Abstract: A head and neck restraint device for high performance race car drivers. The device includes a yoke, a collar and a pair of legs. The yoke and/or collar are adapted to pivotably articulate with respect to the legs. At least a portion of each leg can flex in response to force.

Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments for potentially reducing and/or preventing head trauma. Headgear apparatuses comprise a head-protection component configured to be worn over a head and to protect the head from an external force. In certain embodiments, the headgear apparatus has an effective mass of at least 5 kg. In other embodiments, the head-protection component is a form-fitting structure, wherein a maximum distance the head-protection component extends from an exterior surface of the head is less than 5 cm. The head-protection component may be interconnected with a neck support and a body support, wherein the head-protection component, the neck support, and the body support comprise a single structure made of a semi-flexible foam material coated in a latex or vinyl composition.

Abstract: Whiplash reduction systems and devices and methods to use the same. In an embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a front anchor strap coupled directly or indirectly to a headgear; a top anchor coupled to the front anchor strap, the top anchor having a connector coupled thereto, the connector configured to connect to at least one rear strap; a first retainer configured to fit within apertures defined within the headgear and to wrap around at least part of the headgear and at least part of the front anchor strap to secure the front anchor strap to the headgear at or near the apertures; and a plate having a central portion defining a recessed portion and further having a first side portion and a second side portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an integrated fit and retention system is provided. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the integrated fit and retention system includes a first rigid strap and a second rigid strap, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each rigid strap is coupled to a helmet body proximate a front of the helmet body, and the second end of each rigid strap is coupled to the helmet body proximate a rear of the helmet body. The integrated fit and retention system also includes a chin strap operable to couple the first and second rigid straps beneath a chin of a wearer. In particular embodiments, the integrated fit and retention system may further include a fit strap coupling the first and second rigid straps, that may be configured to sit below an occipital lobe of the wearer.

Abstract: A motion restrictor device is operable to be worn with a protective helmet to reduce the risk of head or spine injury caused by injurious movement of the helmet. The device includes a helmet-engaging component supported on a harness. The component presents helmet-engagement surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the neck of the user. The component is operable to yieldably bias each of the helmet-engagement surfaces toward the helmet when the device is worn, such that contact with the helmet is maintained as the helmet-engagement surface shifts through a range of motion. The device also includes a brake assembly that restricts shifting of at least one of the helmet-engagement surfaces in response to injurious movement of the helmet.

Abstract: In one aspect, a split forehead strap of headgear is provided. In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on a wearer's head is provided. The headgear includes a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap is configured to engage a wearer's forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The forehead strap includes an upper member and a lower member spaced-apart from the upper member along at least a portion of the lower member to provide a cavity between the upper and lower member. In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a forehead strap defining a longitudinally extending cavity that alters in thickness.

Abstract: A helmet comprised of a hard outer shell, a compressible liner in contact with an inner surface of the hard outer shell, and a comfort liner in contact with an inner surface of the compressible liner. The damping hole is defined longitudinally along a longitudinal axis through the hard outer shell, the compressible liner, and the comfort liner. The helmet also includes a pendulum damping system disposed in the damping hole and extending longitudinally from the outer shell to the comfort liner. The pendulum damping system has a pendulum mass that is laterally displaceable within the damping hole.

Abstract: A head mounted device includes a virtual reality helmet, a control section, a transmission line and a head band portion. The head band portion includes a rotatable head band detachably positioned on the virtual reality helmet via a connection mechanism including a catching connection portion and a fixing portion having a main body portion. The catching connection portion is mounted in a counterbore of the rotatable head band and includes a catching fixture, two catching halves, a push button and a first elastic part. A driving portion of the bush button moves upward vertically and drives the action of the two driven portions of two catching halves to open or close two catching portions of the catching halves transversely, and thus perform the connection or detachment with the caught portion on the main body portion of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A safety line assembly is a lightweight retractable cord on a reel having a first and a second biasing spring-clip for attaching a hard hat to a user's safety harness when working above the ground to prevent the hard had from accidently striking an individual or object below the user if the hard hat unintentionally falls off of the head of the user. The first biasing spring clip is attached to the reel housing via the first cord. The second cord attaches to the retractable reel within the housing for the reel and extends exteriorly of the housing to attach to the second biasing spring-clip. The retractable reel keeps the second cord wound onto the reel only releasing enough slack to allow free movement of the user's head eliminating additional slack to prevent entanglement of the cord.

Abstract: A helmet supported by a vertical extension, extending from the rear-center of the helmet to the rear-center of shoulder pads or shoulder harness. The fixed in-place helmet is supported above the wearer's head, without relying upon the wearer for support, and permits the wearer to move his head in all directions. Shock absorbing material is provided between a portion of the space between the top of the head and the inside of the helmet, leaving sufficient room for head motion. The vertical extension resists elongation or compression along the vertical axis when impacted, but undergo flexure displacement in any lateral direction, followed by shape recovery after impact. The vertical extension may be adjustably attached to either the helmet or the shoulder pads.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a retrofit sensor module for use with a protective head top with a helmet and a visor. The sensor module includes a sensor housing and an attachment mechanism. The sensor housing encloses a head presence sensor to sense when the protective head top is being worn. The sensor housing also encloses a position sensor to sense the position of the visor relative to the helmet. The retrofit sensor module further comprises an attachment mechanism secured to the housing. The attachment mechanism mates with a first hinge component of a hinge assembly in the protective head top to removably install the sensor module into the protective head top, wherein the hinge assembly allows the visor to move relative to the helmet.

Abstract: An attachment system for a helmet, the system having a buckle and a stud. The stud has an engaging portion and the buckle extends along a longitudinal axis and has first and second slots for receiving an adjustable strap and a rim defining a housing having an opening for receiving the engaging portion, the housing opening extending in a direction that is transversal to the longitudinal axis of the buckle. The rim is configured to allow sliding engagement with the engaging portion in a direction that is transversal to the longitudinal axis of the buckle between a first position wherein a section of the rim retains the engaging portion in the rim housing for locking the buckle into the stud and a second position wherein the engaging portion is no longer retained in the rim housing for releasing the buckle from the stud.

Abstract: A chin strap assembly is provided for use with a sports helmet. The chin strap assembly includes an inner pad member, a strap assembly and an outer protective member. The outer protective member is connected and released from the strap assembly by an attachment member, such as a post. A sports helmet with the chin strap assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A headgear for a head safety product such as a face shield, hardhat or welding helmet includes a headband with hangers extending therefrom to engage the head safety product being worn, at least one crown strap engaged with the headband to support the headgear over the wearer's head and a self-adjusting elastomeric nape belt configured to extend over the occipital portions of the wearer's head. The elastomeric nape belt depends from symmetric rear strap extensions of the headband and is configured to elastically self-adjust to the occipital area of the wearer's head.

Abstract: A helmet includes the first pad in contact with an occipital region of a rider, and each of the second pads in contact with the cheeks of the rider. Since the first pad moves from the first occipital region-contact position to the second occipital region-contact position as well as the second pad moves from the first cheek-contact position to the second cheek-contact position, the helmet is moved relative to the rider's head by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Helmet systems and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, an opaque, ballistic rated visor is attached to a helmet such that the visor covers a wearer's eyes.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of a chin strap assembly by the player while he/she is wearing the helmet is provided. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a lever that engages a portion of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever is engaged with at least one of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements.

Abstract: A helmet system has a restraint feature for deterring neck injuries that includes a helmet having an attachment member at the rear of the helmet and a tether coupled to the attachment member at the rear of the helmet. The tether couples the helmet to a part of the body of a user in order to limit movement of the helmet. A safety feature for use with a helmet in order to deter neck injuries includes a tether having a first connector at one end for fixedly mating with a helmet and a second connector at the other end for mating with a part of a body of a user. The tether is positionable in the rear neck area of a user.

Abstract: A helmet features a fixed length vertical extension, originating at the rear-bottom-center of the helmet, with height adjustable features at the bottom of the extension, connected to a fixed bracket, at the rear-top-center of current state-of-the-art shoulder pads or shoulder harness. The fixed In-place helmet is located above the head, without contact, and permits the wearer to move his head in all directions. A shock absorbing cap is worn and fills a portion of the space between the top of the head cap and the inside of the helmet, leaving sufficient room for head motion. There are no moving parts in the assembled system. The vertical helmet extension when attached to the shoulder pad bracket will resist elongation or compression along the vertical axis when impacted, but undergo flexure displacement in any lateral direction, followed by shape recovery after impact.

Abstract: A head protection system includes an elastomeric cap configured to be held in a position relative to a crown of the head of the wearer. A torus-shaped cushioning chamber is positioned between an outer surface of the elastomeric cap and the head of the wearer. A plurality of cage slats extend from the elastomeric cap between the elastomeric cap in a position relative to the crown of the head of the wearer and protect the head of the wearer from impact.

Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask. The helmet may be used in lacrosse and other sports, as well.

Abstract: The invention uses a strap to provide a way to associate a first item with a second item. The first item may be, for example, a high chair and the second a toy. The strap is provided with two sets of openings one near each end of the strap, and a tab, post, “T” or other shape near each end of the strap. The shape is inserted through one of the openings and is secured there by its shape, the shape of the opening, and the material with which that portion of the strap is made. The strap is made of nontoxic material and at least in part of material that is flexible and resilient, having a durometer reading of between about 40 and 60 Shore A. The strap may be equipped with at least one breakaway point, usually set for a breakaway pressure between about 3 and 7 pounds.

Abstract: The invention includes a protective headpiece and components thereof and methods for their use. Preferred examples comprise a helmet component, a plurality of piers joining said helmet component to a shoulder pad component and an inner hat component permitting the wearer the ability to move the head from side to side and/or up and down within the helmet component without moving the helmet component. The helmet component may comprise a plurality of fluid-filled floating plates or floats on the inner surface thereof to cushion the head against impact during activities including, for example, football, race car driving, military activities and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating helmet usage information during operation of an activity device are provided. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for communicating helmet usage and includes one or more position sensors, one or more activity sensors and one or more computing devices. The one or more position sensors can be configured to be positioned on a helmet, to detect placement of the helmet on a user's head and to transmit signals indicative of such placement. The one or more activity sensors can be configured to be positioned on an activity device, to detect operational indicators relative to the usage of the activity device and to transmit signals indicative of such operational indicators.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a facial movement measurement and stimulation apparatus includes at least one facial movement sensor adapted to sense facial movement in a subject and a wearable computing device interfacing with the facial movement sensor or sensors and adapted to receive at least one signal from the facial movement sensor or sensors and indicate facial movement of the subject on a display of the wearable computing device. A facial movement measurement and stimulation method utilizing the wearable computing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.

Abstract: A chin guard assembly that includes a shell having an outer and inner surface, an outer peripheral edge extending around the shell, and a first and second end. The first and second ends each having at least one slot configured to receive a strap with each strap extending through the at least one slot and outwardly from each end, wherein one strap is fixed to the shell at the first end and one strap is fixed to the shell at the second end.

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.

Abstract: A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armor component may be fabric of aramid fibers, or fabric of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, or may be fabricated of a rigid plate of ceramic, polymer, or metal. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly.

Abstract: A strap cover as a tubular sleeve formed of a laminated bilayer material having an elastomeric inner layer and a non-abrasive outer layer. The laminated bilayer material is affixed along opposite edges to form the laminated bilayer material into a tubular sleeve having a longitudinal seam formed by the affixed opposite edges.

Abstract: A helmet grille for a sport helmet having a shell and an inner shock absorbing arrangement, the helmet grille including at least one elongate grille member extending from a rear helmet portion forwardly operatively along a first side of a wearer's face, across a front of the wearer's face, and rearwardly towards the rear helmet portion, substantially to extend at least partially around a wearer's head, and at least one attachment formation attached to at least one end of the at least one elongate grille member and attachable to any one of the shell and the inner shock absorbing arrangement.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.

Abstract: An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing signals indicative of impacts. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impacts based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a first threshold based on the direction of the impact and when the magnitude exceeds a second threshold more than a selected number of times. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value, which is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.

Abstract: A safety helmet, in particular for cyclists, includes a self-contained portable semi-shell helmet (H), on which an integral part (1) enclosing the chin and the occiput/neck area can be fixed in a detachable way. The semi-shell helmet (H) is equipped as a self-contained helmet with a chin strap fastening and all that belongs to known helmets, This hence enables, depending on the intended use, only to wear the upper helmet part or the assembled integral helmet.

Abstract: The present invention is a dry erase helmet with dry erase markers and/or a stencil set. The dome-shaped helmet of the present invention includes adjustable straps and an exterior surface of the helmet cover that is also a writing surface that can provide a clear high contrast message or other expression in a temporary and repeatable fashion. The helmet comes with a set of dry erase markers and a stencil kit to help with designs. The invention is a combination of two existing products, a helmet and dry erase markers. The exterior surface of the helmet shell is adapted to retain dry erase ink when written upon by a writing instrument and to release dry erase ink therefrom when wiped.

Abstract: A football helmet includes a plastic shell with side regions having an ear flap with a face guard connector, an ear opening, a slot, and a snap connector. The helmet also includes an internal padding assembly removably connected to the plastic shell and including a jaw pad with a force attenuating layer. When the helmet is worn, a front edge of the jaw pad is positioned both in front of a coronal plane and below a basic plane of a head of the helmet wearer. A chin strap assembly releasably secures the helmet to the wearer and includes a lower flexible strap extending outwardly from each side of a central protective member. When the helmet is worn, an extent of the lower flexible strap is received by the slot when said strap is affixed to the snap connector. The shell also includes a raised central band integrally formed as part of the shell and extending across the crown region to the rear region. An arrangement of elongated vent openings flank the raised central band.

Abstract: Various embodiments of protective helmets are disclosed, with a particular focus on rear opening full-face helmets. Embodiments include an emergency release mechanism tor such helmets, which allows the helmet to be separated into a front and rear shell thereby to facilitate removal from a wearer's head with minimal stress to the neck.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a head cap, which surrounds and moves with a wearer's head, and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. The outer shell is movable both radially and circumferentially relative to the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner is located between the head cap and the outer shell. The liner is attached to the outer shell and the head cap so that neither the head cap nor the head of the wearer is otherwise attached to the outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.

Abstract: Concussion reduction systems and devices and methods to use the same. In an exemplary embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a shoulder flange configured for coupling to, or defined as part of, a shoulder apparatus, a flange cushion configured to fit upon or otherwise couple to the shoulder flange, and one or more tensile straps configured to couple to at least one of the shoulder flange and the flange cushion, the one or more tensile straps further configured to couple to a headgear.

Abstract: A webbing adjuster for maintaining orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and secure connections in, e.g., a helmet, which allows for strap adjustment and, upon cinching, secures straps in place. The adjuster can be used in mountaineering, with motorcycle and bicycle helmets, and in other applications that benefit from orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and/or secure connections.

Abstract: A head guard is provided which has a fabric layer and a padding layer. The head guard is stretchable between a relaxed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanding configuration has a convex shape such that it can conform to a head of a wearer. The head guard can be worn by a wearer in combination with a helmet.

Abstract: A device includes a chinstrap with two or four-point attachment which also incorporates jaw protection and inertia displacement. The chin protection consists of a padded chin cup with interior webbing to align the chin cup on the user's chin. To either side of the chin cup, jaw protecting portions laterally emanate to either side of the chin along the jaw line of the user/wearer. These jaw protecting structures are as wide as the chin cup at their attachments to the chin cup and may taper to a thinner configuration as they extend away from the chin cup. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two opposed straps emanate laterally to either side of the chin cup and two other straps emanate laterally from respective ones of the jaw protecting structures. An alternate embodiment with only two attachment points is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.

Abstract: A head-mountable apparatus mountable on a head of an observer comprises a first pressing member which presses a first portion of the head; a second pressing member which presses a second portion of the head; and an adjustment unit adapted to move the first pressing member and the second pressing member to positions where the first pressing member and the second pressing member respectively press the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A protective helmet including a chin cup with a body and two opposed connecting arms, each connecting arm being connected to the helmet body through a connection allowing relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body. A fastening system is selectively movable between a first position where the fastening system restrains the relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body and a second position where the fastening system frees the relative movement between the connecting arm and the helmet body along the connection. A method of adjusting a position of a chin cup in a protective helmet is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of a chin strap assembly by the player while he/she is wearing the helmet. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a lever that engages a portion of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever is engaged with at least one of the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements.

Abstract: A pliant EVA helmet that conforms to a patient's head. The helmet is fabricated as a single unit via a molding process. The EVA material provides a stable lightweight structure that allows it to be comfortably worn for extended periods of time. The EVA shell is molded into a protective shell that can optionally be covered by a suitable pliant external layer of material. Optional pockets can be positioned on the inside or outside of the helmet such that thermal packs can be installed in the pockets to provide thermal treatment to the wear.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for measuring acceleration of a person's head or other object. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing acceleration and a controller for controlling recording of data resulting from the sensed acceleration due to an explosive force. The controller is adapted to determine whether or not to enable recording of the data based on the sensed acceleration. A data receiver is provided to receive the sensed acceleration data from the sensing means, and requires electrical power to enable data to be received thereby. The controller controls electrical power to the receiver so that if the sensed acceleration reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, electrical power to the data receiver is enabled. The recorded acceleration data may be used for injury analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a helmet suspension system which is configured to mitigate rapid movements, i.e., acceleration and deceleration, of a user's head. The helmet suspension system connects to a base and a helmet worn by a wearer and allows for slow, safe movements of the helmet relative to the base, but restricts rapid and generally unsafe movements of the helmet relative to the base.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a three attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.