Abstract: An improved headgear includes an outer shell and an inner liner providing a head receiving cavity. A headband has a forward portion and lateral portions secured to the inner liner and a rearward portion extending rearwardly of said lateral portions. A first vent aperture is centrally formed in the outer shell. A second vent aperture is centrally formed in the inner liner. Third vent apertures are formed in the inner liner in spaced relationship with the second vent aperture.

Abstract: A head and neck protection system includes a head protector, a shoulder protector, and a neck guard for protecting an athlete from injury. The neck guard detachably connects between the head protector and the shoulder protector and includes a collar. The collar has a first edge and a second edge spaced apart from the first edge and longer than the first edge. The first and second edges include fasteners for detachably coupling the collar between the head protector and the shoulder protector. The collar has a perimeter that flares radially outwardly as the collar extends from the head protector to the shoulder protector. The collar interconnects the head protector with the shoulder protector to form a restraint that limits displacement of the head protector relative to the shoulder protector.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device for being worn by a driver while operating a high performance vehicle in which the device controls the driver's head from snapping forward and downwards during a frontal vehicular crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver. The straps are adapted for being connected to the driver's helmet and for being anchored to either the vehicle's seat belt assembly and/or to the driver's legs. The restraint device itself does not inhibit the driver from exiting the vehicle as exiting may occur after simply unlatching the vehicle's seat belt assembly. Moreover, since the restraint device is neither rigid nor bulky the driver may quickly exit the vehicle without being restricted by the device.

Abstract: An adjustable sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet includes a shell, a padding assembly and an adjustment assembly. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The padding assembly has at least two spaced apart adjustment points. The adjustment assembly includes a guide, a strap and at least one adjusting member. The guide is operably coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The strap has a first portion connected to the guide and a second portion releasably connected to the outer surface of the helmet. The adjusting member is operably engaged to the guide and is connected to the adjustment points of the padding assembly.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a convex shaped helmet 20 for encompassing the back of the head 14 of a user 18 having adjustable retaining straps 22, 24 extending across the front and the top of the head 14. The helmet 20 is positioned engaging the back 12 of the head 14 with an adjustable strap extending across the forehead 22 along with an additional adjustable strap 24 extending medially from the first strap engaging the helmet at its distal end. The straps 22, 24 prevent shifting of the helmet 20 during use. The helmet 20 is comprised of an external shell manufactured from an impact resistant material and has an interior layer of a compressible material 30 to engage the wearer's head 14. Means for adjusting 28 the straps 22, 24 are also provided.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A protective head gear includes a protective portion for covering at least part of the back of a user's head. A headband strap is included for extending from the protective portion at the back of the user's head to the user's forehead to hold the protective portion in place at the back of the user's head.

Abstract: A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer during sporting activities, comprising a protective shell, vents formed in the protective shell, and a shutter plate positioned within the protective shell. The shutter plate has apertures conforming in dimension and position to the vent openings so that that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the vents when the shutter plate is in a first position. The shutter plate is selectively moveable so that the vents are opened or closed.

Abstract: A mask for protecting the face and neck of a person while fencing comprises a mask body including a face piece 10 for protecting the face of the wearer, a neck covering member 15 for protecting the neck of a wearer and retaining means comprising a first strap 20 extending rearwardly and downwardly from an upper portion of the mask body, a second 21 member extending rearwardly from a first side of the mask body, a third strap 22 extending rearwardly from a second side of the mask body opposite said first side, a connecting member 23 being provided at the intersection of the first, second and third strap or harness members, each of said first, second and third strap or harness members being connected to said connecting member 23, the connecting member 23 comprising a dished plate-like member having first, second and third apertures therein, through which apertures are respectively received a respective end of the first, second and third straps.

Abstract: A helmet restraint device for operationally securing a helmet worn by a driver, pilot, or occupant of a high-performance vehicle (such as a racecar, aircraft, or boat) to the vehicle's seat belt assembly. The helmet restraint device reduces potentially injurious forces to the occupant's head and neck during high-deceleration of the vehicle, particularly a frontal collision. The helmet restraint device includes a high strength, lightweight rod disposed behind and below the occupant's neck, just beneath the shoulder harness, and a strap that attaches between the occupant's helmet and the rod. The strap is connected to the helmet via attachments in the helmet and a cable assembly so as to allow the occupant's head to move freely from side to side.

Abstract: A protective headgear, such as a baseball catcher's mask, is disclosed. The protective headgear includes a shell, a cage, padding, and a strap/harness device. The shell includes a flared jaw area providing protection to the player/wearer's jaw. The cage includes a throat protection portion that extends downward, past the shell, and a flared ear portion, flaring away from the wearer's face, which keeps balls in front of the player/wearer. Padding is strategically placed inside the chin and forehead areas for protection. The protective headgear is designed to be used with a separate catcher's skull helmet. The strap/harness device is used to connect the protective headgear to the separate catcher's skull helmet.

Abstract: A helmet has shock absorbing devices mounted to the sides thereof and extending to a pair of shoulder pads. The shock absorbing devices are connected by tubing to a pilot-operated valve, which allow a free movement of the helmet in a normal mode. An impact on the helmet, however, causes a rise in pressure inside the shock absorbing devices and their tubing, and activates the valve to block the flow of fluid through the tubing, thereby stiffening the shock absorbing devices and transmitting the impact force to the shoulders of the player.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable helmet comprising a first and second shell portion adjustably connected together. Each shell features a smooth interference-free sliding surface on which the two shells fit together in an overlapping relationship. The two shells are locked together by a manually operable locking device adapted to engage corresponding anchoring holes. The smooth interference-free sliding surfaces allows easy adjustment of the helmet size.

Abstract: New lightweight wrestler headgear comprises an inner soft plastic cushion for contact with the wearer and an outer hard shell having a plurality of swirling or sweeping curved protrusions intended to suggest the swirling clouds of a tornado. In the depressions or valleys between the swirls are a large number of vent holes that effectively remain uncovered for good hearing regardless of the activity during a wrestling match. The inner cushion and outer shell are peripherally shaped with concave outer edges between locations where straps are attached to the inner cushion and outer shell. Because of the novel peripheral shapes and the protruding swirls the outer shell can be made exceptionally light and strong with little impairment of hearing.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse includes a hard shell portion. The hard shell portion is constructed so as to provide protection to a wearer's head. The inner side of the hard shell portion includes a lining portion that is secured thereto. A chin strap portion is includes for attachment to the hard shell portion at a plurality of attachment points. The hard shell portion includes a ledge portion that extends generally forwardly therefrom. A visor portion is secured to the hard shell portion and overlies the ledge portion. A facemask portion is secured to both the hard shell portion and the ledge portion in order to improve the structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet (10), especially a sports and recreational activities safety or protective helmet, having eye gear or goggle fastening means which properly position the eye gear and inhibit or prevent the eye gear from moving too far towards the rear of the helmet. More specifically, the outer shell of the helmet of the present invention includes at least one, preferably two, eye gear strap retaining means such as webbing or side clips (20). A gap in the outer shell is formed, which gap is adapted to receive at least a portion of the strap of straps (41) of the eye gear (40) of goggles. Once the strap of straps are received in the gap, the eye gear is properly oriented toward the front of the helment and inhibited or prevented from slipping too far twards the rear of the helmet.

Abstract: The invention provides a protective collar (1) for use with a full-face crash helmet (2), particularly for use in motor sports. The collar (1) is at least partially formed from a resilient material that in use extends peripherally entirely around a user's neck. The collar (1) has a recess (9) in which a lower part of the crash helmet (2) is received and secured, and helmet retaining means (e.g loop-pile fastening strips) (14) are provided for retaining the helmet (2) within the recess (9). The recess (9) has an upwardly facing bottom surface (10) which abuts the lower part of the helmet (2) and a peripherally extending, inwardly facing wall surface (11) which extends upwardly from the bottom surface (10). The wall surface (11) closely fits against the lower part of the helmet (2) around the periphery of the helmet.

Abstract: An improved headgear includes an outer shell and an inner liner providing a head receiving cavity. A headband has a forward portion and lateral portions secured to the inner liner and a rearward portion extending rearwardly of said lateral portions. A first vent aperture is centrally formed in the outer shell. A second vent aperture is centrally formed in the inner liner. Third vent apertures are formed in the inner liner in spaced relationship with the second vent aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet includes a shell, a padding assembly and an adjustment assembly. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The padding assembly has at least two spaced apart adjustment points. The adjustment assembly includes a guide, a strap and at least one adjusting member. The guide is operably coupled to the inner surface of the shell. The strap has a first portion connected to the guide and a second portion releasably connected to the outer surface of the helmet. The adjusting member is operably engaged to the guide and is connected to the adjustment points of the padding assembly.

Abstract: A load-diverting helmet contains an interface layer disposed between inner and outer helmet layers. The inner helmet layer is attached to a helmet retention system that can be used to hold the inner helmet layer to a wearer's head. When a tangential impact force is applied to the outer helmet layer, the interface layer allows the outer helmet layer to displace with respect to the inner helmet layer, thereby absorbing and/or diverting forces that would be transferred in a conventional helmet design to the wearer's head and neck as rotational acceleration.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: An occupant helmet protection system usable with an occupant helmet and a seat belt system, the seat belt system of the type including at least a first and a second shoulder belt, each of which when worn is positioned to lie across a respective shoulder of an occupant, the helmet occupant protection system including an energy absorbing, flexible tether having a first end operatively connected to the helmet in alignment with an effective center of gravity of the combined helmet and the occupant's head, the tether including a second end connected to a tether anchor point; a frame member loosely supported about the shoulders of the occupant and including a center or tower portion, the center or tower portion having a tether guide means for changing the direction of the tether and providing a low friction surface for the tether, the tether guide means located in alignment with or slightly above a first plane, which passes through the effective center of gravity of the head-helmet combination and the tether-h

Abstract: A method of fabricating ball protective mask includes (1) aluminum extrusion: the aluminum extruded structure has a suitably shaped outer ring frame and densely packed hollow holes so that the cross section thereof forms a grid-like structure, two sides thereof being provided with lugs; (2) slicing; (3) deburring by punching; (4) punch forming: the slice is punched to form a curved mask to accomplish an inchoate form of the mask; (5) subjecting the mask to heat treatment to obtain a product with satisfactory surface hardness.

Abstract: Present invention relates to retention system in sport helmets, having a strap with a concave under chin oval protective trauma device embodiment, attached and member to chinstrap of helmet. A horizontal Velcro strap having a curved concave under occipital protuberance protective trauma device embodiment, which is attached and member to rear distal Y lateral straps of helmet. Straps with protective trauma devices attach to helmet retention system by Velcro opposite ends fastening means. Protective trauma device is made of plastic, rubber, polyethylene, semi rigid material, with sufficient strength and elasticity to absorb the downward trauma of the chin being compressed into the chest area or the backward flexion of the head which causes compression of cervical vertebra and disc damage, due to a fall or life-threatening impact sport accident.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air mask for a helmet of a motorcycle which is selectively detachable by a user of a helmet for protecting a user's head when a user rides a motorcycle, snowmobile, bicycle, etc.

Abstract: A sports helmet for providing a user with a protective sports helmet that would include features such as an mp3 player, a radio, and a cellular telephone. The sports helmet includes a body member that is adapted for receiving a portion of the head of the user. The body member is adapted for protecting the head of the user from impacts. A strap assembly is coupled to the body member. The strap assembly is adapted for extending around a chin of the user for securing the body member to the head of the user. A communication assembly is coupled within the body member. The communication assembly is adapted for providing audio signals to the user when the body member is positioned on the head of the user.

Abstract: A football training aid including a device that detachably connects a football player's helmet to the player's shoulder pads, thereby and reducing the tendency and/or ability of the player to lower his head while wearing said device. The exemplary embodiment of the device provides a substantially “T” shaped piece of vinyl, polyurethane, or other resilient material in a length adequate to connect the rear portion of the helmet to a rear portion of the shoulder pads. The present invention also includes several attachment methods for attaching the training device to the helmet and shoulder pads, including VELCRO® strips and a plurality of snaps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective headgear for use by wrestlers and other athletes who require protective covers for their ears during practice and contests. The headgear provides shock absorbency and protection for the ears and forehead in an easily adjustable and comfortable device that is also reversible from a first color to a second color and meets the requirements of international wrestling rules as promulgated by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a helmet which includes a shell portion, a liner portion which is in the interior part of the helmet, and an insert portion which is embedded in the liner portion. The insert portion includes a mounting portion for one or more accessories, such as chin straps, side flaps, padding, and the like. The mounting liner provides structural integrity to the protective helmet, provides sufficient impact attenuation properties, and allows various items to be attached to the protective helmet, while still allowing the outer shell to be of lightweight construction. In one aspect, side portions about the ear are coupled to the insert portion. The side portions are rigid to provide support for side eyewear retaining portions that hold an eyewear elastic portion at the side of the helmet, thus preventing the eyewear from sliding off while resting atop the helmet.

Abstract: A face guard for a sport helmet, such as a rigid, protective baseball batting helmet or football helmet, is provided with one or more resilient couplings that permit the face guard grid to be attached to the helmet at ear hole openings in the side flaps of the helmet. The resilient couplings have one or more radial, annular channels defined therein. At least one of these channels is of a size to fit snugly within the confines of a side flap ear opening on the helmet. The structure of the resilient coupling thereby defines a resiliently compressible helmet attachment flange for insertion through an ear opening in one of the ear flaps of the helmet and a resiliently compressible mounting clip attachment flange for insertion into the helmet attachment opening of the mounting clip. The face guard may thereby be releaseably coupled to and detached from the sport helmet without any modification to the helmet whatsoever and in a manner that protects the helmet from damage.

Abstract: A helmet construction for protecting a user's head, and the brain within the cranium from impact forces, includes a shell contoured to the shape of the user's head, with cushioning along at least part of the shell interior and a chinstrap. The shell consists of three (or more) discrete panels that are physically and firmly coupled together providing rigid protection under most circumstances, but upon impact the panels move relative to one another, but not relative to the user's head, thereby permitting impact forces to be dissipated and/or redirected away from the cranium and brain within. Upon impact to the helmet, there are sequential stages of movement of the panels relative to each other, these movements initially being recoverable, but with sufficient vector forces the helmet undergoes structural changes in a pre-determined fashion, so that the recoverable and permanent movements cumulatively provide a protective ‘crumple zone’ or ‘shear zone’.

Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse includes a hard shell portion. The hard shell portion is constructed so as to provide protection to a wearer's head. The inner side of the hard shell portion includes a lining portion that is secured thereto. A chin strap portion is includes for attachment to the hard shell portion at a plurality of attachment points. The hard shell portion includes a ledge portion that extends generally forwardly therefrom. A visor portion is secured to the hard shell portion and overlies the ledge portion. A facemask portion is secured to both the hard shell portion and the ledge portion in order to improve the structural integrity of the helmet.

Abstract: A protective sports hat insert device is disclosed. The device is a moulded compound insert utilizing reinforced fibres as the preferred embodiment as the outer shell or unreinforced fibres as secondary choice (18) (41a) (41b) (48a) (48b) (55a) (55b) with either a flexible inner shell or a rigid inner shell (19) (42a) (42b) (49a) 49b) 56a) (56b) utilizing high-density foam or an air management system with slits or holes (4a) (4b) punctured along the top. The shells are hemispherical and have a removable cloth liner (20) (43a) (43b) (50a) (50b) (57a) (57b) to add comfort. Resilient spacers (7b) provide comfort and a better fit. A retention strap (25a) (32) (33) secures the device to the head. An identification decal (25e) denotes the hat is a safety-approved device and visibly identifies the wearer for safety from oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A goggle strap alignment and fastening guide is disclosed. The guide is secured to the sides of a helmet that might be used in an extreme sport, such as personal watercraft racing, snowboarding, and the like. The goggle strap guide comprises a base having a first side, which includes means, preferably an adhesive, for securing the guide to the outside of a helmet. The base has a second side, which has two legs with L-shaped cross-sections extending from opposed edges of the base towards each other to define therewith a partially open strap channel. A strap is received within the channel and the legs restrict up and down movement of the strap while permitting longitudinal movement of the strap within the channel. Preferably, the first side of the base is concave.

Abstract: A helmet, particularly a racing driver helmet for motorcycle drivers or automobile drivers, has a helmet shell which is lined on its interior side with a shock-absorbing material and which has a recess which forms a field of view for the wearer of the helmet, and has a chin bow extending below the field of view. On the interior side of the chin bow at least one pot-shaped recess is provided for receiving an indicating device.

Abstract: A goggle retention system which also acts as a sport protective headgear. The headgear takes the form of a main section which is to be placed on the occiput of a head from which extends a parietal section which is to be placed against the parietal of a head, Also, integrally connected to the main section is a right side section which is to be placed against the right side of a head and a left side section which is to be located against the left side of a head. The entire headgear is designed to retain goggles and be shock absorbing in order to protect the head of the wearer from shock that might occur during an athlete having a falling accident.

Abstract: A new football helmet includes: a jaw flap attached to the ear flap of the helmet, and the jaw flap overlies the sides of the lower jaw of football player; and a face guard connector which includes a shock absorbing member.

Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user engaged in activities such as soccer. Specifically, in the preferred mode, the device comprises a “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In either instance, the sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable. In the preferred mode, the inserts are polymeric and function to absorb and dissipate impact forces with which the user's head comes in contact. Importantly, the inserts may be strategically placed within the sweatband, such as in the areas most vulnerable to concussion or injury upon impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet with self-adjusting padding designed to adjust to various head sizes of individual wearers of the helmet. The protective helmet comprises a helmet shell having a interior surface, a first helmet pad, a second helmet pad, and at least one expandable band. Each of the first and second helmet pads comprise a first pad section attached to the interior surface of the helmet and a second pad section spaced away from the interior surface of the helmet. At least one expandable band is attached to each of the second pad sections.

Abstract: Protective headgear configured for protection of a portion of a wearer's head, including a resilient outer shell, a layered composite liner including a multiplicity of deformable layers, each layer having a different stiffness than adjacent layers, and wherein a layer has a higher stiffness than that of adjacent layers on either side, and a retention system configured to resist upward/rearward rotation of the headgear with respect to the wearer's head to expose the forehead, due to hydrodynamic or aerodynamic forces.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet, particularly a cyclist's helmet having at least one longitudinal spar which is intended to be positioned above the parting, two end pieces one of which is intended to be positioned above the forehead and the other one above the back of the head. Guides between the end pieces and the longitudinal spar which are aligned approximately in parallel with the parting. Two lateral elements which are intended to be positioned above the temples, guides between the end pieces and the lateral elements which are aligned obliquely to the parting, and an adjusting and/or locating device for the relative position of the longitudinal spar, end pieces, and lateral elements.

Abstract: A breathing mask is provided for a helmet which reduces the formation of water on the lens of the eyeglasses of the wearer or on the shield of the helmet. The helmet comprises a head portion, a shield portion, and a breathing mask. The shield portion comprises a jaw shield and an eye shield. The breathing mask is hermetically adapted to the face of the wearer to evacuate the wearer's breath outside the helmet through breathing channels. The jaw shield can be pivotally opened or closed and is locked to the head portion in the closed position. The eye shield is pivotally connected to the head portion and includes a see-through shield and a tinted shield. The tinted shield can be lowered inside the helmet to protect the wearer from sun rays and reflexions.

Abstract: The SonicDome is a ski hat containing internal headphone speakers. An internal connecting wire drops down from the hat. At the end of that wire is a stereo mini-plug that can connect to most portable listening and viewing devices (CD Walkmans, MP3 players, small TVs). By combining two widely used items—headphones and headgear, the SonicDome will allow the wearer to enjoy music, books on tape, television, etc., while partaking in outdoor activities in cold weather.

Abstract: A helmet device incorporating both increased peripheral vision characteristics as well as retaining sufficient rigidity and durability. A three dimensionally shaped and interiorly hollowed helmet shell is adapted to being placed upon a head of a wearer and includes an extending forward surface defining a forward facial opening. First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces define first and second peripheral openings. The pairs of side surfaces communicate with specified locations of the forward surface and each extends along the sides of the helmet shell in a direction substantially towards a rear of the shell. A face guard includes elongate extending structural members securing along both the forward surface as well as the pairs of spaced apart side surfaces. The guard extends in a forward direction from the forward facial opening and protects a face of the wearer as well as providing reinforcing support to the shell.

Abstract: Protective headguards comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a means for releasably connecting the lateral ends of the front and rear panels. At least one and preferably both of the front and rear panels comprise layers of at least a shell, a shock absorbing liner and a comfort liner.

Abstract: A hockey helmet for receiving a head of a wearer, the head having a crown region, left and right temple regions, left and right side regions and an occipital region. The hockey helmet comprises a front portion facing the crown region and the left and right temple regions of the head and a rear portion facing the left and right side regions and the occipital region of the head. The hockey helmet also comprises an inflatable bladder mounted on the rear portion and adjacent to the occipital region of the head. The inflatable bladder is capable of applying pressure on the occipital region of the head for urging the front portion of the hockey helmet towards the crown region of the head when the helmet is placed on the head.

Abstract: A fit system positionable adjacent interior portions of a helmet and cranial surfaces of a cranium of a wearer of the helmet proximate the interior portions of the helmet for improving the fit of the helmet to the cranium. The system includes an elongate fluid impervious bladder having a first end including an inlet port in fluid communication with the bladder and a second end remote from the first end. The bladder defines a single continuous fluid flowpath between the first end and the second end for receiving fluid introducible into the bladder through the inlet port for expanding the bladder so that substantially the entire length of the bladder may be expanded to engage mutually facing portions of the cranium of the user and interior portions of the helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus worn by a driver or user of vehicle: The apparatus has a yoke with an aperture sized to receive a user's head. The head of the user passes through the aperture and the yoke rests on the user's shoulders. The apparatus has two pairs of adjustable juxtaposition elongated substantially L-shaped flanges. The first pair of elongated substantially L-shaped flanges is adjustably connected to a helmet and the second pair is adjustably connected to the yoke. The helmet and second pair of elongated substantially L-shaped flanges arcuately traverse the first pair of elongated substantially L-shaped flanges in the horizontal plane thereby permitting movement of the user's head in the horizontal plane with respect to the user's field of view but preventing movement of the user's head in the vertical plane with respect to the user's field of view.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of head and spine protection conceptually different from, and superior to, the traditional free-floating helmet concept, for use in high impact physical activities, such as such as football, hockey, lacrosse, motorcycling, downhill skiing, bobsledding/luge, cycling, snowmobiling, race car driving, factory/construction activities, firefighting, skydiving, and training/battlefield activities by the military and law enforcement officers. The head dome and connection system provides a clear or tinted, impact-proof, projectile-proof bubble over the head and neck, which is secured firmly to the wearer's shoulders and torso via a connection system of straps to a harness, or to the waistline/upper thighs. The head is protected from impact against the inside of the dome by a cushioned cap, secured in place with a chin strap.

Abstract: A protective headgear comprising a headband and two shield plates. In a back region, the headband and the shield plate extend down behind the user's ear towards a bottom region on a user's head. The shield plate has a bottom protective rim that is designed to cup underneath a user's skull to shield the base of the user's skull. In addition, both shield plates have a small gap between them so that they wrap around the user's head. Additional components can also be added to this headgear. For example, this headgear can also include a terry cloth in a front region to gather sweat or moisture from a user's forehead. In addition, two ear flaps can also be attached to the headgear to cover a user's ears. These earflaps are designed to keep the user warm in the winter. In addition, this headgear can be alternately opened and closed via a releaseable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener.