By Suspension Rigging Patents (Class 2/416)
  • Patent number: 11717046
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes a head support fixed to a crown. The head support forms a U shape with a frontal part fixed to the frontal part of the crown. The two ends of the head support are fixed to the side walls of the crown via two attachment points. First adjustment parts adjust the length of the head support between the two attachment points and the distance separating it from the frontal part of the crown. A neckband is fixed to the occipital part of the crown and is fitted in movable manner. Second adjustment parts of the neckband adjust the distance between the neckband and the frontal part of the head support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventors: Antoine Coursimault, Clément Benoit
  • Patent number: 11647804
    Abstract: A helmet is disclosed for protection during an impact. An inner liner may slidably couple to the outer liner through at least one return spring. The outer liner includes an interior surface with a shelf extending inward. The shelf includes an arresting surface. The inner liner has an exterior surface, an interior surface and an edge connecting the exterior surface to the interior surface. The edge faces the arresting surface of the shelf. The inner liner is slidably movable relative to the outer liner between a first position in which the edge of the inner liner is separated from the arresting surface of the shelf by a first gap, and an arrested position in which a portion of the edge of the inner liner is in contact with a portion of the arresting surface of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Shaffer, Mark A. Busse, Rafael T. Ramirez, Eamon Briggs
  • Patent number: 11638456
    Abstract: A system and method for a protection helmet which has exterior moveable tiles to move upon impact and then retract to their original placements. The system prolongs the impact time by de-accelerating it and minimizing its damaging effects by spreading out the impact force over a larger surface area. A system and method for a helmet's face mask to absorb impact and return back to its original state whether impacted on its bars, interior/exterior assembly, or any part of the face mask. A system and method for a football helmet's padding to be multi-layered and have multiple ancillary cavities that compress and retract back to their original state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Rose Matteucci, Carlo Matteucci
  • Patent number: 11540584
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an intelligent hair growth helmet, and relates to the field of medical instruments. The intelligent hair growth helmet includes a helmet outer shell; an inner housing is fixedly mounted in the helmet outer shell; a plurality of supporting pipes are uniformly and fixedly mounted on the inner housing; U-shaped supporting plates are fixedly mounted on inner walls of two sides of the inner housing; a plurality of mounting holes are formed in the two U-shaped supporting plates; the same cushion block is slidably sleeved in two mounting holes on the same side; two mounting shafts are symmetrically and fixedly mounted on the cushion block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Jinxia Guo
  • Patent number: 11419380
    Abstract: A helmet may include an outer liner and an inner liner disposed inward from the outer liner, the inner liner comprising an inner surface with at least one hole. A fit belt may comprise at least one pin coupled to an inner surface of the inner liner with the at least one hole mateably coupled with the at least one pin. An elastomeric strap may comprise an inner end and an outer end opposite the inner end. The outer end of the elastomeric strap may be coupled to an inner surface of the outer liner. The outer end of the elastomeric strap may comprise a recess and a fastener that extends through the recess of the outer end of the elastomeric strap to couple the elastomeric strap to the outer liner. The inner end of the elastomeric strap may be coupled to the fit belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Shaffer, Rafael T. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11395522
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a helmet. The helmet preferably includes a shell, a suspension, and a connector. The suspension preferably includes a crown strap. The connector preferably couples to the shell and the crown strap. The connector preferably has a shock absorber operatively disposed between the shell and the crown strap to absorb at least a portion of a force of impact delivered to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Guido Rietdyk
  • Patent number: 11366491
    Abstract: A head-mounted display device includes a body, two extension members and an adjustable fixing member. The body is adapted to lean against a front portion of a head of the user. The two extension members are disposed opposite each other. First ends of the two extension members are respectively coupled to two opposite ends of the body and configured to rotate with respect to the body so as to lean against two side portions of the head. The adjustable fixing member is coupled to each second end of the two extension members to lean against the back portion or top portion of the head, wherein the body is fixed on the head through the two extension members and the adjustable fixing member. Each of the extension members is adapted to contact or to depart from the two side portions of the head by rotating with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Hu, I-Hsuan Lin
  • Patent number: 11287846
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a host, two installing bases, two connection elements and a head belt. The host has two installing grooves and two opposite sidewalls, and the two installing grooves respectively penetrate through the two sidewalls. The two installing bases are disposed in the host, wherein each installing base has an abutting portion and an installing portion connected to each other. The abutting portion of each installing base abuts against an inner edge of the corresponding sidewall, and the installing portion of each installing base is exposed outside of the host through the corresponding installing groove. The two connection elements are respectively installed onto the two installing portions of the two installing bases. The head belt has two opposite connection portions, and the two connection portions are respectively connected to the two connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: STARVR CORPORATION, Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chun-Yu Chen, Ker-Wei Lin, Chun-Ta Chen, Hao-Ming Chang, Chun-Hsien Chen, Jen-Chieh Shih, Chih-Heng Tsou, Hui-Ping Sun, Wei-Chih Wang, Yen-Chou Chueh, Kuan-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 11109628
    Abstract: A protective clothing device having an article of clothing having an inner layer and/or an outer layer is disclosed. The protective clothing device may have thin force absorbing members coupled to the inner layer or outer layer of the article of clothing. The force absorbing members can have overlapping or interlaced portions for enhanced protection even when the protective clothing device expands. In one embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a protective hat. In another embodiment, the protective clothing device may be a headband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: Adrienne Yeung, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 10973273
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a helmet. The helmet preferably includes a shell, a suspension, and a connector. The suspension preferably includes a crown strap. The connector preferably couples to the shell and the crown strap. The connector preferably has a shock absorber operatively disposed between the shell and the crown strap to absorb at least a portion of a force of impact delivered to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Guido Rietdyk
  • Patent number: 10959475
    Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the head of a person from an external force includes an inner shell which fits over the head of the person and an outer shell which fits over the inner shell. A plurality of bags which contain a pressurized gas are disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell. When an external force is applied to the outer shell some of the bags distribute and partially absorb the external force thereby reducing the force experienced by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventors: James Robb McGhie, Robb Inglis McGhie
  • Patent number: 10881161
    Abstract: A helmet may include an upper-body comprising a first outer shell coupled to a first energy-absorbing shell formed of expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded polyurethane (EPU), or expanded polyolefin (EPO). A lower-body may include a second outer shell coupled to a second energy-absorbing shell formed of EPP, EPS, EPU, or EPO, wherein an upper portion of the lower-body is nested within the upper-body and a lower portion of the lower-body extends to an outer surface of a lower portion of the upper-body. A strap anchor may be disposed between the upper-body and the lower-body, and be sandwiched between the upper-body and the lower-body with the strap anchor being adjacent to, and oriented towards, the lower-body. A strap may be coupled to the fastening device and coupled to the strap anchor for coupling the helmet to a head of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Gregg T. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 10798984
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, devices and processes that abate impact shocks by enacting a machine that redirects at least a portion of an impact force imposed along one trajectory to a reaction force distributed along another trajectory. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Titon Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Francisco Javier Mini Townson, José Rodrigo Aragón Cabrera, Juan Pablo Alfaro Samayoa
  • Patent number: 10721987
    Abstract: A protective helmet having a protective shell, a low friction layer, and a comfort liner is disclosed. The protective shell includes an energy absorbing material and an inner surface. The low friction layer is coupled to the inner surface of the protective shell. The low friction layer may be plastic having a thickness of less than approximately 3 mm. The comfort liner is removably coupled to the low friction layer opposite the protective shell, and includes a low friction material, such as brushed nylon, adjacent the low friction liner. The comfort liner may be removeably coupled protective shell with either clips that removably couple to receivers embedded in the brow of the helmet, with elastically deformable couplings that extend from the comfort liner to the protective shell, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Lowe
  • Patent number: 10709193
    Abstract: A goalie helmet has a head protective outer shell which is configured to circumscribe the head of a goalie. The shell has an interior space in which a floating head framing member is located for cradling and supporting the head of the goalie. The head framing member is located in spaced relation to and a given distance from the back or rear section of the shell of the helmet. Attachment devices, such as straps, connect the head framing member to the helmet in spaced relation to and a distance away from the rear section. The helmet also includes a unique chin cup support bracket located on its lower front section. A specifically designed chin cup is configured to be removeably positioned and secured onto the bracket. The chin cup can simply and easily be replaced on the bracket when it becomes worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ZZM Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A Mustac
  • Patent number: 10604226
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a composite structure, comprising an outer skin formed from a composite material and having a first thickness, an inner skin formed from a composite material and having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, and a core structure positioned between the inner and outer skins to increase bending stiffness of the composite structure. During use a structural load carried by the inner skin exceeds a structural load carried by the outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Carl May, James D. Hethcock, Jr., John R. McCullough
  • Patent number: 10588373
    Abstract: A protective helmet for the head of a human being includes an outer protective shell and an inner support structure that includes a headband defining a head-accommodating opening as well as a upper head support; on the headband, the support structure has a forehead-accommodating side and a side accommodating the back of the head; the support structure is secured to the protective shell using at least one force-transmitting connector. A longitudinal adjuster which is arranged between the protective shell and the support structure allows the protective shell to be adjusted relative to the support structure in the direction of the forehead-accommodating side or in the direction of the side accommodating the back of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Rosenbauer International AG
    Inventor: Peter Staudinger
  • Patent number: 10421312
    Abstract: A retaining clip includes a first strap body and a second strap body. The first strap body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion includes a first abutting surface and a first protrusion. One end of the second strap body is connected with one end of the first strap body. The second strap body includes a ring-shaped portion and a second engaging portion. The second engaging portion is adapted to be detachably engaged with the first engaging portion and includes a second protrusion and a second abutting surface. When the first engaging portion is engaged with the second engaging portion, the first strap body passes through the ring-shaped portion, and the first abutting surface faces the second abutting surface, and the first protrusion faces the second protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Teng-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 10342705
    Abstract: Noise reduction in face masks and helmets reduces ear damage and improves communication by reducing noise in demand regulators with air diffuser perforated plates, screens or open cell foam and by providing muffling chambers. Insertable earmuffs are slid into voids formed in interior padding. Oral-nasal masks are isolated from helmet padding. Various layered helmets shells and padding reduce internal noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Sullivan, Daniel Kokubun
  • Patent number: 10149509
    Abstract: A cushion pad for head bands, installed at the rear part of a head band worn on a worker's head so as to support the back of the worker's head while adjusting the length of the head band. The cushion pad includes a pad unit having a concave spherical-shaped surface closely adhered to the back of the worker's head and provided with a first prop and second props to support the upper central region and both lower side regions of the back of the worker's head, and an adjustment unit formed at the rear of the center of the pad unit and provided with through holes formed at both sides thereof to receive both rear ends of the head band and a rotary lever between the through holes to pressurize and fix the head band, thus allowing a worker to more conveniently and stably wear a welding mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OTOS WING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Patent number: 9924755
    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: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Konstantinos Margetis, Thomas Mroz
  • Patent number: 9874236
    Abstract: A strap includes a base panel. The base panel has a loop retainer and a hook latch. The hook latch has a hook latch tip body extending from a hook latch front face. The hook latch front face is formed on the base panel. The hook latch tip body has a hook latch tip and a hook latch depression formed adjacent to the hook latch tip. A trench fold extends from the base panel. The trench fold forms a hinge to the base panel. A terminal extension extends from the base panel. A terminal extends from the terminal extension. The terminal includes a right terminal prong and a left terminal prong. A terminal opening is formed between the right terminal prong and the left terminal prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Spencer Tien
  • Patent number: 9750297
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a protective shell having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a lever assembly positioned between the interior surface of the protective shell and a portion of a body. The lever assembly includes a lever having an elongated member extending between a first end and a second end and a pivot location. A fulcrum pivotally engages the pivot location of the lever, wherein the lever rotates about the fulcrum in response to an impact force applied along a first direction to the exterior surface of the protective shell. The lever assembly further includes a spring engaging the lever, wherein a rotation of the lever deforms the spring in a second direction to absorb a portion of a kinetic energy of the collision to redirect and reduce a transfer of a portion of force to the body. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Titon Corp.
    Inventors: Juan Francisco Javier Mini Townson, José Rodrigo Aragón Cabrera, Juan Pablo Alfaro Samayoa
  • Patent number: 9526288
    Abstract: An interior fitting subassembly is described at least consisting of a supporting cage, a head band and a neck band for a protective helmet. Three support arms serve to fasten the subassembly on a helmet shell with a spacing. Although the support arms conduct a force acting on the helmet into the supporting cage said support arms endeavour to deform the helmet shell. The helmet therefore has an improved shock absorption capability. In addition, the support arms create a clearance between the interior fitting subassembly and the helmet shell or receiving ear protection capsules and supporting brackets of an ear protection and other helmet accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: PFANNER SCHUTZBEKLEIDUNG GMBH
    Inventors: Anton Pfanner, Martin Greber
  • Patent number: 9402432
    Abstract: A sun protection device including a frame and a drape attached to the frame, where at least a portion of the frame can be removably positioned between the crown and the sweatband of a hat. When the frame is positioned between the crown and sweatband of the hat, the drape hangs downward from the crown, thereby shading at least a portion of a wearer's neck. In one embodiment, the frame and the drape extend around at least one half (and preferably about two-thirds) of the circumference of the crown of the hat, allowing the drape to shade the wearer's neck and ears. The upper edge of the drape may be stitched or otherwise attached to the upper edge of the frame. The drape may be any suitable fabric, and is preferably capable of blocking at least a portion of the sun's UV rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Ronald E. Dean
  • Patent number: 9113671
    Abstract: A protective helmet composed of a helmet shell in which interior fittings are fixed having an assembly contacting the user's head having a supporting cage, a head band and a neck strap. The interior fitting subassembly having three support arms protruding laterally downwards from the supporting cage in the temple areas or backwards and downwards in the area of the back of the head and formed as spacers as a way to affix to the helmet shell. The interior fitting subassembly is continuously held in a distance from the helmet shell along its entire outer circumference. A clearance which is therefore present around the interior fitting subassembly on all sides renders a relative dislocation of the helmet shell relative to the interior fitting subassembly possible. The free ends of the support arms are releasably attached to the helmet shell, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: PFANNER SCHUTZBEKLEIDUNG GMBH
    Inventors: Anton Pfanner, Martin Greber
  • Patent number: 9021616
    Abstract: Protective gear is provided, such as, for example, protective headgear that includes a rigid helmet structure, an engagement system configured to engage a user's head, and a plurality of tethering devices coupled between the engagement system and the rigid helmet structure to suspend the rigid helmet structure from the user's head when the protective headgear is worn. The protective headgear further includes at least one damper coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethering devices to resist motion of the rigid helmet structure relative to the engagement system when the rigid structure is impacted during an impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: David Baty
  • Patent number: 8966672
    Abstract: A low profile protective helmet having an outer shell and an interior surface that is immediately adjacent the top of the wearer's head while the helmet is being worn. The interior surface includes a plurality of fasteners that are connectable to a prior art suspension liner. Each of the fasteners is disposed between first and second rib members. Each rib member is a raised ridge in the interior surface that restricts the side-to-side movement of the suspension liner's integral head straps by the retaining action of the rib members as the integral head straps are attached to each fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Hosea Smith
  • Patent number: 8875318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a head band to assist a user in conveniently wearing head protective equipment on the head. The head band includes a first band part configured to surround the circumference of the head. The first band part includes first sections located at opposite lateral regions of the head and each provided with a coupling piece for coupling with the welding mask, a second section located on a front region of the head, the second section taking the form of an arc-shaped section having a predetermined radius of curvature when unrolled and being adapted to come into close contact at a predetermined gradient with the forehead, and third sections located at a rear region of the head, the third sections being connectable to each other to enable adjustment in the length of the third sections. The first band part comfortably comes into close contact with the forehead, providing wearer comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Otos Wing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Young Huh
  • Publication number: 20140109301
    Abstract: Suspension systems for helmet assemblies provide enhanced stability and adjustability for installation in helmets across different platforms. A suspension system may include an upward stabilizing member extending from a support portion of the suspension system and a pivotally attached downward stabilizing member. The pivotal attachment between upward and downward stabilizing members allows the suspension to be appropriately incorporated into helmets that are subject to manufacturing and specification variability, while still providing flexibility for fit adjustments to the suspension system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventor: Edward R. Hall
  • Patent number: 8627517
    Abstract: A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Oskar E. Juhlin
  • Publication number: 20130283507
    Abstract: Protective gear is provided, such as, for example, protective headgear that includes a rigid helmet structure, an engagement system configured to engage a user's head, and a plurality of tethering devices coupled between the engagement system and the rigid helmet structure to suspend the rigid helmet structure from the user's head when the protective headgear is worn. The protective headgear further includes at least one damper coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethering devices to resist motion of the rigid helmet structure relative to the engagement system when the rigid structure is impacted during an impact event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: David Baty
  • Publication number: 20130239302
    Abstract: A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Oskar E. Juhlin
  • Publication number: 20130219596
    Abstract: A hard hat suspension is provided for use in a hard hat for protecting a wearer's head. The hard hat comprises a rigid outer shell. The suspension comprises a central portion for resting on the wearer's head, and a plurality of resilient impact absorbing corrugated strap members depending from the central portion. At least some, or all, of the strap members comprise a corrugated segment and terminate in an uncorrugated attachment end that is configured for attachment to an inner surface of the rigid outer shell. The suspension may be of unitary construction or may be formed of separate strap members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: QUALITY MANUFACTURING
    Inventor: QUALITY MANUFACTURING
  • Publication number: 20130205477
    Abstract: A protective helmet is described, with a helmet shell and with an interior fitting subassembly which comprises at least one supporting cage, a head band and a neck band. Three supporting arms serve to fasten the subassembly to the helmet shell with a spacing. A clearance is thus provided between the interior fitting subassembly and the helmet shell for receiving ear protection capsules and supporting brackets of an ear protection and of other helmet accessories. When not in use, the ear protection can be pivoted under the helmet shell. The protective helmet therefore does not provide any engagement possibilities whatsoever for obstacles such as branches and the like. The supporting arms partially transmit a force acting on the helmet from above back into the helmet shell in order to elastically deform the latter. The helmet therefore has an improved shock absorption capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Anton Pfanner, Martin Greber
  • Patent number: 8453268
    Abstract: A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Oskar E. Juhlin
  • Patent number: 8434167
    Abstract: An improved face shield assembly universally fits to most hard hats and includes a dual-point pivot system which allows the face shield to be located in a “down” as-used position, an “up” as-used position and a “stowed” position above the hard hat. The improved face shield assembly includes three separate brackets, namely a main mounting bracket secured to the brim of a hard hat, a rotating bracket pivotably mounted to the main mounting bracket and a lens mounting bracket pivotably mounted to the rotating bracket. Spring-loaded struts stabilize and retain the lens mounting bracket in the as-used and stowed positions relative to the rotating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Gleason, Raymond Curci, Brett Pulito
  • Patent number: 8341770
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Sorin Siegler, Mary Milone, Yoganand Ghati
  • Publication number: 20120311752
    Abstract: A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Niklas M. S. Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • 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: 8060951
    Abstract: A low profile protective helmet having an interior surface that is immediately adjacent the top of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn. The interior surface defines a distal point which represents the furthest distance between the top of the wearer's head and the interior surface when the helmet is being worn. The height of the low profile helmet is approximately 4.7 inches and the distal point is approximately 1.3 inches to the top of the wearer's head which is at least 1 inch closer to the top of the wearer's head than with prior art hard hats. The close fit minimizes the weight of the helmet itself, and provides stability of the helmet on the head. The helmet includes shock absorbing means integral to the outer shell that defines a first extension and a second extension in perpendicular relationship with the first extension such that the outer shell is of a relatively greater depth along the defined extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hosea Smith
  • Publication number: 20110167542
    Abstract: There is provided a safety helmet with a helmet fitting and impact attenuation system. The system comprises a semi-rigid space frame attachable to the safety helmet and a headband, releasably attachable to one or more arms of the space frame. The space frame and headband accommodate the use of an impact attenuation liner mounted between the space frame and the helmet shell. The helmet fitting and impact attenuation system also may be used to update and retrofit existing helmet shells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Biokinetics and Associates Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy Douglas Bayne, Edmund Fournier, Nicholas Shewchenko, Christopher Withnall
  • Patent number: 7937779
    Abstract: A surgical garment includes a head gear apparatus for supporting a face shield and shroud. The head gear apparatus includes a helmet that supports a fan assembly, and that defines forward and rear ventilation passageways. The helmet includes a chin bar that defines a centrally located slot, and an upper ledge. The upper edge of the face shield contacts the upper ledge, while the lower edge of the shield includes a tab that extends through the slot. The chin bar and face shield include a plurality of magnetic elements that magnetically connect the lower edge of the face shield to the chin bar. The helmet is suspended from a strap assembly that is carried directly on the head of the wearer. The strap assembly includes an adjustable occipital support that bears against the occiput of the wearer. The face shield can include a plurality of film layers that can be removed when soiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: DePuy Products
    Inventors: Conrad Klotz, Chris Clupper, Rudy R. Diaz, Kimberly A. Dwyer, Sam Sackett, Trent Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7849525
    Abstract: The present invention may comprise a helmet worn by a person, with additional elements to dampen, restrain or totally block rotational movement upon the sensing of severe rotational movement of the head. This device prevents serious brain and cervical spine injury by restraining or totally blocking rotational movement of the head in response to severe acceleration/deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jamshid Ghajar
  • Publication number: 20100235971
    Abstract: A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Oskar E. Juhlin
  • Publication number: 20100229274
    Abstract: A pivoting protective headgear system includes a head suspension and two pivots coupled to the head suspension. A protective headgear element is pivotally connected to each pivot. In one exemplary embodiment, two transition arms are coupled to the head suspension and extend longitudinally extending away from the head suspension, and each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. In another exemplary embodiment, two pivots are coupled to the head suspension and each pivot has an axis of rotation configured to be below any portion of an ear of a user. In a further exemplary embodiment, two pivots are each spaced apart from the headband and coupled to the headband, and the headband is configured to be disposed against a forehead of a user and each pivot has an axis of rotation below the headband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Niklas M.S. Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • Publication number: 20100229286
    Abstract: A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Lars-Olov Ahlgren, Nikias M.S. Lilenthal, Arne O. Linderstrand
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7694354
    Abstract: An article of protective apparel for placement on and protection of a portion of the body of a user includes a protective shell and bi-directional device that receives a first and second line that each extend to the shell. Rotation of a control handle of the bi-directional device causes portions of the lines to be drawn into the device, thereby tightening the protective shell about the user. Optionally, the article is a helmet for having an adjustable chin strap that is capable of being tightened by manual rotation of the control handle of the device. Optionally, the article of protective apparel is capable of being loosened by manual positioning of the control handle into a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Enventys, LLC
    Inventors: Tom J. Philpott, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Ian D. Kovacevich, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Publication number: 20090205113
    Abstract: A low profile protective helmet having an interior surface that is immediately adjacent the top of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn. The interior surface defines a distal point which represents the furthest distance between the top of the wearer's head and the interior surface when the helmet is being worn. The height of the low profile helmet is approximately 4.7 inches and the distal point is approximately 1.3 inches to the top of the wearer's head which is at least 1 inch closer to the top of the wearer's head than with prior art hard hats. The close fit minimizes the weight of the helmet itself, and provides stability of the helmet on the head. The helmet includes shock absorbing means integral to the outer shell that defines a first extension and a second extension in perpendicular relationship with the first extension such that the outer shell is of a relatively greater depth along the defined extensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Hosea Smith