Abstract: A neck brace (10) is disclosed which comprises two sections (12, 14) which are releasably connected to one another along a split line (18). The ring has upwardly facing surfaces (30, 76.1, 20.2) which limit tilting movement of a helmeted head in all directions. The brace further has a column (68, 70) which extends downwardly from the ring for transferring loads to the wearer's back on each side of the spine.

Abstract: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.

Abstract: An illuminated headgear (10), with an energy absorbing support structure (11), operationally coupled to an outer shell (12), with illuminated graphical lighting displays, containing graphical representations that are illuminated by lights (25a-25f), the lighting displays being integrated with the outer shell instead of being supported on the supporting structure (11), and further comprising graphical support membrane (82), enabling individuals to make and apply their own unique graphical representations to light-transmissive windows (13, 14) in the generally opaque outer shell (12).

Abstract: Mouthpiece retention systems and methods are shown and described. In one example, a mouthpiece includes a guard shaped to fit in a wearer's mouth and a magnet. In other examples, the mouthpiece includes a semi-rigid grip having a proximate end attached to the guard and a distal end securing the magnet. A method of releasably fastening the mouthpiece includes removing the mouthpiece from the wearer's mouth and positioning the magnet end of the mouthpiece on an athletic uniform to create a coupling position.

Abstract: Helmet mounts for mounting an associated viewing device on a helmet, includes a first pivoting segment for attachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associated viewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewing device in a first, operational position before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. In one aspect, the first pivoting segment includes a vertical adjust mechanism having a base plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate and defining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to the guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired position relative to the base plate.

Abstract: An attachment receptacle (10) which can be fixed on a head covering, such as a helmet 5, of a user and has a clamping device is provided. The attachment receptacle 10 is fixed by means of a fixing component, for example having hook-like retaining brackets 9a, 9b, on the back of a head covering and is connected via a clamping element to the front or to a sighting device mounted on the front, such as a night vision device 2. The attachment receptacle 10 with the clamping device is formed in such a way that externally accessible components are integrated in the form of the receptacle, in such a way that no projecting or protruding components can cause unintentional actuation of the clamping device. The attachment receptacle 10 is furthermore advantageously formed on the head covering so as to be adjustable in height.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for protecting a worker in a dangerous environment. The system includes an eye protector. The eye protector includes one or more lenses, where the one or more lenses are configured to be positioned in front of the user's eyes and configured to protect the user's eyes. The system also includes a hearing protector, wherein the hearing protector is configured to protect the user's hearing from damage.

Abstract: A hard hat which includes an outer shell constructed entirely of clear acrylic that is additionally provided with a means to internally illuminate the clear acrylic outer shell.

Abstract: A bridge assembly couples a vision system to a helmet or headgear to allow a user to alternatively align an eyepiece of the vision system in front of a left or right eye of a user. The bridge assembly includes a receiver for removably mounting the vision system. The receiver is coupled to a slide assembly providing side-to-side movement of the vision system relative to the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet attachment system is usable to attach a mandible or face or mouth guard. The helmet attachment system can attach other articles such as goggle straps and night vision devices. The helmet assembly includes a front rail that is substantially contiguous with side rails mounted to the helmet which extend rearward to be substantially contiguous with a back rail mounted on the helmet. The side rails are configured to provide attachment locations for further components, such as lights, electronics, communication equipment, etc.

Abstract: A helmet attachment system is usable to attach a mandible or face or mouth guard. The helmet attachment system also comprises a pair of attachment bases, each arranged on a side of the helmet near to an ear covering of the helmet. The attachment bases each include a metal base plate covered by an attached body block. Each attachment base provides provisions for attaching opposite ends of a mandible to the bases. The metal base plate includes hooks for engaging an edge of the helmet. A pair of strap assemblies is provided, each strap assembly connected to one attachment base. The strap assemblies extend rearward and are connected to the back rail by a buckle member on the end of each strap assembly. The back rail includes a pair of buckle member-receiving slots. The straps assemblies and the hooks provided on the attachment bases secure the attachment bases to the helmet.

Abstract: An assembly for adjustment of the position of goggles with respect to a wearer's face can comprise a strap engagement member that is movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the strap engagement member can be positioned or oriented to permit the goggles to rest against the face of a wearer. In the second position, the strap engagement member can be positioned or oriented so as to hold the goggles away from the face of the wearer.

Abstract: The helmet bracket system is an electro-mechanical device for mounting digital head-mounted systems. The Helmet bracket system is lightweight, supports one-handed adjustment, has a breakaway base, and is mechanically low profile. The device also supports the transfer of high bandwidth digital data.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating a loss of or damage to protective eye goggles used in conjunction with a sporting helmet includes two goggle strap clips joinable to the sporting helmet on opposing sides. Each of the goggle strap clips includes a long, flat bottom surface for joining to the sporting helmet. Two upper legs are L-shaped and have an opening between ends of the upper legs for enabling a goggle strap to pass through the goggle strap clip and be secured in place. The ends are curved for enabling easy installation and removal the goggle strap from the goggle strap clip. A seamless construction and smooth edges mitigates snags in the goggle strap as it is installed or removed. Smooth outer faces enables logos to be embossed or printed thereon. A flexible material for enables the flat bottom surface to conform to a curved shape of the sporting helmet.

Abstract: A helmet shield attaching mechanism with which when raising a shield, the shield and/or an anti-fogging auxiliary shield will not catch on a window opening rim member for a head protecting body, in spite that the operation of raising the shield in a fully-closed state is comparatively simple and that the mechanism has a comparatively simple structure. The helmet shield attaching mechanism includes a stationary base member fixing to the head protecting body, a movable base member attaching to the stationary base member so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the stationary base member, and the shield which is pivotally supported by the movable base member. When a substantially upward force acts on the shield which is in a fully-closed state, at least one cam follower provided to the shield or stationary base member relatively follows at least one cam surface formed on the stationary base member or shield, to move the shield forward substantially to the front side.

Abstract: A method for one or more of protecting and decorating a sports helmet. The method including; positioning an opening in a band of heat shrink material around an external outer surface of the sports helmet, the opening being larger than a corresponding size of the external outer surface of the sports helmet; and applying heat to the heat shrink material to shrink the heat shrink material to a size of the external outer surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A thermoregulatory unit, with a preferred use in combination with headwear, thereby defining a temperature controlled head gear comprising an article of headwear, and a thermally conductive pad in conductive association with the thermoregulatory unit.

Abstract: A helmet-attachable communication device includes a communication unit wirelessly connected to a mobile communication device and having a case externally provided with a plurality of keys and an expansion slot; a fixing unit externally arranged on the case for attaching the communication device to an outer side of a helmet; a microphone/speaker unit externally connected to internal circuits of the communication unit and mounted in the helmet; and an expansion unit inserted in the expansion slot. A motorcycle rider with the communication device attached to the helmet can use the mobile communication device during riding safely without the need of holding the same with one hand. With the expansion slot, other expanded functions can be added to the communication device according to the user's need, giving the communication device enhanced functionality and practicality.

Abstract: Sports goggles for use with a sports helmet have a frameless lens or a frame for receiving a lens or several lens segments or lenses. At least one flexible and elastic fastening strap is connected to each side of the frameless lens or the frame, respectively. The at least one flexible and elastic fastening strap is detachably connected to a fastening device arranged in a lateral area of a shell of the sports helmet, respectively. The fastening device and the at least one fastening element are embodied as paired permanent magnets, respectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pin lock device allowing detachable attachment of an anti-moisture film or a shield protective film to a surface of a shield secured to a helmet main body in an openable/closable manner and a helmet including same.

Abstract: A headgear bracket for mounting night vision goggles includes a base having a headgear-facing surface. The headgear-facing surface includes a pocket defined by a pocket wall and a pair of flanges adapted to contact a headgear surface. The headgear bracket further includes an opening in the base adapted to receive an attachment means and a ballistic slug removably inserted into the pocket, the ballistic slug having an opening adapted to receive the attachment means. A surface of the ballistic slug is adapted to contact and conform substantially to the headgear surface.

Abstract: An improved mouth guard designed for use with protective equipment such as helmets and other head gear is disclosed. The invention provides a convenient means to temporarily affix the mouth guard to sports equipment, or other object when the mouth guard is removed, rather than using a conventional or traditional tethering strap. The disclosed mouth guard can be quickly removed from a user's mouth and quickly attached to a helmet component, player's finger, or other piece of equipment to allow the mouth guard to remain rigidly affixed to the player without a loose tethering strap such as used in conventional mouth guards. The invention also is applicable to other mouth guard devices which may be used for dental treatment applications to secure a dental appliance temporarily when removed from the user's mouth.

Abstract: A chin pad assembly and method of construction thereof provides an outer shell of plastics material having straps attached thereto and an inner cushion member attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the outer and inner surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell and provides a pocket to receive a wearer's chin. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releasably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.

Abstract: A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a helmet over which a hood or a toga suspended. Integral with the helmet is a ventilation fan. The helmet also includes a light assembly for illuminating the surgical field. The helmet includes a front nozzle from which air from the ventilation fan is discharged. The light assembly is mounted to the helmet and is located below the front nozzle. Air discharged from the front nozzle blows heat generated by the light assembly away from the light assembly. In some versions of the invention, the light assembly includes a control arm connected to the light assembly for pivoting the light assembly.

Abstract: A holding device for a breathing mask that is fastened to a protective helmet when in use includes a fastening hook connected to a flexible, length-adjustable tightening strap that is hooked into a receptacle on the protective helmet. Stop elements that are both frictionally engaged and in positive contact prevent the accidental release of the fastening hook together with the flexibility of the tightening strap that at the same time ensures an individually adjustable fit of the mask while sliding elements arranged at an offset to the stop elements ensure automatic optimum orientation of the tightening straps. The tightening strap and the fastening hook are coupled using a retainer piece molded to the tightening strap that is held in positive contact in the recess of a grip end connected with the fastening hook.

Abstract: A helmet clip captures a goggle loop and lanyard and provides a mounting mechanism for a helmet accessory. The helmet clip uses a snap mechanism to selectively capture and release the lanyard or goggle loop without removing the accessory.

Abstract: There is disclosed headwear comprising an endothermic reactor and a trigger to initiate an endothermic reaction in the reactor whilst being worn on a wearer's head. Such may preferentially be utilised in or in conjunction with a motorcycle safety helmet or similar crash protection device. The headwear is intended to prevent or delay the onset of brain damage as a result of serious trauma or head injury.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fixture secured, securable to, or integral with the outer shell of a helmet to facilitate convenient positional adjustment, attachment and removal of multiple accessories include a fixture, attachable to the helmet, for securely receiving an accessory, wherein the fixture comprises a rail for slidably and adjustably receiving a plural of accessories thereon.

Abstract: A visor for use with a helmet. The visor includes a front panel and an elastic strap which form an internal perimeter configured to engage with the exterior of the helmet. The front panel includes an interior grip surface formed of a non-cloth material such as rubber.

Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.

Abstract: An improved helmet mounting device for an optical device, such as a night vision device, is provided. The mounting device herein includes sliding carriage arms and a pivot member for pivoting the viewing device up and away from the user's line of sight. In the depicted preferred embodiments, an optional reinforced mounting fastener system is provided. In another aspect, a movable sensor element may provided on the helmet mount for controlling operation of an attached vision device. In still further embodiments, a breakaway mechanism is provided which allows the user to select between a rigid attachment between the helmet and the optical device and a breakaway attachment wherein the optical device will break away from the helmet when an applied force exceeds a threshold amount of force.

Abstract: A safety helmet structure and a processing method thereof. The safety helmet includes a first section, a second section and an extension section defined between the first and second sections. The first section is sprayed with a figure. A decorative section or a figure layers is adhered to the second section. After a periphery of the decorative section or figure layer partially passes over an edge of the second section, the periphery of the decorative section or figure layer enters the extension section. The first and second sections together form a helmet subassembly. The helmet subassembly is placed in a mold and integrally bonded with a buffer material or foam material filler to form a helmet assembly.

Abstract: Ear muffs including a pair of arm members, each arm member provided with a noise suppression portion mounted rotatably thereto adjacent a first end of each arm member and having a first portion of an attachment system located at a second opposite end of each arm member, the first portion of the attachment system attachable to a second portion of the attachment system provided on a carrier portion adapted to be supported on a wearer's head.

Abstract: A mirror arrangement for a rear view mirror system in an article of headgear comprises first, second and third mirrors, the first mirror, in use, being adjacent the eyes of the user and the second mirror being located between the first and third mirrors, wherein the first mirror is mounted on a movable element that is movable towards and away from a fixed element, and wherein the first mirror is rotatably mounted on the said movable element.

Abstract: A helmet is provided herein for protection of the head of a user. A shell, chin bar, breath deflector, and head light are provided. The chin bar is fixed between the right and left sides of the shell. A face shield system is pivotally secured to the shell to pivot up and away from the face of the user leaving only a chin bar running below the mouth of the user in front of the face of the user. The breath deflector moves with the face shield. The light is secured to a center portion of the chin bar and includes a switch integrated with the light.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting arrangement is provided for mounting a vision system to a helmet. The mounting system includes a mount assembly having a latch pivot that can be removably affixed to a helmet mount. The mounting assembly further includes a base that is rotatable about the latch pivot. The base includes a tilt adjustment mechanism positioned to bear against a paddle portion extending from the latch pivot for adjusting the tilt angle of the base relative to the helmet mount.

Abstract: Provided are vision watching system and method for a safety hat. The vision watching system includes: a receiver which receives an image signal of a watching zone of a camera; a processor which determines whether an object of the image signal is a person, based on a size and an outline of the object and determines whether the person wears a safety hat, based on at least one or more of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) values of a head part of the person and a Hue value of Hue, Saturation, Value (HSV) of the head part; and a transmitter which outputs a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) control signal of the camera to obtain a thumbnail image of the person when determining the person who does not wear the safety hat.

Abstract: A cover for decorating a motorcycle helmet, including a substantially circular exterior material portion, having variable decoration, connected anteriorly and at the sides to a substantially circular interior mesh material portion by a seam. The enclosure provides two openings on either side of the invention, providing spaces through which the helmet's chinstraps can be threaded through. The seam ends in the posterior of the enclosure to provide an opening in the back of the invention through which the helmet may be inserted. Both pieces of fabric provide corresponding non-permanent fastening agents which are used to secure the invention around the helmet inserted inside.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a military helmet incorporating a neck shield extension is described. The neck shield extension is coupled to the body of the helmet using a plurality of elongated flexible straps. Accordingly, the neck extension moves upwardly whenever the wearer tilts his/her head back or to the side so that the wearer's head mobility is not hindered. The straps are comprised of a material having both a high tensile strength and tensile modulus that helps firmly hold the extension in place relative to the helmet when the extension is impacted with a ballistic projectile or other shrapnel.

Abstract: A helmet for receiving a compatible visor comprises a shell and two guiding mechanisms. Each guiding mechanisms is located on a different side of the shell and is adapted to receive the compatible visor. The guiding mechanisms guide the compatible visor along a confined path extending from a retracted position, where the compatible visor is proximate a frontal portion of the shell and substantially outside a field of view of the wearer, to a deployed position where the compatible visor is substantially below a frontal lower edge and within the field of view of the wearer. The guiding mechanisms guide at least a lower portion of the compatible visor substantially towards a rear portion of the shell when the compatible visor is in the deployed position. The compatible visor has a lens, a face seal and one mounting interface on each side of the lens.

Abstract: A helmet heat shield affixed over the top of a helmet of the type worn by riders of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, and other similar open-air vehicles. The inner surface of the heat shield conforms to the contour and shape of the upper portion of the helmet and further, provides an air gap between the helmet and the heat shield. A radiant barrier attached to the inner surface of the heat shield assists in dissipating heat away from the helmet surface. The air gap also permits air to circulate through freely, thereby significantly reducing the heat transfer to the exterior surface and interior of the helmet. The heat shield may be manufactured as an integral part of the helmet.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, light-attenuating sun and glare shield is disclosed that is attachable via static electricity to the inside of a motorcycle helmet visor. No modification of the motorcycle helmet or visor is required for attachment of the shield, and the shield need not be specially configured for a specific model of helmet, so long as the shape and size of the shield is generally compatible with the visor. The shield is easily removed from the visor and rolled up for convenient transportation and storage. In preferred embodiments, the light attenuating shield is polarized and/or includes graduated tinting. Some embodiments include a storage canister for easy transportation and storage of the shield, and certain embodiments include a plurality of shields, which can be disposable and/or can include shields with different light attenuating properties.

Abstract: A device mount for mounting a vision enhancement device to an article worn on a user's head includes a first adjustment member operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device in a cranial-caudal direction with respect to the user. A second adjustment member which extends from the first adjustment member is operable to move a mounted vision enhancement device along a medial-lateral adjustment axis with respect to the user. A third adjustment member includes an extension arm extending from the second adjustment member that rotates with respect to the medial-lateral adjustment axis of the second adjustment member. A helmet apparatus includes a device mount and power supply that are offset from an anterior-posterior axis of the helmet in a counterbalancing arrangement.

Abstract: A platform for attachment to a helmet having front chin strap mounting holes on opposite sides of the helmet has a center section adapted to support one or more items such as a headlamp or goggles. The platform also includes two side arms extending rearward from the center section and disposed along the opposite sides of the helmet when the platform is mounted on the helmet. The side arms of the platform are adjustable in length. The platform also includes a universal mounting plate for attachment to the platform center section and adapted to support either of two different types of night vision goggles. The platform may be mounted on different helmets having different front mounting hole configurations.

Abstract: A personal protection system is mountable to a user for distributing air to the user includes a shell providing structure. A fan module is supported by the shell for generating a flow of air. Cushioning is provided between the fan module and the shell to reduce vibrations and noise. The fan module includes a fan with blades having an airfoil shape for added noise reduction. An air flow channel is in fluid communication with the fan module for routing the flow of air. A pair of nozzle tips are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and are rotatably adjustable to allow directional adjustment of the flow of air toward a neck of the user. The personal protection system also includes a face shield with multiple removable layers which are sterilized as a unit using gamma radiation.

Abstract: A helmet jacket for covering and protecting a helmet and for substantially and releasably enclosing the volume inside the helmet to allow the covered helmet to function as a sealed carrying and storage container. The jacket may include elastic segments that define respective constricted openings through which the chin straps of the helmet extend on opposed sides of a releasable fastening element so that the chin straps may be used to carry the helmet while the fastened jacket material substantially encloses the volume inside the helmet to define a storage volume within the helmet.

Abstract: A wind rectifying member positioned between two ventilation covers on the top of a helmet is adjustably supported by fitting members of support structures mounted within each ventilation cover. The fitting members adjust the forward and rearward positioning of the rectifying member and its angle of tilt relative to the wind direction. The fitting members extend through openings in facing side walls of the ventilation covers and into indentations in the ends of the rectifying member.

Abstract: Variously configured brackets, for displaying a flag and mountable to or integrally formed with a support member such as a helmet, are disclosed. One bracket includes an elongated cantilevered mast and a retention lip, the beam angled upwardly from the bracket and adapted to receive a sleeve formed along one edge of the flag inserted thereover and having a deflectable free end that is forced downwardly into captivated relation with the lip. Other brackets have a chamber and passage arrangement, respectively, for mounting a pole provided along one edge of the flag and passing the flag through the bracket. In one, the pole is parallel with and moved into a chamber at the rearward side of the bracket and the flag passed through a passage. In another, a chamber extends between the opposite lateral sides, the chamber and pole are coaxially aligned, the pole is inserted into the chamber, and the flag passed through the passage.

Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.

Abstract: A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a head unit over which a hood or a toga suspended. Internal to the head unit is a ventilation fan, a light for illuminating the surgical field and communications system for communicating with others. The head unit includes a head band. The ventilation fan is adjustably mounted to the head band so it can be positioned at a location to minimize the strain imposed on the wearer.