Abstract: A bicycle helmet having a rigid shell, including a polymeric shell liner. The shell liner arranged to selectively receive at least one liner strip employing hook and loop fastener structure to provide for adjustment of the rigid shell onto an individual. A removable chin guard and pivotal visor is mounted to the rigid shell, with the visor including a visor rib arranged for securement in a raised orientation, with the visor arranged for reception within a spring clip structure mounted to the rigid shell.

Abstract: Helmet accessory devices are provided for protecting a wearer from cervical spine injuries. The devices comprise a shoulder assembly (401, 501) to which at least one leaf spring (408, 508) has its first end (404, 504) rigidly connected. A post (406, 506) is formed on the leaf spring to carry a hood (410) superposed above a helmet (430) worn by the wearer. Axially compressive forces sustained by the hood (410) are opposed by the post (408, 508) and the shoulder assembly (401, 501).

Abstract: A combined protective helmet and pouch for a bicyclist or the like is constructed from a plurality of sector shaped pads of shock absorbing material connected together in an inextensible manner to define a helmet. The connectors between the pads at the side of the helmet may be folded to bring the front and rear halves of the helmet together to define a pouch. Adjustable members are provided to adjust the spacing between the pads and a suitable chin strap and carrying strap are connected to the helmet.

Abstract: An adjustable protective helmet having a substantially rigid outer bowl-shaped shell sized larger that the user's head, and having inner padding inside of the shell sized to fit on the user's head but with a looser fit than desired. The adjustment structure includes a flexible strap extended through circumferentially spaced slots in the shell to extend both inside of and outside of the shell, to its ends outside of the shell sized to overlap one another. A rivet secures the underlying strap end to the shell. The padding between the shell slots is free from connection with the shell, and the strap in this region overlies the padding between the padding and shell and is secured to the padding. Quick release fastening pads on the overlapping strap ends allow them to be releasibly secured together. The strap can thus be tightened via the overlying strap end from outside of the shell and connected to the underlying strap end to establish the helmet fit desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective ear guard assembly for covering and protecting portions of a user's head, particularly for wrestlers. The assembly includes a pair of ear guards each consisting of a resilient semi-rigid shell having a cup shaped center section and a peripheral outer flange, a plurality of strap attachments, an outer partially compressed foam pad corresponding to the shape and size of the shell and having a plurality of raised areas, an inner foam ring corresponding substantially to the outer flange of the shell and a molded flexible outer cover substantially covering the foam pads and having openings corresponding to the raised areas of the outer foam pad whereby those raised areas protrude through the outer skin cover.

Abstract: Athletic headgear is described comprising a helmet having a face mask releasably attached to the helmet with a plurality of adjustable fasteners, each fastener including a mounting plate with a fixed section of hook-and-pile material thereon, a face mask receiving groove, a cooperating section of hook-and-pile material secured at one end to the mounting plate and adapted to extend around the face mask receiving groove and into contact with the fixed section of hook-and-pile material, and an adjustable spacer positionable in a recess in the mounting plate to partly prevent engagement of the hook-and-pile sections.

Abstract: A shock absorbing strap cover is made of a resilient pad having a mounting portion for mounting the strap cover to a strap. The pad includes surfaces defining contact face on one side and a non-contact face on the opposing side. The non-contact face faces toward the strap and the contact face faces away from the strap when the strap cover is mounted thereon. The pad is made up of cushion members that are located side-by-side to one another. The cushion members are compressible and cushion any loads applied through the strap.

Abstract: Known protective helmets used for motorcycle riding, flying and snowmobiling employ transparent visors that have heating elements to reduce and attempt to eliminate the build-up of ice, condensation and fog. A double-lensed face shield is provided with a pair of electrodes formed on an inner face lens, in the air pocket formed between the inner face lens and the outer weather lens. Substantially across one entire surface of the inner face lens is formed an electroconductive film. An upper electrode extends from a first end along an upper margin of the inner face lens on the film to a second end. On the opposite lower margin extends on the film a lower electrode from a first end to a second end. An insulated contact passes from one side of the inner lens to the other and connects the first end of the lower electrode with a conductor which extends on the opposite side of the inner lens towards the first end of the upper electrode.

Abstract: A modified football helmet has an inner cap attached by elastic straps to the inside of the helmet shell providing a space above the cap. The helmet is further modified incorporating a rigid collar extending outwardly from the bottom of the helmet which has a lower surface positioned a distance above two upright post members extending upwardly from the rigid shoulder pads.

Abstract: An expandable baseball hat and cover adapted to expand and conform to differently shaped heads or protective devices. The hat includes a first flexible material which has an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge to form a skirt portion. The inner surface of the first material is provided with two tab members, each of which has coacting fastening means for releasable engagement with each other. The tab elements are engaged to gather the flexible material for a snug, conformed fit to the wearer's head. The expandable hat can be used in combination with a rigid shell, such as a batting helmet. The expandable hat is fitted over the shell for the skirt to snugly engage the peripheral edge of the shell without other fastening means. The skirt and inner surface of the shell are provided with second coacting fastening means in registration for releasable engagement.

Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet is disclosed and is constructed from a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: An earfoil (2) is used with a helmet (4) having a chin strap (6) which passes in front of the ear (30) and under the chin. The earfoil includes a wind deflecting, sound-permeable earfoil body (22) sized to cover the user's ear. The front edge (44) of the earfoil body is secured to the chin strap and lies against the user's head. The upper edge (46) of the earfoil body is secured to the lower circumferential edge (52) of the helmet just above the user's ear. These attachments are such that the earfoil body overlies the rear flange (56) of the user's ear while the rearward edge (62) of the earfoil body is spaced apart from the ear flange. This permits eddy current airflow to occur about the ear flange to enhance cooling even while the earfoil body directs airflow away from the concha (28) of the user's ear. The invention provides for a reduction in personally heard wind noise with enhanced eddy current cooling.

Abstract: A baseball batter's helmet has a face guard mounted thereonto by ferrules extending through ear holes in the ear flaps of the helmet body. The face guard portion has an upper bar that engages the bill to hold the face guard in place on the helmet.

Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet and method of constructing same includes a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: A buckle device for temporarily fastening at least two straps together, the device having a base unit and an arm rotatably mounted on the base unit. The arm has a strap engagement part with a protuberance thereon, the arm being movable from a locked position to an open position, the arm in its locked position forcing the at least two straps into engagement with each other between the engagement part and the base unit. The arm is movable to an open position wherein the engagement part is rotated away from the straps so that the straps are free to move relative to each other and relative to the device.

Abstract: Crash-helmet for cyclists and sportspeople includes a cap of moulded rigid material and at least two fasteners to hold the chin-strap to the cap. The fasteners are constituted by a small frame made by an isosceles triangle section, dihedron-bent at 90.degree., provided with suitable holders and by a strap-holding bar, suitable to be fitted into and stably held between the holder.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet inclueds 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 high performance sport safety helmet. The helmet is formed by an outer shell adapted for fitting upon a wearer's head, with a frontal periphery defining a centrally arched portion forming a front opening exposing the face and a major portion of the forehead of the wearer. The shell further has a base periphery defining an arcuate base opening for receiving the wearer's neck. A flexible resilient expandable front band is secured to and extends across the front opening of the shell with a substantial portion of the band lying below the centrally arched portion. The band snugly engages and substantially completely covers the forehead of the wearer. An articulated shell liner is secured to and covers the inner surface of the shell. The liner is partially separable and non-detachable from the shell. A visor is pivotally secured to the shell and nestable between the shell and the shell liner for selectively shielding the front opening of the shell.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet and communication device for use by children. The invention includes a bicycle helmet having a notch extending from a boundary edge upwardly toward a crown portion. A sleeve is positioned within, and affixed to, the notch. A communication module having an adjustable slide, an earpiece, an antenna, and a boom having a microphone is positioned proximal to the notch for positioning, and adjustably attaching, the slide to the sleeve. The adjustable engagement between the slide and sleeve permits the positioning of the earpiece over the ear and the microphone proximal to the mouth of a child wearing the bicycle helmet and communication device. A power module having a transmitter and a receiver is remotely attached to the communication module by a cable. The power module is adapted for engagement to a user's belt. The microphone is connected to the transmitter which is voice activated by an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a neck brace for protecting the user during vigorous activities. The neck brace has an elongated non-stretchable, flexible strap carrying a T-shaped pin on one end thereof. An eye bracket is fixedly attached to a helmet of the user, the opening in the bracket allowing to engage the pin of the strap therein. The second end of the strap is secured to the body harness of the user and, the strap is stretched tight to prevent dislocation of the users muscles and neck bones during the activities. As a result, the user can bend his head slightly downward but not so much as to force his head down on to his chest.

Abstract: A helmet removal device for removing a helmet from a head of a wearer without applying tensile forces on the neck of the wearer. The removal device includes a bladder disposed between the helmet and the top of the head with the bladder so constructed and arranged that upon inflation from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, the bladder at least partially displaces the head from within the helmet. The removal device may also include an inserting tool for inserting the bladder between the helmet and head while the helmet is being worn.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a device for aiding the teaching and training techniques for hitting a baseball accommodating different initial head position and batting style, comprising: a helmet fitted with a mercury switch connected to a motor; a nulling circuit which sets the positional angle of the mercury switch, a tone generator control which activates a tone generator and notifies the batter; two magnetic switches located on each side of the helmet; and, a magnet located on the batter's shirt and a power supply.

Abstract: A protective helmet for bicycles has a skeletal outer body of impact-resistant and impact-absorbing hard synthetic resin and a cushion cap within this body which substantially completely encloses the cranium of the wearer and bridges spaces between the relatively narrow bands from which the skeletal outer body is constituted. The bands include a chin band forming a ring with a occipital band, a frontal band bridging across the chin band and a saggital band centrally connecting the frontal band and the occipital band.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a protective sports headgear that comprises a helmet, an intermediate adapter fixed to the helmet and a visor shield hingedly connected to the adapter at opposite sides thereof. A pin mounted on the visor shield engages a locking element on the adapter, the locking engagement being manually releasable allowing the visor shield to be pivotally lifted over the forehead and the top of the helmet. The visor shield also includes an adjustment member enabling various positions of the visor shield relative to the helmet. A chin cup is hingedly mounted to the lower part of the visor shield.

Abstract: A football helmet motion restrictor is provided which can be adjusted to vary its size, and does not reduce the size of the neck opening of the shoulder pads to which the motion restrictor is mounted.

Abstract: Protective head gear is described which is suitable for use in martial arts activities. The protective head gear has four main components which provide increased protection to vulnerable parts of the head and neck. The main components are 1) a head mask, 2) a face guard for protecting facial areas, 3) a neck guard for protecting the back of the neck and 4) a cap for protecting the top of the head.

Abstract: A helmet has attached to its lower rim an inflatable bag which normally is folded so as not to restrict normal head and neck movements of the wearer but on inflation will fill the gap between the helmet rim and shoulders of a wearer. Carried by the helmet and preferably packed with the bag is a package including a conventional gas generator, igniter and battery. A switch to operate the igniter is located on the crown area of the exterior surface of the helmet and is closable on an impact with a predetermined force on the crown of the helmet. When closed the bag is almost instantaneously inflated and fills the gap to transfer most if not all of the impact force to the shoulders and relieve the cervical spine of a damaging axial compressive force. In another version, shoulder pads are provided in which there is an attachment in the form of an inflatable bag on the inner rim encircling the neck of the wearer.

Abstract: A neck and spine protection device comprised of a helmet for head protection, pads for shoulder protection and a fluid dampening mechanism. The fluid dampening mechanism is connected between the helmet and pads. The fluid dampening mechanism has limits at either end to limit hyper-flexion and hyper-extension injuries of the neck and spine in sudden impact situations.

Abstract: A helmet for use with a bicycle, motorcycle or other vehicle. In one embodiment, a duct is located at each side of the helmet, and used for the dual functions of drawing air from the interior of the helmet and channeling ambient sounds inside the helmet where the sounds can be heard by a user. Sounds may be enhanced by the use of microphones, speakers, and other electronic equipment. The side ducts extend to the rear of the helmet and help to reduce drag and turbulence-induced vibration due to air flow. In another embodiment, separate air and sound ducts are located at each side of the helmet. The separate air and sound ducts function more efficiently because air and sound waves pass through different inlet ports and openings in the helmet. Breakaway joints may be used for the helmet.

Abstract: A protective head gear for both male and female amateur wrestlers that is light in weight, easy to put on and take off, and provides excellent protection against ear damage during a match by providing resilient ring-shaped foam ear protectors. The head gear is formed of a nylon netting material and covers substantially the entire scalp. Pockets on either side have resilient oval ring-shaped foam pads that cover and protect the ears. A very secure chin strap is provided by a bifurcated strap having hook and loop material on either inside surface that mates with and pinches a double sided hook and loop strap between the bifurcated straps. Portions of the head gear covering the top of the head can be left open to provide further ventilation. An optional protective foam pad at the front of the head gear provides protection against head butts.

Abstract: A combination helmet and body protection device for use in sports such as American football and other hazardous activities such as driving, cycling, hockey, riot control, and fire fighting to protect the human body from potentially crippling forces applied to the head and upper body, comprising an upper torso section having internal padding attached thereto, an outer helmet which can be securely connected to the upper torso section so that the outer helmet cannot rotate with respect thereto and which can be easily removed from the upper torso section, and an inner helmet section which fits securely on the wearer's head and which allows rotation of the wearer's head inside the outer helmet section.

Abstract: A safety helmet comprises hard internal and external shells and a shock-absorbent insert. The internal shell forms at its lower edge and on the outside thereof an upwardly-opening trough in which the insert is inserted. The free edge of the trough joins with the lower edge of the external shell above the bottom of the trough. The two shells, together with the insert, form ventilation openings which are lined by portions of the two shells. The main portion of the internal shell is embedded into the soft-bodied insert, so that it is mainly the insert that contacts the wearer's head, but for the rim portion thereof where the internal shell still surrounds the bottom edge of the insert.

Abstract: A protective helmet having dome-shaped body means, the combination comprising a retention strap associated with the body means; and a first cavity in the body means in which a substantial length of the strap is stored in position to be pulled out of the cavity for use in retaining the helmet to the head of a user.

Abstract: An adjustable high/low hook-up chin strap for an athletic helmet, wherein a pair of continuous straps having adjustable fasteners are fixedly connected to a chin cup. One of the straps is provided with a pair of spaced, longitudinally extending slits through which extend end portions of the other strap to provide a cross-over at each end of the chin cup. The slits are dimensioned to allow the other strap to slidably move therein through at least a .+-.35.degree. arc so that the adjustable fasteners thereon can be connected to the high hook-ups in the helmet regardless of their lower or higher position relative to the lower hook-ups, ups, and each strap can be independently tightened with its respective adjustable fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle helmet, including a cap body comprised of a shell and a shock absorbing liner fitted to an inner surface of the shell, and a longitudinally extending air duct which is provided in a wall of of the cap body, such that the inside of the cap body can be ventilated through the air duct, wherein at least a portion of the shock absorbing liner is divided into an outer layer on the side of the shell, and an inner layer superposed on an inner surface of the outer layer, the inner and outer layers having recessed grooves provided in opposed surfaces thereof to define an air duct, the inner layer having a vent hole. Thus, air-stream flowing into the air duct can flow at a high rate without any leakage, thereby reliably performing a ventilation of the inside of the cap body.

Abstract: A method of locating properly and comfortably a protective helmet on the head of a person. A fit, locating and comfort band is mounted around the persons head, namely adjacent the ears and the back of the head and over the forehead. Thereafter, a protective plastic helmet having a foam lining is mounted over the band as a separate and distinct operation. The method further comprises employing a harness above the band to aid in keeping it in place while the helmet is subsequently mounted, and to protect the top of the head from discomfort caused by a central foam element of the helmet. The apparatus comprises the band and harness and helmet employed in combination with each other, but with no need for the band or harness to be connected to the helmet. In accordance with another aspect of the method and apparatus, an inflatable bladder is employed to aid in maintaining the band and helmet in the desired positions.

Abstract: A cyclist helmet comprises a molded helmet body defining a recessed interior for receiving therein the head of the cyclist and a tail portion through which an air passage is formed with a first opening on the top surface of the helmet and a second opening located on the underside of the tail portion to allow air to flow therethrough and thus creating a negative pressure zone under the tail portion which provides a suction to exhaust the air inside the helmet interior. A fastening strip is provided to secure the helmet on the head of the cyclist.

Abstract: Bicycle helmet apparatus includes a visor which is removable and adjustable relative to the visor. The helmet includes three patches of fastening material and the visor includes three patches of mating material. The visor is preferably secured to the helmet at the three locations and may be pivoted or oriented relative to the visor by varying the locations at which the patches on the visor are connected to the fixed patches on the helmet. The visor is completely removable from the helmet, if desired.

Abstract: Boxing goggles include a unitary housing, having a resilient band mounted to side walls of the housing, with through-extending apertures directed through the housing extending from the rear wall through the front wall. The resilient housing structure is arranged to accommodate impact directed to the housing during a boxing procedure.

Abstract: Effective support of the head and neck during high impact accidents or rapid or sudden acceleration or deceleration of riders of motorcycles, skimobiles, jet skis and power boats, is provided by a cervical protection system having a gas-filled bag (110) rapidly deployable from a collar (105) disposed around the base of a helmet (101). When deployed, the bag (110) extends to the mid-sternal area anteriorly, to approximately the fourth or fifth thoracic vertebrae posteriorly, and laterally on the shoulders to a point approximately mid-way between the sternomastoid muscle group and the lateral tip of the scapula, and holds the wearer's head in slight extension to mitigate physical harm. Also, a deployable cervical collar which is removably mounted to a helmet. The collar deployable before or after impact.

Abstract: A protective helmet having a dome-shaped body and air vent structure in the body comprising a body consisting of molded, synthetic resin sections, a first the section having relatively higher density and a second the section having relatively lower density; the first section extending in strengthening adjacency to the second section, laterally of the vent structure.

Abstract: A detachable decoration system including a first releasably interlockable fastener permanently connected to an article to be decorated and second releasably interlockable fastener permanently connected to a decoration adapted to selectively interlock with the first fastener. Once the interlockable fasteners are disengaged, the decoration is wholly disconnected from the article, thus permitting the article to be washed without damaging the decoration.

Abstract: A protective plastic insert is provided for a conventional golf cap. The insert is substantially hemispherical and is engagable within the cap. The cap is size adjustable. The insert adapts to the size change of the cap. Thus a single size insert fits most golf caps. The shape and hardness of the plastic protect the wearer against the impact of a stray golf ball.

Abstract: A helmet has attached to its lower rim an inflatable bag which normally is folded so as not to restrict normal head and neck movements of the wearer but on inflation will fill the gap between the helmet rim and shoulders of a wearer. Carried by the helmet and preferably packed with the bag is a package including a conventional gas generator, igniter and battery. A switch to operate the igniter is located in the crown area of the helmet and is closable on an impact with a predetermined force on the crown of the helmet. When closed the bag is almost instantaneously inflated and fills the gap to transfer most if not all of the impact force to the shoulders and relieve the cervical spine of a damaging axial compressive force. In another version, the attachment is a rigid padded ring conforming to the contour of the lower rim or base of the helmet and the lower part of the face guard, if any.

Abstract: Support portions are integrally molded on an inner surface of a helmet shell made of synthetic resin for supporting folded-back portions of a chin belt, and belt holes, through which the chin belt is passed, are provided in a shock-absorbing liner in correspondence to the support portions. Thus, the chin belt can be simply attached to a cap body without use of any separate support plate and rivet, thereby providing a cost reduction and a better external appearance.

Abstract: Impact protective headgear is disclosed wherein impact protection to the brain case of the skull is at least in part provided by a molded skull enclosing component composed of a relatively thick and stiff cellular polymer material. Provisions are disclosed by which the relatively stiff molded component is rendered size adjustable.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved aerodynamic helmet. The helmet has a continuous aerodynamic curvilinear front, side and top surfaces whereby the fluid flowing over and around the sides of the helmet flows in a substantially continuous flow direction from the forward curved area aft of a straight area at the greatest width or largest transverse dimensions of the helmet after leaving the surface influence thereof.

Abstract: A helmet has a generally dome shaped helmet body with inner and outer sides and a lower edge extending generally in the shape of a loop; an elongated reinforcement member is embedded in the helmet to extend proximate the looping lower edge portion; that member may have band shape; and additional such band shaped reinforcement members may extend within the dome shape of the helmet. Openings may be provided through the body to pass retention straps, a first strap holder configured to be supported at and by the outer side of the helmet, the holder attached to at least one strap that extends through one of the openings, and the holder operable to transmit strap tension to the helmet. The holder typically holds two strap ends, and defines slots through which the straps pass for adjustable retention by the holder.

Abstract: A visored cap-type protective helmet for a bicyclist or the like is formed of a spherical fabric head shell defined by an outer fabric body and a matching spherical inner lining. Circumferentially spaced, generally radial fold lines join the outer fabric body to the inner lining and formed circumferentially adjacent, separate, sector shaped, arcuate pockets. Soft protective foam plastic pads sized to and of correspondingly sector shape fill the pockets. A visor integrated to the head shell at a circumferential bottom edge projects outwardly at the front of the helmet. A latching strip having one end fixedly mounted to a pocket at the front of the unit detachably fastens to a pocket at the rear of the head shell to permit the unit to be employed as a pouch for carrying articles and permitting the visor, when folded in, to be captured within the same pocket.