Abstract: For use in a high performance racing vehicle or the like in which the torso of a driver is restrained in a seat by a harness that includes shoulder straps extending over the driver's shoulder, and a helmet is worn by the driver, a neck support and head restraint device comprises an inflatable collar configured and dimensioned to surround the driver's neck at a location between the driver's helmet and shoulders. The collar is anchored to the shoulder straps of the restraining harness. At least one and preferably two tethers are strategically connected at opposite ends to the collar and the helmet. The collar is normally in a pliable collapsed state, with the tethers loosely extending between the helmet and collar to thereby accommodate relatively unimpeded head movement.

Abstract: An earcup assembly is disclosed for use in a headset. The earcup assembly includes an earseal ring that includes an outer peripheral surface, an inner peripheral surface that provides an opening an annular base surface for securing the earseal to the headset, and an annular exposed surface opposite the base surface. The inner surface includes a first portion adjacent the exposed surface that provides a first peripheral distance around the opening and the inner surface further includes a second portion adjacent the base surface that provides a second peripheral distance around the opening. The second distance is larger than the first distance.

Abstract: An ear seal for an ear cup in a noise attenuating headset. The ear seal surrounds an opening communicating with the interior of the earcup. The ear seal includes a continuous conformable element surrounding the opening and a fabric cover surrounding the opening. The cover overlays and is heat sealed to the element.

Abstract: An adjustable headpad assembly is disclosed for use in a headset of the type having a resilient headband with a bridge portion configured to overlie a user's head and leg portions depending from the bridge portion to stirrups carrying earcups configured and dimensioned to enclose a user's ears. The adjustable headpad assembly includes slide members carried on and moveable along the leg portions, a cushioning element extending between the leg portions and connected at opposite ends to the slide members, and a latch unit. The latch unit is releasable to accommodate movement of the slide members along the leg portions to selected positions of adjustment, and is engageable to fix the slide members at the selected positions.

Abstract: A cuff seal utilized in a portion of a full pressure suit which envelopes a limb of a wearers body, the full pressure suit defining at least one full pressure compartment. The cuff seal includes a gas impermeable outer sheath configured to envelope a portion of the limb, the sheath having a first end in pressurized communication with the full pressure compartment, and a second end having an opening through which a portion of said limb exteriorly protrudes from the interior of the full pressure compartment. A gas impermeable inner sleeve is provided having an outer end, an intermediate section and an inner end disposed within the sheath, the outer end of the sleeve being joined in a sealed relationship to the interior of the sheath proximate to the second end, and the intermediate section of the sleeve being adapted to surround and coact in a sealed relationship with a portion of the limb.

Abstract: An ear seal for use with an earcup of a headset. The ear seal includes at least one ring of noise attenuating material, the material being a mixture of a dilatant silicone compound and a silicone fluid. A sheath is provided to enclose the ring of noise attenuating material. A ring of soft compliant material may also be used adjacent the ring of noise attenuating material for added comfort to the user. A sheath may be provided to enclose both the ring of soft compliant material and the ring of noise attenuating material.