Abstract: A soccer helmet includes a generally dome-shaped padding layer and a generally dome-shaped shell layer fitting over and attached to the padding layer. The padding layer might have a substantially uniform thickness of approximately ⅜ inches. The shell layer is smooth and has some rigidity such that when the soccer helmet is being worn on a human head, the ball rebounds from the shell layer in about the same direction and with about the same speed, or with a greater speed, than the soccer ball would if rebounded off an unprotected human head. Therefore, the soccer helmet does not interfere with heading a soccer ball. The soccer helmet protects the head from repetitive blows due to, for example, heading. Furthermore, the soccer helmet protects the head from single event injuries such as collisions with goal posts, the ground, and other players' head, knee, elbows, and feet.

Abstract: A protection implement, particularly suitable for sports applications, constituted by at least one first outer protective element which is advantageously rigid and optionally by one or more second elastically compressible elements which are arranged internally. At least one third element, advantageously constituted by a two-sided vertical-warp knitted fabric, is arranged below the at least one first outer protective element.

Abstract: Protective wrestler headgear having straps fully adjustable by the user with the headgear in place on the head. To allow adjustment of each strap, the adjustment is spaced from the ear cover an amount sufficient to permit some small spacing from the head thereby providing sufficient room for the strap to be moved through the adjustment element that is attached to the ear cover. In the embodiment described below, the adjustment element comprises a “D-ring” attached to, but spaced from, the ear cover. The strap extending from the other ear cover passes through the D-ring with enough clearance from the head and nearest ear cover to permit movement of the strap relative to the D-ring with the headgear in place on the wrestler's head.

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 shock absorbing pad comprising a molded rubbery elastomeric material having a generally smooth surface on the side adapted to abut a soccer player's head and the opposed face having an open grid structure defined by outwardly projecting patterns of short ribs or patterns of short and midsized ribs with at least some of the intersections of the ribs being defined by outwardly projecting cylinders which are taller than ribs or, if both types of ribs are present, the cylinders are taller than both the shortest and the midsized ribs, top-to-bottom to provide airways or passages for the flow of cooling air and to enhance player comfort.

Abstract: Radiant heat deflection system for use when a person is subjected to high temperature conditions during athletic activity. The heat deflection system is capable of deflecting radiant away from the wearer's head or body, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the person. The invention also relates to heat retaining inserts and apparatus for use during athletic activity, to increase heat retention in cold temperatures.

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 crash helmet (1) for sports, such as cycling, in which, to optimize ventilation for the wearer and so minimize the effects of sweating, the crash helmet consists of a supporting cap (2), designed to be worn on the top of a person's head, and an outer cap (3) designed to fit on top of the supporting cap (2) and permanently connected to the latter; the supporting cap (2) has a plurality of first through holes (5-9) in channels which are opposite the inner surface of the outer cap (3); the front of the outer cap (3) has at least second through holes (18, 19, 20) which communicate with a channel in the supporting cap, and with a first hole (5-9) in the supporting cap; the rear zones of the caps (2,3) together form, at the channels in the supporting cap, an equal number of matching passages (27, 28, 29) which communicate with corresponding second hole (18, 19, 20) and are open at a rear zone of the crash helmet (1); thus between the supporting cap (2) and the outer cap (3), there is a system of channels wit

Abstract: A protective helmet that includes a cap, a protective padding, possibly a comfort padding, and a retaining system. According to the invention, the cap has a visual impact indicator whose state changes when the cap is subject to an impact exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, the indicator is formed by a capillary tube sealed at both ends enclosing a drop of colored liquid trapped between two gas bubbles. The invention applies to any type of helmet, for the practice of a sport, for motorcycling, for professional use, or as a safety helmet.

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

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

Abstract: A wrestling headgear is disclosed. In an embodiment for a wrestling headgear ear protector of the present invention, the ear protector includes an ear protection member and a variably adjustable support member disposed on an inner portion of the ear protection member. In an embodiment for a method of the present invention, a method of defining an ear receiving cavity included in an ear protector of a wrestling headgear includes configuring a variably adjustable support member, the variably adjustable support member disposed on an inner portion of an ear protection member.

Abstract: An improved protective headgear apparatus for usage in connection with sporting activities, such as football, hockey, cycling, and the like, and other activities requiring the usage of protective head gear. The protective headgear apparatus is specifically designed to improve the absorption and dissipation of primary forces directly into the shell of the helmet. The assembly comprises a plurality of pre-formed protective pads removably affixed to critical areas of the exterior of the helmet shell for the purpose of decreasing trauma and concussion to users thereof. Such critical or vulnerable locations are: (1) each side of the helmet, at the ear and above the ear; (2) the front of the helmet, between and above the eyes; (3) the rear or occipital area; and (4) the crown of the dome.

Abstract: A soccer helmet includes a generally dome-shaped padding layer and a generally dome-shaped shell layer fitting over and attached to the padding layer. The padding layer might have a substantially uniform thickness of approximately ⅜ inches. The shell layer is smooth and has some rigidity such that when the soccer helmet is being worn on a human head, the ball rebounds from the shell layer in about the same direction and with about the same speed, or with a greater speed, as the soccer ball would if rebounded off an unprotected human head. Therefore, the soccer helmet does not interfere with heading a soccer ball. The soccer helmet protects the head from repetitive blows due to, for example, heading. Furthermore, the soccer helmet protects the head from single event injuries such as collisions with goalposts, the ground, and other players' head, knees, elbows, and feet.

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

Abstract: A protective head device for protecting the forehead, temporal, and occipital portions of a user's head. The protective head device includes an elongated member. The elongated member includes a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side and a peripheral edge extending between the front and back sides. The elongated member comprises a resiliently flexible material. There is also a securing means for selectively coupling the first end and the second end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A safety cap has a bump-resisting rigid casing, a plurality of trigonal pyramid reflection devices disposed on an outer surface of the bump-resisting rigid casing, a transparent layer enclosing the outer surface of the bump-resisting rigid casing and the trigonal pyramid reflection devices, and a foamed layer disposed in the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of air inlets are formed on a top front portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of channels are formed on a top portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of vent holes are formed on the top portion of the bump-resisting rigid casing. A plurality of hollow frames are inserted in the air inlets. A plurality of door plates covers the air inlets. Each door plate engages with the respective hollow frame.

Abstract: A slip-on, insulating and decorative cover for bicycle safety helmets is provided by which bicycle helmets are provided with an overall covering complete with integral ear flaps. The ear flaps can be folded down to protect the ears and keep them warm in cold weather. The ear flaps have slots in them, thru which the helmet straps are routed. The decorative cover is readily attached and easily removed from the bike helmet to allow for removal during warm weather or for washing.

Abstract: A helmet with ventilation arrangement comprises a housing, an inner honey-comb like impact resistant layer shaped to the head of rider, a protective covering spaced above and formed integrally with the housing, and a chamber enclosed by housing and protective covering being open to outside in the front side for introducing air therein. Chamber has a net strap in the front side for preventing foreign objects from entering and one or more inner channels being in communication with the inner space of helmet through a passageway. In riding a motorcycle, air may enter into chamber. Moreover, such fresh air flows through channel passageway, and honeycomb-like impact resistant layer so as to be in contact with every part of the head of rider.

Abstract: This invention provides a device designed to reduce head injuries among soccer players, and others who would not otherwise wear head protection. It integrates closed-cell foam padding into a traditional bandana form. Foam padding is sewn between layers of fabric in positions which will provide a degree of protection from rotational forces and from direct blows to the forehead, sides, and top of the head.

Abstract: A helmet which includes a substantially rigid shell having a shell thickness defined by a substantially continuous exterior surface spaced apart from a substantially continuous interior surface. A one-piece first shock attenuating member is positioned adjacent to and in substantially in contact with portions of the interior surface of the shell. The first shock attenuating member has a first thickness and a first compression deflection. A plurality of discrete second shock attenuating members are positioned adjacent to portions of the first shock attenuating member and adjacent to and in substantially in contact with portions of the interior surface of the shell. Each second shock attenuating member has a second thickness and a second density, with the second thickness being greater than the first thickness and the second compression deflection being less than the first compression deflection.

Abstract: A catcher's helmet is provided with a front portion including a top extent and a pair of side extents. The front extent forms a face opening there between. Also included is a rear portion. At least one strap is mounted between the front portion and rear portion. A transparent shield is positioned over the face opening.

Abstract: A neck protective gear for protecting the neck from injury caused as a result of head impacts especially by football players. The neck protective gear includes a helmet which has a bottom edge extending essentially below both ears and around the back of the user's head and which also has an extensible member which extends downwardly and along the bottom edge and is adapted to at least partially cover the user's neck region, and further includes a set of shoulder pads having an upwardly extending collar which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the extensible member. Any impact to the user's head is transferred from the helmet to the shoulder pads rather than to the user's neck thus reducing probability of serious injury.

Abstract: A ferrous object is attached to or embedded within an article of golf clothing so that it is subject to the force of magnetic attraction of a magnet in a ball marker. A magnetic ball marker according to the invention has a body that can be stamped, painted, machined, or otherwise provided with surface embellishments, such as tournament logos, golf course crests, corporate logos, and other visual indicia that are favored by golfers. Unlike conventional golf ball markers, however, a ball marker according to the invention is provided with a thin, flat, permanent magnet that is attached to or embedded within the body of the ball marker. When the ball marker is moved into the proximity of an article of golf clothing modified according to the invention by the incorporation of a ferrous object therein, the ball marker will be attracted to the ferrous object and will cling to the article of golf clothing until purposely removed therefrom.

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

Abstract: A 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 multiple-piece removable helmet can be disassembled on the wearer's head so that, in the event of a medical emergency, the front portion can be removed to afford access to the face of the wearer for administration of first aid and to facilitate the diagnosis of the extent of the injury. A neck brace can be attached and the injured can be lifted out of the back portion of the helmet. Apparatus for removably attaching the two halves include, in various embodiments, screws, adjustable tension cables, buckles, and spring fingers on one half engaging in indentations in the other with the fingers being secured in place by screws.

Abstract: A helmet to be worn on a person's head where the helmet includes a shell having a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the front, rear, first side and second side surfaces define an interior space. The helmet further includes a strap with a first end attached to the shell and a second end attached to the shell, wherein the strap forms a II-shaped receptor within the interior space.

Abstract: A sport goggle and a system for ventilating a sport goggle is shown and described. The sport goggle has a strap, a lens structure, and a frame having a first edge extending laterally across the wearer's forehead. The first edge is shaped such that a portion of the first edge is curved in a concave up direction when the sport goggle is in a position of use, and such that, when the sport goggle is worn in combination with a helmet, one or more gaps are created between the first edge and a second edge on the front of the helmet. The first edge has a first opening located to allow air to flow into the goggle chamber. Increased goggle ventilation through the first opening can be caused by either the concave up portion of the first edge, or the gaps between the first and second edges.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a helmet front half section, helmet rear half section and a locking assembly. The helmet front half section includes at least one engagement region. The helmet rear half section includes at least one corresponding engagement region. The locking assembly a structure for orientating the locking assembly between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking assembly results in secured engagement of the at least one engagement region of the front and rear helmet half sections with each other.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet includes a helmet body having a plurality of vents, including a front vent that is wider than high. Also, a bicycle helmet includes a helmet body having a plurality of vents, including at least one rear exit port opening outward onto a surface that is below the most rearward margin of the helmet body. Preferred helmets include both such a front vent and a pair of such rear exit ports, and preferred helmets include at least one and more preferably two lengthwise interior channels that may conduct air rearwardly within the helmet over the head of the wearer from the front vent or to the rear exit port or ports, or both from the anterior vent and to the rear exit port or ports. Methods for fabricating a helmet according to the invention include forming the helmet body of two separate parts and affixing the two formed parts together.

Abstract: A bicolor reversible protective headgear comprising a left side panel, a right side panel, a forehead panel and a top panel, the panels being connected by elastic means to form the headgear and having a first color on one side and a second color on the other side, the headgear being reversible whereby the first color is visible when the headgear is in a first configuration and the second color is visible when the headgear is turned inside out to a second configuration.

Abstract: A pair of goggles include a frame with an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion, arms extruded from extrusion positions on the upper and lower frame portions, and a strap being attached to the arms. The frame and arms are integrally made of soft elastic synthetic resin. The strap is attached to the arms at strap attaching positions at their distal end portions away from the extrusion positions. The arms are formed in a manner that the arms overlap with at least part of a front surface of said frame or that the arms extend in front of and generally along the front surface of the frame.

Abstract: An improved protective helmet is made of a dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate. The inner layer is a lower density (3.8 to 5 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam for comfort, absorbing minor impacts and distributing impact stress over a larger surface of the skull to reduce injury. The outer layer is a higher density (5 to 7.2 pcf), closed-cell, polymeric foam to absorb major impacts and add structural stability to the helmet. Ventilation holes provide airflow through the helmet. Cushioning pads may be added inside the helmet for customizing fit and improving ventilation. The preferred material for the inner and outer layers of the laminated, dual density protective helmet is a nitrogen blown, cross-linked, closed-cell, polyethylene foam. The dual density, closed-cell, polymeric foam laminate of the helmet provides improved impact attenuation. The laminate also reduces the weight of the helmet, which improves comfort and reduces neck fatigue for the wearer.

Abstract: A protective helmet for active use by a player in a sports activity, such as soccer, includes a shell made of a soft material and which has the general configuration to fit a wearer's head. A device for stabilizing the shell on the wearer's head, such as a chin-strap, is operably connected to the shell. The shell includes a member for allowing a player to actively deflect a ball during a play. The shell further includes a member for dampening the force of impact by the ball over a head region of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrestling ear guard comprising a pair of substantially identical mirror image, roughly inverted triangular shaped guards comprising a cup member formed of thin, relatively stiff, resilient sheet material having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface, a first padded layer applied to the inner concave surface and comprising a roughly inverted triangular portion and outwardly and upwardly extending strap members integral with the triangular member at the upper top corners thereof, a second padded layer applied to the outer convex surface and comprising a roughly inverted triangular member corresponding in size to the inverted triangular portion of the first padded layer and being partially compressed over the outer surface thereof, the second layer being secured about its periphery to the first padded layer whereby the cup member is confined between the first padded layer and the second padded layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective bicycling helmet with a rear support structure having at least two generally vertical columns mounted in the rear portion of the helmet body for providing improved ventilation while retaining or improving the rigid structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: Protective head wear or cover for use in conjunction with a visor is disclosed. A top hair cover is provided with a front bill cover having an elastic front edge. This elastic front edge is fitted underneath the front edge of the bill of the visor, holding the protective cover in place. A lower rear edge of the cover is provided with elastic so as to assist in holding the cover to the back of a head of a user. A cape may be removably attached to this lower rear edge, the cape further provided with a drawstring for securing the cape about the neck of the user. Significantly, the cover and cape are constructed of a light weight, water resistant vapor permeable material for enhancing comfort of the user and preventing disturbance to a hairdo of the user. The drawstring gathers the cape about the neck of a user so that when the user bends forward, the cape remains secured about the users neck, preventing interference with vision and are movement.

Abstract: A protective head gear includes a generally open head portion and a collar portion. The protective head gear is for use in contact sports by an athlete wearing a helmet. The head portion is generally open and has a crown segment and a pair of opposed side segments. The crown segment has a crown base and each side segment has a side base. The head portion is spaced upwardly and outwardly from the helmet. The crown segment and each side segment are contoured to and spaced from the shape of the helmet. The collar portion is hingeably connected to the crown base. The collar portion having a generally rigid layer adapted to be positioned around the athlete's neck and to transmit the force from a hit on the head portion to the collar portion. In use, the collar portion is attached to the athlete.

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: A detachable face mask assembly for a helmet includes upper and lower mask assemblies removably secured over the helmet face opening with a series of clips. The upper mask assembly includes a first outer component and a first inner component concentrically received therewithin. The inner component may be pivoted upwardly or laterally to provide temporary access to a user's eyes or nose. The lower mask assembly likewise includes a second inner and a second outer component with the inner component pivotable to either side to provide temporary access to a user's mouth or chin. Each of the components are readily and independently detachable from their respective clips upon a predetermined amount of force being applied thereto.

Abstract: Protective composite headgear bearing distinctive embedded marking, such as alphanumeric data, color patterns, or stylized designs. A patterned sheet is formed into headgear shape, and the patterned side is covered with solidifiable plastic composition. The outer layer of the resulting composite headgear is translucent, and the inner layer preferably opaque, so that the pattern between layers is protected from abrasion damage while readily visible to an onlooker. Distortion of the pattern by the shaping of the original flat sheet is counteracted by pre-distorting the sheet oppositely to offset it.

Abstract: An impact resistant face shield that includes a single formed arcuate lens portion that, in a first orientation, has a first curvature extending in a horizontal direction and a second curvature extending in a vertical direction. The lens portion has a top portion and a bottom portion that extends relatively inwardly towards the face of the wearer relative to an intermediate portion disposed between the top and bottom portions. Each curvature of the lens defines an arc of a circle having a substantially uniform radius to produce nominal levels of distortion, thereby reducing the prism effects created by the lens, and providing an optically corrected viewing window.

Abstract: An interactive safety helmet for a bicyclist, making it possible for a group of bicyclists wearing like helmets to communicate with each other and thereby coordinate their activities. The helmet is formed by an outer shell shaped to fit onto the head of the bicyclist and an inner cushioning liner having a pair of miniature loud speakers embedded therein at opposing sides adjacent the ears of the bicyclist. Extending from the shell is a gooseneck supporting a microphone at a position adjacent the mouth of the bicyclist. Mounted on the shell is a miniature radio transceiver whose transmitter section is coupled to the microphone and whose receiver section is coupled to the loud speakers. The transceiver is connected by a line extending from the helmet to an external battery power pack. In operation, a bicyclist wearing the helmet can by talking into the microphone and listening to the loud speakers interact with other bicyclists in the group.

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: The present invention relates to a combination shoulder pad and helmet assembly uniquely designed to protect a user from serious cervical spine injuries. The device comprises a helmet having a mounting bracket on the back portion thereof The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing embrasures in communication with and an axial, cylindrical bore. An elongated tubular rod is received within the bore having an indention at opposing ends thereof. The rod is retained within the bore using a spring biased pin received within the embrasures and the indention which also limits the rotation of the rod relative to the cylindrical bore. The spring biased pin has a concave portion proximal its head which may be selectively aligned with the rod indention to release the rod from the brackets. The opposing end of the rod is secured to a similar bracket and pin mechanism mounted to the top edge of a set of shoulder pads. Furthermore, a mid-torso protective device is secured to the lower edge of the shoulder pads.

Abstract: Improved head protection for soccer players comprising a headband formed of resilient material which may be worn alone or inside a conventional soccer helmet to cushion the effects of impacts to the head, especially for children in their formative years.

Abstract: Then apparatus for assisting in the removal of a helmet from a wearer thereof, particularly when the wearer is unconscious or injured, comprises: a framework constructed, sized and arranged to fit around a conventional helmet; an engaging mechanism for engaging the inside of a jaw covering portion on each side of the helmet; and an actuating means for causing at least one of the engaging mechanism to be moved laterally outwardly to spread apart the jaw covering portions of the helmet to facilitate removal of the helmet from the head of the wearer.

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.