Abstract: A helmet with an optical display system is provided with a custom fit protective liner which precisely aligns the wearer's eyes with the optics on the helmet. The helmet is manufactured by positioning the subject's head in a fixture; determining the position of the subject's pupils with respect to the fixture; scanning the subject's head with a laser while positioned in the fixture in order to obtain a 3-D model of the subject's head; and providing a helmet liner having an outer surface which is profiled to position it inside a helmet shell. The position of the subject's pupils may be determined by scanning pupil locating features of the fixture. The 3-D model is then used to provide the helmet liner with an inner surface which conforms to the subject's head and is positioned with respect to the outer surface so that the outer surface will have a predetermined position with respect to the subject's pupils. The helmet liner is then fitted in the helmet shell to form a helmet.

Abstract: A brow pad for the headband of a protective helmet or similar headgear is ultrasonically welded or similarly joined to itself through openings defined through the headband. By joining the brow pad to itself through the headband, the brow pad remains secured to the headband even after extensive usage. Furthermore, the openings defined through the headband provide some measure of ventilation and evacuation of accumulated moisture from the brow pad. Finally, by joining the brow pad to itself and through the headband, there are pockets of air that are trapped between the joined portions of the brow pad, which serve as air-filled “pillows,” providing some measure of comfort to the wearer.

Abstract: There is provided a protective helmet assembly that includes a shell, a suspension band, and an adjustable headband and a crown pad. The shell is constructed from at least PARA-ARAMID to provide ballistic protection. The suspension band is attached to the shell. The adjustable headband and the crown pad collectively adjust to a shape of a head of a user while maintaining the head of the user in a non-direct-contact relationship with the shell. The adjustable headband and the crown pad each have a plurality of screw less connectors for directly securing the adjustable headband and the crown pad to the suspension band without screws.

Abstract: A face shield support includes an adjustable frame which fits over the head of a user during use and provides support for the face shield frame. In one embodiment, the frame includes a first, or frontal strap that extends from approximately above the ears of the user and across the forehead of the user, and a second or rear adjustable strap extending from approximately above the ears of the user and around the base of the user's head adjacent the occipital lobe. Connecting the rear and frontal straps are a pair of mounting members which secure the face shield frame to the support and which also pivotally connect the frontal and rear adjustable straps. An upper bridge may also be provided which extends over the top portion of a user's head and further secures the frontal and rear straps together. The frontal strap may optionally included an expanded frontal area for additional comfort.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushion pad structure, which is coupled to a headband as an integral component of safety hats, protective masks, and the like, so as to maintain the uniform balance of the headband, thereby securing stable wearing of the above protective equipment on a wearer's head, and preventing biasing thereof. The cushion pad structure comprises a cushion pad which has a plurality of slip-prevention pieces formed at an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a groove defined at an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a fixing clip which is configured to be engaged in the groove of the cushion pad, and has upper and lower U-shaped fastening pieces formed at both lateral ends thereof. The fixing clip is formed, using an injection molding process, such that it is integral with the cushion pad.

Abstract: A fit element for a helmet for minimizing helmet movement on the head of a wearer is described. An embodiment of the fit element includes a base portion and an integrated stretchable material. The base portion includes at least one attachment leg, a right side arm and a left side arm, wherein the attachment leg is substantially perpendicular to the right and left arms. The base portion may also include attachment points for connecting to an interior rear area of a helmet, and advantageously has at least one cut-out section along its length to permit flexing. In an implementation, at least a portion of a lower edge of the middle section of the base portion has a curved shape for facilitating entry or the wearer's head into a helmet.

Abstract: The present specification protective headgear including a unitary shell (1) having a bell shape with a non-uniform thickness, the shell being of sufficient size to enclose at least an upper part of the wearer's skull, the shell having an upper crown portion (6) with a central crown area (2) and a surrounding outer crown area (3), the shell further including a depending circumferential wall which has an upper wall area (4) adjacent to the outer crown area (2) and a lower wall area (5), the lower wall area (5) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said upper wall area (4), and the central crown area (2) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said outer crown area (3), the headgear further including a support system (9) attached to the lower wall area(s) of the shell (1) in a manner whereby no less than 5 mm space is maintained between the wearer's skull and an inside surface of the shell (1).

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a substantially rigid outer shell defining a bottom opening and an internal cavity for receiving a wearer's head; an inner ring positioned substantially within and secured to the outer shell; a suspension secured to the inner ring and including at least two suspension straps; and a headband positioned substantially within the outer shell and adjacent the bottom opening of the outer shell, wherein the position of the headband relative to the inner ring can be manipulated, effectively adjusting the vertical position of the headband within and relative to the outer shell.

Abstract: A fit element for a helmet for minimizing helmet movement on the head of a wearer is described. An embodiment of the fit element includes a base portion and an integrated stretchable material. The base portion includes at least one attachment leg, a right side arm and a left side arm, wherein the attachment leg is substantially perpendicular to the right and left arms. The base portion may also include attachment points for connecting to an interior rear area of a helmet, and advantageously has at least one cut-out section along its length to permit flexing. In an implementation, at least a portion of a lower edge of the middle section of the base portion has a curved shape for facilitating entry or the wearer's head into a helmet.

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

Abstract: The present specification protective headgear including a unitary shell (1) having a bell shape with a non-uniform thickness, the shell being of sufficient size to enclose at least an upper part of the wearer's skull, the shell having an upper crown portion (6) with a central crown area (2) and a surrounding outer crown area (3), the shell further including a depending circumferential wall which has an upper wall area (4) adjacent to the outer crown area (2) and a lower wall area (5), the lower wall area (5) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said upper wall area (4), and the central crown area (2) having a wall thickness generally greater than the wall thickness of said outer crown area (3), the headgear further including a support system (9) attached to the lower wall area(s) of the shell (1) in a manner whereby no less than 5 mm space is maintained between the wearer's skull and an inside surface of the shell (1).

Abstract: A unitary helmet liner suspension structure which is designed for easy and quick and correct fitment into differently sized helmet shells whose specific sizes reside within a known and defined range of such sizes.

Abstract: A unitary helmet liner suspension structure which is designed for easy and quick and correct fitment into differently sized helmet shells whose specific sizes reside within a known and defined range of such sizes.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a shell, a headband with an absorbent brow pad, and a suspension. A key is secured to each end of each of the straps of the suspension for insertion into respective key sockets spaced about the periphery of the shell of the protective helmet along its lower edge. Of particular importance to the protective helmet of the present invention, many (if not all) of the keys are molded directly to and around a strap, rather than sewn to the strap. In the method of the present invention, lengths of strap material are positioned in a mold, and plastic is injected into the mold cavity to encapsulate the straps and form the plastic component, e.g., a key for the suspension of the protective helmet. A trimming die is used to trim any webbing scrap between parts or other extraneous materials resulting from the molding of the plastic component to the straps.

Abstract: A head stabilizing system is provided. The head stabilizing system is intended to minimize loads on the head and the neck, some of which may be injurious or even fatal, by generating a reaction force that substantially opposes a force acting on the head and generated by rapid deceleration of a vehicle or a crash impact. The head stabilizing system includes a helmet, a connection structure, and at least one resisting member. The resisting member generates a reaction force that opposes the crash impact force, yielding a reduced net force on the head. This reaction force can be generated as a function of position, velocity or acceleration. The resisting member may include a tether, a dashpot, or a dashpot containing a controllable rheological fluid. The viscosity of the controllable rheological fluid can be automatically adjusted in response to changes in status of a vehicle or it's occupant.

Abstract: A neck and spine brace device for athletes that allows for a free and natural range of head motion while providing a stabilization link between a helmet and force absorbing body protection. The interlinking brace yields under torsional and multi-load flexation while compression of the helmet loads are transferred under longitudinal force dispersion to shoulder protection pads of the user.

Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a shell, a headband with an absorbent brow pad, and a suspension. A key is secured to each end of each of the straps of the suspension for insertion into respective key sockets spaced about the periphery of the shell of the protective helmet along its lower edge. Of particular importance to the protective helmet of the present invention, many (if not all) of the keys are molded directly to and around a strap, rather than sewn to the strap. In the method of the present invention, lengths of strap material are positioned in a mold, and plastic is injected into the mold cavity to encapsulate the straps and form the plastic component, e.g., a key for the suspension of the protective helmet. A trimming die is used to trim any webbing scrap between parts or other extraneous materials resulting from the molding of the plastic component to the straps.

Abstract: A head restraint device is provided for vehicle drivers and the like. The device allows the head to turn from side to side but restricts the forward and rearward movement as may occur during an abrupt stop while traveling at a high velocity. Cables are slidably affixed to the passenger compartment frame and resilient members dampen sudden forward or rearward head movement during vehicle impact.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention pertains to a wobbling headpiece that includes a display member having an inner concave portion that substantially surrounds and is substantially disassociated from a head strap. An action mechanism is operably disposed between the display member and the head strap.

Abstract: A head suspension for use with a flexible hood is disclosed. The hood is used with supplied air sources in situations when a full face or half face respirator is inconvenient. The head suspension includes a headband that is preferably adjustable in circumference and a lens mount attached to the headband at the ends of the lens mount and with at least two braces. The braces are positioned to be non-parallel to each other. The lens of the hood is mounted from the lens mount. The brace provides added stability to the lens and hood.

Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.

Abstract: A helmet restraint and head and neck stabilizing system for use with a helmet worn by an operator or occupant of a land vehicle, boat, airplane or other motion apparatus, in conjunction with a shoulder belt system or a suit worn by the operator or occupant. The helmet restraint and head and neck stabilizing system preferably includes two end connecters, two releasable buckles, two flexible end belts, and a flexible middle belt. The two end connecters are separately attachable to the shoulder belt system or the suit worn by the operator or occupant on opposite sides of the helmet worn by the operator or occupant. The two end belts each have one end affixed to one end connecter and an opposite end connected to one buckle, respectively. The middle belt has one end connected to one buckle and an opposite end connected to the other buckle. The length of the first or second end belt or the middle belt is adjustable.

Abstract: A safety helmet having a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing layer inside of the outer shell, and a shield layer fabricated from a strong and lightweight material positioned between the outer shell and the shock absorbing layer. The shield layer is preferably free to move relative to the outer shell in a direction toward the shock absorbing layer.

Abstract: A hard hat that includes a number of user adjustable air vents to allow the user to adjust the volume of air flow through the hard hat to provide a cooling effect to the head of the wearer. The hard hat is constructed from phosphorescent plastic so that the glow from the hard hat could alert fellow workers of the position of the wearer of the hat in dark ambient light conditions.

Abstract: A headgear fitting and accessory system is disclosed for use with headgear having a forward portion, a rearward portion, two lateral portions, a continuous lower rim and an upper crown. The headgear fitting and accessory system includes a flexible pad configured to be positioned within the interior of the headgear. The pad has a lower ring-forming portion configured for placement adjacent the headgear lower rim. The pad may incorporate one or more suspension straps extending from the lower ring-forming portion and configured for placement adjacent the headgear upper crown. The pad may also be provided with one or more sizing flaps pivotally connected to the lower ring-forming portion and configured for placement between a folded position wherein the sizing flaps are folded between the ring-forming portion and the headgear, and an unfolded position wherein the sizing flaps are not folded between the ring-forming portion and the headgear.

Abstract: A suspension system for a helmet comprising a crown support assembly having a center portion and a plurality of strap portions extending radially from the center portion. The suspension system further comprises a headband and a plurality of connectors, wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors comprises an anchor portion for attaching the suspension system to a helmet, a first support member extending from the anchor portion and attached to one of the plurality of strap portions, a second support member spaced from the first support member, extending from the anchor portion, and attached to the headband, and a spacing member extending from one of the first and second support members toward the other of the first and second support members. The connector may be a single piece, and may be a molded piece. The connector may also comprise at least one more spacing member extending from one of the first and second support members toward the other of the first and second support members.

Abstract: Head-protective helmet including an outer shell, an impact cap, an inner shell, a head band, and mounting members mounting the head band to the inner shell. An assembly including the inner shell head band and mounting members mounting the head band to the shell. An assembly including the impact cap, the inner shell, cradle or web of head straps, head band, and mounting members mounting the head band to the inner shell. A mounting member or anchor clip particularly useful for mounting a head band to an inner shell.

Abstract: Crown pad of flexible material including a central body portion and a plurality of radially disposed members for flexing inwardly to conform to the crown of a person's head. The crown pad is for being connected to the central portions of head straps residing interiorly of a head-protective helmet. The flexible crown pad may be compressible causing the crown pad to attenuate or absorb some force or energy upon an object striking the helmet. A head-protective helmet in combination with such crown pad.

Abstract: Head-protective helmet including a single mounting means, e.g. a plurality of anchor clips, which at least assist in mounting an inner impact shell to the outer shell, mount a head band to the outer shell, mount a plurality of head straps to the outer shell, and depending upon the material of which the mounting means is made may absorb energy created upon a downwardly acting force being applied to the outer shell. A head band including pivotally interconnected forehead member and nape device. A mounting member particularly useful for mounting head-protective helmet components together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable, flexible headgear band. The band comprises a first end and a second end which overlap. The first end comprises a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots therein. The second end comprises a resilient fastener formed integrally with the second end. The resilient fastener comprises a channel to slidably receive the first end in overlapping engagement with the second end. The fastener comprises a fastener surface from which at least one flange extends to engage and be seated in one of the plurality of slots of the first end. The fastener surface is resiliently bowable in a direction away from the first end upon application of compressive force to the fastener. Upon application of such compressive force, the at least one flange is unseated from the slot in which it is seated so that the first end can be slid relative to the fastener (and thereby the second end).

Abstract: Cold weather, especially when combined with wind and moisture, can cause significant health problems. In practice it will limit productivity and a normal human's activity. The bad effects will be even worse in people who have cardio-respiratory problems. Therefore, this applicant introduces a unit that will prevent such exposure and its related problems. These hats will be made from combinations of an outer and an inner cover. The inner cover is a soft lining and the outer cover is a protective cover that will stand over the first cover. The outer layer will be non-permeable and will not allow air or moisture to move in. This unit will be further fortified by a brim, shield, filter and means that will allow the motion of the air inside the nose-mouth area to be controlled. The unit may also have a tubing to allow oxygen or another treated gas to come in. These units may also have other pieces such as microphones and speakers in order to allow communication to be facilitated in difficult circumstances.

Abstract: A one-piece, lightweight, molded plastic hat that comprises, in combination, a thin, molded plastic sheet forming a hat wall dome having an inner side, the sheet at the dome everywhere having thickness less than 3/16 inch; the sheet at the dome forming a corrugation having a local portion defining a U-shaped cross section; and a local plastic reinforcement sub-sheet formed to have U-shaped cross section matching that of the dome local portion, the sub-sheet fitting and adhesively bonded to the dome sheet local portion at the inner side of the hat dome.

Abstract: A reusable liner for lining the support harness of a safety helmet comprising a body fabricated of an absorbent material which is longitudinally elongated and terminates in enlarged opposite ends which extend generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the liner body. The liner is further provided with a deformable mounting member which is secured within each of the enlarged opposite ends substantially coextensive therewith for removably securing the liner to the support harness of a safety helmet.

Abstract: An industrial safety helmet comprises a shell of a semioval shape, a crad and a chin strap. The shell has one or more flexures capable of strengthening the shell and of promoting air circulation of the shell. The flexures are provided respectively at the front end thereof with an air inlet while at least one of the flexures is provided at the rear end thereof with an air outlet. The cradle has an energy-absorbing mechanism. The chin strap is provided with a detachable adhesive buckling mechanism.

Abstract: A one-piece, lightweight, molded plastic hat that comprises, in combination, a thin, molded plastic sheet forming a hat wall dome having an inner side, the sheet at the dome everywhere having thickness less than 3/16 inch; the sheet at the dome forming a corrugation having a local portion defining a U-shaped cross section; and a local plastic reinforcement sub-sheet formed to have U-shaped cross section matching that of the dome local portion, the sub-sheet fitting and adhesively bonded to the dome sheet local portion at the inner side of the hat dome.

Abstract: A protective cap comprises a rigid shell with a peak at the front of the shell. A sweatband is mounted within the shell. A headband is mounted to the sweatband in a free pivotal manner so that the position of the headband can be moved to the front or the rear of the shell thereby permitting the cap to be worn with the peak in the front or the peak in the rear. The mounting of the headband to the sweatband and the structural features of the headband and sweatband maximize the ease and comfort in permitting the wearing of the cap to be alternated between normal and reversed positions.

Abstract: An integrated helmet system for presenting the wearer with visible images in which an outer helmet providing a surface on which the images are projected is adapted to be assembled on the frame of an inner helmet having a headband on which the frame is mounted for adjustment in front to back and side to side directions. A fixture adapted to be mounted on the frame provides a simulation of the images to be presented to the wearer on a surface positioned in front of the frame at a distance equal to the distance between the frame and the outer helmet viewing surface when the outer helmet was assembled on the frame, thus to permit the frame to be adjusted relative to the headband so that the outer helmet viewing surface is properly positioned with reference to the wearer's eyes when the outer helmet is assembled on the inner helmet.

Abstract: A protective apparatus has a helmet and shoulder pads. The helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads by a rear support and lateral supports. The rear support is coupled to the shoulder pads by a ball and socket joint. The lateral supports have rollers which are received by channels formed in the shoulder pads. Impacts to the helmet are transmitted to the shoulder pads by the supports. The helmet can move from side-to-side with respect to the shoulder pads by the lateral support rollers traversing the channels, and up and down by the rear support ball and socket joint. Inside of the helmet is a crown that has inner and outer bands. The outer band is pivotally coupled to the helmet so as to allow the head to move up and down within the helmet. The inner band is located within the outer band and rotates within the outer band so as to allow the head to move from side-to-side within the helmet.

Abstract: A safety helmet and face mask system having an interface for suspending both the helmet and the face mask on a wearer's head by a single support web, thereby eliminating the need for separate support assemblies. The system includes a helmet having a shell and liner, hooks attached to opposite sides of the liner, and a face mask having a pair of O-rings slidably mounted on straps attached at upper and lower points on opposite sides of the mask. The O-rings releasably engage the hooks on the helmet liner to integrally interconnect the helmet and liner. Buckles are located on the sides of the mask so that the effective lengths of the straps between points of connection to the mask can be varied to draw the mask and helmet together and seat the helmet and mask properly on the wearer's head. The interface provides both horizontal and vertical support for the mask by a single strap on each side of the mask.

Abstract: An impact attenuation liner assembly is provided for use in an outer shell of a protective helmet. The liner assembly includes an impact cap formed from a resilient, heat-resistant material, such as expanded polypropylene. The impact cap defines a head receiving cavity and includes a plurality of passageways extending therethrough. A suspension system is also provided and comprises a plurality of straps disposed within the head receiving cavity. The straps have end portions, each of which extends through a different one of the passageways in the impact cap. Ribs are located on the exterior surface of the impact cap for securing the end portions to the impact cap. Tape extending about a peripheral portion of the exterior surface of the cap is also provided for securing the ribs in recesses formed in the exterior surface of the cap.

Abstract: A modified football helmet has an inner cap attached by elastic straps to the inside of the helmet shell providing a space above the cap. The helmet is further modified incorporating a rigid collar extending outwardly from the bottom of the helmet which has a lower surface positioned a distance above two upright post members extending upwardly from the rigid shoulder pads.

Abstract: A head cooling device for mounting over a person's head, generally within a headgear or a safety helmet. The device comprises: a housing, defining a main body enclosing a generally closed pocket, for containing ice cubes therein, a mouth, at one end of the main body, and an intermediate flooring, for supporting the ice cubes inside the pocket spacedly from the mouth. Thus, the flooring remains spaced at all times from the scalp by a spacing gap. The flooring is bored at its periphery, for enabling water droplets from the melting ice cubes to escape one at a time from the pocket, freely through the spacing gap and toward and against the person's head scalp. Flexible bands are used, integral to the housing, for releasably anchoring the housing to the head in generally overhanging fashion.

Abstract: An impact absorbing protective cap includes a rigid shell which fits on the head of the wearer. The shell is generally hemispherical in shape and terminates in a peripheral edge which defines an open space. An attenuator band is mounted to the inner surface of the shell generally at the peripheral edge for distributing lateral impact forces striking the outer surface of the shell. The attenuator band is made of flexible hard material and is in corrugated form with a series of undulations alternately disposed toward and away from the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: Safety helmets, totally encasing the wearer's head and incorporate breathing apparatus supplying air to and exhausting air from an isolated volume within the helmet, are well known. The isolated volume is defined by a viewing panel, an annular seal and the face of the wearer.There is a problem in fitting and removing such a helmet which has been solved in prior art constructions by making the helmet from two shell halves, hinged together at the crown of the helmet.The invention proposes a one-piece helmet shell, which has a front to rear dimension more the one and a half times that of the wearer's head, and providing a pad so supported that it can be displaced to the rear regions of the helmet, to facilitate fitting and removal of the helmet, and with the helmet fitted pushes the head of the wearer into pressure contact with the annular seal.

Abstract: An improved fireman's helmet is disclosed which includes an outer shell, a compressible, non-resilient foam liner, and an inner shell of hemispherical shape conforming to the foam liner. An annularly extending channel of generally U-shaped cross-section is integrally formed on and around an outer edge portion of the inner liner into which an edge portion of the foam liner is disposed. A series of flexible, stretchable, resilient crossing one another at an apex, extend radially outwardly and downwardly from the apex and extend under and across the channel, thence upwardly between the liner and the outer shell to connections on distal end portions thereof with rigid, non-resilient, incompressible anchors resting on a floor of the channel. The anchors are disposed within open slots formed in and around outer surface portions of the liner.

Abstract: A firefighter's helmet the weight of which, and of any accessories associated therewith, may be unevenly distributed. The helmet has an inwardly disposed crown support assembly to engage the head of the wearer. The crown support assembly is adjustable to change the angular position of the helment upon the head of the firefighter to compensate for uneven weight distribution in the helmet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a military safety helmet with a cap resistant to bombardment and an internal band arrangement, connected firmly to the helmet cap at several points and comprised of an approximately horizontally encircling annular supporting band, a plurality of bands extending in a radiating manner from a central fastening piece on the top side of the helmet and bands for connecting the adjacent radiating bands. The internal band arrangement provides all-round impact damping, especially under the effect of shocks, and good ventilation since the bands have formed-on bosses pointing towards the inner face of the helmet cap. Above the supporting band, fastening strips extends which have no bosses and the ends of which are connected firmly to the helmet cap in such a way that the band arrangement rests against the inner face of the helmet cap via the bosses. The radiating bands are approximately the width of the bosses, and the bosses are preferably designed as hollow cylinders.

Abstract: As improved protective helmet assembly including an outer shell and an inner impact attenuation liner assembly wherein a chinstrap assembly is mounted to the inner impact attenuation liner assembly and the inner impact attenuation liner assembly is mounted within the outer impact shell to detach under predetermined load conditions from the outer impact shell.

Abstract: Existing devices for stabilizing a safety helmet such as a hard hat are either unduly complicated or ill adapted as retrofits for existing helmets. A simple restraining device for use on new or existing helmets includes a bracket located at the center of the interior of each side of the helmet for pivotally supporting front and rear headbands. Pins extending through the headbands into arcuate slots in the brackets limit rotation of the front and rear headbands with respect to the brackets. A force tending to lift or rotate the helmet from the wearer's head will cause the headbands to pivot downwardly and inwardly against the wearer's head, thus inhibiting removal thereof from the head of the wearer.