Including Neck Pad Patents (Class 2/415)
  • Patent number: 11910849
    Abstract: A baby vest neck support device is disclosed herein. The baby vest neck support device includes a vest portion, the vest portion defining a head opening for accommodating a head of a baby, arm openings for accommodating arms of the baby, and a torso opening for accommodating a torso of the baby, and the vest portion including one or more straps for securing the vest portion to the baby; and a head and neck support portion coupled to the vest portion, the head and neck support portion including an inner support layer configured to be partially received within a pocket of the vest portion, and the head and neck support portion further including an outer padded layer disposed over an upper head section of the inner support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Steven Santiago Lugo
  • Patent number: 11871808
    Abstract: A nape pad for use with a helmet, the nape pad comprising: a base comprised of a rigid material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a left side and a right side, and a top edge and a bottom edge, the outer surface being generally convex from the left side to the right side and having an upper portion proximate the top edge and a lower portion proximate the bottom edge, the upper portion being generally smooth and configured to extend into and slide along an inner surface of the helmet, the inner surface of the base being generally concave from the left side to the right side; a fastener coupled to the lower portion of the base and configured to releasably couple to a retention system of the helmet; and at least one compressible comfort pad coupled to the inner surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Hanudel, Duco Noordzij
  • Patent number: 11864615
    Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes a shell and a shock absorbing liner attached to the shell. The shock absorbing liner includes a cavity. The helmet a shock absorbing insert formed of a material different than the material of the shock absorbing liner. The cavity is configured to retain the shock absorbing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: Smith Sport Optics, Inc., Koroyd SARL
    Inventors: James A. Chilson, John Lloyd, James Rogers, Piers Storey
  • Patent number: 11758965
    Abstract: A helmet body includes an outer shell having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer shell lower edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface, the outer shell further comprising at least two shoulder pad recesses positioned at a lower edge of the outer shell on a respective left and right sides of the helmet; and an energy management liner adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell and comprising at least two shoulder pads formed of a foamed energy management material, each of the at least two shoulder pads received into one of the at least two shoulder pad recesses on the respective left or right side of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Whitesell, Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
  • Patent number: 11589631
    Abstract: A helmet body includes an outer shell and an energy management liner with an outer shell lower edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer shell. At least two shoulder pad recesses are positioned at a lower edge of the outer shell on a respective left and right sides of the helmet. The energy management liner is adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell and includes at least two shoulder pads formed of a foamed energy management material. Each of the at least two shoulder pads is received into one of the at least two shoulder pad recesses on the respective left or right side of the helmet, each shoulder pad extending from inside of the outer shell to across at least a majority of a width of the lower edge of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Whitesell, Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
  • Patent number: 11540579
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes an energy dissipative assembly including a conforming protective base adapted to directly contact and conform to a corresponding bony anatomical region of a wearer's head. A supported flexible suspended crown adapted to be affixed to the conforming protective base and configured to define a gap separating substantially all of the interior surface of the supported flexible suspended crown from contact with a corresponding anatomical crown region of the wearer when the helmet is donned by the wearer. The supported flexible suspended crown including at least one contoured flexible shell or a plurality of cantilevered members comprising a compliant energy dissipating material that, when impacted, undergoes deformation to an extent that is greater than deformation, when impacted, of the deformation resistant material of the conforming protective base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: VAULT PROTECTIVE INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Eric R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 11317672
    Abstract: An energy absorption system is provided with a plurality of energy absorbing panels that may be releasably connected to a helmet. The energy absorbing panels are provided with a plurality of air flow channels defining a plurality of energy absorption chambers. Each of the air flow channels is designed to direct air flow from an anterior of the helmet to a posterior of the helmet when the energy absorbing panels are connected to an outer shell of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Nick M. Dunton
  • Patent number: 11206879
    Abstract: A guard to protect the neck of a person absorbs kinetic energy from an object that, if not for the guard, would strike the person's neck. The guard includes a body that has a material that deforms when an object strikes it, a shape configured to cover the posterior region of each of the cervical vertebrae of a person's spine when the guard is worn by a person to protect their neck, and a coupler to position and hold the body over the posterior region of each of the cervical vertebrae of a person's spine. The guard's body also includes a first region positioned above a person's first cervical vertebrae, when the guard is worn by a person to protect their neck, and a second region positioned above a person's last cervical vertebrae, when the guard is worn by a person to protect their neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 10939721
    Abstract: A helmet body includes an outer shell and an energy management liner with an outer shell lower edge extending between the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer shell. At least two shoulder pad recesses are positioned at a lower edge of the outer shell on a respective left and right sides of the helmet. The energy management liner is adjacent to the inner surface of the outer shell and includes at least two shoulder pads formed of a foamed energy management material. Each of the at least two shoulder pads is received into one of the at least two shoulder pad recesses on the respective left or right side of the helmet, each shoulder pad extending from inside of the outer shell to across at least a majority of a width of the lower edge of the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Whitesell, Scott R. Allen, Christopher T. Pietrzak, Allen Bischofberger, Julio Valencia
  • Patent number: 10918932
    Abstract: A protective jaw pad for a sports helmet having a shell with at least one side area for covering at least part of the jaw of a wearer, the jaw pad including a first resilient shock absorbing member of thermoplastic polyurethane, the first member having a sheet portion with multiple hollow protrusions, tapering side walls of the protrusions extending substantially to an inside surface of the side area of the shell and being compressible for absorbing shocks applied to the shell. The pad includes a second resilient shock absorbing member. A plastic cover is removably attached to the first resilient shock absorbing member, and encases the second shock absorbing member. The plastic cover and the first shock-absorbing member are releasably attached by a hook and loop fastener. The first shock absorbing member has multiple slots for receiving a T-nut at a variety of locations therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Kranos IP Corporation
    Inventors: Cortney Warmouth, Louis Anthony VanHoutin, Vincent R. Long
  • Patent number: 10653201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that stabilizes and/or protects the head and spine from injuries. An immobilization device includes one or more pillars with multiple segments that protect the head and spine of a user. The pillars typically run along the part of the head and spine and pelvis that the device protects. A cable or wire runs through these segments in the pillars. By design, when the pillars of the invented system are not activated and the system is in normal use, the pillars are designed to be as flexible as possible and allow full physiologic motion of the protected body part. Activation of the system confers rigidity to the system and prevents or lessens harmful, non-physiologic motion of the body part intended to be protected. The present invention also encompasses a immobilization device with cables used to guide the deployment of rigid tubes to stabilize and protect the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventors: Konstantinos Margetis, Thomas Mroz
  • Patent number: 9998687
    Abstract: A system for the display of thermal imaging data is provided with a hands free thermal imaging camera; a transparent display directly coupled to said thermal imaging camera; a head mounted lens; the display being integrated into the head mounted lens in front of at least one eye of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9846012
    Abstract: A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armor component may be fabric of aramid fibers, or fabric of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, or may be fabricated of a rigid plate of ceramic, polymer, or metal. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LineWeight LLC
    Inventors: Caleb Clark Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9763488
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective sports helmet including a helmet shell, a face guard and an internal padding assembly positioned within the helmet shell. The internal padding assembly includes a brow pad having first and second peripheral connection portions. The internal padding assembly also includes first and second jaw pads, each having an upper connection portion that mates with the first and second connection portions, respectively, of the brow pad. The internal padding assembly also includes a crown assembly with pad elements that include an internal separation layer that partitions the element into a first inflatable section and a section un-inflatable section. The connection portion of the jaw pads also mates with frontal pad elements of the crown assembly. The internal padding assembly further includes an occipital pad assembly that engages the helmet wearer's head below the occipital bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bologna, Nelson Kraemer, Ralph Infusino, Thad M. Ide
  • Patent number: 9510633
    Abstract: A helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet having an outer shell and an inner lining covering at least partially the inner surface of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a skeleton at least partially covered by the inner lining, a movable occipital pad and movable temple pads. The inner lining can be made of an absorptive material such as foam, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyethylene and can be overmolded onto the skeleton. The occipital pad and the temple pads may be arranged with an inward bias so as to help the helmet self-adjust to provide an advantageous fit on the player's head. In some embodiments, the outer shell and skeleton, or the outer shell and the inner lining, cooperate to define a ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY INC.
    Inventors: David H. Rudd, Thierry Krick
  • Patent number: 9332801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: David T. Muskovitz
  • Patent number: 9215903
    Abstract: A device for use with a helmet in contact sports, which includes a curved body connected with the helmet and configured for disposal along a front part of a user's neck. The body includes: (i) planar first and second surfaces, the first surface having a curved portion to generally conform under the user's chin; and (ii) a third surface that is curved along the front part of the user's neck and configured to be spaced from but does not contact the user's neck. The device is configured to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving forward during a sports collision. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua D. Abbey, Raphael P. Davis, Craig D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9204677
    Abstract: A device for use with a helmet in contact sports, which includes a curved body connected with the helmet and configured for disposal along a front part of a user's neck. The body includes: (i) planar first and second surfaces, the first surface defining a slot; and (ii) a third surface that is curved along the front part of the user's neck and configured to be spaced from but does not contact the user's neck. The device is configured to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving forward during a sports collision. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua D. Abbey, Raphael P. Davis, Craig D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8468614
    Abstract: A fluid container carrying device including a back piece and a front piece forming a pocket having an opening for receiving and holding a fluid container, wherein the fluid container carrying device further including a first strap provided with a first fastener for fastening to a first side portion of a neck protection device, a second strap provided with a second fastener for fastening to a second side portion of the neck protection device, and a fastening means arranged on the back piece of the pocket for fastening to a rear lower member of the neck protection device. The present invention also relates to a neck protection device provided with such a fluid container carrying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: USWE Sports AB
    Inventor: Karl-Johan Engdahl
  • Patent number: 8327465
    Abstract: A neck pad is pulled out with a smaller force in an easy manner while assuring a positive characteristic of attached state of the neck pad. An inserting plate that can be moved in a clearance S along a peripheral direction of a putting-on or taking-off opening is provided with a fitting part and in turn the fitting part is provided with an engaging part that is resiliently fitted in opposition to a pulling-out direction of the inserting plate through insertion of the inserting plate into the clearance S, the fitting part moves to a non-opposite position against the engaging part as the inserting plate moves in a peripheral direction to cause the fitted state of the engaging part to be released, thereby the inserting plate can be pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Michio Arai
  • Patent number: 8296867
    Abstract: A helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet having an outer shell and an inner lining covering at least partially the inner surface of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a skeleton at least partially covered by the inner lining, a movable occipital pad and movable temple pads. The inner lining can be made of an absorptive material such as foam, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyethylene and can be overmolded onto the skeleton. The occipital pad and the temple pads may be arranged with an inward bias so as to help the helmet self-adjust to provide an advantageous fit on the player's head. In some embodiments, the outer shell and skeleton, or the outer shell and the inner lining, cooperate to define a ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Rudd, Thierry Krick
  • Patent number: 8291521
    Abstract: A collar for protecting the neck of a user, useful in particular for motorcycle riders, is envisaged, said collar comprising two half-collars which are pivotably hinged together at one end so as to be rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane and which can be connected together by means of a fastening and release lever, a plate which at the rear extends downwards from the bottom edge of the collar so as to be centred with respect to the spinal column of the user, and a protective shield which extends downwards at the front. The collar is provided with removable padding means where the collar rests on the user's shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Alpinestars Research Srl
    Inventors: Giovanni Mazzarolo, Colin Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 8074301
    Abstract: A restraint system for limiting the range of motion of an individual's head and flexure of their neck includes an arrangement of straps extending from a head engulfing helmet to a two piece arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member. The arch-shaped shoulder mounted support member includes a front portion, a rear portion and a mechanism for adjusting the curvature of the arch to accommodate individuals of different sizes and also to accommodate different seating positions. A pair of upwardly extending restraint members extends upwardly from the rear portion of the shoulder mounted support member. An upper portion of the upwardly extending restraint member extends upwardly behind the helmet and is tethered to the helmet so that the upwardly extending restraint member limits forward and rear movement of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Hussain Mothaffar
  • Patent number: 7805775
    Abstract: A neck cover (51) includes a flexible cover member (53) and a to-be-attached portion (52) which serves to attach the flexible cover member (53) to a head protecting body (3) of a full-face-type helmet (1). The flexible cover member (53) comprises a substantially plate-like flexible cushion member (56) and a flexible support member (57) which supports the flexible cushion member (56). The flexible cover member (53) is mainly made of a substantially plate-like foamed synthetic resin, a permeability of which measured by using a Frajour type method based on JIS L 1096 falls within a range of 0.1 to 10 cc/cm2·sec (preferably 0.2 to 5 cc/cm2·sec and more preferably 0.3 to 2 cc/cm2·sec). Therefore, a sound which is generated by a traveling wind as it is caught in a ventilator, stabilizer, or the like is effectively prevented from being heard as loud noise to a helmet wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7770239
    Abstract: A suspension system and chin strap assembly for a helmet including two downwardly extending top straps; strap adjusters coupled proximate the end portions of each top strap; a helmet attachment means coupled to each of the top straps; a headband coupled to each of the top straps; a front strap that is adjustably coupled to a first front strap adjuster and a second front strap adjuster; a nape pillow pad is coupled to the front strap, and a portion of a quick release buckle and a strap ring are slideably coupled to the front strap; a chin strap coupled to the quick release buckle and a strap ring; and a back strap that is adjustably coupled to a first back strap adjuster and a second back strap adjuster and attached to a nape pillow pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Marty Goldman, Fredrick W. Storms, Jr., Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
  • Publication number: 20090222977
    Abstract: A neck pad is pulled out with a smaller force in an easy manner while assuring a positive characteristic of attached state of the neck pad. An inserting plate that can be moved in a clearance S along a peripheral direction of a putting-on or taking-off opening is provided with a fitting part and in turn the fitting part is provided with an engaging part that is resiliently fitted in opposition to a pulling-out direction of the inserting plate through insertion of the inserting plate into the clearance S, the fitting part moves to a non-opposite position against the engaging part as the inserting plate moves in a peripheral direction to cause the fitted state of the engaging part to be released, thereby the inserting plate can be pulled out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Michio Arai
  • Patent number: 7562658
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Harald Vögele
  • Publication number: 20090126085
    Abstract: A motorcycle helmet is disclosed with a detachable spinal cord protective device or attachment, wherein the protective device or attachment is a detachable collar that, for example, snaps to the inside of the helmet and closes at the front neck with a securing mechanism, such as a Velcroâ„¢ strap. A motorcycle helmet with a spinal cord protection extension is also disclosed, wherein the extension comprises an elongation in the back to the base of the neck. Also disclosed is a half-helmet with spinal cord protection, wherein a securing mechanism, such as a Velcroâ„¢ strap, provides closure around the neck. The disclosed variation in motorcycle helmets enables full range of motion to the sides and front but not to the back of the head, insuring neck protection upon impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Maria Moss Gale
  • Publication number: 20010011388
    Abstract: A soccer helmet includes a generally dome-shaped padding layer and a generally dome-shaped shell layer fitting over and attached to the padding layer. The padding layer might have a substantially uniform thickness of approximately ⅜ inches. The shell layer is smooth and has some rigidity such that when the soccer helmet is being worn on a human head, the ball rebounds from the shell layer in about the same direction and with about the same speed, or with a greater speed, as the soccer ball would if rebounded off an unprotected human head. Therefore, the soccer helmet does not interfere with heading a soccer ball. The soccer helmet protects the head from repetitive blows due to, for example, heading. Furthermore, the soccer helmet protects the head from single event injuries such as collisions with goalposts, the ground, and other players' head, knees, elbows, and feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: Keith J. Nelson, Ronald A. Carter
  • Patent number: 5402535
    Abstract: The restraining inflatable neck guard is adapted to be located around a person's neck when deflated. A source of compressed gas is coupled to the neck guard for inflating the guard. A normally closed electrically actuated valve is provided for releasing the compressed gas from the source for flow to the inflatable neck guard when actuated. A sensor is provided for sensing acceleration/deceleration forces in three mutually perpendicular directions and for producing electrical outputs having levels which are proportional to the forces sensed. A threshold device compares the electrical outputs with a threshold to actuate the valve when either of the electrical outputs reaches the threshold. The sensor may be employed to sense acceleration/deceleration forces in one direction only. Aircraft or vehicle systems may be used to initiate the inflation sequence. The restraining inflatable neck guard is designed to maintain distance between the neck and collar throughout the inflation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: CONAP, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Green
  • Patent number: 5287562
    Abstract: A helmet has attached to its lower rim an inflatable bag which normally is folded so as not to restrict normal head and neck movements of the wearer but on inflation will fill the gap between the helmet rim and shoulders of a wearer. Carried by the helmet and preferably packed with the bag is a package including a conventional gas generator, igniter and battery. A switch to operate the igniter is located in the crown area of the helmet and is closable on an impact with a predetermined force on the crown of the helmet. When closed the bag is almost instantaneously inflated and fills the gap to transfer most if not all of the impact force to the shoulders and relieve the cervical spine of a damaging axial compressive force. In another version, the attachment is a rigid padded ring conforming to the contour of the lower rim or base of the helmet and the lower part of the face guard, if any.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Gus A. Rush, III
  • Patent number: 5003973
    Abstract: A rescue helmet apparatus which protects the user from hazardous environments includes canisters that provide breathable air to the user. The apparatus features a helmet, reflective cape, and long-lasting lithium-powered lights in an integrated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventors: Theodore H. Ford, Mary A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4881529
    Abstract: A neck support collar for use by football players has a central section formed by a plurality of flexible plastic parallel adjacent tubes. A first group of the tubes has a diameter of one inch with a central longitudinal bore of one fourth inch diameter. A second group of the tubes has a diameter of one half inch and a central longitudinal bore of one eighth inch diameter. An end pad formed from soft perforated leather is attached to a first end of the central section and a support pad is attached to a second opposite end. The support pad has an interior rubber pad enclosed within a perforated leather covering. The support pad is subdivided into a plurality of adjacent sections which extend transversely to the tubes of the central section. A combination of buckle-strap and VELCRO fasteners are utilized to secure the collar around the neck of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Richard Santos
  • Patent number: 4796309
    Abstract: The helmet may be secured to the wearer's head by an armor the two ends (14-15) of the pair of "V" shaped branches of which are anchored to two opposite points on the rear lateral part of the helmet to form, substantially an arched element apt to engage with the user's nape, while the free end of the third branch is anchored substantially to a mid point (30) of the helmet's rear edge.Said armor can be obtained with a pair of straps (12-13) made of flexible deformable material located above or within the usual nape protecting pad (10). Alternatively, the armor may consist of a frame (40) made of plastic material secured to the edge of the helmet's opening and incorporated in the nape protecting pad itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Nava & Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pier L. Nava
  • Patent number: 4319362
    Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a wearer's neck against hyperflexion and hyperextension is employed in combination with protective head equipment and includes a pad removably carried by the protective head equipment for engaging a lower surface of a wearer's chin and a strap slidably received by the pad for securing the pad against the lower surface of the wearer's chin, the strap including an adjustable fastener for connection to the protective head equipment. Hyperflexion of the wearer's neck due to forward and downward movement of the wearer's head is limited when the pad is captured between the wearer's chin and chest. A second pad is removably carried by the protective head equipment for engaging the wearer's neck at the base of the wearer's head to protect the wearer against hyperextension of the wearer's neck due to backward movement of the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventor: Donald N. Ettinger
  • Patent number: 4274161
    Abstract: There is provided a collar for protection in an accident, the collar being in the form of an inflatable tubular body adapted to substantially surround a human neck. The collar is particularly suitable for use by a motor cyclist wearing a crash helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Brian J. Littler
  • Patent number: 4094015
    Abstract: A neck roll of cushion material to be affixed to a helmet or similar protective device to become an integral part thereof, which neck roll stays in the proper position between the shoulders and the bottom edge of the helmet shell regardless of orientation of the head and protects the cervical spine when the head is rotated or is hyperextended or hyperflexed and from the rear edge of the helmet shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1978
    Inventor: Frank N. Howard
  • Patent number: 4001894
    Abstract: A protective helmet, comprising, in combination, an open shell (or bell) covering the wearer's head and provided, in register with the wearer's eyes, with a transverse opening said shell being internally coated with at least one layer of appropriate thickness made of an elastic and resilient material, adapted to dampen shocks, and a hood with ears, directly fixed to the inside of the shell and adapted to be tightly wrapped over the wearer's skull, nape and temples, said hood being an extention of said shell and being provided with side straps for securing the helmet under the wearer's chin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: S.I.D.A.C. S.A.
    Inventor: Gerard Roques-Rogery
  • Patent number: 3991423
    Abstract: A diver's helmet is held to his head by means of a movable pad which engages the back of the neck, preferably near the base of the skull. The pad is preferably manually movable by means of any suitable mechanism to engage the diver's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Assignee: General Aquadyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Jones
  • Patent number: RE49616
    Abstract: An adjustable hockey helmet includes a front shell that is longitudinally movable relative to a rear shell to adjust the length of the helmet. One or more substantially rigid straps or similar elements are attached to the front shell and extend to the interior of the rear shell. A cam mechanism or similar device is included on the rear shell for securing the straps directly or indirectly against the interior of the rear shell to prevent longitudinal movement of the front shell relative to the rear shell once the helmet is adjusted to a desired length. Alternatively, the one or more straps may be attached to the rear shell and the cam mechanism may be included on the front shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, LLC
    Inventors: Guillaume Belanger, Jean-Francois Beland