Abstract: A protective helmet is provided which preferably has a hard outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner. The liner is made of low resilience or slow-recovery viscoelastic foam which is compression rate sensitive.

Abstract: An improved helmet constructed with a rigid shell having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy thereby protecting the wearer of the helmet, as well as protecting the impacting object. When used for contact sports such as football, this covering is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the helmet is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer around the shell which forms a solid frame-like structure. A method of helmet construction formed from injecting polyurthane into a top vented split mold having a polycarbonate shell positioned within the mold wherein the process sandwiches the shell therebetween to provide an internal and external protective cushion. A face mask can also be covered with soft, durable covering and be mounted in such a manner to allow the covering to act as a shock absorber against sliding of the mask due to external forces.

Abstract: A protective helmet is provided which preferably has a hard outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner. The liner is made of low resilience or slow-recovery viscoelastic foam which is compression rate sensitive.

Abstract: A protective headgear comprising a headband and two shield plates. In a back region, the headband and the shield plate extend down behind the user's ear towards a bottom region on a user's head. The shield plate has a bottom protective rim that is designed to cup underneath a user's skull to shield the base of the user's skull. In addition, both shield plates have a small gap between them so that they wrap around the user's head. Additional components can also be added to this headgear. For example, this headgear can also include a terry cloth in a front region to gather sweat or moisture from a user's forehead. In addition, two ear flaps can also be attached to the headgear to cover a user's ears. These earflaps are designed to keep the user warm in the winter. In addition, this headgear can be alternately opened and closed via a releaseable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A helmet is formed with a rigid outer shell and three energy-absorbing layers made of two types of CONFOR™ ergonomic, open-celled polyurethane foams. The first layer adjacent the rigid outer shell is a CONFOR™ CF-40 yellow foam and the middle layer is a CF-47 green foam, which is of greater stiffness than the outer layer. The inner-most layer is also a CF-40 yellow foam and, therefore, identical to the outer energy-absorbing layer. The three layers are 0.5″ thick. The helmet body is secured to a user's head with straps, affording a helmet design capable of continuously absorbing energy from multiple impacts while retaining the property of returning completely to its original shape. The multiple layering of materials having different stiffnesses results in the reflection of propagating stress waves through the materials, ultimately absorbing larger amounts of energy than the same materials not layered with alternating stiffnesses could absorb.

Abstract: 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. The composite helmet has excellent impact resistance. The outer surface of the helmet body is composed of a plastic or a metal and is mounted or fixed with a hollow molding having an external, truncated pyramid or cone shape so that the external shape of the hollow molding becomes similar to the external shape of the helmet body. It is preferable that the hollow molding has such a shape that at least two kinds of the starting hollow moldings having different, external, truncated pyramid or cone shapes are put one on another and integrally bonded so as to make the integrated boundary surface smooth and make the external shape of the resulting hollow molding more similar to the external shape of the helmet body.

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: An improved safety helmets designed and manufactured to protect the head and brain from both linear and rotational impact energy. The helmet designed and manufactured to diffuse or absorb impact energy in a uniform manner around the head and allows for effective reuse of the helmet after multiple impacts. The safety helmet is constructed of layers of polyurethane, monoprene gel, polyethylene and either polycarbonate or polypropylene. The safety helmet manufactured and designed of these materials protect the brain from both linear and rotational impact energy and diffuse or absorb impact energy in a uniform manner around the head.

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 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: A protective element is provide in which a honeycomb element for absorbing impact loads is sandwiched between a forward facing load spreading layer and a foam backing. The forward facing layer is transparent so that the condition of the honeycomb can be inspected.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner includes a visual indicator to indicate when the helmet has experienced an impact of sufficient force to permanently deform a portion of the inner liner. The visual indicator thus indicates when the helmet no longer offers it's peak level of protection to the wearer and should be repaired or replaced.

Abstract: Radiant heat deflection system for use when a person is subjected to high temperature conditions during athletic activity. The heat deflection system is capable of deflecting radiant away from the wearer's head or body, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the person. The invention also relates to heat retaining inserts and apparatus for use during athletic activity, to increase heat retention in cold temperatures.

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: 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 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: An apparatus for enhancing absorption and dissipation of impact forces for all helmets and protective equipment. More particularly, the invention is a series of detachable pre-formed pads that each include a rigid or semi-rigid insert for enhanced protection and effectiveness. In one mode of production, at least one rigid or semi-rigid layer is located within the pad, or covered by pliable pad material on all sides. In a second mode, at least one rigid member or semi-rigid appears on the exterior surface of the pad, with pliable materials located beneath. In still another mode, at least one rigid or semi-rigid member appears on the interior surface of the pad, providing great versatility to the manufacturer or user. As such, the device is specifically designed to improve the absorption and dissipation of primary forces directly into items such as a plurality of previously existing pads and chest protectors, as well as to the shell of helmets.

Abstract: This invention provides a device designed to reduce head injuries among soccer players, and others who would not otherwise wear head protection. It integrates closed-cell foam padding into a traditional bandana form. Foam padding is sewn between layers of fabric in positions which will provide a degree of protection from rotational forces and from direct blows to the forehead, sides, and top of the head.

Abstract: Protective composite headgear bearing distinctive embedded marking, such as alphanumeric data, color patterns, or stylized designs. A patterned sheet is formed into headgear shape, and the patterned side is covered with solidifiable plastic composition. The outer layer of the resulting composite headgear is translucent, and the inner layer preferably opaque, so that the pattern between layers is protected from abrasion damage while readily visible to an onlooker. Distortion of the pattern by the shaping of the original flat sheet is counteracted by pre-distorting the sheet oppositely to offset it.

Abstract: A protective material and a method for the protection of the human head or body from soft tissue damage caused by an impacting object comprises at least two layers of viscoelastic polymeric material to be interposed between head or body and impactor, including at least one first layer of material substantially matched in acoustic impedance to the impacting object and at least one second layer of material selected to produce a large mismatch in acoustic impedance between the first layer and the human head or body. A particular aspect applies the invention to head protection, especially in boxing and like sports, in the form of boxing head guards and boxing gloves.

Abstract: A heat sink structure of a safety helmet includes an inner helmet provided inside the helmet shell; a lining provided inside said inner helmet with the top of said lining indicating an opening; and a resilient provided between said inner helmet and said lining, with an air circulation space formed between the resilient mesh and the inner helmet; said resilient mesh holds against the top of the rider's head and contacts the rider's forehead allowing the cooler, ambient air(wind) enter into said air circulation space through the gap between the rider's forehead and the mesh to form a free circulation of air, resulting in good air ventilation and heat dissipation, so that the rider feels easy and comfortable wearing the safety helmet.

Abstract: An improved protective helmet is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The inner layer is a lower density (3.8 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface of the skull to reduce injury. The outer layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the helmet. Ventilation holes provide airflow through the helmet. Cushioning pads may be added inside the helmet for customizing fit and improving ventilation. The preferred material for the inner and outer layers of the laminated, dual density protective helmet is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the helmet provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the helmet, which improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the wearer.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner includes a visual indicator to indicate when the helmet has experienced an impact of sufficient force to permanently deform a portion of the inner liner. The visual indicator thus indicates when the helmet no longer offers it's peak level of protection to the wearer and should be repaired or replaced.

Abstract: A helmet of the present invention including a shell formed from a thermoplastic resin and a shock absorbing liner disposed on the inside of the shell.The liner has following varieties of its structure. That is, a single layered structure of acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin foam (thereinafter referred to AS foam), a double layered structure in which both less foaming layer and highly foaming layer are made of AS foam, a double layered structure in which a less foaming layer is made of AS foam and a highly foaming layer is made of a foam of other material, or a double layered structure in which a less foaming layer is made of a foam of material other than AS foam and a highly foaming layer is made of AS foam.

Abstract: Protective composite headgear bearing distinctive embedded marking, such as alphanumeric data, color patterns, or stylized designs. A patterned sheet is formed into headgear shape, and the patterned side is covered with solidifiable plastic composition. The outer layer of the resulting composite headgear is translucent, and the inner layer preferably opaque, so that the pattern between layers is protected from abrasion damage while readily visible to an onlooker. Distortion of the pattern by the shaping of the original flat sheet is counteracted by pre-distorting the sheet oppositely to offset it.

Abstract: In one broad aspect the present invention comprises the steps of providing a titanium-based material preform and superplastically forming the preform to a final helmet shape. In another broad aspect, a first piece of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite material is hot isostatically pressed (HIP'ed) to form a side wall section. A second piece of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite material is hot pressed to form an upper dome section. The side wall section is then HIP/diffusion bonded to the upper dome section.

Abstract: A helmet, in particular an antiballistic helmet, containing protective textile fabric layers made from antiballistic fibers including aramide fibers, polyethylene fibers spun by the gel spinning process, glass fibers, metal fibers, or blends thereof. Aramide fibers are preferred. The textile fabric layers arranged on the side away from the wearer are made of multiaxial knitted fabric, and the textile fabric layers on the side toward the wearer are made of woven fabric. The layers of multiaxial knitted fabric preferably comprise 60-80% of all reinforcement layers.

Abstract: A helmet assembly (20) for protecting a head and neck by laterally displacing impact forces (28). The helmet assembly (20) has a helmet (22) and a face guard (26). The helmet (22) has a rigid inner shell (96), a resilient spacing layer (94) outside of and in contact with the inner shell (96), an articulated shell (76) having a plurality of discrete rigid segments (78) disposed outside of and in contact with the resilient spacing layer (94), and a resilient outer shell (24) made of foam covered by an flexible protective layer (112). The face guard (26) has a plurality of transverse bars (36) with a longitudinal bar (38) down the center. The face guard (26) has shock absorbers (46) integrated on the lowermost transverse bar (36).

Abstract: A structural shell for protective headgear includes a shell-form body composed of a plurality of cells. This structural shell can withstand loads much greater than conventional single walled structural shells, without buckling.

Abstract: A head protector (10, 10') is shown in certain embodiments, having a plurality of rupturable, closed, pressurized, fluid filled cells (20) each having a rupturable common wall with a low pressure, empty cell (22) between first and second liners (14,16) and with optional cloth inner (18) and outer liners (12). In a second embodiment one or more layers of cushioning material has spaced apart, generally uniformly sized, closed fluid cells (24) intended to withstand selected levels of impacts without rupture. In other embodiments (40, 40', 40", 40'") a cushioning layer of open cell, visco- elastic resin is used with or without a load spreading outer layer of cross-linked, closed cell resin. Fabric covers (46,50) are shown for encapsulating the protector using openable/closable fasteners (48,52).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a helmet including a shell formed from a thermoplastic resin, for example, by blow molding or injection molding, and a shock absorbing liner disposed on the inside of the shell. The shock absorbing liner is formed of polyvinylidene chloride foam. By forming the shock absorbing liner of polyvinylidene chloride foam, it is possible to provide a helmet having less temperature dependent change in compression strength upon molding, excellent shock adsorption and restorability, excellent impact shock adsorbing performance upon a second hit on one identical portion and excellent dimensional accuracy in manufacture.

Abstract: Body-fitted padding having a padding adapter and device for the production thereof, in particular for a crash helmet, the adapter having a ventilation system. To this end a flexible covering consisting of a hood and a sleeve is provided which form an inner space to receive a curable impact and/or shock-absorbing material. The covering is here approximated to the contour of the protective article to be padded out or to be adapted and to that of the body part to be protected, so that, after curing of the material, the adapter can be laid in the protective article without modification of the contour of the side exactly matched to the body part.

Abstract: A welding helmet having high structual integrity is formed of a single sheet of composite material, such as Kevlar fabric impregnated with a phenolic thermoset resin; a viewing port in the front of the helmet includes a welding lens is either of fixed or automatically darkening type; and curves, bends, folds and steps in the composite material and trim pieces in the viewing port area and about the peripheral rim of the helmet shell provide additional stiffening for the helmet. A method of making a welding helmet of a single sheet of composite material includes pre-forming the composite material to a shape similar to that of the finished molding helmet shape, and placing the pre-shaped composite material in a compression mold and closing the mold to mold the composite material to shape while curing the composite material by applying heat other otherwise assisting in the curing of the composite material; and mounting a welding lens in a viewing port of the welding helmet.

Abstract: A helmet shell structure utilizing a first inner layer of epoxy resin shaped into a head covering of a desired size and configuration. A second layer of woven fabric is placed atop the first layer of epoxy. A third outer layer of epoxy resin is laid atop the second layer and is cured to a transparent state such that the second layer of woven fabric is visible through the third outer layer of cured epoxy.

Abstract: A structure formed of a composite material and a support material, the support material being integrally coupled to the composite material by an insert molding process to form an integral structure, and protective head gear, such as a welding helmet, welding shield, hard hat, etc. using such structure. A method for making a structure using sheet-like composite material includes adhering to the composite material a relatively rigid support member or frame by insert molding directly to the composite material.

Abstract: A helmet having an inexpensive polymeric protective layer for preventing or minimizing gouges, scuff marks, flares and the like to the exterior surface of the helmet is provided. The protective layer may be a post-production item which may be readily removable and replaceable by an unskilled user. The helmet is preferably used during a sporting event, such as football, since the protective layer is effective during practice, scrimmage or official games to protect the helmet's exterior surface at all times.

Abstract: An improved helmet constructed with a rigid shell having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy thereby protecting the wearer of the helmet, as well as protecting the impacting object. When used for contact sports such as football, this covering is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the helmet is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer around the shell which forms a solid frame-like structure. A face mask can also be covered with soft, durable covering and be mounted in such a manner to allow the covering to act as a shock absorber against sliding of the mask due to external forces.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet and bicycle helmet molding process provide an impact attenuating bicycle helmet/shell having the advantages of low cost, ease of manufacture, as well as ruggedness and durability. In preferred embodiments, a shell having inner and outer walls defining a sealable cavity is provided and an access hatch is formed in the outer wall. The cavity is fully or partially filled through the access hatch with an impact attenuating material. The helmet is treated if necessary to cause the impact attenuating material to harden or fuse or otherwise remain within the sealable cavity, and a plug is used to close the access hatch, thus providing a superior bicycle helmet/shell wherein the impact attenuating material is trapped within the shell portion of the product.

Abstract: A protective pad to be placed to protect a part of a person's body from injury due to impacts includes two layers of foamed polyethylene spaced a distance apart from each other and a layer of foamed polystyrene granules interposed between the two polyethylene layers. Also included is a garment for securing the protective pad in a position adjacent the part of the person's body subject to injury from impact. The securing apparatus may be a hip garment to protect the hips of a wearer that includes a piece of fabric to fit around the hips of the wearer and pockets attached to the fabric, the pockets holding the protective pad. The protective pad may also be used in a chest garment to protect the chest of a wearer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a safety enhanced motorcycle helmet provide enhanced cushioning to protect sensitive areas of the user's head. In each embodiment, a high density foam material is provided just under the thick outer shell of the helmet. The various embodiments contemplate embedding of various designs of low density foam materials within the high density foam layer. Embodiments include strips of low density foam, low density cylindrical foam plugs, channels formed within the high density foam layer and containing low density foam balls, and low density foam wedge plugs.

Abstract: A safety helmet for e.g. motorcycles has its outer shell firmed as a sandwich, comprising outer and inner composite layers each of resin and impact-resistant material separated by an intermediate layer of resilient material. The impact-resistant material is preferably a cloth of high tensile strength fiber such as KEVLAR.TM., DYNEMA.TM., glass fiber, or carbon fiber. The resilient material may be cork or foamed or other resilient plastics material, but is preferably honeycomb material of paper or aluminum. The helmet is made by sequentially laying up, in or over a former, a first composite layer of resin and sheets of impact-resistant material, an intermediate layer of honeycomb material, and a second composite layer of resin and sheets of impact-resistant material. The outer shell has a polyhedral form including a plurality of polygonal faces having abutting edges.

Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet is disclosed and is constructed from a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: A protective helmet assembly (10) comprising a hard ballistic outer shell (12) in a clam shell construction of hinged shell portions (14, 16), the front portion (14) being provided with a window opening (20) and a facial seal (34). A transparent visor (22) and sun visor (24) are pivotally mounted on the shell portion (14) and are positionable to cover the window with a seal (23) between the visor (22) and shell portion (14). Impact absorbing pads (31, 32) of open cell flexible polyimide foam material are attached to the inner surface of the hard shell portions (14, 16) by cooperative fastener strips (35, 36) of hook-and-loop material.

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

Abstract: A protective helmet, particularly used by children, is provided to include an enclosed, generally cylindrical helmet structure providing a plurality of layers of first and second density polymeric foam respectively, with a chin panel mounted to a first side of the helmet arranged for securement to a second side of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a dome-shaped body and air vent structure in the body comprising a body consisting of molded, synthetic resin sections, a first the section having relatively higher density and a second the section having relatively lower density; the first section extending in strengthening adjacency to the second section, laterally of the vent structure.

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

Abstract: A cushioned helmet includes an outer shell formed of a generally rigid body construction defining a full-face construction to include a facial opening directed therethrough. The shell includes a cushion outer liner coextensive with an interior surface of the shell, with an inner lining spaced therefrom to define a pneumatic chamber therebetween coextensively directed throughout the interior surface of the shell. A pump bladder is arranged to permit selective pneumatic filling of the pneumatic chamber, with a pressure relief valve arranged to permit selective release of pressurized air relative to the pneumatic chamber and the helmet construction. A modification of the invention includes "U" shaped cushion inserts arranged for positioning within the shell in contiguous communcation with the inner lining to provide for enhanced protection and accommodate various sized configurations of individuals wearing the helmet.