Abstract: A helmet mounted safety device comprises right and left mandible engaging sections. Each of the mandible engaging sections comprises an adjustable airway opening member for assuring opening of the airway, and is connected, whether integrally or detachably, to a side portion within an interior of a helmet in order to facilitate engagement with the mandible of a wearer of the helmet upon demand. A helmet comprising the right and left mandible engaging sections is also taught, and further comprises in one embodiment a neck stabilizing cervical support that includes an occipital portion and two sternocleidomastoid (SCM) portions between which the occipital portion is interposed, for engaging the SCM muscle at the side of the neck.

Abstract: A structured material for impact protection includes a plurality of tubular members formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The plurality of tubular members are arranged in a bundle such that the central axes of the plurality of tubular members are substantially parallel, and adjacent tubular members are secured to one another along their length. A method of forming a structured impact protection material includes arranging a plurality of tubes formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material into a selected shape. The tubes are arranged in a layer with central axes of the plurality of tubes aligned to be parallel to each other. Heat is applied to adjacent first end portions of tubes of plurality of tubes and the adjacent first end portions are secured to each other via thermal bond. Heat is applied to adjacent second end portions of the tubes and the adjacent second end portions are secured to each other via thermal bond.

Abstract: A protective helmet including an outer shell including at least one aperture, an elastomeric diaphragm connected to an inner surface of the outer shell and covering the at least one aperture, an inner shell slidingly connected to the outer shell where the inner shell is spaced apart from the outer shell, and at least one expandable bladder positioned between the outer shell and the inner shell and operatively arranged to displace the elastomeric diaphragm in the at least one aperture of the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and 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 linearly and angularly 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: A device for providing protection against minor head injury and for stabilizing a hat is provided. The device moves from a generally flat first orientation into a domed-shaped second orientation. In the second orientation, the device is placed under the underside of a hat and supports the hat in an upright position. The device may be placed under a hat for protection and/or to store the hat in an upright position for display and to reduce the sagging of the hat over time. Further, the device may be placed under a hat and the hat worn. The device has a plurality of radially extending arms extending from a center portion. The perimeter surface of the device may be partially inserted within a groove of the hat so as to allow the device to remain secured within the hat. The device is also suitable for providing some protection against head injury when the device is properly worn under a hat.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to an athletic helmet. The athletic helmet can include a shell, a suspension chassis, and several impact-absorbing pads. The suspension chassis can be disposed within the shell and configured to couple the pads to the shell. Each pad can include a membrane defining an interior volume. A valve can place the interior volume in fluid communication with the exterior of the membrane. In some embodiments, two or more structural members can be disposed within the interior volume. One structural member can be at least partially deformed when the athletic helmet is worn by a user.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods for isolating electronic components from input vibrations. The vibration isolation device may passively isolate the housed electronics from substantially all input vibrations. The vibration isolation device may include elastic members to suspend the electronic components within a support frame such that input vibrations are unable to directly influence the electronic components.

Abstract: A helmet can comprise an upper-body comprising an upper outer shell and an upper energy-absorbing material coupled the upper outer shell. The helmet can comprise a lower-body comprising a lower outer shell and a lower energy-absorbing material coupled the outer shell, wherein the lower-body is nested within the upper-body. A strap anchor can be formed without a web and embedded within the upper-body or the lower-body between the upper-body and the nested lower-body. A strap can be coupled to the strap anchor, wherein the strap extends between the upper-body and the lower-body and is threaded through the lower-body to couple the helmet to a head of a user. The strap anchor can comprise a size less than or equal to 10-30 millimeters (mm), by 10-50 mm, by 2-10 mm. The strap anchor can be sandwiched between the upper-body and the lower-body and hidden from view within the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protective devices. A protective equipment device may include a high mass member; and a nanoparticle shock wave attenuating material layer disposed on the high mass member. The nanoparticle shock wave attenuating material layer may include a gradient nanoparticle layer including a plurality of nanoparticles of different diameters that are arranged in a gradient array; and a carbon allotrope layer disposed in proximity to the gradient nanoparticle layer, the carbon allotrope layer comprising a plurality of carbon allotrope members suspended in a matrix.

Abstract: Protective helmet, in particular for sports use, is disclosed; The helmet includes a shell structure shaped so as to at least partially cover the head of a user; and a nape-rest element fixedly connected to the shell structure at the nuchal area of the user; The nape-rest element is constrained to the shell structure in a movable manner between a fitting position, in which it is in substantial contact with the inner rear wall of the shell structure to allow the occipital protuberance of the cranium to be passed over, and a use position in which it is separated from the inner rear wall of the shell structure and in substantial contact with the nuchal area of the user wearing the helmet, the helmet also includes a spring element to force the nape-rest element in the use position in which it is separated from the inner rear wall of the shell structure and in substantial contact with the nuchal area of the user wearing the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a protective shell with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A padding layer is affixed to the interior surface. The padding layer comprises a compliant material and a frangible material, such as glass foam. At least the frangible material is enclosed in a container. A detection circuit detects compromise of the frangible material, and outputs an indicator in the event the compromise is detected. The detection circuit may include a frangible wire configured to break in the event the frangible material is compromised. The indicator may include an LED, and/or radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency signal may include an identifier for the helmet. The padding layer may include a plurality of pads each containing compliant material and frangible material. The plurality of pads may include one or more fasteners for releaseably affixing the pads to the interior surface of the protective shell.

Abstract: A protective headgear includes, for example, a headgear body that is wearable on a head of the wearer having a top slot in a top portion of the headgear body, wherein the top slot runs from a front portion of the headgear body that covers a forehead of the wearer to a back portion of the headgear body that covers a back of the head of the wearer. A top piece slidably attaches to the headgear body to cover the top slot, wherein the top piece diffuses energy from an impact to the protective headgear by sliding within the top slot. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A retaining system includes a receiver comprising: a holder with a first side and an opposite second side and an eccentric aperture extends from the first side to the second side of the holder; a column comprising a central axis, a first axial side, and a second opposite axial side; and a flange attached normal to the column at the second side, wherein the column and flange are engaged with the holder, wherein the flange has an outer shape that fits within the eccentric aperture, and the column passes within the eccentric aperture from the first side to the second side of the holder, wherein the flange and column are rotatable around the central axis, and the column resists rotating without some resilient deformation of either the column, the flange, or the holder. The retaining system may be used to hold straps, such as from goggles, next to the side of a helmet.

Abstract: An embodiment of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions includes an outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner by a plurality of isolation dampers for omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell.

Abstract: A helmet cover that has an outer skin, an impact absorbing material and at least one vent comprising an aperture through the helmet cover is described. A helmet cover vent may be aligned with a vent in a helmet, thereby providing for improved ventilation and cooling, and may be attached to a helmet. A helmet cover vent may be configured as a tapered or flared vent, and may be an, air capture vent. The impact absorbing material may be configured over substantially the entire helmet cover surface, or may cover only a portion of the surface. In one embodiment, the impact absorbing material is configured as a discrete pad that is located where impact is most common, such as on the front, sides, or back of the helmet cover. A discrete pad may be interchangeable, allowing for customizing the type and location of impact absorption on the helmet cover.

Abstract: A helmet an include a shell, a liner disposed within the shell, a flexible band disposed between the shell and a portion of the liner to releasably couple the liner to the shell without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. The helmet can also include an energy-absorbing layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) including a groove. The comfort liner can be attached to the energy-absorbing layer without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, and a flexible band can be releasably disposed between the energy-absorbing layer and the comfort liner. The helmet can also include a groove on an inner surface of an outer shell. An energy-absorbing liner can include expanded polypropylene (EPP), and a flexible band can be disposed between the outer shell and the energy-absorbing liner to provide additional energy management, to releasably couple the energy-absorbing liner to the outer shell, or both.

Abstract: A pad assembly is provided for use with a protective sports helmet in a contact sport, the helmet having an opening. The pad assembly includes a pad member within a pad housing, and a retainer having a projection that fits within the helmet opening. The pad assembly also includes a cap detachably coupled to the retainer, the cap including a base portion that fits within the helmet opening and a flange portion that fits within a countersunk recess disposed around the helmet opening, the cap detachably receiving the projection of the retainer. A protective sports helmet having a pad assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An ergonomic faceguard for a helmet, and a helmet including the ergonomic faceguard; the faceguard including a wire grid having a plurality of horizontal wires. The plurality of horizontal wires includes a horizontal wire configured to extend proximate to a user's chin, the horizontal wire including a pair of lateral sections for engaging a shell of a helmet and a front section extending between the lateral sections, with the lateral sections extending along a common plane and the front section deviating from the plane along which the lateral sections extend. The front section has an anterior point that is elevated at a height that is greater than a height of the lowest point in the front section.

Abstract: A football helmet is disclosed that includes a shell constructed of fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a liner made from expanded polypropylene, an impact absorbing layer situated between the liner and the shell, and a face gaurd. The impact absorbing layer is constructed from either expanded polypropylene or a viscoelastic polymer encased in a suitable thin yet resilient and elastic membrane. An optional impact absorbing band is also shown disposed around the inner periphery of the liner and encircling the player's head. The impact absorbing band serves to reduce impact forces occurring from side helmet impact with objects or players. An alternate helmet liner is also disclosed having hexagonal apertures situated in the crown thereof to lower the density of the EPP material in that region and improve energy absorbing characteristics of the helmet assembly.

Abstract: A protective helmet and insert for reducing the possibility or severity of a concussion are provided. The insert comprises a shock absorbing portion and a flexible liner portion, the shock absorbing portion to be disposed between a helmet shell and the liner portion. The shock absorbing portion can possess a substantially constant resistive deformation force characteristic for reducing the peak G-force applied to the head during an impact. The insert can comprise a plurality of flexible liner connectors for movably interconnecting the liner portion to a helmet shell to allow for the flexible movement of the liner portion relative the shell. The liner connectors can be in the form of vent shaft walls that each defines a vent shaft for providing fluid communication between a headspace of the liner and an outer side of the shock absorbing portion to ventilate the headspace. A helmet comprising the liner is also provided.

Abstract: A football helmet is disclosed that includes a shell constructed of fiber reinforced epoxy resin, a liner made from expanded polypropylene, an impact absorbing layer situated between the liner and the shell, and a face guard. The impact absorbing layer is constructed from either expanded polypropylene or a viscoelastic polymer encased in a suitable thin yet resilient and elastic membrane. An optional impact absorbing band is also shown disposed around the inner periphery of the liner and encircling the player's head. The impact absorbing band serves to reduce impact forces occurring from side helmet impact with objects or players.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal safety equipment for use by athletes, military personnel, motor sports participants and the like and in particular, protective headgear adapted to minimize rotational acceleration and/or axial compressive forces incident on the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A wearable impact reduction device and method are disclosed. The wearable device and method comprise three layers, the middle layer of which comprises a resilient element that displaces as a result of an impact. The device and method also comprise the use of a motion sensor and a physiologic biosensor. In at least one embodiment, one of the layers of the device can be responsive to one of the sensors. In at least one embodiment, the motion sensor can comprise an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, or a GPS (global positioning system) receiver and the motion sensor can be responsive to acceleration, position, or velocity.

Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods, material selections, and sensors produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures. Further embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are adapted to detect and monitor motion and position of the subject, providing retrospective or real-time data for caregivers.

Abstract: A device for providing protection against minor head injury and for stabilizing a hat is provided. The device moves from a generally flat first orientation into a domed-shaped second orientation. In the second orientation, the device is placed under the underside of a hat and supports the hat in an upright position. The device may be placed under a hat for protection and/or to store the hat in an upright position for display and to reduce the sagging of the hat over time. Further, the device may be placed under a hat and the hat worn. The device has a plurality of radially extending arms extending from a center portion. The perimeter surface of the device may be partially inserted within a groove of the hat so as to allow the device to remain secured within the hat. The device is also suitable for providing some protection against head injury when the device is properly worn under a hat.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet comprises a helmet body including a shock absorbing insert and an external shell overlying at least partially the shock absorbing insert. The shock absorbing insert and the external shell have a plurality of structural bridges interconnected with each other with ventilation openings extending therebetween, a majority of the structural bridges having elongated ridges protruding from a base section. The elongated ridges and the base sections of the external shell overlie a respective one of the elongated ridges and the base sections of the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: A headwear support system includes a support base having a shape that is generally one-half of a hemisphere. The support base includes a front projection extending outwardly therefrom, a rear connection rib coupled to a top rear of the support base, and two diametrically-opposed apertures on a bottom rear of the support base. The headwear support system further includes a first elastic member having opposed ends, each end configured to be coupled to respective ones of the diametrically-opposed apertures and wherein the first elastic member is configured to selectively secure the headwear to the support base. The headwear support system also includes a second elastic member configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a button of the headwear. A clip member is also included in the system and is configured to be coupled to the rear connection rib and configured to be selectively coupled to a travelling case.

Abstract: A helmet has a rigid shell and an adjustable liner connected to the shell. The liner has a plurality of pads located in the shell cavity. The pads are movable with respect to the interior shell surface between a first position near the interior shell surface and a second position further away. In some embodiments, pads are biased towards their second position and the act of the wearer inserting his head into the helmet causes the pads to move towards their first position while remaining biased against the head of the wearer to assist in causing the liner to conform to the head of the wearer. In other embodiments, constriction of the pads moves pads from their second position to their first position, for this same purpose. In other embodiments, pads having both of the aforementioned characteristics are present.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled to a protective layer, a back plate comprising a magnet.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a protective modular helmet with an integrated lighting system, for example for use by a rider/driver of a vehicle such as a snowmobile, a motorcycle, or an all-terrain vehicle. A light source is mounted at chin level in the helmet. A moveable chin bar covers or conceals the light source when lowered. When the chin bar is raised, the light source is exposed and can be used for illumination.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective helmet having multiple zones of protection suitable for use in construction work, athletic endeavors, and similar activities. The helmet includes a hard outer protective shell, an inner shell and an elastomeric zone with the outer shell suspended over the inner shell. A plurality of sinusoidal springs are positioned within the elastomeric zone. In one embodiment, force indicators may be displayed that indicate the amount of force impacting a helmet. The force indicators may indicate impact force form both direct and rotational directions.

Abstract: A retaining system includes a receiver comprising: a holder with a first side and an opposite second side and an eccentric aperture extends from the first side to the second side of the holder; a column comprising a central axis, a first axial side, and a second opposite axial side; and a flange attached normal to the column at the second side, wherein the column and flange are engaged with the holder, wherein the flange has an outer shape that fits within the eccentric aperture, and the column passes within the eccentric aperture from the first side to the second side of the holder, wherein the flange and column are rotatable around the central axis, and the column resists rotating without some resilient deformation of either the column, the flange, or the holder. The retaining system may be used to hold straps, such as from goggles, next to the side of a helmet.

Abstract: A football helmet includes a plastic shell with side regions having an ear flap with a face guard connector, an ear opening, a slot, and a snap connector. The helmet also includes an internal padding assembly removably connected to the plastic shell and including a jaw pad with a force attenuating layer. When the helmet is worn, a front edge of the jaw pad is positioned both in front of a coronal plane and below a basic plane of a head of the helmet wearer. A chin strap assembly releasably secures the helmet to the wearer and includes a lower flexible strap extending outwardly from each side of a central protective member. When the helmet is worn, an extent of the lower flexible strap is received by the slot when said strap is affixed to the snap connector. The shell also includes a raised central band integrally formed as part of the shell and extending across the crown region to the rear region. An arrangement of elongated vent openings flank the raised central band.

Abstract: A headgear of soft pliable materials to protect the wearer's head from injury, featuring hidden impact-protection and appearing like a normal garment for the head, have openings for gathered hair such as pony-tails, highly-visible/reflective outer material, anti-bacterial/anti-fungal materials, optional thermal insulation and rain-proof materials, calibrated tensioned elastic material for maintaining the precise tension required to ensure the hat remains on the wearer's head during a trip or fall. An alternative embodiment of the invention also features impact absorbing protrusions or a network of interconnected gas, liquid or gel filled cells to prevent angular acceleration/deceleration due to impact. The impact protection provided is designed to suit the bio-mechanical requirements of the various ages of the wearer.

Abstract: A multilayer safety helmet assembly is provided comprising a helmet assembly including a helmet outer shell, a helmet inner shell, and an array of vibration dampeners disposed intermediate the outer shell and the inner shell. A resilient face guard/shock absorber assembly is further provided including a face guard and shock absorber assembly extending between the face guard and the helmet assembly. A head motion restraint assembly includes a first portion engaged to the helmet assembly and a second portion engageable to a shoulder pad(s) worn by a user.

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: A polyurethane foam, a polyurethane/polyorganosiloxane foam, and a polyurethane foam polyurethane/polyorganosiloxane foam material are disclosed and described herein. The materials are formed in the presence of a polymerization reaction initiator (an isoprenoid compound), and a polymerization reaction accelerator. The polyurethane foam is formed from an isocyanate and a polyol. The polyurethane foam polyurethane/polyorganosiloxane foam material comprises the polyurethane foam which is cross-linked to the polyurethane backbone to a polyurethane/polyorganosiloxane foam. Optional gelling agents, emulsification control agents, reinforcement fillers, cross-linkers, reinforcement polymers, rubber reinforcers, silk proteins, emollients, stabilizers and colorants are also described. The polyurethane and polyurethane-polyorganosiloxane foam materials exhibit a high degree of flexibility, resilience and excellent impact absorption.

Abstract: A protective helmet is provided having an upper section and a lower section, each having an inside and an outside surface. A gap is formed between the upper section and the lower section. Resilient members in the form of a plurality of spaced apart compression struts are provided for connecting the upper section to the lower section. The upper section is movable with respect to the lower section whereby a portion of the force of an impact to the upper section will be absorbed and will not be transmitted to the lower section. A suspension harness is attached to the inside surface of the lower section. The suspension harness is adapted to receive a portion of the helmet user's head and to keep the helmet user's head from contacting the inside surface of the upper section.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards a helmet adapted for use by a human being for a variety of activities. The helmet includes a shell, a plurality of FAEs, and at least one rigid component. The shell maybe configured and arranged to cover a portion of a wearer's head. The plurality of FAEs may be separately positioned adjacent to the shell's interior surface. Each FAE may include at least one disc spring that is adapted for absorbing forces. The at least one rigid component may be disposed within the shell and adjacent to the plurality of FAEs. In this way, the FAEs may be between the shell's interior surface and the at least one rigid component. When a force is applied to a location on the shell's exterior surface, it may be substantially absorbed by at least one of the FAEs positioned adjacent to the location on the shell's interior surface.

Abstract: A protective headwear comprising a first shell half and a second shell half coupled to each other by first and second elastic strips. The combination of first and second shell halves forms a protective cage for protecting a person's head. A plurality of pads is coupled to an inner surface of the protective cage. The pads are positioned to contact strong areas on the person's head when the protective cage is worn and to provide spacing between the cage and the person's head. A baseball cap may be coupled to an outer surface of the cage to form a lightweight, unobtrusive, and protective headwear.

Abstract: A modular protection helmet (1; 1A) has an internal cap (2) including a padding layer (6) and modular components at will, and including an external cap (3) which can be removably and interchangeably fixed to the internal cap (2) and adapted to provide the desired protection level for civil use, and preferably the helmet includes a second external cap (3A), which can be equally removably and interchangeably fixed to the internal cap (2) and adapted to provide a ballistic protection level, wherein the first (3) and second (3A) external caps can be replaced at will by the user as a function of the use from time to time intended for the helmet through removable coupling elements (10, 11).

Abstract: A helmet comprising an inner liner made of foam material forming a body of the helmet. The inner liner has a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface defining a cavity for receiving the wearers. The inner liner has a plurality of beams extending from front to rear of the helmet and spaced apart to form vents therebetween, the vents being free of foam material between adjacent beams. Rigid bridge members are comolded with the inner liner to be partially concealed in the inner liner, the at least one bridge member having at least one bridge projecting out of the foam material of two adjacent beams and extending transversely in at least one of the vents. Means are provided to attach the helmet to a wearers head.

Abstract: A sport helmet comprising an outer shell, an inner padding for covering at least partially the wearer's head, an occipital inner pad for facing the occipital region of the wearer's head, a rear support comprising an upper part hingedly mounted to the helmet and a lower part mounted to the occipital inner pad, and a biasing member having a portion abutting the rear inner surface of the outer shell such that the rear support and occipital inner pad are movable between a first position wherein the rear support is biased to extend inwardly from the rear inner surface, and a second position when the wearer puts on the sport helmet, wherein the rear support and occipital inner pad are deflected towards the rear inner surface while the rear support and occipital inner pad maintain pressure on the occipital region of the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to personal safety equipment for use by athletes, military personnel, motor sports participants and the like and in particular, protective headgear adapted to minimize rotational acceleration and/or axial compressive forces incident on the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A helmet an include a shell, a liner disposed within the shell, a flexible band disposed between the shell and a portion of the liner to releasably couple the liner to the shell without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. The helmet can also include an energy-absorbing layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) including a groove. The comfort liner can be attached to the energy-absorbing layer without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, and a flexible band can be releasably disposed between the energy-absorbing layer and the comfort liner. The helmet can also include a groove on an inner surface of an outer shell. An energy-absorbing liner can include expanded polypropylene (EPP), and a flexible band can be disposed between the outer shell and the energy-absorbing liner to provide additional energy management, to releasably couple the energy-absorbing liner to the outer shell, or both.

Abstract: A sports helmet optimizes the full peripheral field of vision of its wearer. The optical properties of the entire protective shell will allow the transmission of light, while reflecting a colored appearance externally, and remaining antireflective from the eye of the wearer. Internal padding and face guard also enhance the transmission of light compared to existing designs. Helmets constructed in accordance with the invention are made with a transparent shell material, with one or more optical layers to achieve an anti-reflective view from the eye side of the helmet and an acceptable appearance on the external surface of the shell. Single or multiple metalized thin films may be used to create a one-way mirror effect. In other embodiments see-through graphics may be used with microdot patterns. In certain embodiments, multiple optical coatings may be used to achieve a desired combination of transparency and light-absorbing properties.

Abstract: Provided is a protective insert to be received into a pocket of a protective athletic headwear. The protective insert includes a hard outer layer, at least one pliable middle layer, and a pliable inner layer. The hard outer layer includes an arrangement of first openings to enable flexing of the hard outer layer to decelerate an impact to the at least one protective insert. The at least one pliable middle layer includes at least one arrangement of second openings. The pliable inner layer provides cushioning. The hard outer layer, the at least one pliable middle layer, and the pliable inner layer are sealed such that the second openings form sealed air pockets to absorb and distribute the impact to the outer layer about the at least one protective insert.

Abstract: A protective headgear device including a fabric cap (102) into which a hard shell (120) of reinforced fibers is inserted. A foam liner 140 or foam inserts (1500) are secured to the hard outer shell 120 and serve a shock absorbing function. The foam liner (14) and/or foam inserts (120) include or form grooves and/or channels used to direct hot air towards the top center of the headgear assembly where the hot air can be vented through holes which extend through the cap (102) and hard outer shell (120). The holes may pass through the foam liner 140 or meet up with holes on channels in or between the foam inserts through which air can pass. The hard outer shell maybe thinnest on top and thicker on the left and right sides. The center front and rear may be the same thickness as the top of the hard shell.

Abstract: A smart fibre device is headgear, such as an athletic helmet, and includes sensing devices for detecting and deflecting impacts. The sensing devices fabric triggers the piezoelectric device so as to produce a voltage signal. A spinal protection system having a pad of energy-deflecting material that allows flexing and conform to movement. A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.