Abstract: A safety helmet comprises an impact-resistant structure which is fastened to the inner surface of a shell of the safety helmet and is formed of an impermeable fabric, a plurality of foam bodies enclosed by the impermeable fabric, and an air valve fastened to the impermeable fabric such that the air valve is in communication with the foam bodies via a plurality of air ducts.

Abstract: Integral complex buffing structure of safety helmet, including a casing, a lining body and a buffing body integrally sandwiched between the casing and the lining body. The casing is made of a hard plastic material. The lining body is connected on inner face of the casing and made of hardened foam material with high density. The buffing body is made of soft shock-absorbent material with low density. The buffing body is able to fully distribute the external concentrated impact to larger area of respective layers so as to reduce the linearly transmitted inertial impact. After the impact energy is fully spread, the instantaneous deformation of the casing and the lining body is reduced, whereby the respective layers of the helmet can naturally automatically restore to their original state and position and thus the helmet is excellently anti-impact with respect to many times of or continuous impact at one point.

Abstract: For the present we register a hybrid Inner Cushion for Helmets based on a Composite Foam sandwiched between two foils. The cushions or paddings used in the last century by helmets manufacturers (mainly made with expanded polystyrene, EPS or expanded polypropylene, EPP) absorb impacts by elastic deformation of the material, producing a significant bounce back after being compressed. The composite foams of the present invention avoid the ‘bounce back on head’ effect by converting a large fraction of the incoming kinetic energy in plastic deformation of the material. Thus, the ‘bounce effect’ or ‘counter-coup lesions’, which largely enhance the first impact brain damage, can be greatly reduced. Two covering foils, either made by a metal (i.e. aluminum) or a combination of a metal and a polymer (i.e. mylar), protect the cushion material against environment and other eventual damaging agents.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pad comprising a molded rubbery elastomeric material having a generally smooth surface on the side adapted to abut a soccer player's head and the opposed face having an open grid structure defined by outwardly projecting patterns of short ribs or patterns of short and midsized ribs with at least some of the intersections of the ribs being defined by outwardly projecting cylinders which are taller than ribs or, if both types of ribs are present, the cylinders are taller than both the shortest and the midsized ribs, top-to-bottom to provide airways or passages for the flow of cooling air and to enhance player comfort.

Abstract: A head protecting apparatus comprises a protective body, at least one cushioning member, and a friction member. The protective body is adapted to be worn on a soccer player's head. The body includes an interior portion adapted to fit against a portion of the player's head and an exterior portion adapted for impact with the soccer ball. The protective body includes a generally rigid guarding member adapted to cover at least a portion of the player's head when the player is wearing the protective body. The cushioning member is positioned between the guarding member and the player's head when the player is wearing the protective body. The cushioning member is adapted to absorb shock caused by impact between exterior portion of the protective body and the soccer ball when the player is heading the soccer ball. The friction member is mounted on the exterior portion of the protective body. The friction member includes an impact surface adapted for impact with the soccer ball.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet that allows ventilation to a cyclist head. The helmet comprises a hard internal shell, a hard external shell, and a shock absorbing foam insert located between the internal and external shells. The helmet consists of a generally open concave structure having a number of fore and aft extending structural arms, transversely spaced from one another and merging with an annular bottom edge rim at both their fore and aft ends. Each structural arm forms a U-shape in cross-section, for reinforcing the helmet structure. The shock absorbing foam of the insert engages with the grooves formed by these cross-sectionally U-shape structural arms. Air ventilation passages are formed in between each pair of successive U arms, extending through corresponding openings in the shock absorbing insert and through the open mouth formed by the annular internal shell. The radius of curvature of the structural arms is greater than that of the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: A military or police helmet system 20 has a flexible plastic liner 24 mounted to the wearer's head 26 by a strap assembly 28. A ballistic shell 30 with a shallow front wall is fastened to the liner 24 and an eye shield assembly 32 is pivotably mounted to the liner for movement between a deployed position and a retracted position between the shell and the liner. The liner has a rear segment connected to a cap segment, with cut-out slots which allow the liner to apply pressure to the wearer's neck. A chin strap is slidable on two stiff side straps which have curved segments allowing the chin strap to move with the user's jaw. A protective face guard assembly 34 engages with the liner and has openings covered by resilient sheets which permit a marksman feel a rifle stock through the face guard.

Abstract: An apparel adapted for use in a confined space as a protective headwear generally comprises a crown adapted for close conformation about a wearer's scalp and a protective element for safekeeping of the wearer's scalp from blunt trauma. The crown consists essentially of a soft fabric such as, for example, cotton and is preferably machine washable. The protective element, which is preferably substantially centrally positioned on an interior face of the crown, comprises a resiliently flexible material such as, for example, plastic. The protective element is shaped to disseminate the force of a potentially traumatic impact over a region of the wearer's scalp, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. A short bill is also affixed to a portion of the edge of the crown. According to the invention, this bill should extend no more than about two inches outward from the crown to prevent deflection of the apparel from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: A comfortable, self-adjusting, protective helmet made from a process of insert molding. The helmet comprises an armature or insert made of a porous material that is embedded in the layers of the helmet to connect the structural parts of the helmet to one another. The armature as used in the helmet also serves several other functions which include hinging and sizing. A retention system is strategically located on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. One embodiment of this invention is an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. A further embodiment of this invention includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: A hair clasp includes an inflatable body of a particular design, the inflatable body having a smoothly arched receiving portion in a bottom side thereof, a resilient clasp element installed in the smoothly arched receiving portion of the inflatable body and adapted to secure the inflatable body to the head of a person, and a flat air valve installed in the inflatable body for enabling air to be driven into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device, worn by a driver when operating a high performance vehicle, which controls the driver's head from snapping forward and maintains the driver's head, neck and spine in general alignment in the event of a frontal crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver and have first end which connects to the driver's helmet by use of hooks and tethers, and second ends which extends between the driver's legs for connection to a seat belt assembly. A chest strap and a waist strap are attached to the anchor straps for keeping the anchor straps separated at a predetermined distance. When exiting the vehicle, the driver unlatches a standard vehicle seat belt assembly and the restraint device is simultaneously released from the vehicle. Since the restraint is neither rigid nor bulky, the driver can quickly exit the vehicle unrestricted by the device.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a head guard of fabric, with elastic, resilient properties, and or inelastic properties, including hook and loop surfaces for fitting any required head sizes for the upper half or less of the head area, such as one or more straps or hat shape that have one or more various types of a relatively low density stiffener liner material, fastened to or contained within layers of the straps or hat shaped covering that will provide impact protection to the front, top, sides, or back or any combination thereof, for the head. It varies from a helmet in that it is made of soft material and is designed to slip easily from the head to prevent hanging and entrapment of the user. It dampens or cushions the impact and is not limited to a single impact lifetime.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A protective cover made of absorbent, stretchable, high lubricity fabric for overlying cushioning frontal pads of helmets. The cover can absorb sweat and the high lubricity of the fabric will enable the helmet to be taken on and off numerous times without producing an abrasion on the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A helmet having an outer shell defining an inwardly facing surface extending to an edge of the shell, and a lining defining an outer surface acing the inwardly facing surface of the shell, an inner sue which in use faces the head of a person we the helmet, and an edge surface extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the lining adjacent the edge of the shell. A strap is secured to the outer shell and extends from between the inwardly facing surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the lining. Means such as a hook and loop fastening are provided for releasably attaching a portion of the strap immediately adjacent the lining to the edge surface of the lining, such that the strap adjacent the shell edge is pulled tows the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A head restraint device is provided for vehicle drivers and the like. The device allows the head to turn from side to side but restricts the forward and rearward movement as may occur during an abrupt stop while traveling at a high velocity. Cables are slidably affixed to the passenger compartment frame and resilient members dampen sudden forward or rearward head movement during vehicle impact.

Abstract: This innovative “soft shell protective head gear fabrication” is characterized in hot-compression forming of shock-absorption inertia foam rubber, foam rubber and hard plastic platelet, which are then cut and sewn to complete a soft shell protective headgear with an appearance of hawksbill turtle shell but without a hard casing.

Abstract: A helmet with an air supply/exhaust hole serving as a hole to be shared by an air supply hole portion for an air supply path for introducing air outside an outer shell into a head protecting body, and an exhaust hole portion for an exhaust path for exhausting air in the head protecting body to an outside of the outer shell. According to this helmet, a predetermined region in the head protecting body can be ventilated well. The air supply hole portion for the air supply path and the exhaust hole portion for the exhaust path can be formed in the outer shell easily. An outer shell with a high strength can be obtained easily. Design limitations on the outer shell can be reduced.

Abstract: A head protector consisting of a stretchable foam laminate head-band to be worn as a protection against head injuries by persons engaging in sport activities.

Abstract: A protection implement, particularly suitable for sports applications, constituted by at least one first outer protective element which is advantageously rigid and optionally by one or more second elastically compressible elements which are arranged internally. At least one third element, advantageously constituted by a two-sided vertical-warp knitted fabric, is arranged below the at least one first outer protective element.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention pertains to a wobbling headpiece that includes a display member having an inner concave portion that substantially surrounds and is substantially disassociated from a head strap. An action mechanism is operably disposed between the display member and the head strap.

Abstract: A novel headgear is formed of a resilient elastomeric foam core having adhered thereover an exterior fabric shell, forming a composite material substantially in the shape of a football helmet. The interior foam may be cured in place within said fabric whereby said foam is self adhered to the interior of said fabric, or, alternatively, the fabric may be adhered to the exterior of said foam by means of an adhesive. The invention also provides process for forming headgear which includes providing a two-part mold including a first part containing a mold cavity, placing a fabric layer in the cavity, inserting the second mold part in said cavity, which second part has an opening for injection into the mold of a plastic foam forming material. The foam-former is injected through the opening and cured in situ in contact with the fabric thereby forming a composite.

Abstract: This invention provides a safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: A protective headguard including (i) a protective central pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's forehead, (ii) a rear pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's occipital bone, (iii) a sleeve interconnecting the central pad and the rear pad and covering at least a portion of the interior and exterior surfaces of the central and rear pads, and optionally (iv) an adjustment strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, (v) a packet of cooling material retained by the sleeve, and/or (vi) nubbins projecting from the interior surface of the central and/or rear pad.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that is molded from a shock absorbing foam. The helmet is preferably an single, homogenous piece of injection molded foam. An insert plate can be positioned near the user's forehead at the top and forward portion of the helmet. The purpose of the insert plate is to simulate the hardness of the user's head for heading a ball. The helmet can head the ball without the injury to the head and the brain as potentially encountered without protection. The soft-shell also minimizes injuries on other parts of the body that are struck by the helmet. The helmet can be utilized for football and other contact sports. Additional external components such as metal or plastic inserts can be inset molded into the foam. The purpose of these inserts is to improve stability and allow for attachment of face guards and chin straps.

Abstract: Protective headgear for protecting the head of an athlete comprising a circumferential band, two subtending ear flaps integrally molded to the circumferential band, an upper portion; and a header pad affixed to the circumferential band. Alternatively the protective headgear for a soccer player can comprise a helmet defining ventilation holes and a header pad affixed to a frontal area of the helmet. The helmet comprises a circumferential band, two integral ear flaps; an upper portion; and a header pad is affixed to the circumferential band. The protective headgear can further comprise an internal skeletal to help disperse sudden high energy impacts.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for helmets and protective gear. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium, to absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with helmets and a variety of sporting equipment. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or titanium—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon the equipment to hold the spring in place. Thus, a helmet, chest protector or the like may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: An attachment system including an attachment member having a height and a width with a base and a main body having a height extending away from the base and being substantially flexible along the height thereof and substantially inflexible along its width. The main body includes a plurality of substantially inflexible portions vertically spaced apart from the base and from one another by a plurality of substantially flexible connecting portions.

Abstract: An improved headgear for martial arts contestants which is reversible so as to be wearable on both sides, and a blank from which the headgear is erected. The headgear comprises a blank of protective foam erected to form a head covering wherein the blank has a first color on one side and a second color on the other side whereby a competitor is provided with a comfortable and proper head protection regardless of the attitude of the headgear and may select one of the two colors simply by turning the headgear inside out. The construction of the headgear facilitates reversibility by means of the design of the blank and an elastic strap member at the rear of the headgear.

Abstract: A protective hat having shock absorptive and insulating properties includes a head-receiving member adapted to overlie and protect least the sides, top and rear of the head of a wearer. The head-receiving member includes a core of resilient shock absorbent polymeric foam material and a shell of textile fabric material wherein the shell is constructed and arranged to fully enclose and encapsulate the core so that the hat has a conventional appearance and surface texture. The core is provided with first and second core layers. The first core layer is formed of a substantially soft closed cell foam material having a thickness of about ⅛ to about ¾ inch. The second core layer is formed of a substantially hard closed foam material having a thickness of about ⅛ to about ⅜ inch. The core has spaced holes therethrough distributed over the surface of the core to facilitate ventilation of the concavity.

Abstract: Protective headguard to be worn by an athlete having (i) a protective central pad, (ii) a rear pad, (iii) an adjustable strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, and (iv) one or more of (a) a lack of any protective padding which would cover the side of the athlete's head when the headguard is worn, (b) a channel defined by the central pad extending substantially horizontally above the athlete's brow ridges and below the athlete's frontal bone when the headguard is worn, (c) a slot in the rear pad extending substantially vertically from the athlete's occipital bone and accommodating passage of a ponytail when the headguard is worn, (d) a single unitary liner, (e) bands encircling the central pad and releasably securing a liner to the central pad, (f) a removable sleeve, (g) a spine pad extending from the front panel to the rear pad (h) perceptible lines of demarcation on the exterior surface of the central pad.

Abstract: A helmet for protection against non-motorized injuries comprises a number of arched segments with ventilation spaces between them, the arched segments being shaped to extend about and engage the skull. The helmet is constructed to cover the apical as well as the frontal, temporal and occipital basilar skull. The arched segments are convex on their outer surfaces, have flat, curved inner surfaces, and are made of a cushioning, impact absorbing material such as plastic foam. Reinforcing elements extend in longitudinal passages in the arched segments to provide resistance against forces which are only partly absorbed by the cushioning material. In an alternate embodiment, support straps extend over the apical skull, and an impact resistant helmet is worn over the apical skull.

Abstract: A soccer helmet includes a generally dome-shaped padding layer and a generally dome-shaped shell layer fitting over and attached to the padding layer. The padding layer might have a substantially uniform thickness of approximately ⅜ inches. The shell layer is smooth and has some rigidity such that when the soccer helmet is being worn on a human head, the ball rebounds from the shell layer in about the same direction and with about the same speed, or with a greater speed, than the soccer ball would if rebounded off an unprotected human head. Therefore, the soccer helmet does not interfere with heading a soccer ball. The soccer helmet protects the head from repetitive blows due to, for example, heading. Furthermore, the soccer helmet protects the head from single event injuries such as collisions with goal posts, the ground, and other players' head, knee, elbows, and feet.

Abstract: A plural-layer body-contacting cushioning interface structure and method. The cushioning structure is interposable the human body and an external structure, such as a helmet. The cushioning structure of the invention, in one preferred form, has a bodyfacing side which contacts the body, and a load-facing side which contacts the mentioned external structure. Intermediate these sides is a moisture-wicking layer which is designed to contact, and draw moisture away from, the body, a continuous, moisture-blocking, gas-permeable barrier layer adjacent the moisture-wicking layer, and an acceleration-rate -sensitive cushioning structure disposed protectedly within the barrier layer which fully encapsulates the cushioning structure.

Abstract: A composite material with high resistance to impact energy, comprising an expanded polymer selected among polystyrene, polypropylene, copolymer of polyphenylene oxide and polystyrene and mixtures thereof, dispersed in a resin chosen among melaminic resin, phenolic resin and polyurethane resin and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved headgear includes an outer shell and an inner liner providing a head receiving cavity. A headband has a forward portion and lateral portions secured to the inner liner and a pair of rearwardly extending flexible members having interconnecting free end portions that allow the headband to be adjusted to many heads of different length. A fabric lining covers the headband forward and lateral portions and has slot openings through which the headband flexible members extend. An adjustable opening at the top of the fabric lining facilitates headgear vertical adjustment. A pair of side retention straps extend downwardly from the sides of the outer shell. A pair of rear retention straps mount to respective ones of the side retention straps and are adjustably secured to each other. The inner liner has channels that receive the side retention straps and allow them to drape down in close proximity to a wearer's temples and cheeks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metabolic cooling and insulation of a user in a cold environment. In its preferred embodiment the apparatus is a highly flexible composite material having a flexible matrix containing a phase change thermal storage material. The apparatus can be made to heat or cool the body or to act as a thermal buffer to protect the wearer from changing environmental conditions. The apparatus may also include an external thermal insulation layer and/or an internal thermal control layer to regulate the rate of heat exchange between the composite and the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A safety helmet having a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing layer inside of the outer shell, and a shield layer fabricated from a strong and lightweight material positioned between the outer shell and the shock absorbing layer. The shield layer is preferably free to move relative to the outer shell in a direction toward the shock absorbing layer.

Abstract: A helmet with an air supply/exhaust hole serving as a hole to be shared by an air supply hole portion for an air supply path for introducing air outside an outer shell into a head protecting body, and an exhaust hole portion for an exhaust path for exhausting air in the head protecting body to an outside of the outer shell. According to this helmet, a predetermined region in the head protecting body can be ventilated well. The air supply hole portion for the air supply path and the exhaust hole portion for the exhaust path can be formed in the outer shell easily. An outer shell with a high strength can be obtained easily. Design limitations on the outer shell can be reduced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved supplemental protective pad for a helmet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pad includes a base portion which is mounted to the surface of a helmet shell. The pad is shaped to cover high risk, non-frontal impact areas such as the back of the head and adjacent the sides of the crown of the head. Extending outwardly from the pad are a plurality of compressible and crushable protrusions. The protrusions can be configured in a variety of shapes, sizes and densities to absorb a predetermined amount of force. When the individual wearing the helmet is involved in an impact on one of the impact areas, the protrusions complement any interior cushioning to compressibly absorb the impact force. If the impact force exceeds a predetermined level, the protrusions absorb additional energy while being crushably deformed.

Abstract: An inside pad for a helmet includes a cushion member and a bag-like member covering the cushion member like a bag. The bag-like member has a bag main body with an opening, through which the cushion member can be taken out of and accommodated in the bag main body, in its one surface, and at least one holding member made of a thin platelike elastic material and covering the opening. The holding member is attached to the bag main body. The inside pad for the helmet has a simple structure and a relatively large strength. In addition, the cushion member can be taken out of the bag-like member of the inside pad for the helmet easily, and can be accommodated in the bag-like member easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device with a plate made of hard material, in particular for insertion into bulletproof vests and the like, a cap, which catches a projectile ricocheting from the plate, being arranged over the plate.

Abstract: A helmet includes a shock absorbing liner fitted on an inner side of a shell, and a layer of an elastic body for absorbing shock having a component directed along an outer surface of the shell provided between the shell and the shock absorbing liner or between an outer layer of the shock absorbing liner and an inner layer of the shock absorbing liner.

Abstract: A protective helmet that includes a cap, a protective padding, possibly a comfort padding, and a retaining system. According to the invention, the cap has a visual impact indicator whose state changes when the cap is subject to an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, the indicator is formed by a capillary tube sealed at both ends enclosing a drop of colored liquid trapped between two gas bubbles. The invention applies to any type of helmet, for the practice of a sport, for motorcycling, for professional use, or as a safety helmet.

Abstract: A comfortable, self-adjusting, protective helmet made from a process of insert molding. The helmet comprises an armature or insert made of a porous material that is embedded in the layers of the helmet to connect the structural parts of the helmet to one another. The armature as used in the helmet also serves several other functions which include hinging and sizing. A retention system is strategically located on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. One embodiment of this invention is an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. A further embodiment of this invention includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

Abstract: In this invention, on a helmet body is mounted or fixed detachably or undetachably a hollow molding or a ceramic-fixed hollow molding to enhance the impact resistance of the helmet body and weight-save the composite helmet, thereby increasing the adaptability.

Abstract: An improved protective headgear apparatus for usage in connection with sporting activities, such as football, hockey, cycling, and the like, and other activities requiring the usage of protective head gear. The protective headgear apparatus is specifically designed to improve the absorption and dissipation of primary forces directly into the shell of the helmet. The assembly comprises a plurality of pre-formed protective pads removably affixed to critical areas of the exterior of the helmet shell for the purpose of decreasing trauma and concussion to users thereof. Such critical or vulnerable locations are: (1) each side of the helmet, at the ear and above the ear; (2) the front of the helmet, between and above the eyes; (3) the rear or occipital area; and (4) the crown of the dome.