Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for opening/closing a chin protection bar installed in a helmet cap having a front opening, the apparatus including: a fixing unit which is fixed to the helmet cap and includes a movable shaft guide having an elongated hole shape and a pivoting guide formed approximately vertical to the movable shaft guide; and a pivoting unit which is fixed to the chin protection bar and includes a first connecting unit slidably inserted into the movable shaft guide and a second connecting unit slidably inserted into the pivoting guide, wherein the pivoting guide has a straight line shape, and the second connecting unit moves back and forth in a straight line in the pivoting guide and the first connecting unit moves back and forth in a straight line in the movable shaft guide according to the straight-line back-and-forth movement of the second connecting unit.

Abstract: A mask illumination device and method. The device includes a mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough, and configured to substantially isolate fluid communication of an external environment from an interior of the mask when worn by the user. The mask also includes an illumination apparatus disposed within the interior of the mask. The illumination apparatus is configured to illuminate the face of the user, project light outward of the mask, or illuminate or beacon a user from a distance. The method includes substantially isolating fluid communication of an external environment from an interior environment with a mask worn by a user, the mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough. The method also includes disposing an illumination apparatus within the interior of the mask, the illumination apparatus configured to project light outward of the mask.

Abstract: An open view facemask visor is an apparatus composed of a high impact resistive material any portion of which is capable of filtering or reflecting light. The visor is formed by shaping a nominally thick sample of the impact resistive material such that the finished product can be affixed either over or under a given helmet facemask design. Once installed, an open view facemask visor enhances the protection of a sporting helmet facemask by providing the user a barrier to light, glare, or debris without obscuring the “open view” to the user's eyes. Whether by integrating a clear section in the tinting of the high impact resistive material or simply providing a physically open, or cut-out, section in the visor, proper positioning of the visor shield on the facemask will not obstruct one's ability to view the helmet wearer's eyes.

Abstract: Protective helmet of the type comprising a first outer visor to intercept the viewing aperture of the helmet mounted rotatably on said helmet, a second visor mounted, inside said first outer visor, rotatably on the cap of the helmet, and a device for actuation and mounting of said second visor on said cap, said second visor including a shielding portion and two ends at the sides of said shielding portion and being at least partly elastically deformable. The inner visor comprises, at least at one side end thereof, a fork and, at or in proximity of one or other of the side ends thereof, at least one externally projecting tooth. Correspondingly, said device for actuation and mounting comprises at least one pin for engaging, directly or indirectly, with said fork and at least one circular guide inside which said projecting tooth of said second visor is removably coupled in a sliding manner, said at least one pin and said at least one circular guide being integral and/or integrated with said cap.

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 diving helmet (10) of the type having an air supply pumped to it during use. The helmet (10) including a head portion (12) substantially formed from a transparent material such that a user can see both forwardly and rearwardly. The helmet (10) further including a body contacting collar portion (18) extending from the head portion (12). The collar portion having a shoulder engaging portion (24) adapted to prevent said helmet (10) from tipping during use.

Abstract: A moisture absorbing and impact protective material comprising a layer of impact protection material forming a gutter, a layer of absorbent material disposed adjacent to the impact protection material at least in part within the gutter, and a layer of moisture transport material disposed at least in part external to the impact protection material gutter and having an interface with the absorbent material. The moisture transport material wicks away moisture from a wearer and transports it to the absorbent material. Excess moisture accumulates in the gutter.

Abstract: A protective face guard for use in playing sports. The guard includes a shield having a transparent portion extending over an unobstructed viewing area to enable the wearer to have a clear line of vision. The unobstructed viewing area is preferably greater in diameter than about 44 mm for baseball play and greater in diameter than about 60 mm for softball play so as to enhance visibility over more conventional face guards. The transparent portion of the shield is constructed of a material that will withstand the impact of a ball, and is preferably made of clear or tinted polycarbonate material. The guard is configured to be secured to a helmet or other headgear in a manner to further support the shield upon impact and minimize flex.

Abstract: An improved head ornamentation such as a mask, cap, hat or headdress which is designed to be supported by a wearer's head and is moveable relatively thereto by the wearer's body movements or a mechanical device controlled by the wearer.

Abstract: A cooler accessory for use with a hard hat or other head-protecting gear having a protective shell with a rim, the accessory including a housing that is attachable to the protective shell, tubing that extends from the housing, and airflow supply means (e.g., an electric fan assembly) for supplying a flow of air that passes through the tubing and exits therefrom. During use, the tubing extends below the rim of the protective shell for directing the flow of air supplied by the airflow supply means under the rim for injection toward space adjacent the user's body, thereby cooling the user's body. Preferably, the tubing is configured such that airflow is injected into an air gap between the user's head and the protective shell and over the user's head, thereby actively cooling the user's head. The housing can be removably secured to the protective shell of the head protection device by one of many different ways including adhesive means, a strap, clips, a slotted interface or other suitable fixation mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.

Abstract: A system and a method for protecting the head of a user in case of an abnormal movement, such as a fall or a collision. The system comprises an apparel (1), an airbag (2), an inflator (3), and a trigger. The airbag includes a first part (7) for surrounding the neck and back head portion of the user after inflation, and a second part (8) for forming a hood surrounding the skull of the user after inflation. The first part (7) and second part (8) are folded and arranged in the apparel (1) before inflation. The apparel is arranged around the neck of the user, like for example a collar or a scarf.

Abstract: A magnetically activated switch assembly is provided. The magnetically activated switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetically activated switch, a first set of flux conductors, and a second set of flux conductors. The first set of flux conductors has first flux conductor flanges adapted to conduct flux from ends of the magnet. The second set of flux conductors is slidingly positioned relative to the first set of flux conductors and is adapted to conduct flux from the first set of flux conductors to the magnetically activated switch. The first set of flux conductors are adapted to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise and to tilt up or down. The first magnetic circuit is adapted to conduct flux to activate the magnetically activated switch only when the first flux conductor flanges are rotationally aligned with ends of the magnet and tilted to an operational position.

Abstract: An illuminated helmet has a body, an illuminating device and a shell. The body is plastic foam and has an outer surface. The illuminating device is mounted on the outer surface of the body and has a flexible ribbon cable, multiple LEDs, a battery cartridge, and a switch. The switch is mounted on the body and is connected with the multiple LEDs and the battery cartridge by using the flexible ribbon cable. The shell is a plastic sheet and has an inner surface. The ribbon cable is flexible and thin, allowing the ribbon cable to be mounted smoothly on the outer surface of the body without breaking so the shell caps the body well and will not break.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to articles which may be used as headwear for infants that address issues related to flat head syndrome. In a first aspect, an article of headwear for an infant is provided. The headwear is configured to reduce pressure at the rear portion of the head when the infant is lying or reclining in the supine position. The headwear generally includes a head receiving portion having at least a top region and rear region for covering at least the top and rear portions of the head of the infant. In accordance with the invention, the headwear also includes support cushion positioned in the rear region of the head receiving portion. The support cushion is configured to support at least the rear portion of the head of the infant and to at least partially surround a pressure relief region.

Abstract: A helmet having an outer shell formed to substantially enclose the head of a wearer and an inner liner disposed within the outer shell and conforming in shape substantially to the outer shell. An aperture is disposed at a front portion of the inner liner. A first exit port is disposed at a first rear portion of the outer shell, with the first exit port being substantially larger than the aperture. A first acoustic chamber is disposed between the inner liner and the outer shell and extends in a curved fashion from the aperture to the first exit port along a first side of the helmet. As a result, a wearer of the helmet is able to speak into the aperture of the helmet and have his voice carried through the first acoustic chamber and exit via the exit port to be heard by a person behind the wearer. Optionally, a second acoustic chamber is similarly disposed on the opposite side of the first acoustic chamber.

Abstract: A multi-function headband, including a head band, a pair of ear muffs, a neck protector, and apparatus for replaceably maintaining the head band around the head of a user. The head band encircles the head of the user. The pair of ear muffs depend from the head band and overlie and protect the ears of the user, respectively. The neck protector depends from the head band and overlies and protects the back-of-the-neck of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a multifunctional safety helmet which comprises: a shell, having a concavity at each side that forms a protection lump at its front; a chin shield, positioned in the front of the shell where each of the top sides has an ear cover, where the chin shield is pivoted on both sides of the shell with a fixing by a lift adjusting device; a clasp device, located in the interior of the front bottom of the chin shield and the interior of the protection lump of the shell, comprising: a button, linked by a spring for automatic bounce back; a link pole, with one end connecting to the end of the button; a slide, embedded in the seat, and connected to the other end of the link pole; a clasp chunk, positioned under the slide; and a movable clasp body, located inside the protection lump of the shell, and fastened by a cover, where an opening is devised for accommodating the slide, and an elastic element is placed between the clasp body and the cover, while the clasp body further comprises a

Abstract: The present invention can easily perform mounting and dismounting of a guiding duct in the ventilation structure of a helmet. A support portion which detachably supports a guiding duct is arranged at the center of rotation of a closure plate and a manipulation portion for the guiding duct which releases the support of the guiding duct is provided to the support portion.

Abstract: A protective helmet, particularly for sports and work use, comprising a rigid outer shell which itself comprises a front cap (2) having a concavity able to cover at least the upper part of the cranium, and a rear cap (3) having a concavity able to cover the rear part of the cranium. Said caps (2, 3) are mutually movable, the rear cap (3) being connected to the front cap (2) in such a manner as to rotate relative to this latter about an axis (A) transverse to the vertical plane of symmetry of the cranium, between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for universally rotatably adjusting a night vision device with respect to a helmet is provided that includes a first attachment mechanism for connection to the night vision device; a second attachment mechanism for connection to the helmet; and a universally rotatable joint for universally rotatably adjusting the night vision device with respect to the helmet.

Abstract: A whiplash restrainer for use by riders in vehicles, generally in conjunction with safety belts. A helmet-like device is secured, with reasonable freedom of motion of the rider's head, to a shock absorber by a joint device. The shock absorber is removeably secured to the vehicle seat back.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for controlling flying insects about the head of a person and includes a head covering sized and dimensioned to fit upon the head of the person being bothered by flying insects. A card having a bottom surface, a top surface, and an insect trapping surface is removably attached to the head covering and oriented such that the bottom surface is next to the head covering and the top surface that includes the insect trapping surface is facing outward away from the head cover. The insect trapping surface includes an adhesive coating that is sufficiently sticky to adhere insects and moreover, includes a removable covering that protects the adhesive layer prior to use. The present invention also includes at least one covering flap for covering the adhesive coating after use to cover said adhesive surface and any trapped insects on said insect trapping surface.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet vent and venting system that is low profile and does not take up much space on the helmet shell. A motorcycle vent that pivots internally to allow air flow and pivots such that the vent tab may penetrate the outer plane of the helmet shell.

Abstract: There is provided padding for a helmet interior. The padding has an area of a predetermined function and a thickness defined by the function. It comprises a cover carrying portion associated with the area. The cover carrying portion is adapted to receive a cover designed to cover at least a portion of the exterior of the helmet. The cover forms, when received within the cover carrying portion, at least part of the functional area so as to allow the area to fulfill the function.

Abstract: A sports helmet having a front shell adapted to cover a front portion of a head of a wearer, a rear shell adapted to cover a rear portion of the head of the wearer, the rear shell cooperating with the front shell to surround the head, and a plurality of straps interconnecting the front and rear shells, the straps being connected to the front shell along an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an auxiliary sun visor for headgear in which the auxiliary sun visor is easily installed in headgear to thereby intercept sunlight over the whole surface of user's neck section as well as user's face, and thus discharge hot air generated from the neighborhood of the face and neck smoothly to the outside. The auxiliary sun visor includes: a sunshade portion which is detachably coupled with an adhesive female portion and an adhesive male portion in which a fitting hole through which the headgear is fitted is formed in the inner central portion of the sunshade portion; a ventilation net which is pendently formed so that air smoothly flows to the edge of the sunshade portion; and left and right screen curtains and rear neck screen curtains all or part of which are separately formed at the state of being spaced from each other by cutoff regions.

Abstract: A cranial orthosis may be used to re-shape a child's cranium. The cranial orthosis includes an inner layer and a resistance piece. The inner layer is made of silicone and grips the patient's head such that the inner layer does not move once it is positioned on the child's head. The resistance piece encircles the inner layer and is made of plastic. The resistance piece may not contact the patient's head. The resistance piece is attached to the inner layer. The resistance piece provides the necessary resistance that shapes the patient's head into the desired shape. An attachment feature may be added to the inner layer. The attachment feature engages openings on the resistance piece to connect the resistance piece to the inner layer. The resistance piece may also include one or more areas of increased width that provide additional support to the patient's head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a support structure comprises an elastic layer that is sized and configured to snuggly conform to a wearer's head and generally extend from the wearer's forehead to the base of the wearer's skull, and connection elements provided on the layer that are configured to secure mounting elements of a head-mounted optical device to be supported by the support structure.

Abstract: The disclosure presents an innovative apparatus for use in instructing hitters how to focus one's field of vision into a preselected angular field; the invention is also a method of providing this instruction. The apparatus includes a helmet and a shroud configured to engage the helmet. An elongate opening is formed on the shroud to restrict a wearer's field of vision to a preselected angle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a protective headgear system which includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure which may include an internal, adjustable headband. The system includes filter means which is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the structure. A fan mechanism is mounted on the headgear structure to draw air into the headgear structure through the filter means. A power supply selectively powers the fan. A facial shield is attachable to the headgear structure to cover the face of the wearer to maintain non-contaminating conditions relative to the wearer. A flexible cuff or hood is attachable to the facial shield to enclose the lower opening of the lens and provides protection for the wearer through which air can be exhausted.

Abstract: A helmet that can be removed from the head of a helmet wearer who wears the helmet, with a comparatively small force, and simply and quickly including preliminary operation for removal. A recess-projection fitting mechanism to attach a blockish inside pad to a head protecting cap portion includes a male hook on a blockish inside pad side, and a female hook on a head protecting cap portion side. The interrupt portion of a pad takeout member including a pulling means can interrupt between the male hook and female hook to disengage their recess-projection fitting, and can catch on the male hook, and the male hook can be pulled out to outside the head protecting cap portion at least halfway.

Abstract: A multi-functional helmet having a helmet main body, comprising a display screen in the front of said helmet main body, a plurality of cameras on the back or side of said helmet main body. Said main body comprises a digital photo converter and a power supply. Said display screen and camera are electronically connected to said digital photo converter and said power supply. The user of the helmet can observe the surroundings behind the user without turning the user's body or head. The use of the helmet can protect the user's safety and monitor the surroundings at the same time. The helmet is particularly useful in the military.

Abstract: A site-selectable, helmet-installable load-cushioning pad structure employable inside a helmet shell as a part of a plural-spaced-pad distribution featuring a compressible viscoelastic foam core which resists rapid, but not slow-movement, compression. Associated methodology includes the steps of providing such a structure for installation inside the shell of a helmet, and pre-arming the core of that structure with a load-response characteristics which (a) resists sudden-movement, rapid compression, yet (b) offers less resistance to slow-movement compression. An encapsulating moisture barrier layer may be provided around the foam core.

Abstract: The invention related to a radiation protection arrangement for screening radiation emitted from a radiation source, especially an x-ray source. Said arrangement is provided with a screening element consisting of, or comprising, a radiation protection material, and a cover, which fully surrounds the screening element. Said cover can be pulled over the screening element and completely separated from the same. As the cover can be changed, the radiation protection arrangement can be kept clean and sterile in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention is an article of headwear that incorporates an adjustment system for accommodating individuals with various head dimensions. The headwear may be formed of a crown and a visor. With respect to the crown, the adjustment system includes a first elastic material, which forms a majority of the crown, and a second elastic material, which is screenprinted or otherwise attached to a flap positioned within the crown. Regarding the visor, the adjustment system resides in a visor board configuration wherein slits are formed to separate various portions of the visor board. The slits permit the portions to move relative to each other, thereby permitting the visor to expand to accommodate stretching of the crown.

Abstract: A helmet is provided, having a vent assembly allowing fluid communication between an exterior of the helmet and an interior of the helmet. The vent assembly includes an open-ended elongated sleeve disposed on a frontal portion of the helmet, with the sleeve being in fluid communication with at least one aperture passing through to the helmet interior. In one embodiment, the elongated sleeve includes a first wall having at least one aperture therethrough, a second wall spaced from the first wall and having at least one aperture therethrough, at least one closed edge, and at least one open edge, defining an internal lumen. The at least one first wall aperture, at least one second wall aperture, and at least one inner shell aperture cooperate to allow fluid communication between an exterior and an interior of the helmet. An insert slidably receivable within the elongated sleeve lumen is provided.

Abstract: A helmet in which a subsidiary cap portion hardly pivots forward about an axial support means thereof as a fulcrum to undesirably move upward accidentally when a comparatively large impact acts on the helmet. A subsidiary cap portion locking mechanism which locks the subsidiary cap portion at a lower position includes a lock pin on a main cap portion and a locking recess for a lock lever on the subsidiary cap portion.

Abstract: A mounting buckle for a safety helmet includes at least one mating member configured for attachment to a V-shaped strap having an apex, the apex of the strap being substantially flush with the abutment surface. This configuration channels the tension in the straps along continuous lines, rather than allowing the tension to dissipate in an intervening length of strap.

Abstract: A helmet with an optical display system is provided with a custom fit protective liner which precisely aligns the wearer's eyes with the optics on the helmet. The helmet is manufactured by positioning the subject's head in a fixture; determining the position of the subject's pupils with respect to the fixture; scanning the subject's head with a laser while positioned in the fixture in order to obtain a 3-D model of the subject's head; and providing a helmet liner having an outer surface which is profiled to position it inside a helmet shell. The position of the subject's pupils may be determined by scanning pupil locating features of the fixture. The 3-D model is then used to provide the helmet liner with an inner surface which conforms to the subject's head and is positioned with respect to the outer surface so that the outer surface will have a predetermined position with respect to the subject's pupils. The helmet liner is then fitted in the helmet shell to form a helmet.

Abstract: A method of making a helmet comprises the steps of cutting a plurality of substantially rectangular, preferably square, blanks from a sheet of resin-impregnated fabric, making curved cuts (1) in each blank to form a crown portion (5) and lobe portions (3) therefrom, arranging a stack of said sheets into a helmet preform such that the lobe portions of any blank partially overlap adjacent lobe portions of the same blank, and molding the helmet from the preform.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a helmet that allows for ventilation of the interior of a helmet. A ventilation system for the cheek bar portion of a helmet, including a motorcycle helmet. The ventilation system may include ribbed passageways that facilitate airflow along the interior of the helmet, and may include access openings in an intermediate portion that couple the airflow from the ribbed passageways to the area of the helmet in contact with the user.

Abstract: A mask illumination device and method. The device includes a mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough, and configured to substantially isolate fluid communication of an external environment from an interior of the mask when worn by the user. The mask also includes an illumination apparatus disposed within the interior of the mask. The illumination apparatus is configured to illuminate the face of the user, project light outward of the mask, or illuminate or beacon a user from a distance. The method includes substantially isolating fluid communication of an external environment from an interior environment with a mask worn by a user, the mask having a face shield, a portion of which is visible therethrough. The method also includes disposing an illumination apparatus within the interior of the mask, the illumination apparatus configured to project light outward of the mask.

Abstract: An enhanced mask system including a mask portion, for covering the nose, mouth and lower face of a wearer. The mask portion has an inner surface for being closer to the wearer and an outer surface for being further from the wearer. A head covering or balaclava is secured to the mask portion and a pocket secured to the inner surface of the mask portion removably contains the head covering or balaclava when in its secured position. The mask can be worn by the wearer either with the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head in a deployed position or without the head covering or balaclava on the wearer's head and stowed in the pocket in the secured position.

Abstract: A dickey with head cover is disclosed. The dickey with head cover includes a hat capable of covering at least a portion of the wearer's head, and a dickey. The hat releasably attaches to the dickey. The dickey includes a shoulder yoke portion attached to the dickey to form an integral torso covering. The invention may also be used where the head cover is attached to a gaiter. The invention may also relate to attaching a gaiter to a head cover.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for head protection is provided. The system includes a helmet body defining at least one hole. The system also includes at least one reinforcement member coupled to the helmet body. The reinforcement member defines an aperture that at least partially aligns with the hole of the helmet body.

Abstract: A protective sports hat insert device is disclosed. The device is a moulded compound insert utilizing reinforced fibres as the preferred embodiment as the outer shell or unreinforced fibres as secondary choice (18) (41a) (41b) (48a) (48b) (55a) (55b) with either a flexible inner shell or a rigid inner shell (19) (42a) (42b) (49a) 49b) 56a) (56b) utilizing high-density foam or an air management system with slits or holes (4a) (4b) punctured along the top. The shells are hemispherical and have a removable cloth liner (20) (43a) (43b) (50a) (50b) (57a) (57b) to add comfort. Resilient spacers (7b) provide comfort and a better fit. A retention strap (25a) (32) (33) secures the device to the head. An identification decal (25e) denotes the hat is a safety-approved device and visibly identifies the wearer for safety from oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A multi-piece helmet for protecting the head region of a wearer and providing emergency removal wherein the helmet shell is provided in separate front and rear portions along a seam. A securing mechanism extends between the helmet portions and holds them together in a releaseable manner. The securing mechanism is positioned on the interior surfaces of the helmet shell and finger access ports are provided in the helmet for providing finger access to the securing mechanism from exterior surfaces of the helmet whereby the securing mechanism may be finger manipulated for thereby releasing the securing mechanism and completely separating the front helmet shell portion from the rear helmet shell portion without requirement of a tool.

Abstract: A head protective device incorporating a sweat band bandana having a front portion secured to a head protective device and the rear portion bandana unsecured. The bandana in the first position has the free ends of the bandana overlapping and stored withthin the head encircling member of the head protective device although the ends may also extend down for tying. A second position has the bandana extending downwardly from the head protective device and the bandana has the free ends tied behind the head for the purpose of securing the head protective device against accidental removal.

Abstract: A strong, lightweight, impact resistant helmet system protects the wearer from impact injury and minimizes bodily injury to other players brought into contact therewith during blocking and tackling events. Weight reduction is achieved by reinforcing inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell with long length, high strength fibers. Orientation of the fibers is such that the fiber lengths are aligned generally in the direction of tension and compression forces imposed on the helmet surface during impact. This reinforcement geometry permits use of a thin helmet shell. Efficient impact absorption by the helmet shell is accomplished by limiting the bend curvature produced at the impact location. The bend curvature reduction increases the contact area between the helmet shell and a pliable padded inner helmet made from energy absorbing polymeric foam disposed within the helmet shell in contact with its inner surface.