Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic helmet with a detectable magnetic field effective to repel a substantially similar helmet in close proximity. A helmet of the invention can be used to redirect an impending head collision, reduce the force of impact upon a head collision or prevent a head collision among wearers of the helmet thereby reducing injuries.

Abstract: A comfort guard apparatus and method of use comprises a compartmentalized chamber positioned adjacent to protective equipment such as shin guards, chest protectors, and helmets. In one embodiment, the apparatus is interchangeable and removably positioned between the user and the protective equipment. In another embodiment, the apparatus is built in to the protective equipment including clothing such as shirts and pants. The apparatus can be replaced with a freshly cooled or warmed version during use. The apparatus conforms to the body of the user, keep the chamber in contact with a greater surface area, and prevent the contents of the compartments from gravitating towards edges. Adjacent compartments can be separated by a breakable membrane or contain breakable packets. The apparatus cushions the user from abrupt edges of the protective equipment. The apparatus, positioned against the body of the wearer, regulates the wearer's body temperature which contributes to enhanced athletic performance.

Abstract: Novel methods and systems for acoustic proofing are disclosed. A sound proof helmet can be designed by optimizing several layers of different materials, thickness, and physical properties. The thickness of the layers can be smaller than the wavelength of the sound waves which are meant to be reduced.

Abstract: A protective garment is disclosed that has a gasket directly molded to fabric that defines an opening in the garment. The opening may receive a wrist, a hand, an ankle, a neck, or face of a wearer. In one embodiment, the fabric is part of a hood and the gasket includes an interface feature for sealingly engaging a breathing or respiratory mask with an airtight seal, vapor-tight seal, moisture tight seal, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a helmet over which a hood or a toga suspended. The hood/toga has a transparent face shield that is flexible. A fastening assembly holds the face shield to the helmet so that, at the top of the face shield the shield has a relatively wide radius of curvature. Extending downwardly from the top of the face shield the radius of curvature of the shield becomes smaller. Providing the face shield with this geometry reduces the extent to which the person wearing the helmet and hood/toga of this invention is subjected to glare.

Abstract: A transport hood for conveying a detainee protects conveying personnel from exposure to blood and body fluids of the detainee, while avoiding discomfort and potential breathing difficulty to the detainee caused by blood and body fluids retained within the transport hood. The transport hood includes a top portion positioned over the head of the detainee to below the eyes and above the nose of the detainee. A bottom portion is joined to the top portion by a first circumferential length of elastic and extends downwardly to below the chin of the detainee. A second length of elastic gathers the bottom portion around the neck of the detainee. The transport hood further includes a skirt attached at the first length of elastic that hangs loosely and extends downwardly to at least the neck of the detainee.

Abstract: A cap comprising one or more pads. The cap is wearable by itself or inside of a separate piece of protective headgear. The pads of the cap provide protection to a user's head, and/or fill in spaces inside a piece of protective headgear, such that the protective headgear properly fits on the user's head.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position. In addition, the sports helmet includes an adjustable pad assembly comprised of an inflatable bladder and a pad member, wherein the bladder displaces the pad member towards the center of the shell.

Abstract: A walk-around character assembly or system with enhanced control functionality to provide a performer of a walk-around character the ability to silently and non-visibly trigger audio, animation, and/or special effects. A deflection monitoring (or chin movement) sensor is provided in the head portion of the character costume to detect predefined chin movements, e.g., a performer opening their mouth once or twice within a time period to limit false negatives/triggers. For example, a potentiometer or force sensor may be provided in the chin strap of a character head. The performer is able to trigger an audio response or to animate the mouth of the character head with relatively small movements of their jaw as a controller processes the sensor signals to determine when to generate control signals to operate sound equipment on the character costume.

Abstract: A system of two or more helmets used in team sports with magnetic material embedded in, or attached to, each helmet. Magnets are positioned identically in helmets so that the north magnetic field is facing outward. When two or more helmets come in close proximity, the like magnetic fields repel one another. This slows the velocities of the helmets, deflects the helmets as they collide, and generally causes helmets to move away from one another. This system is applicable for any sport or activity where concussive forces are caused by two or more helmets colliding, such as helmets in football, hockey, lacrosse, etc. When the helmet system is in place, magnets polarized in the same direction can be placed in other team equipment (e.g., knee pads) to mitigate blows to the head caused by that part of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective headpiece for an athlete of a game using a projectile to protect at least a portion of the brow, temple and jaw of the athlete's head against impacts by the projectile. The protective head piece is releasably securable to the athlete's head and includes a mask portion comprising an impact resistant material. The mask portion includes a brow portion adapted to substantially shield the athlete's brow area and having opposed sides. A temple portion is positioned at each side of the brow portion and adapted to substantially shield the athlete's temple areas. The mask portion also includes a jaw portion extending from each of the temple portions and adapted to substantially shield at least the athlete's lower jaw. The jaw portion includes a front portion which defines an opening sized to permit frontal viewing of the athlete's mouth.

Abstract: Provided is protective athletic headwear that includes a body, band and protective inserts. The body has a first opening and a second smaller opening. The pocket band extends about the first opening to the interior of the body and partially toward the second opening. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. Further, the band includes pockets disposed about a base stitching that secure the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band partially toward the second opening such that the body encloses the protective inserts in the band.

Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet and a method of making the same can comprise, at a first location, obtaining head data for a customer's head comprising a length, a width, and at least one head contour. With at least one processor, generating a computerized three-dimensional (3D) headform matching the customer's head length, width, and head contour from the head data. The 3D headform can be compared to a helmet safety standard. At a second location different from the first location, a custom-fitted helmet based on the 3D headform can be formed, wherein the custom-fitted helmet satisfies the safety standard and comprises an inner surface comprising a topography that conforms to the length, width, and at least one contour of the customer's head. The first location can be a home or a store. Obtaining the head data from photographic images of a deformable interface member disposed on the customer's head.

Abstract: A protective component for use within a protective helmet such as a football helmet that includes one or more spider web-like structures formed from a fine but strong polymeric fiber, preferably artificial spider web silk. The one or more spider web layers are spaced apart one from another as well as from any conventional padding foam lining the hard shell of a helmet. The web layer or layers is/are independently attached to the helmet shell, generally by their edges. The innermost web layer surrounds and conforms to a wearer's head. The spider web elements provide excellent protection to the head of a wearer of the protective helmet. The use of the inventive web layers allows the production of fewer helmet sizes while still resulting in a perfect conformal fit to a wide range of head sizes and/or shapes within a particular helmet size.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cheek pad with a recording function disposed on the inner sidewall of the helmet. The cheek pad with the recording function has a main body and a recording device. The main body has a flexible lining. The recording device is embedded into the flexible lining. The flexible lining exposes a lens of the recording device. The lens is movably adjusted, and the recording device is used to capture the ambient scene around the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet that can comprise a helmet body comprising an energy absorption layer and an outer shell. A first opening can be formed through the outer shell and extend into the energy absorbing layer, the first opening comprising a perimeter. A first sleeve can be disposed at least partially within the first opening, the first sleeve comprising a first end comprising a first flange coupled to the outer shell and extending beyond the perimeter of the first opening, and a second end opposite the first end comprising a base disposed over the energy absorption layer. A camera can be coupled to the first sleeve and exposed through the first opening. The helmet can further comprise the first sleeve comprising a depth greater than a width or a length. The first flange can be directly coupled to an outer surface or an inner of the outer shell.

Abstract: An impact transfer device comprising a device body, an impact zone shield associated with a first body region, and at least one body contact associated with a second body region, each body contact comprising at least one contact surface, and at least one attachment structure configured to attach the impact transfer device to a person. At least a portion of a force applied to the impact surface is transferred to the second body region of the person through the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A cushion for supporting a user relative to a support surface is provided. The cushion has material with sufficient flexibility to deform under a weight of the user and sufficient resilience to return to its original state when the weight is removed. A supporting face contacts the support surface and is characterized by a plurality of points. The supporting face is contoured such that, when the cushion is in an unloaded configuration, a first subset of the plurality of points contact the support surface and a second subset of the plurality of points do not contact the support surface. When a user then sits on the cushion so that it is in a loaded configuration, at least some of the points in the second subset are displaced under the user's weight and contact the support surface. The cushion thus both bends and compresses to distribute the weight of the user.

Abstract: A liner adapted to be interposed between the interior surface of a protective headgear and a wearer's head includes a plurality of networked fluid cells adapted to distribute and dissipate an impact force to the liner, and/or headgear with which the liner is used, across a larger area of the wearer's head as compared with the impact location, and also to dampen the tendency of the wearer's head from rebounding back from the impact location by transferring fluid through the network from fluid cells at the impact location to those in an opposed region. Discrete fluid cells interspersed among the networked fluid cells maintain the liner and/or the headgear in a predetermined orientation on the wearer's head. Fluid flow within the liner may be restricted or directed by configuring the fluid passageways. A liner may further include means for moving fluid into or out of the fluid cells.

Abstract: A motorsport helmet includes a shell having a lower edge, a liner extending along an interior of the shell, and a support portion coupled to the shell and extending between the shell and the liner adjacent the lower edge. In some configurations, when the helmet is positioned on a DOT Standard No. 118 test head form, a portion of the lower edge is above the test line and a portion of the lower edge is below the test line, and the support portion extends from the portion of the lower edge that is above the test line to a location below the test line. The helmet may also include a muzzle adapted to cover the mouth and chin area of a wearer, and a magnetic coupling assembly releasably coupling the muzzle to the shell.

Abstract: To facilitate driving and prevent a fatigue in a neck by avoiding fluctuations of a helmet to left and right even in a wind (air flow) of a high relative speed thereby stabilizing the helmet. A wake stabilizer for the helmet has a right stabilizer (10R) and a left stabilizer (10L) provided symmetrically at the body wake flow portions (9) on the left and right sides of the helmet. Each of the left and right stabilizers (10R, 10L) has a side straightening face (15) extending from the side face position of the body wake flow portion (9) to the rear surface at such an angle as being fitted on the back of the helmet while being kept flat, and a wind separating portion (16) providing a longitudinal edge extending perpendicularly on a rear edge.

Abstract: A headwear device includes an endothermic reactor and a trigger to initiate an endothermic reaction in a reactor while the headwear device is being worn on a wearer's head. The headwear device may preferably be utilized in, or conjunction with, a motorcycle safety helmet or similar crash protection device. The headwear device is intended to prevent or delay the onset of brain damage as a result of serious trauma or head injury.

Abstract: Provided is protective athletic headwear that includes a body, band and protective inserts. The body has a first opening and a second smaller opening. The pocket band extends about the first opening to the interior of the body and partially toward the second opening. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. Further, the band includes pockets disposed about a base stitching that secure the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band partially toward the second opening such that the body encloses the protective inserts in the band.

Abstract: A compressed air system is provided for automotive or motorcycle use, wherein compressed air is utilized to assist clearing a windshield or a windscreen during foul weather. The system comprises an electrically driven or belt driven air compressor, a compressed air reservoir tank, a network of air lines throughout the vehicle or attached to a rider's helmet, and a plurality of air nozzles that release the air from the air lines on command. The ejected air is highly pressurized and exits at a high velocity to remove water droplets and particles for improved clarity through the windshield or wind screen. A user-operated switch controls at least one valve to release the compressed air from the network of air lines and through the nozzles, wherein the compressed air tank is continually replenished to allow for consistent and repeated bursts of compressed air over an extended period.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided for use in an impact sport head protector. The device includes a tilt sensor that generates at least one output signal representing tilt orientation of the head protector. A processor is configured to sample and process the tilt sensor output signal(s) over a number of successive cycles to determine whether the head protector is in an unsafe position during a given cycle and to generate an alarm signal based on such determination at least for the given cycle. An audio device is configured to produce an audible alarm in response to such alarm signal. The processor is configured to remove the effect of noise components in the tilt sensor output signal(s) in generating the alarm signal. The processor can also be configured to constrain the time delay that the head protector is in an unsafe position before raising the alarm signal.

Abstract: An improved edge band for a protective helmet includes a flexible woven-fiber elongate band applied to the edge of a helmet shell. The elongate band is positioned such that side edges of the elongate band extend in intimately conforming contact along a surface contour of the helmet shell. The edge band includes a matrix material in contact with fibers of the elongate band.

Abstract: The cap is a durable flexible head covering foundation article to be used on the head of a person under an artificial head covering. The body is dome shaped and contains a smooth inner layer to protect the natural hair and hairline and to retain/provide moisture to the natural hair thereby lessening breakage along the hairline and the hair itself that can be caused by artificial head coverings. The body also includes a smooth or textured outer layer with notches above/framing the top of the ears enabling it to conform to the head of the wearer. The body further includes a reinforced rim allowing for lasting or durable stretch memory of the perimeter of the cap. The present invention contains zero to multiple openings allowing for attachment of the artificial head covering to the natural hair of the wearer.

Abstract: Helmet systems and methods reduce the formation of vapor condensation within the helmet interior, and inhibit fogging of the helmet visor. Exemplary embodiments include a helmet shell having a venting tube, a visor coupled with the helmet shell, a humidity sensor that senses humidity within the helmet interior cavity, and a ventilation system that removes moist air from the helmet interior.

Abstract: Protective headgear comprising one or more plates and one or more connectors, such as an adjustable strap, connecting the plates to each other and to a user's head. Each plate comprises an inner layer, a trauma plate, and an outer layer, where the trauma plate is located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer and the outer layer may be foam, while the trauma plate may be a rigid material. The one or more plates may comprise a front plate shaped to conform to the user's forehead; a back plate shaped to conform to the back of the user's head; a right plate shaped to conform to the right side of the user's head, covering the user's right ear; a left plate shaped to conform to the left side of the user's head, covering the user's left ear; and/or a top plate shaped to conform to the top of the user's head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes an upper helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner and further having a lower helmet component having a shell and a shock absorbing liner. The shock absorbing liner of the lower helmet component has an angled interface portion to which the upper helmet component is attached. A vent sill is attached to the shock absorbing liner of the upper helmet component and a vent shutter is slidably attached to the vent sill. An example method include forming a first in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner and forming a second in-mold component having a shell and shock absorbing liner, the shock absorbing liner having a seamless headform. After a vent shutter assembly is attached to the first in-mold component the second in-mold component is attached to the first in-mold component.

Abstract: A power source (30, 32) supply circuit (28) is provided in a communication system of protective headgear for supplying a communication system from a power source (30, 32) associated with the protective headgear. The supply circuit (28) includes a boost converter (44) for better utilization of the electric power supplied by the power source (30, 32). Protective headgear is provided with such a supply circuit (28) for supplying the protective headgear. A method is also provided for operating such a supply circuit (28).

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of helmet shells made of composite material comprising at least one “armure” of fabrics impregnated with a resin matrix. Certain parts of the “armure” are impregnated with a resin matrix comprising an additive adapted to reinforce the mechanical strength of the helmet, the said parts corresponding to the weakest zones of a human head, such as the top of the head or the ears. Preferably, the resin is of the epoxy type and the additive is based on acrylic block copolymers. More precisely, the additive is of the “Nanostrength®” brand.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) includes a radial blower. The radial blower includes at least an impeller and a scroll having an upper outer surface and a lower outer surface. In one embodiment, a cross section of an air passageway of the scroll includes sides corresponding to the upper outer surface and the lower outer surface, the sides having parallel slanted segments. In another embodiment, the sides may be substantially parallel and may be curved. In yet another embodiment an upper outer surface of the scroll is concave and a lower outer surface of the scroll is convex. In that embodiment, the PAPR further includes an inlet, and the inlet is disposed at the lower outer surface.

Abstract: An enhanced protective helmet includes in one embodiment an outer shell and a molded lining disposed within the outer shell and contoured to surround a human head. The helmet further includes an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the molded lining. The helmet includes a connection point which can be mounted to the molded lining or otherwise extend away from the proximal end of the antenna, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna. The connection point receives a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna. The antenna is located at helmet location that is along one side of the helmet above a left or right ear of the user for optimizing antenna performance.

Abstract: An improved edge band for a protective helmet includes a flexible woven-fiber elongate band applied to the edge of a helmet shell. The elongate band is positioned such that side edges of the elongate band extend in intimately conforming contact along a surface contour of the helmet shell. The edge band includes a matrix material in contact with fibers of the elongate band.

Abstract: A protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head from environmental elements. The protective hood includes a hood body having a cap section positioned to fit over a top of the wearer's head, side sections positioned to hang adjacent sides of the wearer's head, and a back section positioned to hang adjacent a back of the wearer's head. The hood body defines an interior space for receiving the wearer's head. An outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the interior space of the hood body. The outlet includes a channel defined by first and second portions of the hood body. The channel is in fluid communication with the interior space and includes an open end portion in fluid communication with the environment for exhausting gas from the channel into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a garment or accessory worn for fishing that comprises a magnet of sufficient size and strength to hold fishing hooks or lures.

Abstract: Secondary energy absorbing helmet underwear is to be worn by a user under a primary rigid hard hat, sports helmet or military helmet. The helmet underwear includes an integral self elasticized stretchable material that includes a three-dimensional structure that is generally of semi-spherical shape to fit about the users head and that includes an optional peripheral stretchable stretch band that provides a means for retaining the helmet underwear in place on the users head. The stretchable material and core includes front and rear layers that are each formed as a knitted layer and interconnecting yarns that interconnect between the front and rear layers and define a predetermined spacing between the front and rear layers. The interconnecting yarns, in combination with the layers provide a safety barrier between the rigid hat and the user's head.

Abstract: A concussion indicator that may easily be applied to a helmet is provided. The concussion indicator may visually or audibly provide indicators relating to impacts creating accelerations of the helmet that likely cause a concussion. In some embodiments, three separate indicators may be used within a single base; each indicator is configured to indicate at impacts relating to different concussion grades. A rear of the base is attachable to a surface such as an interior or exterior of a helmet. Upon a concussion triggering acceleration, the concussion indicator will indicate that a concussion is likely. This display may be seen or heard by observers if the indicator is on an exterior of the helmet, and by the user or someone who removes the user's helmet if it is on the inside of the helmet.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and related methods of differentiating an item or improving its aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides protective headgear comprising a shell (26) having an inwardly facing surface which in use faces the head (10) of a user of the headgear and an outwardly facing surface which in use faces away from the head (10) of a user. An outer layer (28) overlies at least a portion of the outwardly facing surface of the shell (26) and rupturing means (30) is provided for fixedly attaching the outer layer (28) to the remainder of the headgear at one or more locations. The rupturing means (30) is configured so as to fail when a force greater than a selected threshold is received on an outer surface (28) of the headgear which acts in an at least part tangential direction to rotate the headgear and the head (10) of the user.

Abstract: A method of constructing a compact protective hood comprising the steps of vulcanizing a heat-resistant, non-elastic crown to an elastomeric neck dam, the neck dam formed by injection molding directly to the crown.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a mounting device to mount or attach various types of mounted devices, including a data transmission device, to a mask. The mounting device does not destroy or alter the seal integrity of the mask.

Abstract: An ear protecting, noise blocking system for covering an ear includes at least one ear protecting member having, an adjustable outer rim to conform to the ear of a wearer; and a flexible noise attenuating member located on an interior portion of the ear protecting member. The ear protecting member encompasses a top portion and a bottom portion of the ear and is inter-changeable between a left ear and a right ear. The adjustable outer rim removably-couples the ear protecting member to the ear of the wearer. The flexible noise attenuating member is pres sable against the ear to create a seal to block out noise from entering the ear during desired quiet times. The flexible noise attenuating member is putty. The putty does not enter an ear canal of the ear, but it can be pressed against the ear to create a seal to block out the noise.

Abstract: Technology for protective helmets is provided, with a particular focus on rear opening full-face helmets. Embodiments are primarily focussed on an emergency release mechanism for such helmets, which allows the helmet to be separated into a front and rear shell thereby to facilitate removal from a wearer's head with minimal stress to the neck.

Abstract: A protection device for a helmet includes a base, and a protection member coupled to the base. The base and protection member are configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A method for constructing a product comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of component parts fashioned from a flexible substrate material and having a flat profile when disassembled; forming apertures in the component parts to establish fastening points for facilitating product assembly, where each aperture has a single-component snap fastener mounted therein; integrally molding each snap fastener to include a female section and a male section; assembling the component parts by removably stackably affixing the fastener male sections of a first component part to the fastener female sections of a second component part, to form a self-supporting, three-dimensional product exoskeleton having flexibly curved surfaces; and returning the component parts to a flat profile upon disengaging the snap fasteners from the product.

Abstract: Articles of apparel may include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer defines an aperture extending through the base layer and from the first surface to the second surface. Cushioning elements may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture. In some configurations, a bonding element may be utilized to bond the first material layer and the second material layer to the base layer.

Abstract: A sleeping cap for lifting the face of a person away from a sleeping surface to prevent facial wrinkles comprises a U-shaped basic form covered with a fabric and having first and second extensions, each of the extensions being flexibly positioned within the fabric adjacent to each leg end of the U-shaped basic form, and the fabric covering the end of first extension is attached to the fabric at the end of the second extension to form the sleeping cap. Straps from each side of the sleeping cap secure the cap on the person's head. An alternate embodiment provides an elastic encased in the sleeping cap not having straps, and including a one piece foam rubber basic form enclosed within two stitched pieces of fabric, a lace ring with a ribbon at the top edge of the lace ring, and the lace ring is tacked to a portion of the basic form, to form a gathered top of the sleeping cap.