Abstract: Provided are a protective headwear and method of manufacturing the headwear. The headwear includes a body, band and plurality of protective inserts. The body has an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The band extends from and about the opening of the body to the interior of the body and partially toward the crown. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The band includes a plurality of pockets disposed about a base stitching that secures the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band to the crown of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, methods, products, and implementations, including a head gear device that includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, at least one sensor to measure one or more of, for example, force and/or motion, and one or more moveable members, the one or more moveable members configured to be displaced to apply a counterforce to a head of the user based, at least in part, on detection of one or more of, for example, a force component applied to the user and/or motion undergone by the user.

Abstract: Provided is a protective headwear that includes a body, pocket band and plurality of protective inserts. The body has an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The pocket band extends about the opening to the interior of the body and partially toward the crown being secured to the body by a base stitching about the opening. The pocket band is free floating from the base stitching with respect to the interior of the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The pocket band also includes a plurality of pockets disposed about the base stitching. The protective inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the pocket band and extend from the base stitching toward the crown.

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

Abstract: A 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: Provided are a protective headwear and method of manufacturing the headwear. The headwear includes a body, band and plurality of protective inserts. The body has an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The band extends from and about the opening of the body to the interior of the body and partially toward the crown. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The band includes a plurality of pockets disposed about a base stitching that secures the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band to the crown of the body.

Abstract: Provided is a protective insert to be received into a pocket of a protective headwear. The protective insert includes a hard out plastic, at least one pliable middle layer and a pliable inner layer. The hard outer layer is configured to provide impact-resistance. The least one pliable middle layer has at least one arrangement of openings. Further, the pliable inner layer is configured to provide cushioning. The outer layer, the at least one middle layer and the inner layer are sealed with respect to one another such that the openings form closed air pockets. The air pockets are configured to absorb and distribute an impact to the outer layer about the at least one protective insert.

Abstract: Provided are a protective headwear and method of manufacturing the headwear. The headwear includes a body, band and plurality of protective inserts. The body has a tubular shape with an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The band extends from and about the opening of the body to the interior of the tubular shape and partially toward the crown. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The band includes a plurality of pockets disposed about a base stitching of the band. The protective inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band to the crown of the body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cranial shock absorption system. The method is comprised of forming a first layer of elastomer, positioning a thin layer of material on top surface of elastomer such that the top surface is exposed around the entire exterior of the layer of material, allowing the first layer to partially set, positioning a tubular stem or valve on the first layer adjacent to the layer of material, forming a second layer of elastomer, allowing the first layer and second layer of elastomer to fully set around the thin layer of material, removing the thin layer of material from between the first and second layers of elastomer and then introducing a fluid into the chamber through the tubular stem.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular helmet comprising a shell, an energy-absorbing layer, and at least one energy-absorbing panel or other modular element, which is removably attached to the helmet. For example, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an improved football helmet comprises an outer shell with six apertures, an inner, energy-absorbing layer, a face mask, and six modular panels, each of which sits inside an aperture and is releasably attached to the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes an outer shell. A bladder, coupled to the outer shell, provides shock absorption in at least one zone or protection. The bladder holds an absorption pack that contains a plurality of absorption particles and/or a fluid and has a relief valve for relieving pressure on the bladder when the pressure on the bladder is greater than a pressure threshold.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a head cap, which surrounds and moves with a wearer's head, and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. The outer shell is movable both radially and circumferentially relative to the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner is located between the head cap and the outer shell. The liner is attached to the outer shell and the head cap so that neither the head cap nor the head of the wearer is otherwise attached to the outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing protective structure comprises one or more compressible cells. Each cell is in the form of a thin-walled plastic enclosure defining an inner, fluid-filled chamber with at least one small orifice through which fluid resistively flows. Each cell includes an initially resistive mechanism that resists collapse during an initial phase of an impact and that then yields to allow the remainder of the impact to be managed by the venting of fluid through the orifice. The initially resistive mechanism may be implemented by providing the cell with semi-vertical side walls of an appropriate thickness or by combining a resiliently collapsible ring with the cell. After the initially resistive mechanism yields to the impact, the remainder of the impact is managed by the fluid venting through the orifice. The cell properties can be readily engineered to optimize the impact-absorbing response of the cell to a wide range of impact energies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for construction of a protective head covering (helmet) to be worn by individuals engaged in activity that may, without the apparatus, cause concussive brain injury. The helmet, which is comparable in weight and envelope to conventional helmets, can be constructed from commercially available materials. The design features a dual shell concept where outer shell deflection under load triggers the primary attenuation mechanism. A second more rigid inner shell defines a space where one or more compartmentalized sealed elastomer energy absorbing cells are located. These cells contain either a gas or liquid agent designed to adaptively convert potentially injurious normal impact force energy to energy that is channeled between the shells and therefore harmless to the wearer. A portion of this converted energy will be stored and then utilized to automatically re-set the apparatus for the next impact event.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a helmet structure for reducing kinetic energy transmission. The helmet has a first layer configured as an outside layer that serves as first contact with a source of kinetic energy and a second layer having a substance that changes state to transfer kinetic energy laterally with respect to the skull. The substance has a threshold shear yield point wherein upon contact with kinetic energy, if the threshold shear yield point of the second layer is met, the layer will at least partially liquefy to yield a liquid and flow to internal or external chambers. In one embodiment, the helmet structure is reset after contact with kinetic energy. The substance in the helmet changes state such that the substance returns to its original state prior to contact with kinetic energy and the substance returns to its original location within the helmet structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy-absorbing device comprising a first layer; a second layer; the second layer being opposedly disposed to the first layer and in slideablecommunication with the first layer; the first layer and the second layer enclosing a space therebetween; the space being filled with a fluid that has a power law exponent ? of at least about 1.3 when measured in half cell split Hopkinson bar using Equation (3) below: ? ? w ? ma ? ? x = ? ? [ U h ] n = ? ? ? . n ( 3 ) where |?w|max is a maximum shear stress, ? is a shear strain rate, U is a characteristic velocity of the striker wall, h is a thickness of the space, n is a power law dimensional factor that represents an energy dissipating property of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a helmet safety liner. More particularly, the invention encompasses a liquid-gel impact reaction liner for a motorcycle helmet. The present invention is also directed to a novel liquid-gel impact reaction liner for a half-shell motorcycle helmet. The inventive helmet could also have at least one cushion or intermediate layer which could be secured by one or more securing means.

Abstract: A protective helmet (100) comprises a plurality of layers. A fabric layer (200) conforms to a wearer's head, extending around the head from the top of the head to a point above the ears. A first, conforming hard layer (205) follows and is secured to the fabric layer. A second hard layer (210) conforms to and rests on the previous hard layer, but is not attached to it. A fibrous layer (215) is formed over the second hard layer, and a wet settable friable or frangible material layer, e.g., plaster, (220) is applied over the fibrous layer. The friable or frangible material infiltrates the fiber layer and seals it to the second hard layer. While the friable or frangible material is still wet, a mold (222) or tool (not shown) forms a plurality of lines, e.g., hexagonal trenches (225), in the friable material that extend downward toward the fibrous layer. The mold can optionally be left in place or removed after the plaster hardens. Next, a surface layer (230) of resin is applied over the outside of the layers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against bard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise: (1) a cap member; and (2) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the one or more pads.

Abstract: A method and device adapted to be worn on the head of a user comprising: at least one inflatable band, one of a proximity sensor, inertia switch, or gravity type switch, a gas releasing device which causes the inflatable band to inflate when the proximity sensor or inertia switch is actuated, whereby when the device is worn on the head of the user is automatically activated in the case of a fall or impact to cushion the head of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet (10), particularly for motorcyclists or the like, having an exterior casing particularly configured as an exterior shell (11), and a lining element arrangement (12), which is received in the exterior casing and lines the same at least in some regions, wherein the lining element arrangement (12) has at least two lining elements, wherein at least one lining element is configured as a cushion element (14) filled with filling bodies (21), and at least one further lining element is configured as a lining shell element (17), wherein the cushion element (14) is surrounded at least along its contour by at least one lining shell element (17), which at least partially supports a contour surface of the cushion element (14).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the concussive effects of impact. The system includes a helmet for protecting the head of a user. The helmet has a surface, an array of strain gauges attached on the surface for detecting an impact, an array of cells attached within the helmet and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the cells. Each cell is selectively inflatable to redirect impact forces to the shell of the helmet, and selectively deflatable to cushion a users head during impact. The process of inflation and deflation is enabled and optimized through the use of a microprocessor connected in operative communication with the array of strain gauges and with the valves. Accordingly, when the system detects impact, the microprocessor selectively signals at least some of the valves to rapidly change pressure in the cells near the impact.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head cool and/or cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and/or comfort, and includes a liquid-absorbing material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions. One or more ventilation portions and/or devices may also be included to allow for the free flow of air, breathing of the wearer's scalp and to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. In some implementations, the article may be used in a variety of different headgear. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of a liquid by the material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.

Abstract: Body protective clothing, comprising a hard shell (2) for covering the body part to be protected and an impact protection (10) arranged at the inside of the body protective clothing, the impact protection (10) comprising an impact absorbing foam enclosed by an airtight casing and at least one valve (16, 16?) arranged at the airtight casing, wherein the valve (16, 16?) is realized as a pressure relief valve in such a way that the compression of the impact protection (10) caused as a result of a crash opens the valve (16, 16?) for pressure reduction in the impact protection (10).

Abstract: A helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprises an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation means. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurisation and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation means. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid. The helmet exhibits improved resistance to transmission of impact forces compared with conventional helmets.

Abstract: A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.

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

Abstract: The invention further provides a device to protect the neck and the base of the skull of a person, the device comprises an impact-resistant substrate and a helmet. The impact-resistant pliable substrate is adapted to encircle an extended portion of the person's neck and lower cranium. The helmet is configured to cover the skull of the person, except for the occipital region of the skull. The helmet is adapted to receive the first impact-resistant pliable substrate such that the substrate substantially covers the occipital region of the skull and cervical vertebra of wearer.

Abstract: Headgear of the type having an outer layer and a relatively flexible inner layer includes a belt which extends around the inner layer within the outer layer, and a tensioning device which can tension the belt causing the belt to urge the inner layer inward away from the outer layer and against the helmet wearer's head. Preferably, the tensioning device includes a chinstrap assembly releasably fastened to the front of the helmet.

Abstract: A head massager and its helmet comprises a helmet (1), a massage device and an adjustment device (2), the helmet (1) has a front shell (11) and a rear shell (12) which can be moved relating to the front shell (11), the rear shell (12) has a shell cavity (123), the two ends of the front shell (11) are plug-connected with the two ends of the rear shell (12). The adjustment device (2) comprises a positive rotatable knob (21), a fixing pole (22), a winding ring (24), two pulling ropes (27) and a reverse locking device for preventing the knob (21) from rotating reversely.

Abstract: A replacement pad kit for use in an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) system helmet comprises a plurality of replacement pads for disposition within an ACH helmet. At least one of the replacement pads comprises a fabric layer for contacting the skin of a wearer, an anti-bacterial hydrophilic foam layer, a shock absorption SRF foam layer, and a hook and loop fastener material for engaging some of the plurality of pad receiving hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wearable helmet for providing at least one of impact force cushioning and redirection, anti-rotation and breathability. The helmet exhibits a concave shaped body dimensioned for placement over a user's head, with a plurality of individual and inward projecting elements associated with an interior facing surface of the body and contacting locations of the wearer's head. In this fashion, the projections exhibit a biasing component for cushioning and/or redirecting impact forces to the helmet.

Abstract: A fluid safety liner includes a liner of closed-cell foam that uses a series of channels and reservoirs to spread forces and distribute fluid contained within the liner throughout different areas of the liner. The liner is useable in protective gear such as a helmet and has a shape that conforms to the area of protection. The channel and reservoir system generally includes a mesh of coupled channels and reservoirs in the closed-cell foam. The channel and reservoir system also generally includes an incompressible fluid movable throughout the system for redistributing pressure and absorbing the force of any impact through viscous flow. The reduction in peak force and lengthening of the duration of the force reduces the biomechanical severity (e.g. HIC, Head Injury Criterion) of a blow to the protective gear.

Abstract: A shock balance controller is described, including a support structure configured to support the shock balance controller, the support structure having a chamber including a port disposed in a side of the chamber, the port providing an opening to a housing, and a bladder coupled to the housing, the bladder being filled with a first material configured to receive pressure from a shock, wherein the first material, when receiving the shock pushes a first piston that compresses a spring disposed in the housing, the spring pushing a second piston that increases the pressure of a second material stored in the chamber. A shock balance controller may also include a structure configured to support the shock balance controller, the structure having a chamber, a port, and a housing assembly, and a bladder coupled to the structure using the housing assembly, the bladder and housing assembly being configured to transfer energy between the bladder and the chamber.

Abstract: A helmet, which includes an injection molded shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the injection molded shell including a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first and second main body portions are formed of a first material; and a first molded hinge portion formed intermediate the first and second main body portions, the molded hinge portion adapted to allow the first main body portion and the second main body portion to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A new concept in cranial protection, is a device of individual protection with the purpose of protect the user's head against impact and decelerations. The Cephalic Protection Cell must be used with the objective of avoid direct injuries caused by impact and resting and, at the same time, improving the amount of time in which a contact strength is applied to the head, preventing, this way, localized injuries (by impact) or spreaded injuries (by deceleration) in the brain and in other internal structures of the cranium, and also regarding its hability to preserve the cervical spine, thanks to its less mass.

Abstract: An impact-dispersing undergarment is provided. The impact-dispersing undergarment includes a wearable substrate, such as a flexible fabric, adapted to cover at least a portion of an individual's body. The undergarment includes at least one resilient, impact-dispersing gel packet coupled to the wearable substrate. The gel packets are selectively coupled to the wearable substrate and adapted for use underneath conventional protective padding. A method for protecting an individual during impact by employing the impact-dispersing undergarment under conventional protective padding is also provided.

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: An impact-absorbing compressible member includes a thin-walled enclosure defining an inner chamber containing a volume of fluid such as air. The enclosure includes one or more orifices which as sized and positioned to allow air to vent from the inner chamber in response to an impact on the member and to refill the inner chamber in response to an impact on the member and to refill the inner chamber after the impact is released. The enclosure is formed of a blow-molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material which is economical to make and durable in use. The compressible members can be used as building blocks for impact-absorbing shell structures for a wide variety of application such helmets, protective pads for body parts, sports arena wall padding, vehicular bumpers, dashboards and the like. The compressible member has impact-absorbing advantages over conventional foams currently used in those applications.

Abstract: A cushion for use in a helmet or body armor to mitigate shock loads (i.e. blasts or blunt impact) against the human body includes a matrix having a plurality of fluid pockets. The fluid pockets themselves are either deformable, or they can be reconfigured (e.g. emptied) and are, therefore, connected in fluid communication with an empty receiver pocket. In the latter case, a vent connects each fluid pocket to at least one receiver pocket, and a valve is imbedded into the vent to control fluid flow through the vent. In either case, when the cushion receives a shock load, fluid in the cushion is transferred to reconfigure the cushion for mitigation of the resultant forces.

Abstract: A head protection system is disclosed herein. The system may comprise a helmet having a rigid exterior shell and a padded interior. A shoulder cuff may be disposable over left and right shoulders of the wearer. A plurality of pistons may be attached to the helmet and the shoulder cuff. Each of the pistons may be fluidly connected to each other through a tube and ultimately to a reservoir. The tube may have a small inner diameter to provide resistance to movement of the pistons during rapid deceleration or acceleration of the helmet with respect to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A facemask coupled to a sports helmut such that it will absorb a very high percentage of the impact energy from a ball or other oncoming force. The shock-absorbing facemask attachment assembly includes a housing attached to a helmet. An insert may be coupled to the facemask and the housing such that the insert is pushed further into the housing in response to an applied force. Alternatively, one or more springs may be coupled to the facemask and the housing such that the springs are compressed further toward the housing in response to an applied force. As another alternative, a spring assembly may include at least one spring coupled to the helmet and the housing and at least one spring coupled to the facemask and the housing.

Abstract: A multilayer shell for use in the construction of protective headgear, the shell including an outer layer, an inner layer, a middle layer disposed between the outer and inner layer which resiliently compresses in response to an impact to the outer layer, and an internal liner disposed inwardly of the inner layer. The middle layer includes a plurality of compressible members, which resiliently compress to absorb the energy of a direct impact to the outer layer and resiliently shear with respect to the inner layer in response to a tangential impact to the outer layer. The inner layer includes an open configuration, which reduces the weight of the shell, provides for greater heat ventilation from the head of the user, and permits for visualization of the compressible elements. The internal liner is formed from contourable materials which enhance user fit and comfort and reduce the weight of the protective headgear without compromising user safety.

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: An impact absorbing, modular helmet that prevents or reduces injury to the user and other parties in a collision is described. The helmet has layers on the outer side of the hard casing that increase the time of impact and thereby reduces the intensity of the impact forces to reduce their injury potential. The layers may be made up of uniformly consistent impact absorbing polymer material, a polymer layer filled with air or a polymer honeycombed structure. These impact-absorbing layers may also be made and used as an independent, detachable, external protective cover that may be attached universally over hard casing helmets.

Abstract: An impact absorbing protective gear for protecting an area of the wearer's body includes a pad, which is configured to generally conform to the area of the wearer's body, and a fluid containing body. The pad includes an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface for facing the area of the wearer's body. The pad is formed from a resilient energy-absorbing material wherein the outer surface flexes inwardly when impacted by a force applied to the outer surface. The inner surface includes at least one recessed portion. The fluid containing body is located in the recessed portion and has a volume less than the volume of the recessed portion wherein the fluid containing body can deform in the recessed portion upon impact from the force to thereby increase the amount of energy absorbed by the protective gear.

Abstract: An ear covering is produced by sewing first and second cloth layers together along a first closed loop seam, and forming a hole inside the loop and extending through both layers; turning the sewn first and second layers inside out by passing one layer through the opening; then passing one of the layers through a passage in a flexible insert in the form of a distorted, truncated cone; placing a third cloth layer over one of the first and second layers and sewing the first second and third cloth layers along a second closed-loop seam, thereby enclosing the insert within a toroidal enclosure formed by portions of the first and second layers. Afterwards, the assembly is turned inside out to form a cup-shaped receptacle for receiving an external ear, with the second seam in the interior of the receptacle, and with the first seam within the toroidal enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head both cool and cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and comfort, and includes a water absorbent polymer or other material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions attached to a concave disk of mesh fabric. The mesh fabric provides ventilation portions, which allow for the free flow of air and breathing of the wearer's scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. The article provides a cushion to the wearer's scalp from the abrasive effect of the webbing of the headgear harness. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of water by the polymer material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.

Abstract: The basic object of this invention is the use of light selective materials and fabrics to increase the utility of a garment or sports article. The invention is the novel idea that light selective materials and fabrics can radically improve the usefulness, pleasure, and appeal obtained from sportswear and other garments. Examples taught include life vests, ski vests, ski pants, ski helmet/hat, and sunglasses.

Abstract: An inflatable head-protection member comprises first and second ear-protective elements connected together by a web element, at least one of the ear-protective elements having extending therefrom substantially orthogonally to the web element a strap element having adjustable connection means to the other ear-protective element or to a corresponding strap element extending therefrom, the elements being air-inflatable and in mutual communication and having an inflation tube for insertion in the user's mouth and an inflation/deflation control means.