Abstract: A head protection system includes an open-ended tubular cap band of flexible material for partially encircling the head of a wearer generally at the level of the wearer's forehead. A belt member is slidably received through the tubular cap band and adjusts to accommodate the size of the head of the wearer. A crown member of a partial hemispherical shape has an equator region attached to the tubular cap band. In one embodiment, the opposed ends of the belt member include mutually engageable closure devices for joinder to accommodate the wearer's head. In another instance, the belt member is continuous and composed of flexibly expansible material. In still another instance, an elongated air bladder of resilient rubber-like material is received through the cap band with an air pump connected to the interior of the air bladder to selectively fill the air bladder with air.

Abstract: In a protective helmet comprising a rigid shell having a lower periphery and a suspension system, which may have two crossed straps mounted within the rigid shell, at spaced intervals around a lower periphery of the rigid shell, an array of inflatable pads is carried by the suspension system, within the rigid shell, above the lower periphery. The inflatable pads are joined by and between two fabric sheets. If the suspension system has two crossed straps, as preferred, some of the inflatable pads are disposed directly below the crossed straps, between a central region of the rigid shell and the lower periphery, while another of the inflatable pads is disposed in the central region. The crossed straps may extend through slits in the fabric sheets. The respective pads are inflated with a suitable gas, such as air, with a suitable liquid, such as water, with a suitable foam, or with a suitable gel.

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.

Abstract: A helmet for artificial respiration without the aid of masks, comprising a containment body with at least one optically transparent portion, which can accommodate hermetically the head of a patient. The containment body has an air intake port that can be connected to a ventilation apparatus and an outlet port. The helmet further comprises, on the containment body, substantially at the mouth of the patient being treated, an opening that can be closed removably by a closure element.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cap (120), skullcap (200), hat (270), and hat insert (350) devices comprising a weight-increasing layer, such as an elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514). The elastomeric weight layer (114, 214, 350, 414, 454, 514) is comprised of an elastomer and weighted bodies. In some embodiments the weight-increasing layer is shaped to conform to the crown of the head of a person wearing headwear of the present invention. In other embodiments a weighted component fits within a hat. Other forms of the weight-increasing layer include a double-walled bladder structure (700), shaped to conform to a person's head, into which weighted material is added. Exercise with such devices serves to increase the bone strengthening weight stress experienced by the wearer's spinal column and to encourage the wearer to maintain an improved, healthier posture.

Abstract: For use in a high performance racing vehicle or the like in which the torso of a driver is restrained in a seat by a harness that includes shoulder straps extending over the driver's shoulder, and a helmet is worn by the driver, a neck support and head restraint device comprises an inflatable collar configured and dimensioned to surround the driver's neck at a location between the driver's helmet and shoulders. The collar is anchored to the shoulder straps of the restraining harness. At least one and preferably two tethers are strategically connected at opposite ends to the collar and the helmet. The collar is normally in a pliable collapsed state, with the tethers loosely extending between the helmet and collar to thereby accommodate relatively unimpeded head movement.

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: A helmet chinstrap system having attachment straps looped through a stiff molded and perforated cup that is suitably shaped to fit across the user's chin. The system also includes one or more removable cup liners, a center flexible bumper fitted across the center perforation of the cup. Each attachment strap has an adjustable slider mechanism that allows the chinstrap system to be variably attached to the helmet attachment snaps.

Abstract: A stressable fabric that includes a plurality of layers of multiple materials. A top layer is formed from a generally non-elastic material. Suitable materials for the top layer are fibers, cables, woven material, or any other material that will bend when stress is applied, but that will not stretch. The top layer is attached to a motion axis defining layer made from a plurality of non-compressible blocks. The non-compressible blocks may be rectangular, oval, or other shapes depending on the requirements of a specific application. The shape of the non-compressible blocks defines the directions in which the stressable fabric can easily move. The non-compressible blocks of the motion axis defining layer are separated by a compressible interstitial element. The degree of compressibility of the compressible interstitial element is also varied according to the product design requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved, inflatable liner for a helmet. The liner employs hook and loop fasteners for easy removal and attachment to the inner surfaces of the helmet shell. The liner incorporates a fluid impermeable enclosed volume which may be inflated with water (or air). A valve provides access to the enclosed volume. The liner is of a light-weight, open-framed, semi-hemispheric configuration which allows for air circulation. A soft material is disposed on the open frame structure creating a buffer between the wearer's head and the helmet. A soft, moisture-absorbent fabric encompasses the periphery of the liner. The absorbent fabric functions as a sweatband for absorbing perspiration and for protecting the wearer's forehead from rubbing against the helmet shell.

Abstract: Ready safety helmet including two cover boards pivotally connected with each other and inflatable envelope overlaid on the upper and lower faces of the cover boards. When the inflatable envelope is deflated, the cover boards are pivoted to attach to each other so as to reduce the volume for easy carriage and storage. After the cover boards are outward stretched and fixed, the inflatable envelope is inflated. Thereafter, a user can wear the helmet on the head. By means of the buffing ability of the soft envelope and the anti-impact ability of the hard cover boards, the user's head is protected from being collided by an alien article.

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: A hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region, left and right temple regions, left and right side regions and an occipital region. The hockey helmet comprises a front portion facing the crown region and the left and right temple regions of the head and a rear portion facing the left and right side regions and the occipital region of the head. The hockey helmet also comprises an inflatable bladder mounted on the rear portion and adjacent to the occipital region of the head. The inflatable bladder is capable of applying pressure on the occipital region of the head for urging the front portion of the hockey helmet towards the crown region of the head when the helmet is placed on the head.

Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.

Abstract: A load absorbing apparatus for use in protective equipment in which a resilient bag containing fluid under pressure is disposed in a position subject to loads and a reservoir of elastomeric material which is expandable from an initial position with a minimum volume to a loaded position with an increased volume which is positioned in spaced relation to said position subject to loads. The resilient bag and reservoir are connected in fluid communication so that loads imposed on the bag force fluid from the bag to the reservoir where the energy is dissipated. After the load is removed from the resilient bag, the reservoir returns to its original shape to return the fluid to the resilient bag. The protective equipment incorporating the load absorbing apparatus can be in the form of a helmet with a relatively rigid shell or a body protected pad having a flexible outer cover.

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: An inflatable liner for a helmet. The liner has a first elongated cell and a second elongated cell extending substantially parallel to the first elongated cell. Passages extend through the first divider to permit air to pass between the first and second cells during an impact event. The second elongated cell is divided into separate sub cells and a single air inlet is provided for introducing air into the liner.

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: The present invention is directed to a child's or infant's hat which protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against hard objects. Generally, the head protector of the present invention comprises: (1) a cap member: (2) one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent fluid-containing pads; and (3) an outer covering of pliable fabric material. The cap member is constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the fluid-containing gel pads. The pads substantially surround the entire inner surface of the cap member, or a substantial portion thereof. The head protector of the present invention is fashionable, having an appearance and surface texture of a conventional hat worn by infants and small children.

Abstract: A helmet fitting and comfort system includes an inflatable liner assembly attached to the inside of a shock attenuating member forming the inner surface of the helmet. The liner assembly is in the form of a low wave-like shape and extends between the sides of the head below the crown and around the rear. A substantially continuous upper elongated cell is formed by a liner membrane to engage the head along an engagement band in a snug fit when inflated. A lower cell extends substantially parallel to the upper cell and forms a lower band of engagement. The cells form a continuous inflation path around their ends where they are connected so that a center, inflated cross-over cell that can cause the helmet to lift up is eliminated. The bands are substantially uninterrupted to increase the holding forces on the user's head. A valve connected to one of the cells is used to activate the liner. The lower cell may include a divider with the valve positioned adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.

Abstract: A load absorbing apparatus for use in protective equipment in which a resilient bag containing fluid under pressure is disposed in a position subject to loads and a reservoir of elastomeric material which is expandable from an initial position with a minimum volume to a loaded position with an increased volume which is positioned in spaced relation to said position subject to loads. The resilient bag and reservoir are connected in fluid communication so that loads imposed on the bag force fluid from the bag to the reservoir where the energy is dissipated. After the load is removed from the resilient bag, the reservoir returns to its original shape to return the fluid to the resilient bag. The protective equipment incorporating the load absorbing apparatus can be in the form of a helmet with a relatively rigid shell or a body protected pad having a flexible outer cover.

Abstract: A helmet which includes a substantially rigid shell having a shell thickness defined by a substantially continuous exterior surface spaced apart from a substantially continuous interior surface. A one-piece first shock attenuating member is positioned adjacent to and in substantially in contact with portions of the interior surface of the shell. The first shock attenuating member has a first thickness and a first compression deflection. A plurality of discrete second shock attenuating members are positioned adjacent to portions of the first shock attenuating member and adjacent to and in substantially in contact with portions of the interior surface of the shell. Each second shock attenuating member has a second thickness and a second density, with the second thickness being greater than the first thickness and the second compression deflection being less than the first compression deflection.

Abstract: One or more tubular inflatables are mounted in pockets spaced around a flight vest to assist and maintain upper body stiffness during ejection. The inflatables function to maintain the body stiff and prevent its moving from side to side during ejection. By proper positioning of the inflatables around the body, spinal compression may be prevented. In addition, connected to the flight vest is a collar-like inflatable that supports and protects the neck and head of the air crewmember from moving. The collar-like member can encircle the neck like a scarf. In another embodiment, it can also extend above the shoulders and completely encircle the helmet holding the head in a vertical position. In each embodiment, the collar-like member properly maintains the center of gravity of the air crewmember on the aircraft seat.

Abstract: An air-impermeable hood having first and second substantially airtight seals adapted to encircle a portion of a wearer's body below the head, typically the neck. Continuously exhaled air from the wearer of the hood is channeled between the first and second seals pressurizing a space there between creating a continuously pressurized purge zone to the introduction of ambient air into the hood. When the pressure in the purge zone exceeds the resistance of the second seal, air taking the path of least resistance flows out of the second seal. The effect is that exhaled air from the wearer creates a pressurized barrier against ambient air yet also prevents the accumulation of excess carbon dioxide and moisture within the ocular area.

Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.

Abstract: A load absorbing apparatus for use in protective equipment in which a resilient bag containing fluid under pressure is disposed in a position subject to loads and a reservoir of elastomeric material which is expandable from an initial position with a minimum volume to a loaded position with an increased volume which is positioned in spaced relation to said position subject to loads. The resilient bag and reservoir are connected in fluid communication so that loads imposed on the bag force fluid from the bag to the reservoir where the energy is dissipated. After the load is removed from the resilient bag, the reservoir returns to its original shape to return the fluid to the resilient bag. The protective equipment incorporating the load absorbing apparatus can be in the form of a helmet with a relatively rigid shell or a body protected pad having a flexible outer cover.

Abstract: Protective headgear comprises a rigid shell with face pads which may be released and removed while the headgear is still on a person's head. A protective chin guard may be attached to the headgear by way of the face pads. The chin guard comprises a substantially rigid shell with a removeable insert made of a flexible bladder filled with a shock absorbing fluid. The headgear may comprise a shell made of an inner and outer material layered over an internal foam core to effect both strength and lightweight.

Abstract: A restraint system for a flight helmet that functions to hold the head steady and centrally located in the aircraft seat. The inflatable is stored on the helmet and upon activation of an ejection sequence. The inflatable member is inflated and breaks a frangible cover to rest on the shoulders. In addition, the inflatable member operates to seal the neck and, in another embodiment, to shield the face from the windblast the air crewmember encounters during ejection. The inflatable member can also function to lift the head and reduce spinal compression encountered during ejection.

Abstract: A protective hat is designed to protect the head of an infant and is formed of a shell and a jacket fitted over the shell. The shell has a projecting front brim, two projecting side brims corresponding in location to the ears of an infant, and a number of ventilation holes. The jacket is formed of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a space located between the inner layer and the outer layer for receiving the shell. The jacket is provided with a chin strap and a zipper to facilitate the fitting of the jacket over the shell and the removing of the jacket from the shell.

Abstract: The invention pertains to protective helmet that has an inflatable liner that is constructed with a multiplicity of cells each separated by constrictions of a narrower cross-section. The liner has a central ring and a plurality of loops extending therefrom adapted to protect various portions of the wearer's skull. The structure of the liner permits the liner to be molded using various molding techniques.

Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.

Abstract: An improved impact absorbing composite comprising protective gear including a shell and a protective layer and a fitting pad comprising a substantially air-tight foam-filled enclosure attached to the protective gear and providing means for adjusting the internal pressure of the enclosure.

Abstract: A protective helmet incorporates an inflatable liner that has front, crown, rear, left and right side portions. To ensure uniform inflation, the inflatable liner is comprised of a plurality of inflatable cells interconnected by a series of air passageways. The liner has a front portion that extends to the lower edge of the helmet and a rear portion that extends below the external occipital protuberance of the wearer's head, thereby providing a snug, comfortable fit and ensuring that the helmet will not rise up or lift away from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A protective helmet for active use by a player in a sports activity, such as soccer, includes a shell made of a soft material and which has the general configuration to fit a wearer's head. A device for stabilizing the shell on the wearer's head, such as a chin-strap, is operably connected to the shell. The shell includes a member for allowing a player to actively deflect a ball during a play. The shell further includes a member for dampening the force of impact by the ball over a head region of the wearer.

Abstract: In order to protect the neck of the wearer of a helmet comprising heavy and/or dangerous equipment, the helmet comprises a part that can be jettisoned in the event of an emergency. The jettisonable part is separated from the fixed part of the helmet by the rapid inflation of a cushion between these two parts. The device can be applied especially to helmets worn by the pilots of armed helicopters or aircraft.

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: Protective helmet (10), in particular for motorcyclists or the like, with an outer casing formed in particular as an outer shell (11) and a lining (12) which is accommodated in the outer casing and lines the latter at least in areas. At least in partial regions, the lining (12) comprises a cushion which can be evacuated of air, is divided into individual segments (13, 14, 15, 16) and is filled with resilient packing (38).

Abstract: A helmet with a rigid shell includes: an air buffer made of soft foam having a plurality of hollow cells, which is attached to the rigid shell; an air ear guard having a hollow chamber; and a pump having an exhaust port for inflating and deflating the air buffer and the air ear guard to adjust the size of the helmet to a user's head.

Abstract: There is disclosed a preform for an air pump and relief valve assembly which has an assembly body with a substantially flat bottom and molded entirely of a flexible plastic to form a bulbous extremity on one end of the body and open at its bottom and a relief valve recess adjacent the opposite end of said body and open to a valve port in said bottom wall with at least one, and preferably two, internal passages open to the interior of the bulbous extremity and extending through said assembly body to a second port open at the bottom wall, with a substantially planar base flange extending about said body and peripherally about said bulbous extremity and said relief valve recess. The preform can be sealed to a flat sheet of plastic to complete the pump and relief valve and for this purpose has a transverse tunnel located between said internal passage and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A protective chin strap for headwear such as an athletic helmet is provided with a chin portion including an inflatable pouch and a manually operated valve pump so that the wearer can inflate the pouch to adjust the tension of the strap to adjust the force holding the helmet on the head of the wearer as well as at the same time provide a shock absorbing cushion on the chin of the user.

Abstract: An impact resistant helmet assembly having a first material layer coupled to a second material layer so as to define a gas chamber therebetween which contains a quantity that provides impact dampening upon an impact force being applied to the helmet assembly. The helmet assembly further includes a containment layer disposed over the second material layer and structured to define a fluid chamber in which a quantity of fluid is disposed. The fluid includes a generally viscous gel structured to provide some resistance against disbursement from an impacted region of the fluid chamber to non-impacted regions of the fluid chamber, thereby further enhance the impact distribution and dampening of the impact force provided by the helmet assembly.

Abstract: A new inflatable liner for an aircraft or other protective helmet is disclosed. The liner includes a multiplicity of separate inflatable cells adjacently arranged in the general shape of a cap or of the inside of a helmet. Each inflatable cell includes a separate inflation tube. The inflation tubes extend out the back or side of the liner to one or more collector tubes. A valve controls a supply of inflatable fluid, typically pressurized air, to the collector tube. The inflation tubes may be grouped so that adjacent inflatable cells are differentially pressurized to provide impact energy absorption and so that inflatable cells on the sides of the helmet liner are more highly pressurized than cells on the top of the helmet liner to hold the helmet liner, and an accompanying helmet, more securely on a person's head.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet including a pair of spaced synthetic plastic shells and contains an opening having an annular wall surface connecting the shells, the annular wall being successively axially convergent and divergent, thereby to reinforce the helmet, and to afford circulation of air to the user's head.

Abstract: A protective wrestling headgear is provided having a pair of ear guards. Each ear guard has a generally disk-like core having a peripheral edge portion, an interior surface and an exterior surface. Preferably, a pattern of a plurality vent openings is provided in the core and connect the interior and exterior surfaces. A layer of gel cushioning material, preferably silicon gel cushioning material covers the interior surface of the peripheral edge. Preferably, a one-piece removable ear guard covering of a flexible material covers each ear guard. The covering has a core portion of a continuous web that covers the exterior surface of the core, leaving the pattern of vent openings exposed. The covering also includes a peripheral edge portion that covers the exterior surface of the peripheral edge and the layer of gel cushioning material. The flexible covering surrounding the peripheral edge has a tacky exterior surface to grip the area surrounding the wrestlers ear.

Abstract: A helmet mounting device which allows a helmet to be securely mounted to a user's head in a desired alignment, without irritating chin straps, is provided. The device includes a frame and a liner with a retention band that can be uniformly tightened about the user's head and that aligns with cranial features such as the indentation in the occipital area at the base of the skull. A plurality of these devices can be given out in advance to users waiting on line for a virtual reality amusement attraction, who can don them in advance. When a user reaches the attraction, he or she can easily slip onto the device a helmet having shape complementary to the device for quick alignment. When the user is finished, the device can easily be cleaned before being given to the next user.

Abstract: A helmet removal device for removing a helmet from a head of a wearer without applying tensile forces on the neck of the wearer. The removal device includes a bladder disposed between the helmet and the top of the head with the bladder so constructed and arranged that upon inflation from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, the bladder at least partially displaces the head from within the helmet. The removal device may also include an inserting tool for inserting the bladder between the helmet and head while the helmet is being worn.

Abstract: A helmet assembly for providing an indication when a predetermined axial compressive force tending to cause serious injury to the wearer is applied thereto. The assembly comprises a rigid helmet having a lower rim for at least partially encircling the head of the wearer. The helmet is defined by an exterior surface including a crown areal. A transmitting device is carried by the helmet for transmitting a signal to a remote location when a predetermined amount of axial compressive force is applied to the crown area. Receiving means disposed remotely from the helmet receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting device.

Abstract: An improved cooling apparatus for a protective helmet is disclosed. The cooling apparatus employs hook and loop fastener strips to secure the bladder to the helmet padding. The bladder is filled with a breakable pouch of encapsulated ammonium salt surrounded by water. An annular chamber in the bladder allows free communication of the cooling medium within the chamber to allow for differnet heat loads at different areas of the bladder.

Abstract: A signalling device is installed in headwear such as an athletic helmet and includes triaxially sensitive sensors for detecting impacts above a selected magnitude and for providing a signal characteristic of the magnitude and direction of an impact.