Abstract: An interchangeable latch system for configuring a custom fitted inner helmet as a standard platform for mounting different outer helmets thereon. The latch system includes a pair of strikers mounted onto temple panels of the inner helmet and tracks or channel assemblies mounted onto facing inner surfaces of the outer helmet. A fitting fixture may be used to custom fit the inner helmet so that the strikers are located at a preset distance and orientation from the wearer's eyes. For outer helmets equipped with helmet mounted displays, the display may be distanced and oriented from the tracks based on the known striker-to-eye distance, to establish a desired viewing distance.

Abstract: Protective headwear (e.g., helmet) is provided with patterned reflective surfaces that are highly reflective and resist rough handling. The reflective surface is produced by sealing a reflective sheet between a base and a cover layer that includes a pattern, to protect the reflective sheet from the environment. The protective headwear can reflect light in different colors. A method for cost-effectively producing reflective objects by injection molding is also provided.

Abstract: Protective headwear (e.g., helmet) is provided with patterned reflective surfaces that are highly reflective and resist rough handling. The reflective surface is produced by sealing a reflective sheet between a base and a cover layer that includes a pattern, to protect the reflective sheet from the environment. The protective headwear can reflect light in different colors. A method for cost-effectively producing reflective objects by injection molding is also provided.

Abstract: A helmet cover for use with a helmet having through-holes extending thicknesswise through the helmet at predetermined positions, the helmet cover comprising a configuration to be fitted over the helmet, and a portion for closing the through-holes in the fitting region, the helmet cover being formed of a resin material.

Abstract: A head gear apparatus (10) is provided that moves air to cool a caregiver's head. The head gear apparatus (10) includes a helmet (12) that has a shell (114) configured to rest upon a head of a user and a fan housing (120) movably coupled to shell (114), a fan (122) is positioned to lie within fan housing (120) and moves with fan housing (120) relative to shell (114), and a garment (14) selectively coupled to helmet (12). Garment (14) includes a face shield (20).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved supplemental protective pad for a helmet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pad includes a base portion which is mounted to the surface of a helmet shell. The pad is shaped to cover high risk, non-frontal impact areas such as the back of the head and adjacent the sides of the crown of the head. Extending outwardly from the pad are a plurality of compressible and crushable protrusions. The protrusions can be configured in a variety of shapes, sizes and densities to absorb a predetermined amount of force. When the individual wearing the helmet is involved in an impact on one of the impact areas, the protrusions complement any interior cushioning to compressibly absorb the impact force. If the impact force exceeds a predetermined level, the protrusions absorb additional energy while being crushably deformed.

Abstract: A head gear apparatus (10) is provided that moves air to cool a caregiver's head. The head gear apparatus (10) includes a helmet (12) that has a shell (114) configured to rest upon a head of a user and a fan housing (120) movably coupled to shell (114), a fan (122) is positioned to lie within fan housing (120) and moves with fan housing (120) relative to shell (114), and a garment (14) selectively coupled to helmet (12). Garment (14) includes a face shield (20).

Abstract: A full-face type helmet which fits comfortably, protects against cold wind and prevents soiling of the inner liner members includes a cover member covering the lower surfaces of the inner liner members to reduce noise caused by wind. The cover member causes wind to flow smoothly without any resistance in a rearward direction, and includes insertion plates at its opposite ends for connection to the shell of the helmet or liner members therein.

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: Protective headwear including a cover and a liner permanently attached to a hard hat. The cover and liner members provide protection against inclement weather conditions. In particular side, front, and rear flaps can be pivoted between folded and unfolded positions such that the protective headwear can be used in both bad and good weather conditions. The liner, being formed of fur, is both decorative and utilitarian in providing protection against cold weather.

Abstract: A simplified-fitting modular helmet resistant to aerodynamic stresses. The helmet has a base helmet and module, and includes between these two parts two lateral linking devices and an upper linking device. The linking devices include a finger secured to the module inserted into a socket secured to the base helmet and latchable in the assembled position of the helmet by a device of the quarter of a revolution type. The lateral fingers permit a small lateral clearance between the two parts of the helmet. Such a helmet may find particular application as an aircraft pilot helmet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to attachments for releasably securing a transparent shield to a wire grid face protector and the wire grid face protector to a helmet. The attachments comprise a clip and a bracket. The clip comprises a retaining body adapted to be secured to the wire grid face protector at a predetermined location and on opposed sides of a sight opening of the wire grid face protector. The retaining body has a guide slot adapted to receive an attachment flange of the transparent shield, and an opening formed in an outer wall thereof configured to receive in abutting engagement a resilient, outwardly inclined tongue of the attachment flange. The bracket comprises a body having a groove into which a wire member of the wire grid face protector is releasably and frictionally retained.

Abstract: A helmet sock for protecting a helmet wearer from cold weather conditions while snowmobiling, motorcycling, skiing and other like activies. The helmet sock attaches to the outside lower perimeter of a helmet by a strip of hook and loop material such as Velcro-type material. A strip of Velcro-type material is secured to the outside lower perimeter of the helmet by pressure sensitive adhesive and a corresponding strip is attached to the upper inside circumference of the sock. The sock comprises an adjustable flap at the rear of the helmet for making a secure airtight fit on the helmet. The sock prevents outside air from penetrating and retains the body heat of the wearer in addition to stopping snow and wind from entering the bottom of the helmet. When the weather temperature rises, the sock may be rolled up and stretched around the bottom of the helmet or simply pulled off the perimeter of the helmet.

Abstract: An interchangeable latch system for configuring a custom fitted inner helmet as a standard platform for mounting different outer helmets thereon. The latch system includes a pair of strikers mounted onto temple panels of the inner helmet and tracks or channel assemblies mounted onto facing inner surfaces of the outer helmet. A fitting fixture may be used to custom fit the inner helmet so that the strikers are located at a preset distance and orientation from the wearer's eyes. For outer helmets equipped with helmet mounted displays, the display may be distanced and oriented from the tracks based on the known striker-to-eye distance, to establish a desired viewing distance.

Abstract: A helmet with a ventilating function is provided, including: a helmet shell having on an outer surface thereof a longitudinally extending outside air path configured to introduce outside air thereinto from a front air inlet thereof and discharge the same rearwardly from a rear air outlet thereof to form an outside air flow that sucks inside air remaining in the helmet shell by its negative pressure to achieve ventilation; a path defining body defining the outside air path; and a rear deflector for facilitating release of an air flow from a rear portion of the outer surface of the helmet shell, the path defining body and the rear deflector being unified in configuration.

Abstract: A helmet cover is provided for covering a helmet having a rigid shell with an outer surface, and inner surface and an outer edge. A padding material is also coupled to the inner surface. The cover comprises a flexible cover body that is adapted to be removably disposed about the outer surface of the shell. The flexible body has an outer periphery and an elastic material that is disposed near the outer periphery. Further, the body is shaped that it is adapted to be folded over the outer edge of the shell such that the elastic material is positioned generally adjacent to the inner surface of the shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the wearer of a typical safety helmet, face shield, or other headwear a mirror system that improves the wearer's awareness of the rear and side ambient environment. A display is provided to the wearer of a safety helmet that encompasses a reverse field of view and an extended side view of the surrounding environment. This system not only compensates for the limited peripheral view of the helmet but also extends the wearer's visual perception.

Abstract: A helmet cover system for visually enhancing conventional helmets thereby encouraging children to wear helmets. The inventive device includes an outer shell, a support strap attached to the outer shell, and a securing device for securing the outer shell about a conventional helmet. The outer shell preferably has a visually appealing appearance such as a cartoon character, a sport team's helmet, or other desirable shape for children. The outer shell comprises a body, a cavity within the body having a lower opening, a face opening, and a curved member. The cavity is formed to removably receive the conventional helmet and yet be easily worn individually by the child upon their head without discomfort. The body of the outer shell is preferably comprised of injected foam material and painted with a resilient paint for providing a visually stimulating appearance to the child.

Abstract: A cover for a helmet includes a covering portion having side portions, a top portion, a lower elastic edge, and means for attaching the covering portion to the helmet. A covered helmet assembly includes a beanie-type motorcycle helmet with a removable, mating covering portion. The covering portion includes side portions and a top portion, and a lower, elastic edge. The covering portion further includes three female snap fastener portions on a front, interior surface thereof, spaced and adapted to mate with three similarly-positioned male snap fastener portions on a front, exterior surface of the motorcycle helmet. The covering portion also includes a selectively-releasable, mating hook and loop fabric patch pair wherein the loop portion is located on the covering portion's rear, interior surface and the hook portion is located on the helmet's rear, exterior surface. A visored, covered helmet assembly includes a helmet, a covering portion and a visor.

Abstract: A latching device eg for attaching a breathing mask to an aircrew helmet, has detents (20) on a receptacle portion (10), and teeth (32) on carriers (30,31) supported for arcuate movement in an insert portion (14) and supported (eg at 33) so that bending loads on the carriers are substantially avoided.

Abstract: A visor is provided. The visor includes a brim and a coupling mechanism designed to removably couple the visor to a helmet through a vent of the helmet.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet with a shield is provided with a fragrance device, wherein, a fragrance material case is installed inside of the shell or ear cover of the helmet, and, by way of the air flow inhaled during riding through the air inhaler which is installed outside of the shell or ear cover, the fragrance exhaled out of the fragrance material case is sent into the shield through the pipe which is installed to connect the air inhaler, the fragrance material case and the side cushion. As a result the fragrance is sent into the shield by utilizing the air flow as above, and the fragrance obtainable in the shield in such a way is not monotonous and immutable but always variable in accordance with the speed of riding.

Abstract: A protection for a player on skates, mainly meant to protect the player's neck, having the quality especially to protect against cuts caused by the skate blade. The protection is a flexible safety equipment to be fitted around the neck and having at least one joint (8) which can be opened so that the protection can be put on the neck and taken off the neck. The protection includes a fastening device (3) in order to be joined to a helmet (1) and at least a portion of the protection material is flexible woven fabric.

Abstract: A rain guard is attached to the top front of a football helmet or facemask and is shaped to divert rain or other like moisture away from the wearer's face.

Abstract: A crash-helmet with a device for locking and releasing movable parts comprising a helmet body and a part which is associated with the helmet body and is movable with respect to the helmet body along a movement path. The device for locking and releasing the movable part comprises a first member, which is associated with the movable part and is provided with engagement regions which are mutually spaced along the movement path, and a second member, which is associated with the helmet body and is provided with at least one retention element which engages at least one of the engagement regions. The retention element is flexible in order to allow the movement of the movable part with respect to the helmet body, sequentially engaging the engagement regions when the movable part moves with respect to the helmet body.

Abstract: A ventilated hardhat for helping keep the head of a wearer cool and ventilated. The ventilated hardhat includes a hardhat with an interior cavity and a bottom opening into the interior cavity for receiving a head of a user therein. The hardhat has a plurality of vent holes therethrough. A fan is mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity. A motor is also mounted to the hardhat in the interior cavity for rotating the fan to draw air through the vent holes into the interior cavity.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing device having a helmet shell, elevated reservoir for holding a beverage mounted on the helmet shell and valve mechanism, where the valve mechanism is engaged by a user to create a downward flow of the beverage whereby the beverage is dispensed to the mouth of the user through an outlet tube.

Abstract: A helmet, preferably a motorcycle helmet, having a latex or rubbery three dimensional sculpture generally following the contour of the helmet adhered to the outer surface thereof. The three dimensional structure is permanently adhered to the outer surface of the helmet, preferably with an epoxy adhesive. The helmets bears a striking decoration and are capable of enduring in the environment of use of motorcycle helmets. The structures seem to be a part of, or evolve from, the helmet, and make possible for the first time three dimensional images.

Abstract: A wearable personal audio apparatus includes one or more wearable U-shaped loop members adapted to fit an individual in a plurality of positions on the individual's body, particularly around the head and neck. The plurality of positions can include positions across the forehead, top or back of the head of the individual, and around the front or back of the neck of the individual. The loop member can have an eyewear receiving member which selectively receives an eyewear insert to provide protective or corrective eyewear when the loop member is worn on the front of the head of the wearer. In one embodiment, a plurality of sets of quick-connect interface ports are disposed around the loop member to selectively receive a plurality of external audio transducer modules. The quick-connect interface ports provide a respective communication path between each of the external audio transducer modules and an audio circuit which can be either external to the loop member or contained within the loop member.

Abstract: A helmet bill safety cover is comprised of a generally crescent-shaped, resilient sleeve with a convex front edge, and a concave rear edge. A slot extends partially into the sleeve from the rear edge. The ends of an elastic strap are attached to opposite sides of the sleeve. The sleeve is slipped over the rigid bill of a helmet, and the strap is wrapped around the back of the helmet. The sleeve is thick and soft enough to cushion the impact and reduce or prevent injury when the bill strikes another person.

Abstract: An air stream deflector for a convexly curved helmet including a continuous or segmented, semicircular, elongated lip projecting from the rear and side surfaces of the helmet closely adjacent the lower edge thereof. The lip may be integral with the helmet or include a curved attachment surface adapted to be connected to the helmet surface. The lip includes an outwardly and upwardly curved deflector surface with a rolled outer edge for channeling moisture and debris forwardly.

Abstract: A mirror assembly is provided that can be affixed to a helmet for use by snowmobile, motorcycle and ATV vehicle riders. The mirrors are capable of adjustment in three directions and are detachable from the helmet.

Abstract: An automatic remotely-controlled film-advancing system clipped onto goggles for continual clear vision through the goggles by a driver of a motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle. The film is advanced from a supply canister to a take-up canister over the goggles by a motor, responsive to a receiving control box receiving signals from a remote transmitter element located on a vehicle handlebar, and manually controlled by a push button.

Abstract: The invention is a protective head gear ("cap") useful for work within hazardous environments, especially within radioactive environments. The protective cap includes: (a) a hood for covering a substantial portion of the head of a user, the hood having a top portion, a rear portion and opposed side portions, (b) a top flap centrally disposed on the top portion of the hood, the top flap being reversibly opened and closed to reversibly accept and retain the lateral support bridge of an audio head set, (c) a pocket disposed on the hood for accepting and retaining a remotely transmitting dosimeter probe and a passive dosimeter, (d) opposed ear openings for exposing the ears of the wearer of the hood so as to allow the wearer to position the ear piece portions of an audio head set over the user's ears, and (e) ear opening flaps for reversibly covering and uncovering each ear opening, each ear opening flap being sufficient in size to cover each ear opening when the wearer is wearing an audio head set.

Abstract: A helmet for use in recreational sporting helmets having a plurality of raised surfaces which are configured to form a fanciful appearance on the external surface of the helmet. Graphical treatment may be applied to enhance the realism of the fanciful appearance. The helmet is attractive to users otherwise perhaps inclined not to wear a helmet during recreational sporting activity.

Abstract: A wind noise limiting device (10) selectively reducing wind noise while allowing ambient sounds to reach a wearer's ear (18). A sound-permeable body (20), is optionally shaped to surround an outer ear of the wearer, and includes an open-weave mesh (24) of a plastic material which permits air movement through holes in the mesh. Fibers (28) are attached to the mesh. The fibers alter the air flow passing through the device to reduce noise created by air movement across the mesh. The device is attached to a chin strap (12) of a helmet (14). In an alternate embodiment, the body is positioned in front of the ear, and interrupts moving air approaching the ear from the front.

Abstract: A face seal assembly for respirators comprising a generally U-shaped frame having a bottom portion and first and second side portions spaced from each other and extending in a generally upward direction from the bottom portion. The assembly further includes a first face seal segment attached to the bottom portion at a point closer to the second side portion than the first side portion and to the first side portion at a point above the bottom portion, and a second face seal segment attached to the bottom portion at a point closer to the first side portion than the second side portion and to the second side portion at a point above the bottom portion. The first and second face seal segments may each include an elastic piece.

Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet is disposed along the upper shell surface and aligned over the mounting hole. A receptacle housing is disposed along the lower shell surface and has a receptacle aligned to and facing the mounting hole. Engagement prongs secure the grommet to the receptacle housing with the shell member therebetween. The helmet accessory has at least one mounting member, such as a protrusion or screw. The receptacle includes a device for removably engaging the mounting member when the mounting member is inserted through the mounting hole in order to removably mount the helmet accessory to the helmet.

Abstract: A sports safety helmet includes two way radio communications and integral external lighting. The helmet is particularly well adapted for use in sailing, where head protection from swinging booms, heavy lines, and other components is desirable, and where unassisted voice communication can be difficult due to noise from wind, waves, and rigging of the boat. The present helmet is also of value in other activities where head protection is important, such as skiing, climbing, etc., and is of value in many occupations as well. The helmet is preferably configured to have smoothly rounded contours devoid of any protrusions, in order to preclude catching or snagging on rigging, tree branches, or other articles during use. The integrated lighting is of great assistance for night sailing, skiing, climbing, or other activities engaged in at night or periods of low lighting. A collar may also be provided, depending from the lower rear edge of the helmet, to protect the wearer from water spray.

Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable and adjustable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet with a access hole formed therethrough is attached to the outer shell so that the access hole is aligned with the mounting hole. A helmet accessory has at least one mounting member insertable through the access hole. An engagement member is rotatably attached to the grommet with a predetermined amount of friction therebetween, and has means for removably engaging the helmet accessory mounting member inserted through the access hole for removably mounting the helmet accessory to the helmet.

Abstract: The exercise helmet of the present invention includes an outer shell which would preferably be constructed of a sturdy plastic, and an inner shell which would function as an impact absorbing liner. Support plates are provided at the sides of the helmet to support shafts which extend outwardly from the support plates. Weighted plates may be placed on the shafts to provide resistance for exercise when the helmet is worn. A yoke accessory is provided for attachment to a cable of a conventional weight machine, for providing resistance instead of the weighted plates. An adjustable chin strap is provided for securing the helmet more securely to a wearer's head, and for increasing the exercise effect on facial muscles.

Abstract: A device for feeding and observing flying animals comprising a hat, a support mounted on the hat and extending outward from the hat, and a feeder mounted on the support. When flying animals feed from the feeders, a person wearing the hat may observe them from a short distance. The device may comprise a helmet with three poles mounted on it and extending outward from the helmet, and a feeder hanging from each of the poles. A variety of flying animals, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and other small birds, may be observed with the device.

Abstract: An air flow adjusting rear member of a helmet comprises a top portion for suppressing negative pressure generated at a back part of the helmet and is removable from the helmet by using adhesive element for fastening the air flow adjusting rear member to the back part of the helmet. The air flow adjusting rear member is made of thin resin for enough plasticity and elasticity to modify its shape in accordance with a curved surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A head covering with eye spraying capability is described. A hard-hat like device incorporates a liquid spraying system between the layers of the head covering for use in environments in which the user may be subject to dirt or dust entering his eyes while working. The invention consists of a digitally activated pump connected by tubing to a reservoir containing water or special eye washing fluid. The reservoir is connected by tubing to one or more spray heads mounted on malleable tubing adjacent the user's face. The tubing supporting the spray heads may be changeably fixed by the user to provide accurate spraying into the user's eyes. A series of one way valves permit air to be replaced in the pump after activation while pressurizing the reservoir and forcing fluid out of the reservoir and through the spray heads and into the user's eyes.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising an outer helmet shell of rigid material and having a fastener mounted into the outer helmet shell. The fastener comprises a rivet and a washer. More particularly, the rivet includes a flanged head portion at a first end of the rivet, a post part at a second end of the rivet, and a section having an obround cross-sectional shape intermediate the flanged head portion and the post part. The post part can be flattened against the washer to form a compound flanged structure abutting against the helmet shell. The fastener further comprises an elongated aperture extending longitudinally from the post part to the flanged head portion. The aperture is threaded to accept a screw-type securing means that can be used to retain accessories such as a face shield onto the protective helmet. The obround section of the fastener locks with the helmet shell so as to prevent the fastener from turning when the screw-type securing means is engaged therein.

Abstract: A system designed to measure and record in real time data relating to translational and angular acceleration of an individual's head during normal sporting activity. One embodiment of the device includes at least three orthogonal accelerometers mounted within a sports helmet together with means for recording, in real-time, the data output from the accelerometers. The data is either recorded on a memory card or other mass memory means installed in the helmet, or is transmitted to a nearby receiver for reception and storage on a computer's hard drive or other conventional mass storage device. The device provides real-time storage of translational and angular acceleration data over a length of time such that cumulative exposure effects and thus limits can be established for the individual's further or future participation in the sport. The data also allows detection of the precise motions of the head which precede the occurrence of a severe head injury.

Abstract: A sports helmet with a protective fincap made up of a sturdy, flexible material and affixed thereto centrally upon the top surface of the helmet such that the fincap extends centrally, upon the helmet, anterioposteriorally from the bottom edge of the frontal brim of the helmet to the backside occipital edge of the helmet. The fincap has minimum breadth and minimum height at the loci of the bottom edge of the frontal brim and the backside occipital edge respectively with breadth and height increasing anteroposteriorly and posteroanteriorly at the same rate to a point of maximum breadth and height at the locus of the intersection of a horizontally inclined line tangent to the uppermost portion of the topside surface of the helmet and positioned perpendicular to the vertically inclined and anteroposteriorally inclined horizontal central axes of symmetry of the helmet.

Abstract: A flexible water container carried on the back of the user in a position that does not restrict the active movement of the user during exercise. Connected to the water container is a tube to conduct the water from the container to an irrigation system positioned within a helmet or otherwise placed about the head of the user. A pressurized air bladder is positioned adjacent to the water container in a manner such that pressure within the air bladder has a tendency to force water from the water container into the tube and thus into the irrigation system. The air bladder is inflatable by means a hand pump connected to the bladder through a flexible tube. The irrigation system is constructed and configured so as to appropriately surround the head of the user and further includes a soft, flexible wick material worn about the head for the purpose of conducting water forced from the irrigation system evenly about the user's head.

Abstract: In an assembly comprising a protective helmet and an eye protector, which is adjustable between a usage position and a storage position, a fabric panel has a portion affixed to the protective helmet and a portion extending from the affixed position. The extending portion is adapted to wrap a portion of the eye protector and to be releasably fastenable to the affixed portion so as to form a fabric cover from the fabric panel. The fabric cover is adapted to secure the eye protector in the storage position and to protect the wrapped portion of the eye protector in the storage position against soiling. A hook-and-pile fastener is used to fasten the extending portion of the fabric panel to the affixed portion of the fabric panel. In one contemplated embodiment, the eye protector is a face shield. In another such embodiment, the eye protector is a pair of goggles.

Abstract: A football helmet and shoulder pad combination are designed to prevent head and neck injuries. An outer helmet is connected to a neck assembly which permits but limits head turning mobility as well as up-down and left and right head tilt. The neck mechanism which is mounted about the neck comprises substantially circular inner and -outer spherical guides and a concentric movable inner element therebetween with an upwardly extending member on each side of the neck. The guides contain stops to limit the motion permitted by the helmet and the lower portion of the mechanism is mounted on the shoulder pads to distribute the load during impact. The helmet portion with a resilient coupling joining the portions. The upwardly extending members on the inner element are mounted to respective sides of the outer helmet. The helmet may also be retrofitted to existing equipment.