integral helmet with a helmet shell (1) which protects the head, with a visor opening (2) and with a chin part (4) which defines the lower side of the visor opening (2) and is provided with a plurality of functional elements and at least partially with a decorative surface, simpler handling and savings on weight can be achieved in that the chin part (4) is formed with a supporting part (8) which carries the functional elements, and in that the decorative surface is formed by at least one surface part (9) which is connected to the supporting part (8).

Abstract: A baseball batter's helmet includes a shell; a protective padding including a crown protective pad extending from a front to a rear, the protective pad being adhered to the shell, an arcuate rear portion formed with a rear end of the protective pad, a channel on an outer surface of the rear portion, an arcuate padding element formed with a front end of the protective pad, and two separate padding members secured to the arcuate padding element, each padding member having a releasable first fastener; and an elastic strap passed the channel and secured to the rear section, the elastic strap including a releasable second fastener at either end. In response to placing the shell on the head of a wearer, adjustably attaching each second fastener to the corresponding first fastener will vary a diameter of the protective padding until a comfort fit is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sports helmet with a clamp that secures an elongated strap of a chin protector assembly against the helmet. The clamp includes a main body having an opening, a finger and a receiver that is positioned between the opening and the finger. The clamp may also include a strengthening insert that extends longitudinally within the clamp. In a secured position, the main body is coupled to the helmet by both a fastener extending through the opening and the finger inserted into an aperture of the helmet. An extent of the chin strap is securedly positioned between the helmet and the receiver. In the secured position, an inner surface of the chin strap member is in contact with an outer surface of the helmet and an outer surface of the chin strap is in contact with the receiver. The receiver includes a plurality of gripping members that engage an outer surface of the chin strap in the secured position.

Abstract: Helmet chin-strap harness structure including a pair of bilaterally symmetric, bilaterally equi-flex, non-rigid, fabric-strap-like, substantially mirror-image, flexible lateral elements which define opposite sides for the harness structure, and a bilaterally symmetric chin-strap substructure having laterally opposite sides releasably attachable for fore-and-aft translational sliding on the two lateral elements.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus includes a headgear, a chin strap and a magnetic fastener including a slide socket and a stud. The slide socket is attached to the chin strap and the stud is attached to the headgear. The slide socket is configured to be magnetically attracted to the stud to secure the chin strap to the headgear.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a fitting system for a helmet is provided. The fitting system includes a belt having supported racks coupled to a belt adjustment device. The belt adjustment device is operable to allow a user to tighten the belt, and release the belt at a single touch of a release actuator. The belt adjustment device and the racks are configured to hug the occiput of a user when the helmet is properly worn. The belt adjustment device is also operable to hold the rear straps of the helmet apart but is not attached to the helmet. The belt defines a collapsible button for securing a pad. The pad defines a substantially lateral compressed strip that is operable to urge the pad against the belt. The belt adjustment device and the belt are configured to allow rear straps of the helmet to approximately directly approach the chin of the user.

Abstract: A pair of strap adjustment assemblies for a bicycle helmet is provided. A first pair of straps is connected to one side of the helmet and a second pair of straps is connected to the other side of the helmet. A first strap adjustment assembly includes a release lever and a base for engaging the first pair of straps. The lever can be moved from a closed position to an open position. When the lever is in the open position, the user can move the strap adjustment assembly along the first pair of straps to adjust the location of the strap adjustment assembly. When the lever is in the closed position, the first strap adjustment assembly draws together the first pair of straps at a desired location. A second strap adjustment assembly is similar the first strap adjustment assembly and engages the second pair of straps, which are connected to the other side of the helmet.

Abstract: An improved retention system for a protective helmet comprises slide/coupling mechanisms on opposite sides of the helmet shell, and a movable element at the rear of the helmet. Fastening of the chinstrap secures the helmet in the downward direction and tightens the movable element against the nape of the neck, thereby securing the helmet in the area of the occipital lobe.

Abstract: A self-seeking, load-distributing, load-balancing and shock-managing head-engaging system for use inside, and in association with, the shell of a helmet, including (a) a collection of configurationally changeable, shock-absorbing pads removeably and changeably attached/attachable effectively as a variable distribution to the inside of such a shell, and (b) a cinchable, self-seeking/adjusting, self-load-balancing and load distributing chin-strap subsystem operatively associated with the pad distribution, and also attached to the shell. This sub-system is sensitive to the then-particularities of such a pad distribution, and is operable, on cinching of the subsystem through the simple act of pulling on just two strap ends, to stabilize the associated helmet shell on the head of a wearer, with all of the pads in the then-distribution of pads being thereby drawn into proper, defined, shock-managing, load-distributing and load-balancing condition relative to the wearer's head.

Abstract: A head stabilizing system is provided. The head stabilizing system is intended to minimize loads on the head and the neck, some of which may be injurious or even fatal, by generating a reaction force that substantially opposes a force acting on the head and generated by rapid deceleration of a vehicle or a crash impact. The head stabilizing system includes a helmet, a connection structure, and at least one resisting member. The resisting member generates a reaction force that opposes the crash impact force, yielding a reduced net force on the head. This reaction force can be generated as a function of position, velocity or acceleration. The resisting member may include a tether, a dashpot, or a dashpot containing a controllable rheological fluid. The viscosity of the controllable rheological fluid can be automatically adjusted in response to changes in status of a vehicle or it's occupant.

Abstract: A chinstrap with a chin cup for a protective headgear that has a first side panel covering at least a portion of one side of the head of a user and a second side panel covering at least a portion of the opposite side of the head. The chinstrap includes a first free end attachment to the chin cup and extends laterally therefrom from cup and a second free end attached to the chin cup extending laterally therefrom opposite the first free end. A hook/loop fastening system is attached to the free ends of the chinstrap and chin cup whereby the free ends operatively engage the headgear and are releasable secured to the chin cup.

Abstract: A post attachment device for connecting a helmet to a head and neck support. The device includes a post anchor having a base, a button, a resilient member, a post, a retainer and a catch having a slot with a larger first section connected by a channel to a smaller second section. The button is positioned in an indention in the base with the resilient member positioned therebetween. The post extends through the button, the base and the helmet. The retainer is secured on the post adjacent the inner surface of the helmet. To secure the post attachment device, the catch is orientated over the post. The button is then depressed into the base while the catch is moved backwards to move the post into the second section of the slot.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to stabilization straps, and is more specifically concerned with a helmet stabilization strap apparatus. The stabilization strap apparatus provides connectors so configured and sized as to be mountable on the helmet, and each include a first pivotal interconnecting element and a first interlocking element. The stabilization strap apparatus further includes a strap member having ends connectable to a respective connector. Each of the ends includes a second pivotal interconnecting element and a second interlocking element, such that the second pivotal interconnecting element is mountable in a pivotal connection to the first pivotal interconnecting element and the second interlocking element matingly corresponds to the first interlocking element. Each ends of the strap member is pivotable around the pivotal connection and lockable at various strap positions with respect to the connectors when the second interlocking element engages the first interlocking element.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a system for securing a helmet to the head of a user is provided. The system includes a helmet body, and a roll cage disposed substantially within the helmet body. The system also includes at least a portion of a helmet retention system coupled to the roll cage so that a force applied to the strap is transferred to the roll cage before being transferred to the helmet body.

Abstract: A hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region and an occipital region. The helmet comprises a front portion facing the crown region and an occipital inner pad facing the occipital region of the head. The occipital inner pad is movable between a first position to a second position wherein, in the second position, the occipital inner pad applies pressure upon the occipital region of the head for urging the front portion of the helmet towards the crown region of the head. The helmet may also comprise an actuator for moving the occipital inner pad between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A restraint device for controlling the head of a driver during a high-performance vehicle collision. The device includes a rigid member positioned along the back of the driver, a tether for attaching the member to the driver's helmet, and a strap for anchoring the device. The vehicle's seat belt assembly or the driver's own body, such as his torso, waist or legs, may be used to anchor the device. During a vehicle collision, forces from the head are transferred through the device (i.e. tether, rigid member, and strap) into the anchor in order to resist forward movement and downward rotation of the driver's head.

Abstract: A fit element for a helmet for minimizing helmet movement on the head of a wearer is described. An embodiment of the fit element includes a base portion and an integrated stretchable material. The base portion includes at least one attachment leg, a right side arm and a left side arm, wherein the attachment leg is substantially perpendicular to the right and left arms. The base portion may also include attachment points for connecting to an interior rear area of a helmet, and advantageously has at least one cut-out section along its length to permit flexing. In an implementation, at least a portion of a lower edge of the middle section of the base portion has a curved shape for facilitating entry or the wearer's head into a helmet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for use with a sports helmet as a means of reducing neck and spinal cord injuries that are common to contact sports. The preferred embodiment of the inventive device is intended for use with a sports safety helmet. The device comprises an elastic cord having a fastening member at a first end that engages a complementary fastening member disposed on the safety helmet. A second end of the elastic cord attaches to an adjustable strap that attaches to a belt disposed on the body of a user. In operation, the device provides resistance to the user's ability to hold his head in a lowered position. It is appreciated that holding the head in an upright position reduces the risk of accidental neck and/or spinal cord injury due to collisions.

Abstract: A head and neck protection system includes a head protector, a shoulder protector, and a neck guard for protecting an athlete from injury. The neck guard detachably connects between the head protector and the shoulder protector and includes a collar. The collar has a first edge and a second edge spaced apart from the first edge and longer than the first edge. The first and second edges include fasteners for detachably coupling the collar between the head protector and the shoulder protector. The collar has a perimeter that flares radially outwardly as the collar extends from the head protector to the shoulder protector. The collar interconnects the head protector with the shoulder protector to form a restraint that limits displacement of the head protector relative to the shoulder protector.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device for being worn by a driver while operating a high performance vehicle in which the device controls the driver's head from snapping forward and downwards during a frontal vehicular crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver. The straps are adapted for being connected to the driver's helmet and for being anchored to either the vehicle's seat belt assembly and/or to the driver's legs. The restraint device itself does not inhibit the driver from exiting the vehicle as exiting may occur after simply unlatching the vehicle's seat belt assembly. Moreover, since the restraint device is neither rigid nor bulky the driver may quickly exit the vehicle without being restricted by the device.

Abstract: An adjustable sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet includes a shell, a padding assembly and an adjustment assembly. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The padding assembly has at least two spaced apart adjustment points. The adjustment assembly includes a guide, a strap and at least one adjusting member. The guide is operably coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The strap has a first portion connected to the guide and a second portion releasably connected to the outer surface of the helmet. The adjusting member is operably engaged to the guide and is connected to the adjustment points of the padding assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a chin stabilizer system for a full-face helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet or the like. It includes a flexible material having a generally triangular configuration with snap fittings at each point of the triangle. The snap fittings connect the flexible material to the helmet, underneath the chin. One snap fitting connects the material near the chin, while the other two connect the material to the helmet on opposite sides, near the wearer's jaw. The flexible material restrains the helmet from riding up over the face of the wearer.

Abstract: Protective headgear configured for protection of a portion of a wearer's head, including a resilient outer shell, a layered composite liner including a multiplicity of deformable layers, each layer having a different stiffness than adjacent layers, and wherein a layer has a higher stiffness than that of adjacent layers on either side, and a retention system configured to resist upward/rearward rotation of the headgear with respect to the wearer's head to expose the forehead, due to hydrodynamic or aerodynamic forces.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a convex shaped helmet 20 for encompassing the back of the head 14 of a user 18 having adjustable retaining straps 22, 24 extending across the front and the top of the head 14. The helmet 20 is positioned engaging the back 12 of the head 14 with an adjustable strap extending across the forehead 22 along with an additional adjustable strap 24 extending medially from the first strap engaging the helmet at its distal end. The straps 22, 24 prevent shifting of the helmet 20 during use. The helmet 20 is comprised of an external shell manufactured from an impact resistant material and has an interior layer of a compressible material 30 to engage the wearer's head 14. Means for adjusting 28 the straps 22, 24 are also provided.

Abstract: A fit element for a helmet for minimizing helmet movement on the head of a wearer is described. An embodiment of the fit element includes a base portion and an integrated stretchable material. The base portion includes at least one attachment leg, a right side arm and a left side arm, wherein the attachment leg is substantially perpendicular to the right and left arms. The base portion may also include attachment points for connecting to an interior rear area of a helmet, and advantageously has at least one cut-out section along its length to permit flexing. In an implementation, at least a portion of a lower edge of the middle section of the base portion has a curved shape for facilitating entry or the wearer's head into a helmet.

Abstract: A helmet restraint and head and neck support system is provided for a driver of a racecar which restrains the forward, downward and lateral movement of the driver's head when subjected to large deceleration or other impact forces. The system includes a helmet for receiving the driver's head and a racing suit adapted to be worn by the body of the driver having left, right and rear straps for easily connecting and disconnecting the helmet to the racing suit. The rear strap is anatomically positioned in parallel with the driver's spine, and includes straps encircling both the arms and the legs of the driver. The protective helmet restraint and head and neck support system restrains the movement of a helmeted driver upon impact, stabilizes the posture of the head and neck of the operator during high speed maneuvers, and yet is simple and economical to fabricate and use.

Abstract: A military or police helmet system 20 has a flexible plastic liner 24 mounted to the wearer's head 26 by a strap assembly 28 . A ballistic shell 30 with a shallow front wall is fastened to the liner 24 and an eye shield assembly 32 is pivotably mounted to the liner for movement between a deployed position and a retracted position between the shell and the liner. The liner has a rear segment connected to a cap segment, with cut-out slots which allow the liner to apply pressure to the wearer's neck. A chin strap is slidable on two stiff side straps which have curved segments allowing the chin strap to move with the user's jaw. A protective face guard assembly 34 engages with the liner and has openings covered by resilient sheets which permit a marksman feel a rifle stock through the face guard.

Abstract: A helmet having an outer shell defining an inwardly facing surface extending to an edge of the shell, and a lining defining an outer surface facing the inwardly facing surface of the shell, an inner surface which in use faces the head of a person wearing the helmet, and an edge surface extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the lining adjacent the edge of the shell. A strap is secured to the outer shell and extends from between the inwardly facing surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the lining. Means such as a hook and loop fastening are provided for releasably attaching a portion of the strap immediately adjacent the lining to the edge surface of the lining, such that the strap adjacent the shell edge is pulled towards the head of the wearer.