Abstract: A buckle device for temporarily fastening at least two straps together, the device having a base unit and an arm rotatably mounted on the base unit. The arm has a strap engagement part with a protuberance thereon, the arm being movable from a locked position to an open position, the arm in its locked position forcing the at least two straps into engagement with each other between the engagement part and the base unit. The arm is movable to an open position wherein the engagement part is rotated away from the straps so that the straps are free to move relative to each other and relative to the device.

Abstract: Crash-helmet for cyclists and sportspeople includes a cap of moulded rigid material and at least two fasteners to hold the chin-strap to the cap. The fasteners are constituted by a small frame made by an isosceles triangle section, dihedron-bent at 90.degree., provided with suitable holders and by a strap-holding bar, suitable to be fitted into and stably held between the holder.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for releasably connecting a first strap to a second strap. The buckle assembly includes a male clasp and a female buckle. The male clasp slidably engages the first strap with a strap bar. A planar shield on the male clasp covers the strap bar to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The female buckle engages the second strap and can be readily connected and disconnected from the male strap with a single hand.

Abstract: A new and improved protective cap apparatus includes a first padding assembly which is adapted to fit onto a person's head, especially a child's. The first padding assembly includes a circular padding band adapted to fit circumferentially around a person's head in a horizontal orientation. The first padding assembly includes a plurality of semi-circular padding bands. Each respective semi-circular padding band includes a respective end portion which is connected to the circular padding band, such that each semi-circular padding band extends diametrically across the circular padding band forming a vertically oriented semi-circular arch. The respective semi-circular padding bands arc oriented with respect to each other such that the semi-circular padding bands overlap each other at a ninety degree angle. The circular padding band includes a stretchable portion which is capable of stretching to accommodate the first padding assembly to a variety of sizes of persons heads.

Abstract: A portable brace for posterior support of the neck and upper back area consisting of back portion to which a movable neck portion is attached. The neck portion rotates in either the right or left direction and can be extended upwards to accommodate different neck dimensions. The back portion to which the neck portion is fastened fits over the shoulder area and extends downward to approximately the middle area of the back.

Abstract: A visor 10 for mounting video display units and/or earphones on the head has a U-shaped retaining element 16 pivoted thereto about a transverse axis X', whereby the retaining element 16 can be raised to facilitate donning and doffing the visor 10 or lowered to engage the occipital region of the head to keep the visor in position. The retaining element 16 may commonly rotate about axis X' with an arch-shaped manifold 13. Preferably, the retaining element 13 is articulated to axis x' by links 15 and recesses 19 are preferably provided on opposite sides of the visor 10 to receive the folded links 15 and arms 18 of the retaining element 16 when the latter is fully lowered. In this position, the manifold 13 rests on top of the arms 18 of the retaining element 16.

Abstract: A system for fitting headgear, such as a bicycle helmet, to the head of a user without requiring fit or sizing pads. The fit system includes an elongate fitting structure having a middle portion and a pair of opposed ends. The opposed ends are attached to the headgear in a tensioned state so that the middle portion surrounds at least a portion of the occipital protuberance and the tension in the strap maintains the headgear closely adjacent the cranium. In addition, compatible retention systems are disclosed for helping to maintain the helmet on the head of the user.

Abstract: A protective head gear for both male and female amateur wrestlers that is light in weight, easy to put on and take off, and provides excellent protection against ear damage during a match by providing resilient ring-shaped foam ear protectors. The head gear is formed of a nylon netting material and covers substantially the entire scalp. Pockets on either side have resilient oval ring-shaped foam pads that cover and protect the ears. A very secure chin strap is provided by a bifurcated strap having hook and loop material on either inside surface that mates with and pinches a double sided hook and loop strap between the bifurcated straps. Portions of the head gear covering the top of the head can be left open to provide further ventilation. An optional protective foam pad at the front of the head gear provides protection against head butts.

Abstract: A headcover and chin cup assembly which maintains a closed mouth during the treatment of sleep apnea and makes the user breathe only through his or her nose. The assembly is made up of a headcover which fits easily and securely on the head of practically all people. The headcover and the chin cup each include a set of straps and a set of D-rings. The set of straps attached to the headcover engage the set of D-rings attached to the chin cup. The set of straps attached to the chin cup engage the set of D-rings attached to the headcover. Each set of straps is adjusted secured via fasteners. The chin cup holds the apex of the user's chin for a secure fit.

Abstract: A combination helmet and body protection device for use in sports such as American football and other hazardous activities such as driving, cycling, hockey, riot control, and fire fighting to protect the human body from potentially crippling forces applied to the head and upper body, comprising an upper torso section having internal padding attached thereto, an outer helmet which can be securely connected to the upper torso section so that the outer helmet cannot rotate with respect thereto and which can be easily removed from the upper torso section, and an inner helmet section which fits securely on the wearer's head and which allows rotation of the wearer's head inside the outer helmet section.

Abstract: A protective helmet having dome-shaped body means, the combination comprising a retention strap associated with the body means; and a first cavity in the body means in which a substantial length of the strap is stored in position to be pulled out of the cavity for use in retaining the helmet to the head of a user.

Abstract: An adjustable high/low hook-up chin strap for an athletic helmet, wherein a pair of continuous straps having adjustable fasteners are fixedly connected to a chin cup. One of the straps is provided with a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending slits through which extend end portions of the other strap to provide a cross-over at each end of the chin cup. The slits are dimensioned to allow the other strap to slidably move therein through at least a .+-.35.degree. arc so that the adjustable fasteners thereon can be connected to the high hook-ups in the helmet regardless of their lower or higher position relative to the lower hook-ups, ups, and each strap can be independently tightened with its respective adjustable fasteners.

Abstract: A protective helmet has a fitting and retention system which allows for fing a variety of head sizes and shapes with a single helmet size and also allows for precision reproducible fitting for a repeat user. The protective helmet has an energy-attenuating liner comprising a brow pad, a crown pad and a floating occipital pusher plate. The pusher plate hangs from the rear of the helmet on adjustable straps which are tensioned to urge the wearer's head forward toward the front of the helmet. This ensures that weapon sighting/designation systems are consistently aligned each time the helmet is worn. This feature also allows the helmet to accommodate a variety of head sizes and shapes. Pusher plate movement is preferably controlled using a parallel arrangement of two horizontal straps in which the lower strap is adjusted as part of the chinstrap assembly while the upper strap routed through a slot in the helmet shell and coupled to a device which simultaneously tensions the pusher plate and the ear cups.

Abstract: A helmet has attached to its lower rim an inflatable bag which normally is folded so as not to restrict normal head and neck movements of the wearer but on inflation will fill the gap between the helmet rim and shoulders of a wearer. Carried by the helmet and preferably packed with the bag is a package including a conventional gas generator, igniter and battery. A switch to operate the igniter is located in the crown area of the helmet and is closable on an impact with a predetermined force on the crown of the helmet. When closed the bag is almost instantaneously inflated and fills the gap to transfer most if not all of the impact force to the shoulders and relieve the cervical spine of a damaging axial compressive force. In another version, the attachment is a rigid padded ring conforming to the contour of the lower rim or base of the helmet and the lower part of the face guard, if any.

Abstract: A head restraining system including a helmet having a chin protector formed thereon, a keeper plate overlying the shoulders, upper chest, including the sternum area, and upper back of the driver, a plurality of straps connecting the shoulder, chest and back portion of the keeper plate to aligned portions of the helmet and a pair of shoulder straps securing the keeper plate to the driver.

Abstract: Support portions are integrally molded on an inner surface of a helmet shell made of synthetic resin for supporting folded-back portions of a chin belt, and belt holes, through which the chin belt is passed, are provided in a shock-absorbing liner in correspondence to the support portions. Thus, the chin belt can be simply attached to a cap body without use of any separate support plate and rivet, thereby providing a cost reduction and a better external appearance.

Abstract: A helmet has a generally dome shaped helmet body with inner and outer sides and a lower edge extending generally in the shape of a loop; an elongated reinforcement member is embedded in the helmet to extend proximate the looping lower edge portion; that member may have band shape; and additional such band shaped reinforcement members may extend within the dome shape of the helmet. Openings may be provided through the body to pass retention straps, a first strap holder configured to be supported at and by the outer side of the helmet, the holder attached to at least one strap that extends through one of the openings, and the holder operable to transmit strap tension to the helmet. The holder typically holds two strap ends, and defines slots through which the straps pass for adjustable retention by the holder.

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: An ear protection device, intended to be worn as a pair, for attachment to the chin straps of helmets and being of minimum weight and bulk and used to protect the ear from cold, wind chill, wind noise and abrasion without compromising sound reception by the ear. The ear protection device comprises a covering member which is positioned on or around the chin straps and in contact with the bottom edge of the helmet. Thus being positioned over the ear, the fastening or coupling member is engaged holding the cover in place over the ear.

Abstract: A locking or adjustment device is placed on the of the shell of a helmet for the purpose of attaching, securing, detaching or adjusting the effective length of a chin strap or cheek strap. The locking device may be part of a multi-part or flip-up helmet shell. A manual control device is located on the helmet shell and is accessible from the outside of the shell such that manual pressure on the control surface of the control device from outside the shell disengages a connection with the chin strap. The control device is integrated with the helmet shell in the area of the neck ring, preferably on the side of the neck ring. In a neutral position of the control device, the control surface thereof is continuous with an exterior surface of the helmet shell.

Abstract: A head support assembly is disclosed which may be worn continuously whenever it may be desirable to mount optical equipment, such as night vision goggles, on the head of a person. The head support assembly includes a main head piece which has a relatively rigid portion in the front and more flexible side and top pieces for fitting to a variety of head shapes. Webbing members connect the head piece to a chin piece and are of adjustable nature to provide strong securement to the wearer's head while permitting adjustment.

Abstract: A helmet having a sound device therein, includes a shell of a rigid material for protecting the head of a wearer, a liner mounted inside the shell and filled with a buffer material, and a speaker mounted inside a lower end portion of the shell or inside of the chin guard of the helmet. The speaker may be facing inwardly or outwardly. A plurality of speakers may also be employed. The positioning of the speaker as described above enables the wearer of the helmet to hear the sounds from the speaker without altering the shape of the helmet shell to position the speaker near the ears.

Abstract: A helmet retention system includes a junction plate which, when tilted relative to the wearer's cheek, loosens its grip, on a chin strap. The plate has a triangular cross section cross piece with narrow lands having edges normally gripping the chin strap. Also, the helmet has a lower outer side which loops about the helmet and is shaped to grip a replaceable textile band, which is decorative.The helmet includes a strap section that extends crosswise of the uppermost, forward, domed extent of the helmet; and, the helmet may typically have air inflow and outflow openings, and an air flow channel, relative to which the strap section extends crosswise.

Abstract: A firefighter's helmet having a rigid shell provided with a forward portion and a rearward portion and side portions. Attached to the rigid shell and extending downwardly therefrom are support members which are positioned at the rearward portion of the shell, and at the side portions of the shell. A flexible securing member is supported by the support members. After the helmet is positioned upon the head of a firefighter the flexible securing member is drawn firmly at the back and sides of the head of the firefighter. Also, portions of the flexible securing members are positioned under the chin of the firefighter and attached together. Thus, the helmet is secured upon the head of the firefighter, and the helmet cannot move with respect to the head of the firefighter who wears the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet has a generally dome shaped helmet body with inner and outer sides and a lower edge extending generally in the shape of a loop; an elongated reinforcement member is embedded in the helmet to extend proximate the looping lower edge portion; that member may have band shape; and additional such band shaped reinforcement members may extend within the dome shape of the helmet, such as laterally spaced rib or ridge portions.

Abstract: A helmet has a generally dome shaped helmet body with inner and outer sides and a lower edge extending generally in the shape of a loop; an elongated reinforcement member is embedded in the helmet to extend proximate the looping lower edge portion; that member may have band shape; and additional such band shaped reinforcement members may extend within the dome shape of the helmet. Openings may be provided through the body to pass retention straps, a first strap holder configured to be supported at and by the outer side of the helmet, the holder attached to at least one strap that extends through one of the openings, and the holder operable to transmit strap tension to the helmet. The holder typically holds two strap ends, and defines slots through which the straps pass for adjustable retention by the holder.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective helmet comprising a formed plastic foam shell having an internal plastic infrastructure embedded at least partially therein. The embedded infrastructure provides increased shock absorption characteristics for a wearer during use. The helmet can also include either a thin plastic outer microshell or a thicker relatively rigid plastic outer shell, with a padding material attached to the inner surface of the reinforced foam shell, and a retention strap attached to the plastic outer shell.

Abstract: Headgear for bicycling and other activities comprises a hood comprising a porous, energy-absorbing molded plastics material with at least one strap for securing the hood to the head of a wearer, the strap being secured to a bow-shaped securing structure extending through an edge of the hood and partly embedded in material located between the inner and outer surfaces of the hood.

Abstract: A chin strap buckle for securing a protective helmet to a wearer's head includes a female snap fastener member and a male snap fastener member which snappingly interlock together at their respective one ends in a pivotal relationship. The female member is formed of a substantially triangularly-shaped mid-portion and left and right end portions formed integrally with the opposite sides of the mid-portion. The mid-portion has a trough-like recess formed at its top. The male snap fastener member is formed of a triangular body portion and a lower end portion. The body portion has a post extending outwardly therefrom adjacent its top. The post has an enlarged button and a neck connecting the button to the body portion. The neck of the body portion of the male member is snappingly received within the trough-like recess formed at the top of the female member for interlocking the male and female members together.

Abstract: An infant protection device configured to comfortably yet effectively protect the rear, side and front portions of an infant's head from injury. An alternative embodiment of the present invention additionally provides head protection for the top of the infant's head, as well as for the front, sides and back. The present invention is designed to protect the infant's head during daily activities, such as crawling, walking, and playing, preventing injury due to the infant hitting its head on furniture, floor, etc. The invention is configured and designed such that the child wears it early in infancy, and, becoming used to it, should want to continue to wear the device. The headgear of the present invention may be configured to include such fanciful figures as, for example, mouse or rabbit ears, or other novel designs which may be enjoyed by the child, thereby further encouraging wearing of the protective device.

Abstract: An air cushioned safety and/or display helmet. A thin cushion of air between the wearer's head and the inside of the helmet supports the helmet and distributes the helmet's weight evenly thus preventing development of pressure points and corresponding wearer fatigue. When used in a high performance environment which exposes the user to g forces, such as fighter aircraft, an air regulator controls the air pressure of the air cushion in response to these forces to maintain helmet position and comfort. Air contained in the air cushion can also be used to demist the helmet visor and display optics, can be directed past the head to provide heating or cooling of the head, or can do both at one time.

Abstract: A diver's helmet is retained on the diver's skull by curved retainer rods hinged to each side of the helmet. Connected to the hinged rods are rotary handles operated by the diver to rotate the rods under the jaw and base of the skull to retain the helmet, and rotated away from the diver's head to permit doffing and donning of the helmet. The retainer can be combined with a neck dam to clamp the elastic dam against the diver's jaw and skull to prevent ballooning of the neck dam and thereby prevent a change in buoyancy. When the retainer rods are hinged to helmet they act to retain the neck dam to the helmet.

Abstract: As improved protective helmet assembly including an outer shell and an inner impact attenuation liner assembly wherein a chinstrap assembly is mounted to the inner impact attenuation liner assembly and the inner impact attenuation liner assembly is mounted within the outer impact shell to detach under predetermined load conditions from the outer impact shell.

Abstract: Existing devices for stabilizing a safety helmet such as a hard hat are either unduly complicated or ill adapted as retrofits for existing helmets. A simple restraining device for use on new or existing helmets includes a bracket located at the center of the interior of each side of the helmet for pivotally supporting front and rear headbands. Pins extending through the headbands into arcuate slots in the brackets limit rotation of the front and rear headbands with respect to the brackets. A force tending to lift or rotate the helmet from the wearer's head will cause the headbands to pivot downwardly and inwardly against the wearer's head, thus inhibiting removal thereof from the head of the wearer.

Abstract: An adjustable chin strap for motorcycle helmets, including two strap portions that are interconnected via a self-clamping, double-acting, retaining roller closure mechanism, with the closure mechanism comprising a frame having at least two retaining rollers, and on one or both short, transversely disposed parts of the frame of the closure mechanism an adjustment flap is connected so as to be pivotable about the frame part, with the span of the adjustment flap in the direction of pulling of the strap corresponding to the desired change in head size of the strap, with the adjustment flap being pivotable into the interior of the frame of the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A single piece, high impact resistant plastic foam helmet having a truncated teardrop shape for aerodynamic efficiency is provided. The helmet design incorporates three ridges centered across the upper front portion of the helmet causing airflow over the helmet to separate from the rear surface of the helmet prior to the onset of turbulence resulting in minimized buffeting of the helmet and reduced drag. A combination of buffeting and a unique retention strap adjustment clip result in greater stability of the helmet on a user's head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-shell helmet made from a styrene or polystyrene-based foam plastic. Unlike in the case of the hitherto known one-piece helmets of this type, the invention subdivides the helmet into shell parts, which are integrated together by means of hinged areas and can be easily adapted to different head sizes by means of an adjusting system.

Abstract: A strap retainer including a base plate and a disk ring, having a central aperture, joined together at their sides by two parts, and an elastic band circumscribing the posts so as to form a pair of passageways, one on each side of the elastic band, through which each strap of a pair of straps may be respectively passed. The embodiment further includes an identification cap which is mated with the aperture of the disk ring and may be readily replaced by similar disks of different colors or designs. When both straps are simultaneously pulled in the same direction the straps engage and stretch the elastic band causing the band to initially resist displacement of the straps with respect to the retainer and causing the straps and band to be drawn against the base plate and disk ring so as to further resist the displacement of the straps, but when only one strap is pulled, the elastic band is not so engaged and the strap is allowed to freely pass through its respective passageway.

Abstract: The helmet comprises a crown (1) with belts (2) which are blocked from moving with respect to the crown by means of buckles (3). The belts are wound on the buckles. The buckles are inserted in slits (6) formed on the crown (1) along its entire thickness. Recesses (7) are formed on the external surface of the crown. The buckles (3) fit into the recesses so that the external surface of the buckles is essentially on the level of the external surface of the crown (1).

Abstract: The device is for connecting the shell or face piece of an oral nasal breathing mask of a fighter pilot to a helmet. It comprises two fasteners each placed on one side of a median vertical plane of the helmet and one at least of which is provided with a quick fastening and unfastening attachment device. Each fastener is formed as a link rigid in the vertical direction and non-extensible, arranged to allow rotational movement of the mask with respect to the helmet about a direction perpendicular to the direction of the link and substantially parallel to said median vertical plane.

Abstract: A combination helmet and upper body protector which will cover and protect head, skull, face, chin, back, chest and shoulders of a person and still allow the person to move the head independently and to see and hear therefrom.

Abstract: Helmet provided with a signal ensuring the user that the locking of the retention system is totally achieved. In the case represented, the signal is a sound source (9) which is powered by a battery (8). Plate (2) of chin strap (7) is secured to shell (1) and is also part of the power supply circuit for signal (9). The circuit is activated when a force exerted against textile tape (4) by the user's head is sufficient to establish contact between a flexible blade (19) and plate (2). The signal stops emitting when the force disappears, upon removal of the helmet or when the chin strap (7) is sufficiently tensioned towards the inside of the helmet and is therefore properly fastened to separate flexible blade (6) from its contact point on extension (13) of plate (2). The device is particularly adapted to helmets for motorcyclists.

Abstract: An aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet has a molded, plastic helmet body having an exterior shape which is streamlined to provide minimum resistance to frontal airflow. Downwardly extending ribs are formed in the interior surface to define channels for airflow to pass through the interior of the helmet. The rearward portions of the ribs of the helmet are extended downward beneath the lower edge of the helmet to insure that such airflow is not blocked by the back of the user. A pair of strap loops are also attached to the front and upper rear portions of the helmet and form a chin strap which is used to retain the helmet snugly in place upon the head of the user. The attachment points of the straps are specifically selected so that the sides of the strap engage the user's head and prevent tilting of the helmet when it is in use. The helmet may also be provided with a stretch cap with an airflow opening, which allows selection of exterior color, striping or other ornamentation.

Abstract: A helmet has a generally dome shaped helmet body with inner and outer sides, openings through the body to pass retention straps, a first strap holder configured to be supported at and by the outer side of the helmet, the holder attached to at least one strap that extends through one of the openings, and the holder operable to transmit strap tension to the helmet. The holder typically holds two strap ends, and defines slots through which the straps pass for adjustable retention by the holder.

Abstract: A helmet with a chin strap to reliably secure it to a user's head. The chin strap is comprised of a retainer strap having a fastening member (e.g.: `D`-ring) and an operational band intended to be tightly fastened through the fastening member of the retainer strap. The retainer strap is provided at its free end, typically above the fastening member, with either a male or female connector means (e.g.: "snap"), and the operational strap is provided at its free end with the mating connector means.

Abstract: A helmet retention system includes a junction plate which, when tilted relative to the wearer's cheek, loosens its grip, on a chin strap. The plate is attached to a strap or straps which are in turn attached to the helmet. The plate has a triangular cross section cross piece with narrow lands having edges normally gripping the chin strap. Also, the helmet has a lower outer side which loops about the helmet and is shaped to grip a replaceable textile band, which is decorative.

Abstract: A helmet strap clip assembly includes two clip elements, each connectible to a helmet strap or straps, the two elements having interconnectible tongue and groove parts whereby they are connectible together and disconnectible from one another in response to finger pressure exertion thereon, the connection enabling guiding of one clip element onto the other and into registered position, for interconnection.

Abstract: A helmet fastening system for protective helmets includes a drawstring system which holds the helmet smoothly to the head of the wearer in the forehead and temple areas and in the neck area simply by tightening only a chin strap. Two drawstring loops are movably arranged in an integrated guiding channel which comprises a leather pocket parallel to and attached to the helmet rim. The length-adjustable chin strap form a closed drawstring system outside the guiding channel. The tightening of the chin strap leads to the spreading of the force between the chin strap, and two chin strap loops of the drawstring system so that the protective helmet and the leather pockets forming the guiding channels fit tightly in the neck and forehead areas of the wearer. A slipping of the protective helment even under the influence of external force is substantially impossible.

Abstract: A one-piece chinstrap-napestrip assembly for a helmet in which a pair of napestraps secured to the nap portion of the helmet interior at laterally spaced locations extend around the lower periphery of the helmet, crossing each other, and pass outwardly through slots formed in the front of the helmet to receive the ends of an adjustable chinstrap. Adjustment of the chinstrap at the front of the assembly produces a simultaneous adjustment of the crossing napestrap portions at the rear of the assembly without the necessity for independent adjustment of the latter strap portions. A padded napestrap retainer secured by straps to the same locations on the nape portion of the helmet is formed with intersecting passages for receiving the crossing strap portions. The retainer reduces chafing and urges the crossing napestrap portions toward the rear of the helmet when the chinstrap is released to facilitate donning and doffing.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting a head according to this invention has a hard shell generally symmetrical to a longitudinal plane and having a rear edge normally juxtaposed with the nape of the neck of the wearer and a pair of front temple regions flanking the plane and normally juxtaposed with the temples of the wearer, a rear center strap having two ends and lying generally on the plane and a pair of similar side straps generally symmetrically flanking the plane and each having a rear end fixed to the other end of the center strap and a front end secured to the helmet at the respective temple region. The one end of the center strap is adjustably secured to the shell at the rear edge therefor generally on the plane. Respective fittings are slidable on the side straps between the ends thereof and a chin strap extends between the fittings and normally passes under the chin of the wearer.