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.

Abstract: A helmet includes an outer shell, an energy-absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and a liner disposed inside of the energy-absorbing layer. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis that runs between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet, a first side portion releasably coupled to the central portion, and a second side portion releasably coupled to the central portion.

Abstract: An improved edge band for a protective helmet includes a flexible woven-fiber elongate band applied to the edge of a helmet shell. The elongate band is positioned such that side edges of the elongate band extend in intimately conforming contact along a surface contour of the helmet shell. The edge band includes a matrix material in contact with fibers of the elongate band.

Abstract: A diving helmet (10) of the type having an air supply pumped to it during use. The helmet (10) including a head portion (12) substantially formed from a transparent material such that a user can see both forwardly and rearwardly. The helmet (10) further including a body contacting collar portion (18) extending from the head portion (12). The collar portion having a shoulder engaging portion (24) adapted to prevent said helmet (10) from tipping during use.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.

Abstract: A cap-like head backing cover includes a plurality of types of cover components. The plurality of types of cover components include cover main body portions, and connecting means capable of separably connecting and combining the cover main body portions of one of the cover components to and with the cover main body portions of another at least one of the cover components. The cover main body portions of the plurality of types of cover components are connected to and combined with each other by the connecting means, to form the cap-like head backing cover which includes the plurality of types of cover components and is independent. With the helmet having this arrangement, even when a helmet wearer whose head shape is different from that of an average human head is to wear the helmet, the helmet can be matched to the head of the helmet wearer substantially optimally. The helmet size can be not only partially decreased but also partially increased.

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: According to one embodiment of the invention, a fitting system for a helmet is provided. The fitting system includes a belt having supported racks coupled to a belt adjustment device. The belt adjustment device is operable to allow a user to tighten the belt, and release the belt at a single touch of a release actuator. The belt adjustment device and the racks are configured to hug the occiput of a user when the helmet is properly worn. The belt adjustment device is also operable to hold the rear straps of the helmet apart but is not attached to the helmet. The belt defines a collapsible button for securing a pad. The pad defines a substantially lateral compressed strip that is operable to urge the pad against the belt. The belt adjustment device and the belt are configured to allow rear straps of the helmet to approximately directly approach the chin of the user.

Abstract: An improved retention system for a protective helmet comprises slide/coupling mechanisms on opposite sides of the helmet shell, and a movable element at the rear of the helmet. Fastening of the chinstrap secures the helmet in the downward direction and tightens the movable element against the nape of the neck, thereby securing the helmet in the area of the occipital lobe.

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: A head protective device incorporating a sweat band bandana having a front portion secured to a head protective device and the rear portion bandana unsecured. The bandana in the first position has the free ends of the bandana overlapping and stored withthin the head encircling member of the head protective device although the ends may also extend down for tying. A second position has the bandana extending downwardly from the head protective device and the bandana has the free ends tied behind the head for the purpose of securing the head protective device against accidental removal.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region, left and right side regions, a back region and an occipital region. The helmet comprises a shell comprising left and right side inner surfaces and left and right side inner pads at least partially covering the inner left and right side surfaces of the shell, the left and right side inner pads facing the respective left and right side regions of the head. The helmet also comprises a wedging member located between one of the left and right side inner pads and one of the respective left and right side inner surfaces. The wedging member is movable between first and second positions, wherein, in the first position, one of the left and right side inner pads apply a first pressure upon the respective left and right side regions of the head, and in the second position, one of the left and right side inner pads apply a second pressure upon the respective left and right side regions of the head.

Abstract: There is provided a pad set for a protective helmet. The pad set includes a plurality of internal pads of various thicknesses. A plurality of pad retaining/locating devices each have a pocket for receiving at least one of the plurality of internal pads so as to form an individual pad of the pad set. At least one fastener for each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices respectively secures each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices to a selected location within the protective helmet.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable pad set for a protective helmet. The adjustable pad set includes a plurality of internal pads of various thicknesses. A plurality of pad retaining/locating devices each have a pocket for receiving at least one of the plurality of internal pads so as to form an individual pad of the adjustable pad set. At least one fastener for each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices respectively secures each of the plurality of pad retaining/locating devices to a selected location within the protective helmet.

Abstract: A hair protection bag with a first opening and a method for using the same are provided. The hair protection bag may have an open perimeter, a band around the open perimeter and a first opening associated with the bag. The band may be detachably connected to the open perimeter using an adhesive. The first opening may have a fastening system associated therewith to fasten, un-fasten and/or re-fasten the bag. The hair protection bag may further have a second opening associated with the bag. The second opening may have a fastening system associated therewith to fasten, un-fasten and/or re-fasten the bag. A cotton band may be attached to the open perimeter of the bag to prevent treatment solution from leaking from the bag. The first opening associated with the bag may be, for example, a zipper or hook and loop fasteners. The second opening associated with the bag may be, for example, a zipper or hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A protective shell for use within a cap such as a baseball cap and which incorporates elongate slots which open into the back of the shell and extend forwards towards the front of the shell. The presence of the slots, in conjunction with the inherent flexibility of the shell material, enable the lateral sections of the shell to move inwards and outwards to accommodate a range of head sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable helmet comprising a first and second shell portion adjustably connected together. Each shell features a smooth interference-free sliding surface on which the two shells fit together in an overlapping relationship. The two shells are locked together by a manually operable locking device adapted to engage corresponding anchoring holes. The smooth interference-free sliding surfaces allows easy adjustment of the helmet size.

Abstract: An improved headgear includes an outer shell and an inner liner providing a head receiving cavity. A headband has a forward portion and lateral portions secured to the inner liner and a rearward portion extending rearwardly of said lateral portions. A first vent aperture is centrally formed in the outer shell. A second vent aperture is centrally formed in the inner liner. Third vent apertures are formed in the inner liner in spaced relationship with the second vent aperture.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A head mounted umbrella and a method thereof, which reduces its manufacturing cost and time and is stably held on a user's body without shaking, and which prevents a user's face from getting wet with rain water, and is hung on a hanger, is disclosed. The head mounted umbrella includes a hood part having a front opening, a body covering part manufactured in such a way that a circular basic cloth having a central opening and at least one cut radial portion is prepared, and adjacent radial edges of the basic cloth are coupled to each other to form a skirt shape, and the skirt-shaped cloth is coupled to a lower edge of the hood part, and an annular elastic ring is coupled to an outer peripheral edge of the body covering part by an attaching cloth strip.

Abstract: A helmet structure includes a cap body and a setoff element. A plurality of slots is distributed on an interior surface of the cap body. A rubber strip fills each of the slots. The protruding ribs are distributed on an external surface of the setoff element in a manner to match respectively with the slots of the cap body. Since the soft rubber has a high frictional contact, the U-shaped rubber strips not only fit the slots but also tightly attaches to the protruding ribs. Therefore, the cap body is firmly attached the setoff element. However, when the helmet is to be cleaned; the setoff element and the cap body are easily dismounted by pulling the protruding ribs out of the slots without the need of any tool.

Abstract: Therapy apparel (10) is provided to assist in therapy sessions with children diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction and impaired motor development. The apparel (10) includes a fabric top (14) to be worn over the shoulders and trunk of a child (12), together with a cape (16) and close-fitting headgear (18). The top (14) has fanciful theme decorations (e.g., a beetle) and is equipped with a series of flexible elastic straps for the feet, knees and hands of the child (12) and which can be used during a therapy session. The cape (18) is likewise theme-decorated and includes handholds (84) allowing the child (12) to spread the cape during imaginative play. The headgear (18) is constructed using padded side and sections (104, 106) with flexible elastic sections (108) between the sections (104, 106), and a chin strap (110) allowing the headgear (18) to be drawn into close conforming relationship with the child's head.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet, particularly a cyclist's helmet having at least one longitudinal spar which is intended to be positioned above the parting, two end pieces one of which is intended to be positioned above the forehead and the other one above the back of the head. Guides between the end pieces and the longitudinal spar which are aligned approximately in parallel with the parting. Two lateral elements which are intended to be positioned above the temples, guides between the end pieces and the lateral elements which are aligned obliquely to the parting, and an adjusting and/or locating device for the relative position of the longitudinal spar, end pieces, and lateral elements.

Abstract: A strap for respirator masks comprises a head strap piece (1), made from elastically flexible synthetic material, with a strap fixing piece (5) and a head plate (4) with a greater wall thickness than the attached head straps (6). A neck strap, connected to the mask at two fixing points and an extending temple strap, which may be introduced in a detachable and length adjustable manner into fixing clips (7) attached to the head straps (6), are fixed to the strap fixing piece. The head strap piece thus consists of a straight and a curved piece. The crown shaped embodiment with the elastic temple band is associated with good fitting and wearing properties and low maintenance requirements.

Abstract: Protective headgear comprises a rigid shell with face pads which may be released and removed while the headgear is still on a person's head. A protective chin guard may be attached to the headgear by way of the face pads. The chin guard comprises a substantially rigid shell with a removeable insert made of a flexible bladder filled with a shock absorbing fluid. The headgear may comprise a shell made of an inner and outer material layered over an internal foam core to effect both strength and lightweight.

Abstract: An air filtration system and a helmet for use in the air filtration system are disclosed and utilized to filter air between a head and body of a user and an external environment. The air filtration system and helmet include inner and outer shells that define an air flow channel for channeling air about the user. A fan module is mounted between the inner and outer shells and a scroll housing is mounted adjacent the fan module. The scroll housing includes an air inlet for drawing air into the air filtration system and helmet, and at least one air outlet to distribute air flow to the air flow channel. The helmet includes air exits at front and rear sections that are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and the air outlet or outlets. The air filtration system includes a gown operating as a filter for filtering the air.

Abstract: Auxiliary buffer envelope device for inner pad of safety helmet, including at least one attachable buffer envelope disposed on a section of the inner pad near the rear bottom edge thereof. The buffer envelope is filled in the gap between the rear side of the inner pad and the curve of the rear lower dented part of a user's skull. The buffer envelope enables a user to more snugly wear the helmet with better fixing and shakeproof effect. The buffer envelope reversely retain rear dented part of, the user's skull so as to more reliably prevent the helmet from detaching from the skull and provide a fixing and protective effect for the head of the user. The buffer envelope has simple structure and can be easily connected with the helmet.

Abstract: An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the person's head.

Abstract: Protective headguard to be worn by an athlete having (i) a protective central pad, (ii) a rear pad, (iii) an adjustable strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, and (iv) one or more of (a) a lack of any protective padding which would cover the side of the athlete's head when the headguard is worn, (b) a channel defined by the central pad extending substantially horizontally above the athlete's brow ridges and below the athlete's frontal bone when the headguard is worn, (c) a slot in the rear pad extending substantially vertically from the athlete's occipital bone and accommodating passage of a ponytail when the headguard is worn, (d) a single unitary liner, (e) bands encircling the central pad and releasably securing a liner to the central pad, (f) a removable sleeve, (g) a spine pad extending from the front panel to the rear pad (h) perceptible lines of demarcation on the exterior surface of the central pad.

Abstract: A one-piece adjustable headgear strap is constructed of lightweight material, for example plastic, and therefore is inexpensively manufactured and comfortable to wear. The strap is constructed with an adjustment mechanism that enables it to be easily adjusted around the head of wearer with just one hand. The adjustment mechanism is also integrally formed with the headband of the headgear support and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture due to its one-piece construction.

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: An adjustable protective helmet for sporting activities comprising a first shell and second shell, having respective cooperating inner and outer overlapping portions extending transversely across the top portion of the wearer's head for connecting together the shells to form a bowl shaped shell assembly circumscribing the wearer's head. The shells are movable relative to one another in the overlapping portions to provide size adjustability of the helmet. The helmet includes a shock absorbing liner inside the shell assembly. The shell assembly comprises a ramp defined by a plurality of raised formations on the inside surface of the shell assembly, that is adjacent and facing a free edge of the inner overlapping portion thereby increasing the contact surface area between the liner and the shell assembly around said overlapping portions in order to reduce the concentration of force of an impact in the vicinity of the overlapping portions.

Abstract: An improved headgear includes an outer shell and an inner liner providing a head receiving cavity. A headband has a forward portion and lateral portions secured to the inner liner and a pair of rearwardly extending flexible members having interconnecting free end portions that allow the headband to be adjusted to many heads of different length. A fabric lining covers the headband forward and lateral portions and has slot openings through which the headband flexible members extend. An adjustable opening at the top of the fabric lining facilitates headgear vertical adjustment. A pair of side retention straps extend downwardly from the sides of the outer shell. A pair of rear retention straps mount to respective ones of the side retention straps and are adjustably secured to each other. The inner liner has channels that receive the side retention straps and allow them to drape down in close proximity to a wearer's temples and cheeks.

Abstract: A pad assembly for use in a protective helmet shell. The pad assembly is formed from a resilient material. The pad assembly includes a front pad assembly, a back pad assembly, and an intermediate pad assembly. The front pad assembly is attached to a front portion of the helmet shell, the back pad assembly is attached to a back portion of the helmet shell, and the intermediate pad assembly is both centrally located between the front pad assembly and the back pad assembly and slidably connected to the front pad assembly and to the back pad assembly.

Abstract: Radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel mounted microphone and speaker and a radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, radio interface apparatus in combination with a lapel-mounted radio and with or without a head-protective helmet, and radio interface apparatus for being mounted to the nape device of a head-protective helmet.

Abstract: An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the person's head.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for a helmet having an interiorly located forehead dome and side sections. A crown pad provided with adjusting straps engages retention clips on the side sections to set the vertical position of the helmet. A nape panel provided with adjusting straps engages additional retention clips on the side sections to set the fore and aft position of the helmet. A pouch is fitted into the gap created between the dome and the forehead. A liquid foam is introduced into the pouch which expands and solidifies thereby creating a mold of the wearer's forehead. The pouch, nape panel and chip strap or breathing mask serve to lock the helmet in position on the wearer's head.

Abstract: Impact protection headguards for athletics and in particular soccer players are provided. In one embodiment, a protective headguard is provided that includes a central pad for covering a portion of a forehead of a wearer. The central pad has a first side and a second side, and a first and second padded rib extending from each side of the central pad. The distal ends of the first and second padded ribs on each side are connected to form side portions that extend rearward from the central pad for covering sides of the head of the wearer. The headguard also includes a rear pad for covering an occipital bone of the wearer and an adjustment strap system which secures the side portions of the central pad to the rear pad.

Abstract: A helmet with an adjustable safety strap. The length of the strap used for securing the helmet can be adjusted by the wearer continuously, or progressively in stages of 1.5 mm, and fixed or released in any of the positions with only one hand, by way of a turn-lock fastener. The turn-lock fastener is rigidly incorporated in the helmet material and has cords which are guided from its two opposite sides along an inner side of the helmet to deflecting rollers, or deflecting points, on the helmet material, and then further guided therefrom along the strap to be tightened. The safety strap can be worn around the nape of the neck, or include a chin piece, among other manners of construction.

Abstract: An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the person's head.

Abstract: A head belt of head magnifying glass includes a first and a second head belt set up at both sides of the fixer of magnifying glass. More than one buttoning holes are made on the first head belt vertically. A buttoning seat stretches out from the second head belt. A vacancy forms between said buttoning seat and the second head belt. A through hole is made at the inner and of the buttoning seat and a movable plate is fixed on the buttoning seat. The movable plate is pivoted by its both sides at near the middle part of the lateral sides of buttoning seat. A clamping key is established at the end where the movable plate corresponds with the through hole of buttoning seat and a spring plate is built at the other end. It is easy adjustable by inserting the first bead belt in the above mentioned vacancy and buttoning up the clamping key with the buttoning hole and durableness of head belt is thus achieved.

Abstract: A new process for making headgear. The process comprises the step of insert molding an armature into helmet segments to produce a protective helmet having superior characteristics. The process also comprises the step of strategically locating a retention system on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. The process further comprises the step of attaching an improved strap guide to the helmet. One embodiment of this invention is a process for making an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. Another embodiment of this invention is a process for making a helmet that includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

Abstract: A protective helmet (1) including a main outer shell (2) consisting of a wall (5) with a front facial opening (3). The lower rear portion (8) of the wall (5) includes resilient bending means (13, 14a, 14b, 14'a, 14'b).

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 device for adjusting and securing a helmet to the head of a user. The helmet comprises a shell, a pair of temporal straps, a pair of rear straps and a chin-strap provided with a closure, connected together through anchoring and shifting members. The device also includes a stretcher fastened to said shell for stretching an elastic spring provided in said rear straps and adjusting to the desired tension said chin-strap, and a releasing button to release said elastic spring. The stretcher includes a capstan-like rotatable lever adapted to pull and apply a tension to said elastic means when it is manually rotated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable headband for protective headgear with a ratchet mechanism having different resistances. The adjustable headband utilizes a ring gear assembly having a plurality of radially projecting teeth thereon. Each of the projecting teeth of the ring gear assembly has a first tooth side and a second tooth side which is different from the first tooth side. For example, each tooth of the ring gear assembly preferably has a first tooth angle on the first tooth side and a second, different tooth angle on a second tooth side. A spring assembly having at least one spring tooth projecting radially therefrom is connected to the adjustment knob. The spring assembly is positioned such that the at least one spring tooth meshes with the teeth of the ring gear assembly to provide resistance to the rotation of the adjustment knob.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising a protective shell and a member for releasably attaching the protective helmet to a user. The protective shell includes a front region, a rear region, a first and a second side region and an outer surface. The releasable attachment member includes a first front strap, a second front strap, an attachment member and a rear strap. The first front strap extends from the first side region of the protective shell. The second front strap extends from the second side region of the protective shell. The attachment member is associated with each of the first and second front straps. The rear strap includes an outer region and two lower extension regions. The outer region extends along the outer surface of the protective shell and the two lower extension regions extend through at least two openings in the protective shell. The lower extension regions are associated with at least one of the first and second front straps.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member depending from the rear of the helmet, providing a closer fit to an individual wearer's head and improving stability of the helmet on the head, particularly for mountain bike riding. The articulated member contacts the wearer's head beneath the occipital region and applies a forward and upward pressure against the head. The general embodiment of the invention includes an elastic strap stretching from one side of the helmet, across the back of the articulated member, to the opposite side of the helmet. Adjusting this strap allows the wearer to adjust the forward and upward pressure exerted by the articulated member on the wearer's head.