Abstract: A protective garment for preventing injury to the head, neck and torso. A helmet is rotatable mounted on a vest that includes a back section and a left front section and a right front section. The left front section are both mounted to rotate on the back section to be folded together to hold the helmet on the vest.

Abstract: A protective chin strap for headwear such as an athletic helmet is provided with a chin portion including an inflatable pouch and a manually operated valve pump so that the wearer can inflate the pouch to adjust the tension of the strap to adjust the force holding the helmet on the head of the wearer as well as at the same time provide a shock absorbing cushion on the chin of the user.

Abstract: An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the person's head.

Abstract: A protection for a player on skates, mainly meant to protect the player's neck, having the quality especially to protect against cuts caused by the skate blade. The protection is a flexible safety equipment to be fitted around the neck and having at least one joint (8) which can be opened so that the protection can be put on the neck and taken off the neck. The protection includes a fastening device (3) in order to be joined to a helmet (1) and at least a portion of the protection material is flexible woven fabric.

Abstract: A new process for making headgear. The process comprises the step of insert molding an armature into helmet segments to produce a protective helmet having superior characteristics. The process also comprises the step of strategically locating a retention system on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. The process further comprises the step of attaching an improved strap guide to the helmet. One embodiment of this invention is a process for making an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. Another embodiment of this invention is a process for making a helmet that includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a computer generated animation in real time that includes a head mount configured to inhibit relative movement between the head mount and head of a wearer is provided. The head mount is coupled to a computer that processes data generated by the head mount in real time. Data generated by the facial movements of a wearer of the head mount is processed in real time so that an object, such as a cartoon in a virtual reality program, has facial expressions analogous to the facial expressions of the wearer, as the wearer is performing. A plurality of cameras monitor different localized regions of the wearer's face for sensing movements in these regions to generate data indicating movement. The cameras are attached to the head mount with flexible arms for precise positioning of the cameras. The cameras monitor each of the mouth, chin and cheek, and an eyebrow and forehead regions of the wearer's face and one of the wearer's eyes.

Abstract: The chin strap assembly for use with an athletic helmet includes a chin cup member having a flexible strap on each side of the chin cup member, each flexible strap passing through a plurality of slots formed in the chin cup member.

Abstract: An improved head and neck support device (10) for occupants (100) of high performance vehicles, is described. The device includes a restraining yoke (12) and a collar (11). The restraining yoke has two front portions (12A and 12B) which extend down from the shoulders (102) of the occupant along the torso (104) of the occupant. The restraining yoke also includes a rear portion (12C) which extends behind the neck (106) and the shoulders of the occupant. The collar of the device extends upward from the rear portion of the restraining yoke behind the head (112) of the occupant. The collar of the device is connected by tethers (15 or 215) to the helmet (108) of the occupant. The shoulder belts (110A) of the shoulder harness (110) of the vehicle extend over the front portions and rear portion of the restraining yoke when the device is mounted on the occupant such that the device is between the shoulder belts and the occupant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination shoulder pad and helmet assembly uniquely designed to protect a user from serious cervical spine injuries. The device comprises a helmet having a mounting bracket on the back portion thereof The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing embrasures in communication with and an axial, cylindrical bore. An elongated tubular rod is received within the bore having an indention at opposing ends thereof. The rod is retained within the bore using a spring biased pin received within the embrasures and the indention which also limits the rotation of the rod relative to the cylindrical bore. The spring biased pin has a concave portion proximal its head which may be selectively aligned with the rod indention to release the rod from the brackets. The opposing end of the rod is secured to a similar bracket and pin mechanism mounted to the top edge of a set of shoulder pads. Furthermore, a mid-torso protective device is secured to the lower edge of the shoulder pads.

Abstract: The Safety Helmet Lockout System comprised of a safety helmet with a uniqely keyed system contained within its cranial webbing and chinstrap that has the ability to sense when said helmet is securely strapped upon the wearers head. The chinstrap contains a locking buckle which releases a uniqely keyed enabling key and/or a signal upon sensing that said safety helmet is securely strapped upon the wearers head. Several means of sensing are possible, but the preferred embodiment employs physio sensors located within the cranial webbing and chinstrap of said safety helmet. The locking buckle which is located on the chinstrap, releases said enabling key or signal after recieving signals from all the physio sensors, and sensing tension in the chinstrap. The released enabling key, or emitted signal, can then be used to access vehicles, sporting goods, industrial equipment, tools, passage locks, and the like.

Abstract: A device for adjusting and securing a helmet to the head of a user. The helmet comprises a shell, a pair of temporal straps, a pair of rear straps and a chin-strap provided with a closure, connected together through anchoring and shifting members. The device also includes a stretcher fastened to said shell for stretching an elastic spring provided in said rear straps and adjusting to the desired tension said chin-strap, and a releasing button to release said elastic spring. The stretcher includes a capstan-like rotatable lever adapted to pull and apply a tension to said elastic means when it is manually rotated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a quick-release football helmet chin strap that incorporates the use of a hook and loop fastener to tighten the strap and secure the helmet to the player's head. Intended for use on newly produced helmets and replacing the snap-type fasteners on existing helmets, the use of the hook and loop fasteners eliminates the burden associated with using the snap fasteners during the frequent between-play attachment and detachment.

Abstract: A helmet including a strap securing device having a gripping section and/or a clip for engaging and holding a strap, for example a goggle strap, in place over the surface of the helmet is disclosed. The gripping section and clip may be utilized individually, or in combination, to engage and hold the strap. The gripping section preferably includes an outer surface which engages and secures the strap in place when utilized alone. The outer surface may be a textured surface and may include a plurality of raised nodules to enhance gripping. When utilized in combination with a clip, the strap may be sandwiched between the gripping section and the clip. The clip may, alternatively, be utilized alone to hold the strap in place. When utilized alone, the clip may be removably attached to the helmet to secure the strap between the clip and the outer shell of the helmet.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to an improved headguard for athletes and in particular soccer players. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a headguard is provided which includes a headcover and an adjustable head strap disposed on a perimeter of the head for drawing sections of the headcover together. The headcover includes padding having at least a front portion and a top portion and also includes a flexing section. The flexing section of the headcover is positioned such that, when the head strap is adjusted, at least a portion of the headcover flexes at the flexing section to generally conform to at least a portion of the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A cervical spine protective helmet and shoulder harness assembly. The helmet and shoulder-harness assembly includes a yoke or shoulder pad having a central opening for the wearer's head to pass therethrough. A protective helmet is pivotally supported over the central opening. Arcuate tracks allow the head of the wearer to be turned from side to side. Stops within the pivoting joints supporting the helmet limit neck flexion and extension. Stops at the ends of these tracks limit neck torsion. Neck compression is limited by the rigidity of the uprights supporting the helmet.

Abstract: A device is provided for attaching a chin strap to a protective helmet that includes a main outer shell, and the device is of the type including a removable and disconnectable fastening device for the chin strap. The fastening device includes a fastening member for affixing to the chin strap and is engageable with a fastening lug affixed to a wall of the helmet. The fastening member is configured to include a fastening portion affixed to a pivotable gripping lever, and the pivotable gripping lever is pivotable mounted on the fastening member. Additionally, the fastening lug affixed to the helmet wall includes a matching recessed portion for receiving the fastening portion. Furthermore, the gripping lever of the fastening member is mounted and journaled about a first axis on a retaining part for a strap of the chin strap, and the recessed portion of the fastening lug is open upwardly and is limited outwardly by an outer projecting portion that provides a retaining and fastening edge.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet strap having a first strap on one side of the helmet with a helmet female latch section, and a second side strap on the opposite side of the helmet with a helmet male latch section, is modified so that the helmet is be secured on the user's chin instead of being secured beneath the user's neck, by attaching an adapter between the end of the helmet straps. The adapter is formed of a chin piece to fit on the user's chin, a chin piece male latch section positioned on the chin piece for insertion into the helmet female latch section, and a chin piece female latch section positioned on the other side of the chin piece to receive the helmet male latch section. The chin piece can be a continuous flexible loop, with the chin piece latch sections being slidably positioned on the loop.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising a protective shell and a member for releasably attaching the protective helmet to a user. The protective shell includes a front region, a rear region, a first and a second side region and an outer surface. The releasable attachment member includes a first front strap, a second front strap, an attachment member and a rear strap. The first front strap extends from the first side region of the protective shell. The second front strap extends from the second side region of the protective shell. The attachment member is associated with each of the first and second front straps. The rear strap includes an outer region and two lower extension regions. The outer region extends along the outer surface of the protective shell and the two lower extension regions extend through at least two openings in the protective shell. The lower extension regions are associated with at least one of the first and second front straps.

Abstract: A helmet with a rigid shell includes: an air buffer made of soft foam having a plurality of hollow cells, which is attached to the rigid shell; an air ear guard having a hollow chamber; and a pump having an exhaust port for inflating and deflating the air buffer and the air ear guard to adjust the size of the helmet to a user's head.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member depending from the rear of the helmet, providing a closer fit to an individual wearer's head and improving stability of the helmet on the head, particularly for mountain bike riding. The articulated member contacts the wearer's head beneath the occipital region and applies a forward and upward pressure against the head. The general embodiment of the invention includes an elastic strap stretching from one side of the helmet, across the back of the articulated member, to the opposite side of the helmet. Adjusting this strap allows the wearer to adjust the forward and upward pressure exerted by the articulated member on the wearer's head.

Abstract: Combination head and eye protective apparatus including a head-protective helmet having a nape device for fitting the helmet to the head of a wearer of the helmet, and goggles including a mounting member for mounting the goggles to the nape device. Goggles including a goggle frame, eye protective lens mounted in the frame, and mounting member for mounting the goggles to the nape device of a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: An industrial protective helmet has a rigid outer shell extending upon a surface region of a wearer's head, including temple and skull base regions, a liner of rigid foam fixedly attached to an inner surface of the rigid shell, and one or more selectively-positioned, fit-adjustment elements of compressible foam material engaged upon an exposed surface of the liner with an opposite surface positioned for cushioning engagement with the wearer's head. The helmet may also include one or more of a resilient strap extending about the rear of the head, an adjustable transparent peak, a removable sweat band, a chin strap and/or a fabric cover.

Abstract: A protective chin strap for headwear such as an athletic helmet is provided with a chin portion including an inflatable pouch and a manually operated valve pump so that the wearer can inflate the pouch to adjust the tension of the strap to adjust the force holding the helmet on the head of the wearer as well as at the same time provide a shock absorbing cushion on the chin of the user.

Abstract: An improved strapping apparatus used to fasten and secure the bicycle-style helmet to the head. Adjustable helmet strapping device is made using, nylon strapping, velcro fasteners, elastic, chin guard, vinyl pocket, and a series of D-rings which result in a very easy to use adjustable helmet strap. By using the combination listed above, this strapping device enables several advantages over current market adjustable helmet strapping systems. Some of which include: Use of D-Rings make adjusting between adult and child sizes extremely easy by threading one strap. One strap adjusting is very quick and easy. Children will love this device as it is very comfortable and doesn't pinch the skin as the parachute-type snap buckles often do. Economically speaking, parents will not necessarily have to buy each child a helmet, since this strap device is "one size fits all". The identification area is invaluable for situations where the helmet is lost, a child is lost or even in cases of emergency.

Abstract: A protective helmet most useful in the sport of football includes a helmet shell for enclosing a head of the wearer and further includes a face guard attached to the helmet shell and extending in front of a face opening in the helmet. A chin cup is mounted by a pair of straps. One of the straps is fastened to the sides of the helmet. The other of the straps is fastened to the face guard at lateral positions so that forces directed to the face guard are transferred to the wearer's chin directly.

Abstract: A chin protector for helmets, such as football helmets, includes an inner member and an outer member, and a suspension arrangement for at least partially suspending, in a spaced relationship, a portion of the outer member from a central portion of the inner member with a gap formed between the inner and outer members, whereby upon an impact force striking the outer surface of the outer member, the force transmitted to a wearer's chin may be attenuated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective bicycling helmet with a retention system having a rear support member for providing a more comfortable and secure fit on a user's head for greater protection and safety. One embodiment of the helmet has a rear stabilizer mounted at its first end to the rear portion of a helmet body. The other elements of the helmet retention system engage the front portion of the helmet body and engage the second end of the rear stabilizer. The rear stabilizer is shaped to conform to the back of the user's head and extends down from the helmet body such that the helmet retention system engages the nape of the neck of the user.

Abstract: A sport helmet is disclosed having an inverted, generally Y-shaped, flexible back strap member spanning between a rear portion of the helmet and the helmet's chin straps to fully embrace the occipital region of the wearer's head for better helmet stability and retention. Because the back strap is a single, unitary member, the resulting retention system is simple, comfortable, easy to adjust, and costs less to manufacture.

Abstract: A head protector includes two bands of material, one of which extends from beneath the chin to the top of the head, and the other of which extends from the forehead to the rear of the head. These bands are interconnected together to form a unitary device although, if desired, each band may be used individually. Each band includes padded portions which are preferably filled with a silastic gelin material which is located in areas designed to protect the eye sockets and eyes, zygoma, temporal bones and occiput which are the major bone complexes making up the lower sides and lower back of the skull. Additionally, the head protector protects the ear zygoma, the jaw and the top of the head vertex.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly incorporating a semi-rigid, flexible support member formed of plastic or other resilient material and having upwardly extending end portions which bear upwardly against first and second sides of the wearer's jawbone, and a downwardly arched center portion which relieves the soft-tissue, hypoglossal area of the throat from upward pressure generated by tension on the helmet strap thereby rendering it easier for the wearer to breath under exertion. A fabric wrap fits over the strap and support members to hold the latter in place at the desired location, and the wrap also provides cushioning for the wearer's jaw.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizing strap for a cyclist helmet which comprises two flexible elongated strap members which are adjustably and releasably attached at their first end to the interior surface of the helmet rim portion, at the rear end of the helmet, by means of hook and loop fasteners. The strap members are adjustably and releasably attached at their second end to one another also by means of hook and loop fasteners. The curved strap is destined to bear on the occipital bone of the head, to prevent the helmet from accidentally tilting frontwardly, especially as a result of an impact. The flexibility and the several adjustments of the stabilizing strap allow it to fit heads of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Protective headgear with adjustable strap system and chin guard includes a first strap secured at its opposite ends to opposite sides of the headgear and adapted to extend downwardly therefrom to beneath the jaw of a person wearing the headgear, and a second strap secured at its opposite ends to opposite rear portions of the headgear and adapted to extend forwardly to and in front of the chin of a person wearing the headgear. The first and second straps are connected with first and second coupling members, respectively, at opposite sides of the strap system, connecting the first and second straps together where they intersect. The coupling members are fixed relative to the first strap and are slidable along the second strap, and one of the coupling members includes a quick-disconnect fitting to enable the first strap to be disconnected between its ends to enable the helmet to be quickly and easily applied to and removed from the head of a person using the headgear.

Abstract: A head mounted image display includes a display body having image display sections and optical systems and a supporting section for fixing the display body in front of the eyes of an observer so that the observer can view the image display sections with his eyes. The supporting section has at least four supporting points, which are arranged so that at least one supporting point is placed outside a plane formed by at least three supporting points. Thus, the observer can comfortably wear the display.

Abstract: A strap divider for diverging a pair of straps which are disposed one on top of the other into a Y configuration which may be used for the chin straps of a bicycle helmet. The strap divider includes a main body which receives the pair of straps therethrough, and a rotatable clamping member which can be rotated from a position where the straps are clamped in place to an open position where the straps may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the rotatable member includes a cam around its circumference which cooperates with a projection in the main body for adjusting the clamping member between the open position and the locked position as the clamping member is rotated.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member depending from the rear of the helmet, providing a closer fit to an individual wearer's head and improving stability of the helmet on the head, particularly for mountain bike riding. The articulated member contacts the wearer's head beneath the occipital region and applies a forward and upward pressure against the head. The general embodiment of the invention includes an elastic strap stretching from one side of the helmet, across the back of the articulated member, to the opposite side of the helmet. Adjusting this strap allows the wearer to adjust the forward and upward pressure exerted by the articulated member on the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to helmet, and, more particularly, a device for adjusting the occipital fixing of a cyclist helmet. A shell fits the skull of the cyclist. Straps integral with side walls of the shell are linked on each side at a single point with a clip. A housing in the shell receives an plate of an occipital support block, articulated with respect to the helmet, which connect through a spindle. At least one occipital strap in the support block assists in lateral adjustment of the support block.

Abstract: The protective equipment for the head comprises a breathing mask provided with a harness and connectable to a source of breathing gas, together with a screen (22) for protecting the eyes against smoke, the screen being provided with a peripheral sealing gasket (26) that presses against the face and against the mask. The mask and the screen are distinct and separable. Manually releasable locking means lock the screen to the mask and bear against the mask so as to press the gasket against the face. The equipment is particularly intended for use by aircraft flight crew members.

Abstract: A movable rear strap stabilizer clip for use with a helmet's strapping system. The stabilizer clip provides a bridge between the rear straps at a location distal from the back portion of the helmet. The stabilizer clip provides an additional support point in the helmet's strapping system for greater conformability with the user's head.

Abstract: A cycling helmet preventing a chin strap from being exposed at the top of the helmet for reducing the air resistance is disclosed. In order to couple the strap to the helmet body, a tunnel is formed by a strap guide member, such as a pipe, set in the helmet body of polyurethane foam. This guide member is positioned in its place in a mold while foaming the polyurethane foam. Alternatively, the tunnel may be formed by positioning a core applied with a parting agent in the polyurethane foam while forming the helmet body and drawing the core out of the helmet body after forming the helmet body. As a further alternative, a snap buckle receiver may be integrally formed in each side edge of the helmet body. In this case, a snap buckle is coupled to an end of the chin strap which snaps into the buckle receiver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective helmet for a cyclist having a conventional shock-absorbing shell and a fastening strap. The rear part of the fastening strap is threaded through an abutment plate which is slightly concave and destined to bear on the occipital bone of the head of the cyclist. The front part of the fastening strap is attached to the front part of the helmet. The abutment plate is attached to a loop band which hangs from the rear part of the helmet. When the cyclist puts the helmet on and fastens the fastening band, the abutment plate bears on his occipital bone to prevent the helmet from tilting frontwardly in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: A head impact force diversion system utilizes an apertured helmet, a rigid transfer arm, and a vest. The helmet, possessing an opening associated with an elevation which may be pivotable upon the helmet or integral with its surface, and vest are worn in a conventional manner. The rigid transfer arm is mounted and affixed to the vest and extends upward from the mounting, arches near and enters the aperture of the helmet, and terminates underneath the elevation. This system permits the usual range of motion of the head and neck during various activities and protects the head and neck when the helmet receives an impact force.

Abstract: A protective apparatus has a helmet and shoulder pads. The helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads by a rear support and lateral supports. The rear support is coupled to the shoulder pads by a ball and socket joint. The lateral supports have rollers which are received by channels formed in the shoulder pads. Impacts to the helmet are transmitted to the shoulder pads by the supports. The helmet can move from side-to-side with respect to the shoulder pads by the lateral support rollers traversing the channels, and up and down by the rear support ball and socket joint. Inside of the helmet is a crown that has inner and outer bands. The outer band is pivotally coupled to the helmet so as to allow the head to move up and down within the helmet. The inner band is located within the outer band and rotates within the outer band so as to allow the head to move from side-to-side within the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet mounting device which allows a helmet to be securely mounted to a user's head in a desired alignment, without irritating chin straps, is provided. The device includes a frame and a liner with a retention band that can be uniformly tightened about the user's head and that aligns with cranial features such as the indentation in the occipital area at the base of the skull. A plurality of these devices can be given out in advance to users waiting on line for a virtual reality amusement attraction, who can don them in advance. When a user reaches the attraction, he or she can easily slip onto the device a helmet having shape complementary to the device for quick alignment. When the user is finished, the device can easily be cleaned before being given to the next user.

Abstract: The specification describes a protective apparatus for use by baseball fielders. The protective apparatus is a helmet having a cap portion and a faceguard. The helmet is designed to protect against injuries caused by thrown or batted balls to the head and face of the fielder. The faceguard protects against injuries to the eyes, nose, mouth, chin, teeth, jaws, facial bones and the temporal regions of the head. In a preferred embodiment the helmet is designed for protection of both batters and fielders.

Abstract: A head impact force diversion system utilizes an apertured helmet, a rigid transfer arm, and a vest. The helmet, possessing an opening associated with a second shell which may be removably attached to the helmet or integral with its surface, and vest are worn in a conventional manner. The rigid transfer arm is mounted and affixed to the vest and extends upward from the mounting, the aperture of the helmet created by the two layers, and terminates underneath the outer shell above the wearers head. This system permits the usual range of motion of the heard and neck during various activities and protects the head and neck when the helmet receives an impact force.

Abstract: A safety helmet and face mask system having an interface for suspending both the helmet and the face mask on a wearer's head by a single support web, thereby eliminating the need for separate support assemblies. The system includes a helmet having a shell and liner, hooks attached to opposite sides of the liner, and a face mask having a pair of O-rings slidably mounted on straps attached at upper and lower points on opposite sides of the mask. The O-rings releasably engage the hooks on the helmet liner to integrally interconnect the helmet and liner. Buckles are located on the sides of the mask so that the effective lengths of the straps between points of connection to the mask can be varied to draw the mask and helmet together and seat the helmet and mask properly on the wearer's head. The interface provides both horizontal and vertical support for the mask by a single strap on each side of the mask.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet with an improved retention system uses an adjustable headband and straps to secure the helmet to the user's head. The headband is adjustably angled in relation to the helmet such when the helmet is worn in the proper position with the bottom edge of the helmet situated approximately horizontally, the angled headband fits comfortably and securely around the user's head. The headband and strap adjustability provides comfort, stability and air circulation to the wearer during cycling and secure protection to the head during an impact. The headband attaches securely to the helmet and in the case of an impact would evenly distribute the force of the impact over a larger area of the head decreasing the chances of serious injury. The system may be retrofitted to the user's current helmet. The retention system is also removable so that the system may be washed or replaced.

Abstract: An infant carrier is mounted on a platform located directly over the rear wheel of a bicycle, such that the infant can become a passenger along with the bicyclist. The carrier has an arcuate cradle-like configuration that causes the infant to be in a semi-prone inactive position in the carrier. A helmet is releasably retained on the carrier body to provide head protection for the infant. A retention strap encircles the helmet to stabilize the helmet position, and to reduce the loading of the helmet on the infant's head and neck muscles. The carrier is selectively positionable on the platform to face either toward the front or the rear. The carrier is detachably mounted so that it can be used for carrying the infant when the carrier is in a detached condition.

Abstract: A shock absorbing strap cover is made of a resilient pad having a mounting portion for mounting the strap cover to a strap. The pad includes surfaces defining contact face on one side and a non-contact face on the opposing side. The non-contact face faces toward the strap and the contact face faces away from the strap when the strap cover is mounted thereon. The pad is made up of cushion members that are located side-by-side to one another. The cushion members are compressible and cushion any loads applied through the strap.

Abstract: A modified football helmet has an inner cap attached by elastic straps to the inside of the helmet shell providing a space above the cap. The helmet is further modified incorporating a rigid collar extending outwardly from the bottom of the helmet which has a lower surface positioned a distance above two upright post members extending upwardly from the rigid shoulder pads.