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 golf ball marker is carried in open display on a fabric article of golf clothing or other fabric golf accessory and remains in position due to the force of magnetism. To produce this effect, a layer of magnetic material is secured in position in contact with a concealed side of a layer of fabric in the article of golf clothing or other golf accessory. The golf ball marker is constructed of a ferrous material so that when it is placed into contact with an exposed surface of the same layer of fabric against which the magnetic material is secured opposite the layer of magnetic material, the ball marker is held by the force of magnetic attraction against the exposed surface of the to fabric layer. The ball marker remains in position until purposefully dislodged by a force that opposes the magnetic field created by the magnetic material. This force may be applied by the thumb and forefinger of the golfer's hand to remove the golf ball marker from the fabric layer.

Abstract: A new protective helmet with attachable visor for protecting a cyclists eyes without need of glasses. The inventive device includes a protective visor adapted for removable securement to a front peripheral edge of a protective helmet. The protective visor has a plurality of hook and loop strips disposed on an interior surface of an upper edge thereof. The hook and loop strips couple with corresponding hook and loop strips disposed on the protective helmet.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, a positioning member which is of substantially tubular shape and relatively slidable along a guide groove provided in the rotating plate such as a shield plate and shaped into a nearly circular arc has an easily bendable portion provided between a first cut and a second cut which are formed in substantially opposed relation to each other at the upper end and the lower end of the positioning member, respectively. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, in a mechanism for attaching a rotating plate in a helmet, the three engaged openings provided in the guide groove so as to keep in the fully closed condition, in the fully opened condition, and in the defrosted condition, respectively, can relatively hold the positioning member to almost remain its original form, and the arcuated groove disposed in the guide groove can relatively hold the positioning member so as to deform it elastically.

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 batting helmet includes an adjustable circumferential head band that allows the helmet to be worn by individuals with a wide range of head sizes while maintaining a constant air gap between the wearers head and the interior padding of the helmet. This air gap increases the elapsed time between impact of a ball with the helmet and impact between the helmet and its padding and the wearers head, thereby allowing for increased dispersion of energy through the shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A headband to be worn on the head of a soccer player including a padded portion adapted to ride on that area of the head normally used to head a soccer ball.

Abstract: A helmet assembly (20) for protecting a head and neck by laterally displacing impact forces (28). The helmet assembly (20) has a helmet (22) and a face guard (26). The helmet (22) has a rigid inner shell (96), a resilient spacing layer (94) outside of and in contact with the inner shell (96), an articulated shell (76) having a plurality of discrete rigid segments (78) disposed outside of and in contact with the resilient spacing layer (94), and a resilient outer shell (24) made of foam covered by an flexible protective layer (112). The face guard (26) has a plurality of transverse bars (36) with a longitudinal bar (38) down the center. The face guard (26) has shock absorbers (46) integrated on the lowermost transverse bar (36).

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable helmet having a front shell and a back shell that are movably secured to one another and that comprise engaging members that may be held together by a locking mechanism comprising a cam that pivots about an axis extending in a direction that is substantially parallel to a side portion of the helmet. The locking mechanism of the present invention has the advantage of exerting a compressive force on a substantial portion of the engaging members thereby providing a more solid engagement. The locking mechanism also has the advantage of being easily replaceable by a conventional mounting screw assembly. The helmet of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in hockey or other like sports.

Abstract: The protective headgear, such as a catcher's/umpire's headgear, is defined by a forward substantially concave rigid shell and a rear substantially concave rigid shell articulately interconnected together adjacent upper portions thereof. Resilient straps snap-secure opposite lower side portions of the forward shell to opposite lower edge portions of the rear shell. A rigid framework having a relatively large view opening is fastened to a view opening of the forward shell to afford maximum visibility to the user.

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 protective device comprising a shell and a liner. The shell includes an interior surface. The liner is associated with the interior surface of the shell. The liner includes a member for enabling control displacement of the preselected regions of the liner upon various degrees of impact of the protective device. The control displacement member comprises a first member and a second member. Each of the first and second members having a top surface, a bottom surface and a different impact absorbing characteristic. The top surface of at least one of the first and second members is associated with the interior surface of the shell. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the first member extends further from the interior surface of the shell and the bottom surface of the second member.

Abstract: A head protector (10, 10') is shown in certain embodiments, having a plurality of rupturable, closed, pressurized, fluid filled cells (20) each having a rupturable common wall with a low pressure, empty cell (22) between first and second liners (14,16) and with optional cloth inner (18) and outer liners (12). In a second embodiment one or more layers of cushioning material has spaced apart, generally uniformly sized, closed fluid cells (24) intended to withstand selected levels of impacts without rupture. In other embodiments (40, 40', 40", 40'") a cushioning layer of open cell, visco- elastic resin is used with or without a load spreading outer layer of cross-linked, closed cell resin. Fabric covers (46,50) are shown for encapsulating the protector using openable/closable fasteners (48,52).

Abstract: Disclosed is a quick-release football helmet chin strap that incorporates the use of a hook and loop fastener to tighten the strap and secure the helmet to the player's head. Intended for use on newly produced helmets and replacing the snap-type fasteners on existing helmets, the use of the hook and loop fasteners eliminates the burden associated with using the snap fasteners during the frequent between-play attachment and detachment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a helmet including a shell formed from a thermoplastic resin, for example, by blow molding or injection molding, and a shock absorbing liner disposed on the inside of the shell. The shock absorbing liner is formed of polyvinylidene chloride foam. By forming the shock absorbing liner of polyvinylidene chloride foam, it is possible to provide a helmet having less temperature dependent change in compression strength upon molding, excellent shock adsorption and restorability, excellent impact shock adsorbing performance upon a second hit on one identical portion and excellent dimensional accuracy in manufacture.

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: A helmet including a strap securing device having a gripping section and/or a clip for engaging and holding a strap, for example a goggle strap, in place over the surface of the helmet is disclosed. The gripping section and clip may be utilized individually, or in combination, to engage and hold the strap. The gripping section preferably includes an outer surface which engages and secures the strap in place when utilized alone. The outer surface may be a textured surface and may include a plurality of raised nodules to enhance gripping. When utilized in combination with a clip, the strap may be sandwiched between the gripping section and the clip. The clip may, alternatively, be utilized alone to hold the strap in place. When utilized alone, the clip may be removably attached to the helmet to secure the strap between the clip and the outer shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A car cap including a magnetic base and a cap body attached to the magnetic base, the cap body having a cap bill having a cap bill aerodynamic taper.

Abstract: A golf cap or other headgear that includes a horizontal slit of a given width, and a first indicia with an upper segment on the headgear above the slit. A ball marker having a second indicia corresponding to at least a part of the upper segment of said first indicia is inserted into the slit, so that a complete indicia is visible, whether or not the ball marker is present.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to an improved headguard for athletes and in particular soccer players. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a headguard is provided which includes a headcover and an adjustable head strap disposed on a perimeter of the head for drawing sections of the headcover together. The headcover includes padding having at least a front portion and a top portion and also includes a flexing section. The flexing section of the headcover is positioned such that, when the head strap is adjusted, at least a portion of the headcover flexes at the flexing section to generally conform to at least a portion of the head of a wearer.

Abstract: A pad for an interior body of a helmet includes a shaped cushion material made of foamed urethane or the like, a stretchable first cloth on one side of the cushion material for contact with a head of a user, a nonstretchable second cloth disposed on a side of the cushion material opposed to the cloth. The interior body includes a plurality of pads connected to form a band shape around the head of a user and so as not to bend in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A cervical spine protective helmet and shoulder harness assembly. The helmet and shoulder-harness assembly includes a yoke or shoulder pad having a central opening for the wearer's head to pass therethrough. A protective helmet is pivotally supported over the central opening. Arcuate tracks allow the head of the wearer to be turned from side to side. Stops within the pivoting joints supporting the helmet limit neck flexion and extension. Stops at the ends of these tracks limit neck torsion. Neck compression is limited by the rigidity of the uprights supporting the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet including a selected combination or all of an outer shell, a liner and a comfort ring, the helmet being designed for use in winter sports and including climate control features to regulate the temperature, air flow and moisture within the helmet is disclosed. The helmet may include front and rear adjustable vents for selective circulation of air through the helmet to vary the temperature inside the helmet for comfort, as desired, by the user. The helmet may additionally include a comfort ring for providing abrasion resistance over exposed areas of the user, for example the ears. The comfort ring may additionally, actively contribute to controlling the interior climate of the helmet by aiding in removing and preventing moisture from contacting the skin of the user.

Abstract: A method for inflating cushioning devices which comprise at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage providing fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.

Abstract: A hat having a brim configured to extend substantially around the head of a wearer, wherein a weight increasing means is provided on the brim to increase a radius of gyration of the hat. Typically, the weight increasing means is provided at, or adjacent to, a periphery of said brim.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet strap having a first strap on one side of the helmet with a helmet female latch section, and a second side strap on the opposite side of the helmet with a helmet male latch section, is modified so that the helmet is be secured on the user's chin instead of being secured beneath the user's neck, by attaching an adapter between the end of the helmet straps. The adapter is formed of a chin piece to fit on the user's chin, a chin piece male latch section positioned on the chin piece for insertion into the helmet female latch section, and a chin piece female latch section positioned on the other side of the chin piece to receive the helmet male latch section. The chin piece can be a continuous flexible loop, with the chin piece latch sections being slidably positioned on the loop.

Abstract: An automatic safety helmet and cover protection can be worn on the back, mainly of people who play sport. The protection device is stored in a rucksack casing (3) and is attached to back straps (4-6). The casing accommodates essentially a guard (11-19), a drive member and a control mechanism. There is storage space in the center for various implements. By triggering a spring accumulator (40.1, 40.2), the protection device is rotated, in the event of a threatening fall, into an erect protective position in fractions of a second by way of a trigger cord or by automatic actuation due to a sensor (23). The protective position is held at the top by a toothed catch member (7.1, 7.2). Mating toothing on the catch member maintains the protective position even in the event of a change in direction.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet having a transparent eye shade and various interchangeable sun shield portions, along with affixed sun shield portions, also including a helmet with a built in sun shield. Sticker or stickers of various styles can be connected to all eye shade portions of the assemblage.

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

Abstract: This safety cap comprises a unitary shell made of a rigid, light weight and impact-resistant plastic material and forming a dome shaped body to fit the wearer's head with ventilation openings and a rear recess for the passage of a wearer's pony tail. An air permeable fabric cover completely covers the shell body for the purpose of thermal insulation, for esthetic value and for preventing entering of insects through the shell ventilation openings while allowing ventilation within the shell body. The fabric cover has a dependent flange which is folded around the exposed edge of the shell body and attached to the interior surface of the shell body by hook and loop fastener bands. This flange is padded and extends around the wearer's head. The rear portion of the cover has also a recess in register with the shell body recess and is provided with length adjustable fastening straps to secure the cap in position.

Abstract: A drag reduction arrangement for the body of an athlete moving through a fluid medium, comprises a device attachable to the athlete's body for delaying the onset of boundary layer separation at a trailing surface thereof The device preferably comprises an array of vortex generators. As a result, form drag is reduced by an amount which is substantially greater than any increase in skin friction due to the presence of the vortices.

Abstract: Headgear for wrestlers to cover and protect wrestler's ears and consisting of a pair of ear cover members, a plurality of straps to maintain the ear cover members in positions protecting the wrestler's ears, each of the cover members being comprised of a cup shape member having inner and outer surfaces and formed of a relatively hard shape retaining plastic foam material, a layer of soft conforming plastic foam on the inner surface of the cup shape member and having an inner surface shaped to conform to the shape of the wrestler's head in areas around the ears, a pair of inner and outer fabric members on the outer surface of the cup shape member and enveloping the plastic foam and providing a durable, washable and comfortable inner surface engagable with the wrestler's head and a tough, wear resistant color codable outer surface, and a plurality of hollow grommets extending through the ear cover members to provide sound passages to the ears of the wrestler.

Abstract: A training device for teaching a soccer player the correct location to "bunt" or "head" a soccer ball. The device includes multiple layers of individual, removable pads which enable a player to gradually wean himself/herself from the training device and allow players over a wide range of skill levels to benefit from the training device. The pads are concealed from view once on place within a pocket within the cap member, thereby making the device commercially attractive and available for use is displaying advertising or the like. Accordingly, the device should be especially attractive to young players who will benefit from learning the proper location and produce for safely performing the "bunting" of "heading" technique.

Abstract: A head protector comprising an outer hard shell and an absorbing liner inside of the outer shell wherein the liner comprises a main liner member and an inner subsidiary liner member whose density is lower than that of the main liner member and with an inner recess in the inner surface of the main liner member and wherein the inner subsidiary liner member is fitted into the inner recess.

Abstract: A head protector for a helmet, in which at least one groove is provided in a predetermined inner surface of an impact-on-the head absorbing liner, the predetermined inner surface including at least a top portion to face the vertex of a person with a helmet on, but not substantially including at least a front portion to face the person's sinciput and a plurality of projections at least partially surrounded by the groove are provided in the predetermined inner surface. Owing to this head protector, the rigidity of the whole of the impact-on-the-head absorbing liner is not worthlessly reduced and, nevertheless, both the maximum acceleration and HIC due to an impact are effectively reduced.

Abstract: A cooling cap or helmet containing at least one and, ordinarily, several air funnels which ventilate a sportsman's scalp during the sports activity, e.g., running or jogging, cycling, etc. The air funnels have downward flow through apertures or through ducts. The flexible funnels can be removed for cleaning or replacement. An added advantage is the massaging of the scalp during the use of the air funnel containing cap or helmet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses structural articles such as helmets, cooler chests, pallets, building boards and a large number of diverse articles all formed from an inner, preferably air permeable, body to which a structural strength imparting skin or layer has been applied to either a single surface or opposite surfaces. The body can be expanded polystyrene, wood, particle board, cellulosic fiber cement, GECET or CARIL. The sheet or skin can be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyester, styrene, or polycarbonate. Amorphous polyester (APET) is particularly preferred. A method of forming such structural articles and apparatus for use in carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A turf guard is fixed to the top rod of the face mask of a football helmet and is shaped to prevent any foreign matter, such as grass or the like, from being lodged between the top rod and the lower edge of the helmet.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a protective head covering having a protective impact absorbing pad located therein. The head covering is mainly designed for skiing where frequent falls or spills occur. The head covering is so designed that to a casual observer the head covering makes a fashionable appearance. The head covering is constructed from a unitary piece of material which initially lies flat. The flat piece of material has first and second edges and third and fourth edges and two side edges. The first and the second edges are forming substantially semi-circles and when sewn together, they form a hollow head contacting portion. The third and fourth edges have contours which are different from the first and second edges and they form a hollow crown portion when sewn together. Thereafter, the head portion is inverted into the crown portion.

Abstract: Energy conservation or expenditure garments are designed for use by cyclists. The garment includes in one embodiment an air cooling system through use of various air passageways in the energy conservation garment. In another embodiment the energy expenditure garment includes pockets to offer drag or resistance to the user. An indicator may be provided at the back of the hand portion of the garment to indicate some parameter of exercise.

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: A batter's protective helmet includes a relatively rigid helmet or shell defined by a crown, front, rear and opposite side portions; and padding within the helmet for protecting the head of a user. The padding includes crown, front, opposite side and rear protective pad portions. A strap is provided for adjusting the overall size of the padding. The strap had end portions which project through openings in the rear portion of the helmet with each end portion carrying fasteners for fastening to a fastener carried by the helmet between the openings.

Abstract: An impact resistant helmet assembly having a first material layer coupled to a second material layer so as to define a gas chamber therebetween which contains a quantity that provides impact dampening upon an impact force being applied to the helmet assembly. The helmet assembly further includes a containment layer disposed over the second material layer and structured to define a fluid chamber in which a quantity of fluid is disposed. The fluid includes a generally viscous gel structured to provide some resistance against disbursement from an impacted region of the fluid chamber to non-impacted regions of the fluid chamber, thereby further enhance the impact distribution and dampening of the impact force provided by the helmet assembly.

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 projected display sport goggle that is used to provide continuous and uninterrupted feedback of information to the athlete. The goggle will permit the athlete to adjust their performance based on real time information. This information includes speed, distance traveled, temperature, heart rate, time of day, elapsed time, cadence, and a time based alarm. The informational display presented by the goggle is easy to read and understand. Similar in size and shape to a pair of eyeglasses, it will not significantly interfere with or restrict the movement of the athlete. It is capable of withstanding the impacts and shocks associated with athletic activities. It is easy to use and operate, and is inexpensive to manufacture. The goggle provides a safe, economic, and highly reliable method for monitoring an athlete's performance.

Abstract: A protective helmet most useful in the sport of football includes a helmet shell for enclosing a head of the wearer and further includes a face guard attached to the helmet shell and extending in front of a face opening in the helmet. A chin cup is mounted by a pair of straps. One of the straps is fastened to the sides of the helmet. The other of the straps is fastened to the face guard at lateral positions so that forces directed to the face guard are transferred to the wearer's chin directly.

Abstract: An improved street sport impact absorbing shield including ball bearings positioned along the outer surface of the shield for providing a rolling impact surface upon a fall to translate a tangential moment of impact. The recesses include sockets or channels for retaining the ball bearings along the outer surface and allowing rotary motion in every direction upon impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective bicycling helmet with a retention system having a rear support member for providing a more comfortable and secure fit on a user's head for greater protection and safety. One embodiment of the helmet has a rear stabilizer mounted at its first end to the rear portion of a helmet body. The other elements of the helmet retention system engage the front portion of the helmet body and engage the second end of the rear stabilizer. The rear stabilizer is shaped to conform to the back of the user's head and extends down from the helmet body such that the helmet retention system engages the nape of the neck of the user.

Abstract: A light-weight protective headgear for athletes and persons involved in activities involving a high falling risk. The protective headgear of this invention comprises a one-piece body of form-molded soft resilient closed cell foam material covered with a tough pliable surface coating having a double securing feature i.e. under the chin of the user and at the back of the head and when adjusted in position will stay fixed throughout usage. The protective headgear also provides adequate ventilation through spaces in the tip portion.

Abstract: A sport helmet is disclosed having an inverted, generally Y-shaped, flexible back strap member spanning between a rear portion of the helmet and the helmet's chin straps to fully embrace the occipital region of the wearer's head for better helmet stability and retention. Because the back strap is a single, unitary member, the resulting retention system is simple, comfortable, easy to adjust, and costs less to manufacture.