Abstract: A sports helmet has a resilient, cushioned lining in the interior having at least one pocket in a rear portion containing an air-activated heat-generating element. The helmet is fabricated with an adjustable interior lining having a plurality of pieces which fit into the interior of the helmet shell. A nose and mouth-covering portion of the lining is constructed from two separate lining members having a plurality of strategically located hook-and-listeners which enable the lining interior to be custom shaped to fit the face of each wearer. The lining members form a conduit to side vents in the helmet, thereby preventing exhalation from fogging the transparent face shield of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet (10) characterized in that it comprises a shell (12) shaped to fit about the head of a wearer, the shell (12) comprising an interior and an exterior, a forward region (14) intended in use to be situated adjacent a forehead of the wearer and a rearward region (22) situated at an opposite end of the shell (12) from the forward region (14), and the shell (12) also comprising a basal perimeter, a resilient liner (50) comprising an inner concave side arranged, in use, adjacent the head of the wearer, and an outer convex side adjacent the interior of the shell (12) one or more securing straps (34) attached to the basal perimeter and a locking means (80) to, in use, lockably secure each strap (34), the resilient liner (50) being formed by a shaping process so that a plurality of discrete chambers (58) is located within the liner (50) or between the resilient liner (50) and the shell (12), the resilient liner (50) and the chambers (58) being intended, in use, to absorb mechanical shock imparted to

Abstract: This helmet comprises an outer protective shell, an impact-absorbing layer made from a non-elastically compressible material, and a layer of elastically compressible material. A dome is interposed between the said layer and the impact-absorbing layer. The said dome is obtained by hot-drawing a 0.3 to 0.7 mm sheet material, of which the modulus of elasticity is between 1800 and 3500 N/mm.sup.2, the elongation at rupture less than 100% and the ultimate tensile strength between 30 and 100 N/mm.sup.2.

Abstract: A fastening device for protective helmets for motorcyclists and other helmet wearers includes a journalled front chin strap which is integrated with a rear arch. The chin strap pivots on two fixed points located inside of the helmet. The arch also pivots around fixed points inside of the helmet so that the chin strap and arch move synchronously. The means for synchronization includes two fingers located inside the chin strap which engage the rear arch.

Abstract: A shock attenuation structure having a breadth greater than its thickness and a breadthwise cross section comprising a series of layers arranged side-by-side. The series of layers comprises a first plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a relatively high resistance to compression and a second plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a lower resistance to compression, the layers of the second plurality alternating with the layers of the first plurality across the breadth of the structure and providing lateral support to the layers of the first plurality. The structure is adapted to be mounted with its breadth generally perpendicular to the direction of impact force for broadside loading of the structure during an impact, the layers in the area of impact being adapted to deform for attenuating the shock resulting from the impact.

Abstract: A cyclist's helmet incorporates a dome shaped top wall structure, opposite side wall structures, a front opening for forward viewing, a lower front wall structure which extends forwardly and a rear wall structure. It also includes:(a) a frontward facing air inlet means defined by said wall structure, and an air outlet means defined by said wall structure generally rearwardly of said lower front wall structure, and(b) passage means in said wall structure including said side wall structure to receive air inflow from said inlet means for circulation to the upper interior of the helmet and subsequent flow via said wall structure and to said outlet means,(c) said inlet means, passage means, and outlet means located to enhance cooling air flow through the helmet.

Abstract: A protective crash helmet designed to increase the safety and comfort of a motorcycle rider is described. One of the protective layers inside the helmet includes inflatable air bubbles whose pressure and consequently size may vary when connected to an outside air pressure supply. This unique feature allows a more precise fit to a rider's head, all of which are not the same shape. In addition, the protective crash helmet also has a ventilating system for cooling the interior of the crash helmet. An air inlet located on the front of the helmet with a valving door, allows air inside the helmet whereby the passageway is the space between the respective air bubbles. The air outlet located in the rear of the helmet allows the air to pass through the helmet thereby cooling the rider.

Abstract: A shock attenuation system useful in protective headgear is disclosed wherein shock is attenuated by the axial compression and lateral deflection of elastomeric columns. Cushioning material occupies the spaces between the columns.

Abstract: A shock attenuation system comprising a plurality of shock attenuating columns of a substantially resilient elastomeric material. The columns are so dimensioned and configured that, when subjected to an axial impact force of predetermined magnitude, they resiliently deform for attenuating the shock resulting from the impact force. The columns then spring back substantially to their undeformed shape.

Abstract: A shock attenuation system for headgear having an outer protective shell, the system comprising a liner adapted to be secured to the internal surface of the shell, the liner comprising a series of tubes of elastomeric material extending with their axes generally parallel to the internal surface of the shell, and generally parallel to one another. Each tube is open at an end thereof and is elastically deformable under loads applied against the side of the tube, whereby, with the headgear worn by a wearer and upon application of an impact load to the headgear, the tubes in the area of impact deform elastically under the applied load and attenuate the shock upon the wearer from the applied load.

Abstract: This perspiration band provides for more comfortable wearing and non-allergic reaction for its user, when attached to the existing band of a safety hat or other headgear. Primarily, it consists of a washable terrycloth strip, which includes snap fasteners for attachment to the existing hat band.

Abstract: This invention relates to a helmet for cyclists, skateboard runners and roller skaters. It comprises a shell of flexible and hard plate-shaped material and a damping means attached inside the shell. The shell in its plane has the form of an I, with extended cross-pieces (3) and with tips (3) attached radially between the same, which tips extend from the connecting between the cross-pieces and the stem of the I. About at the center of said stem lateral tips are attached to both sides. The cross-pieces and tips are provided with attachment means in such a manner, that the free ends of one cross-piece after the bending of the stem can be connected to the free ends of the other cross-piece. The free ends of the tips can be attached to suitable holders on the lateral tips.The cross-pieces, tips and lateral tips can be designed as bands, and the attachment means be arranged so that the width and size of the shell can be adjusted.

Abstract: An individually fitted helmet liner includes a plurality of superposed contacting layers, each of which consists of a thermoplastic sheet formed with an array of pockets which are open and unfilled to allow their deformation in response to compressive contact with an adjacent layer. The liner is fitted to an individual wearer's head by heating the sheets to a plastic state, placing the liner between an outer shell and the wearer's head, and pressing down on the outer shell to deform the sheets to the proper extent.

Abstract: Head protecting headwear in the form of a helmet is disclosed. The helmet includes a resilient, plastic shell which defines a head receiving opening and which has a protective peak. A sweatband is fastened to the shell, adjacent the head receiving opening. The helmet also includes a cover, formed of a stretchable fabric, which slips over the shell and snugly fits thereon. The cover may be removed for purposes of washing or replacement. Fastening elements, disposed on the peak and the cover, may also be provided for securing the cover to the shell and also for preventing the cover from "drooping" relative to the peak.

Abstract: A custom-fitted helmet in which a preformed elastomer sack containing a resin-bead composite adapted to rigidify in response to mechanical deformation accommodates a single rigid outer shell to various individual head sizes. The underside of the sack is formed with circular channels concentric about the top of wearer's head which lockingly receive resilient strips that are part of a preformed inner helmet assembly. The resilient strips are carried on the inner assembly by intermediary energy-absorbing strips which are in turn adhered to a flexible leather liner fitting over the wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet is disclosed herein having a three-piece construction comprising a liner of soft, resilient material adapted to reside adjacent the head of the user, an intermediate shell which lies over the inner layer and which mounts component parts constituting a radio, transmitter or the like, and a protective outer shell which covers the electrical components. The outer shell and the intermediate shell are joined in snap-lock relationship to provide a waterproof seal to protect the electronic component parts. Rigidity and impact support is obtained by means of transverse ribs separating the opposing surfaces of the intermediate and outer shell so that the electronic components are protected thereby. A detachable visor is provided as well as a chin strap for retaining the interlocked shells on the wearer's head. The chin strap includes earphones operably connectible to the electronic components so that the wearer may enjoy listening to the radio while engaging in water sports.

Abstract: An individualized helmet assembly and method of and apparatus for making the same in which a helmet liner having a plurality of apertures is removably secured inside a fixture in the form of a rigid template simulating a helmet shell and having apertures registering with the apertures in the liner. Resilient, snugly fitting spacer plugs are inserted in the apertures from the inner side of the liner, and the entire assembly is placed over the wearer's head. Selected plugs are pushed inwardly against the head of the wearer properly to position and stabilize the helmet-simulating fixture and liner on the wearer's head. The remaining spacers are then pushed inwardly until they abut the wearer's head. Finally, with the assembly removed from the wearer's head, the portions of the spacers protruding outwardly from the template are cut off, and the liner is separated from the template and assembled with an outer helmet shell to complete the construction.

Abstract: A headgear comprising a helmet shell and a combination of energy-absorbing and sizing means mounted on the inside surface of the shell. The combination includes a crown-engaging structure either in the form of a web suspension or an air-inflatable means. These pad structures comprise curved assemblies which engage the forehead and back of the wearer's head and the pad structures enable automatic alignment of the helmet along the long axis of the head whereby the air-inflatable side members are operated after the helmet has been put on the head. Air inflatable sizing means are located intermediate the pad structures at the front and back of the shell, and these sizing means engage the respective sides of the werer's head to provide a side-to-side fit on the head. A combination serving as a sizing means and energy-absorbing means is located on the lower rear inside wall of the shell. Separate energy-absorbing pad structures are located on the front and back inner walls of the shell.

Abstract: Safety headgear includes an impact attenuating suspension system having a cradle of webbing and a non-resilient foam liner.

Abstract: A protective headgear comprising a helmet and a pad assembly. The pad assembly comprises a pad of foam material having an integral densified layer defining front and side surfaces of the pad assembly and forming a tear-resistant cover for the pad. The pad assembly has a relatively rigid attachment plate bonded to the pad adjacent a back surface of the pad assembly for securing the pad assembly to the helmet.

Abstract: An individualized helmet assembly and method of and apparatus for making the same in which a helmet liner having a plurality of apertures is removably secured inside a fixture in the form of a rigid template simulating a helmet shell and having apertures registering with the apertures in the liner. Resilient, snugly fitting spacer plugs are inserted in the apertures from the inner side of the liner, and the entire assembly is placed over the wearer's head. Selected plugs are pushed inwardly against the head of the wearer properly to position and stabilize the helmet-simulating fixture and liner on the wearer's head. The remaining spacers are then pushed inwardly until they abut the wearer's head. Finally, with the assembly removed from the wearer's head, the portions of the spacers protruding outwardly from the template are cut off, and the liner is separated from the template and assembled with an outer helmet shell to complete the construction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a helmet provided with shockproof and ventilative devices, the helmet being encircled with a plurality of plastic strips along its outer wall, and a plurality of corresponding plastic or rubber tubes along its inner wall, the upper portion of the helmet being filled with sponge material, thereby to give a wearer protection against shock.

Abstract: A crash helmet such as for use by motorcylists having an inner shell of shock-absorbing material and an outer shell and visor which are constructed as a single integral piece of transparent hard plastic material which fittingly surrounds the greater part of the inner shell. The outer and inner shells are connected to hinges transverse to the side portion of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet for use particularly by the rider of a two-wheeled vehicle, having an upper rigid shell joined to a semi-rigid shell of plastic material, the latter having extensions over the regions of a wearer's ears. An interior shock absorbing element is composed of two parts, the upper part extending frontwardly and rearwardly as far as the lower part, which is ring-like in form and extends around the entire lower interior part of the head, to provide protection in the rear.

Abstract: A protective head gear or helmet having a ventilating system for cooling the interior of the helmet. Air inlet and outlet openings in the front and neck portions respectively of the helmet and air passages connected to the openings communicate with the interior of the helmet by means of apertures extending between the helmet interior and the air passages. Flow of air through the interior of the helmet, caused by relatively high pressure at the inlet openings and relatively low pressure or suction at the outlet openings during forward movement of the wearer when operating a vehicle, is controlled by valve mechanism operated from the exterior of the helmet.

Abstract: There is described a crash helmet which comprises at least one air inlet provided in that helmet area over which sweeps the air and so arranged as to canalize the air inside the helmet, means to distribute the air inside the helmet and at least one opening provided in the helmet wall in that area thereof over which the air does not sweep, to let the air escape from said helmet.

Abstract: A substantially rigid dome-shaped shell encloses a deformable cap-like headpiece of uniform thickness. The headpiece conforms to the contour of the wearer's head and cooperates with the shell to define a dome-shaped cavity which is sealed around its bottom portion. The cavity is filled with an expandable plastics foam material which conforms to the contour of the headpiece. In one embodiment, spacer members are positioned within the cavity and extend from the headpiece to the shell for positioning the shell relative to the headpiece. In another embodiment, the shell assembly is spaced within a slightly larger outer shell by resilient energy-absorbing foam pads to form an inter-liner, and the headpiece is formed by stretching a piece of leather with a device having a predetermined contour. In another embodiment, edge roll strip assemblies are attached to the lower edges of the outer shell and provide for removing and interchanging the inter-liner.

Abstract: A selectable plurality of removable pads are placed one on top of another re and aft between a rigid helmet and an inner flexible helmet for fitting and suspending a single size of the rigid helmet to varying head contours. The pads are comprised of ventilated spacer material having attached on opposing surfaces thereof mating fastening elements for securing the pads both to each other and between the rigid and flexible helmets. The pads provide for ventilation and cooling and stabilize the rigid helmet on the head.

Abstract: A lightweight safety helmet for use by the operator of a motorcycle, or the like. The helmet meets all present day standards and specifications as well as the more strigent standards and specifications proposed by the construction of a single shell helmet having a dual shock liner system.