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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective ear guard which relies on an outer air cushion created between a semi-rigid inner shell and a resilient outer shell to provide a multi-level degree of shock absorbency and protection for the ears. The wearable structures comprising a pair of ear guards connected by a plurality of adjustable strap members are provided for particular use by wrestlers to protect their ears from injury due to contact with wrestling surface and other wrestlers.

Abstract: A method of protecting a helmet shell and interrupting airflow around a helmet utilizing an air flow interrupter and helmet shell protector strip. The strip is constructed so that it can be applied to a helmet after manufacture of the helmet shell itself. The strip includes an attachment mechanism which is generally an adhesive backing. This allows the strip to be easily removably affixed to the helmet surface. The attachment mechanism must have sufficient strength so that the strip does not separate from the helmet surface during normal use.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet that allows ventilation to a cyclist head. The helmet comprises a hard internal shell, a hard external shell, and a shock absorbing foam insert located between the internal and external shells. The helmet consists of a generally open concave structure having a number of fore and aft extending structural arms, transversely spaced from one another and merging with an annular bottom edge rim at both their fore and aft ends. Each structural arm forms a U-shape in cross-section, for reinforcing the helmet structure. The shock absorbing foam of the insert engages with the grooves formed by these cross-sectionally U-shape structural arms. Air ventilation passages are formed in between each pair of successive U arms, extending through corresponding openings in the shock absorbing insert and through the open mouth formed by the annular internal shell. The radius of curvature of the structural arms is greater than that of the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: Provided herein are articles of headwear which comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion, which collectively define a casing having an inner volume. The bottom portion is equipped with a removable closure means which has a flat surface to enable the headwear articles of the invention to rest in an upright position when placed on a flat surface. The headwear articles according to the invention have the dual function in that they are useful as feeders or shelters for small birds and other animals, and thus include at least one hole in either of the top portion, a right side portion, a left side portion, a front portion, and a rear portion to enable birds and/or small animals to enter the article when it is placed in a location where such small animals inhabit.

Abstract: An apparel adapted for use in a confined space as a protective headwear generally comprises a crown adapted for close conformation about a wearer's scalp and a protective element for safekeeping of the wearer's scalp from blunt trauma. The crown consists essentially of a soft fabric such as, for example, cotton and is preferably machine washable. The protective element, which is preferably substantially centrally positioned on an interior face of the crown, comprises a resiliently flexible material such as, for example, plastic. The protective element is shaped to disseminate the force of a potentially traumatic impact over a region of the wearer's scalp, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. A short bill is also affixed to a portion of the edge of the crown. According to the invention, this bill should extend no more than about two inches outward from the crown to prevent deflection of the apparel from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet that allows ventilation to a cyclist head. The helmet comprises a hard internal shell, a hard external shell, and a shock absorbing foam insert located between the internal and external shells. The helmet consists of a generally open concave structure having a number of fore and aft extending structural arms, transversely spaced from one another and merging with an annular bottom edge rim at both their fore and aft ends. Each structural arm forms a U-shape in cross-section, for reinforcing the helmet structure. The shock absorbing foam of the insert engages with the grooves formed by these cross-sectionally U-shape structural arms. Air ventilation passages are formed in between each pair of successive U arms, extending through corresponding openings in the shock absorbing insert and through the open mouth formed by the annular internal shell. The radius of curvature of the structural arms is greater than that of the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: A comfortable, self-adjusting, protective helmet made from a process of insert molding. The helmet comprises an armature or insert made of a porous material that is embedded in the layers of the helmet to connect the structural parts of the helmet to one another. The armature as used in the helmet also serves several other functions which include hinging and sizing. A retention system is strategically located on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. One embodiment of this invention is an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. A further embodiment of this invention includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

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

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device, worn by a driver when operating a high performance vehicle, which controls the driver's head from snapping forward and maintains the driver's head, neck and spine in general alignment in the event of a frontal crash. The device includes a pair of anchor straps that are worn along the back of the driver and have first end which connects to the driver's helmet by use of hooks and tethers, and second ends which extends between the driver's legs for connection to a seat belt assembly. A chest strap and a waist strap are attached to the anchor straps for keeping the anchor straps separated at a predetermined distance. When exiting the vehicle, the driver unlatches a standard vehicle seat belt assembly and the restraint device is simultaneously released from the vehicle. Since the restraint is neither rigid nor bulky, the driver can quickly exit the vehicle unrestricted by the device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mask for a team game is comprised of: heating an aluminum alloy mixed with copper and molybdenum at a temperature between 410° C. to 430° C. for three hours; cooling the alloy at a rate of about 30° C. per hour; cutting the alloy into straight or curved bars; heating the bars at a temperature between 450° C. to 550° C. for one and one half hours; quenching the bars in water after seven seconds have passed; heating the bars at a temperature between 100° C. to 150° C. for 18 hours; cooling in air; forming an unfinished mask by resistance brazing; and treating the unfinished mask to produce the finished mask by anodizing.

Abstract: A protective helmet face mask visor apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The apparatus is adapted to affix to the face mask of a protective helmet at a location where it is desired to impede the transmission of light. The apparatus includes an elongated strip of material that is adapted to transmit visible light and prevent transmission of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A sports helmet includes relatively wide and deep lateral reliefs in the helmet for improved peripheral vision for a person wearing the helmet, while a face guard is formed with a series of closely spaced lateral bars thereacross for precluding insertion of the fingers or hand therein. The present helmet and face guard are particularly well suited for use in the game of football, but may be adapted for use in other contact sports as well. The present helmet greatly improves safety by providing a wider field of view for a player using the helmet, and the present face guard greatly reduces the opportunity for opposing players to use the face guard for restraining or tackling players, thereby greatly reducing injuries and increasing safety during play.

Abstract: A protective chin strap device for use in securing a helmet to a wearer's head. The chin strap includes a hard outer shell, an inner member made of a self-supporting cushioned material and straps attached to the outer shell for securing the chin strap to a helmet. The inner member is secured with respect to the outer shell so as to contact the outer shell adjacent the wearer's chin yet form at least one cavity between the outer shell and inner member. This combination of elements serve to deflect impact forces applied to the chin strap and further serve to absorb and laterally dissipate those impact forces. The chin strap is comfortable to wear because the wearer's chin is cushioned by the inner member, because a soft liner is provided adjacent the wearer's skin to wick perspiration and moisture from the wearer's chin and because the chin strap is ventilated.

Abstract: A helmet fitting and comfort system includes an inflatable liner assembly attached to the inside of a shock attenuating member forming the inner surface of the helmet. The liner assembly is in the form of a low wave-like shape and extends between the sides of the head below the crown and around the rear. A substantially continuous upper elongated cell is formed by a liner membrane to engage the head along an engagement band in a snug fit when inflated. A lower cell extends substantially parallel to the upper cell and forms a lower band of engagement. The cells form a continuous inflation path around their ends where they are connected so that a center, inflated cross-over cell that can cause the helmet to lift up is eliminated. The bands are substantially uninterrupted to increase the holding forces on the user's head. A valve connected to one of the cells is used to activate the liner. The lower cell may include a divider with the valve positioned adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An integrated helmet illumination system and process for forming thereof is described. The system comprises a protective helmet, a substrate affixed to the helmet, and an electroluminescent lamp positioned between the substrate and the protective helmet. The substrate is configured be affixed to an exterior surface of the helmet to define a helmet outer shell. Also, the substrate is fabricated with a light-transmissive viewing area through which the illumination of the electroluminescent lamp is viewed. Additionally, the substrate can be formed out of a transparent light reflective material to reflect light incident upon the helmet outer shell.

Abstract: The mounting bracket of the present invention includes an integrally molded head portion and article attachment portion that are formed of a flexible plastic material. The head portion is shaped for insertion into a cavity that is molded into an EPS article of manufacture such as a bicycle helmet. The flexible plastic head portion expands upon insertion into the cavity, such that it engages sidewall portions of the cavity and resists pulling forces that tend to remove it from the cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the head portion is generally shaped like a ladder, having two side rails and a plurality of rung members disposed therebetween. The cavity formed within the EPS foam is shaped to receive the head portion in a collapsed configuration. After the collapsed head portion is inserted within the cavity, it expands such that the outer surfaces of the side rails are pressed against sidewall surfaces of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight protective helmet having an improved ventilation system therein. The protective helmet comprises an outer shell and an inner liner that are joined together to form a shell/liner composite. The ventilation system interacts with one or more ventilation ports in the protective helmet to control the flow of ambient air in and out of the interior of the protective helmet. The ventilation system may be integrated or encased within the shell/liner composite, or it may be adapted to be used on the exterior of the helmet. In addition, the ventilation system may include one of several types of interchangeable insert members to allow active or passive control of ambient air into the interior of the helmet.

Abstract: An improved helmet constructed with a rigid shell having a soft outer covering which absorbs impacts and disperses energy thereby protecting the wearer of the helmet, as well as protecting the impacting object. When used for contact sports such as football, this covering is effective in preventing injuries resulting when the helmet is used as a striking object. The covering may be applied in segmented pieces or as a continuous layer around the shell which forms a solid frame-like structure. A method of helmet construction formed from injecting polyurthane into a top vented split mold having a polycarbonate shell positioned within the mold wherein the process sandwiches the shell therebetween to provide an internal and external protective cushion. A face mask can also be covered with soft, durable covering and be mounted in such a manner to allow the covering to act as a shock absorber against sliding of the mask due to external forces.

Abstract: Auxiliary buffer envelope device for inner pad of safety helmet, including at least one attachable buffer envelope disposed on a section of the inner pad near the rear bottom edge thereof. The buffer envelope is filled in the gap between the rear side of the inner pad and the curve of the rear lower dented part of a user's skull. The buffer envelope enables a user to more snugly wear the helmet with better fixing and shakeproof effect. The buffer envelope reversely retain rear dented part of, the user's skull so as to more reliably prevent the helmet from detaching from the skull and provide a fixing and protective effect for the head of the user. The buffer envelope has simple structure and can be easily connected with the helmet.

Abstract: A folding safety helmet intended primarily for use by a cyclist has a top panel (10) and a pair of similar side panels (11, 12), each panel (10, 11, 12) being made of a plastics material. Each side panel (11, 12) is separately pivoted at its two ends to the end regions (16, 17) of the top panel (10) and a pair of straps (13, 14) is arranged to limit the relative separation of the side panels with respect to the top panel. The side panels (11, 12) may be moved between an opened-out configuration where the helmet is ready for wear, and a folded position where the majority of the side panels lies within the confines of the top panel (10), so greatly reducing the volume of the helmet and facilitating its storage when not in use.

Abstract: A protective cover made of absorbent, stretchable, high lubricity fabric for overlying cushioning frontal pads of helmets. The cover can absorb sweat and the high lubricity of the fabric will enable the helmet to be taken on and off numerous times without producing an abrasion on the wearer's skin.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the neck and spine of a user are provided. A neck and spinal protection apparatus is provided comprising a chest cover for fitting about a chest of a user. Moreover, a back cover fits about an upper back of the user and a shoulder cover fits about the user's shoulders and is connected to the chest and back cover. Furthermore, a head cover fits over a head of the user and is connected to the back cover. The head cover extends only about the upward and rearward periphery of a user and disperses a force associated with an impact to the head cover downward to the chest, back and shoulder covers in use.

Abstract: A helmet having an outer shell defining an inwardly facing surface extending to an edge of the shell, and a lining defining an outer surface acing the inwardly facing surface of the shell, an inner sue which in use faces the head of a person we the helmet, and an edge surface extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the lining adjacent the edge of the shell. A strap is secured to the outer shell and extends from between the inwardly facing surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the lining. Means such as a hook and loop fastening are provided for releasably attaching a portion of the strap immediately adjacent the lining to the edge surface of the lining, such that the strap adjacent the shell edge is pulled tows the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A helmet having ventilation for fog management and respiration. The helmet has a shell shaped to define a cavity for a wearer's head. A transparent shield is engaged with the shell. The shell and shield cooperate to fully enclose the wearer's head. The shield is moveable between an open and a closed position. The shield has a visor attached thereon and moveable therewith. The helmet has at least one first air inlet and first air outlet. The shell and the inner surface of the shield cooperate to define a first airflow path that enables air to enter through the first air inlet, flow across the inner surface of the shield to draw off moisture from inner surface of the shield to control fogging thereof, and exit through the first air outlet. The helmet also has at least one second air inlet and second air outlet.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting the neck and spine of a user are provided. A neck and spinal protection apparatus is provided comprising a chest cover for fitting about a chest of a user. Moreover, a back cover fits about an upper back of the user and a shoulder cover fits about the user's shoulders and is connected to the chest and back cover. Furthermore, a head cover fits over a head of the user and is connected to the shoulder and back covers, wherein the head cover is operable to disperse a force associated with an impact to the head cover downward to the chest, back, and shoulder covers.

Abstract: An improved retention mechanism for a bicycle helmet is provided. A helmet including a retention mechanism comprises a shell for protecting a head of a person and a fit system elastically coupled to the shell. The fit system comprises a bowl designed to fit an occipital region of the person's head and a hinge for coupling the fit system to the shell, the hinge permitting the fit system to move. The fit system further including a spring element for positioning the bowl against the occipital region of the person's head, to stabilize the helmet against the person's head.

Abstract: A protective headgear is provided that includes a pair of ear guards, each having generally crescent-shaped or kidney-shaped core. Preferably, a pattern of vent openings is provided in the core to connect the interior and exterior surfaces. A one-piece removable ear guard covering of a flexible material covers each ear guard. The covering has a core portion with vents that communicate with the vents on the core to allow a wearer to hear. The covering also includes a peripheral edge portion that extends between the core portion and a peripheral edge and covers the exterior surface of the core. The covering also includes an interior peripheral edge portion for extending about a portion of the interior surface of the core. A layer of cushioning material, preferably gel cushioning material, may be positioned along the interior surface of the peripheral edge of the cover.

Abstract: A two piece helmet with optional airbag is split along a vertical axis between the sides of the helmet to ease removal in the event of an injury. A series of aligned orifices in the helmet portions are joined by a removable cable. The cable ends are attached to each other to secure the helmet portions or to each of the helmet portions. The cable is accessed through removable panels that may also be used to tension the cable. Alternate means for joining the helmet portions include a series of lateral exterior latches opened by the cable. The helmet liner has two overlapping portions to minimize noise and improve weather sealing. An optional inflatable air bag is fitted to a lower perimeter of the helmet. A proximity sensing system will inflate the airbag when the vehicle is in motion and the helmet is displaced a certain distance from the vehicle.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet is disclosed having a flexible, articulated member being resiliently flexible to provide resilient forward pressure against an inwardly curved portion on the posterior of a wearer's head and a flexible connection between the articulated member and opposite sides of the shell assembly including at least one elastically elongatable strap portion for providing additional resilient forward pressure against the wearer's head.

Abstract: A novel headgear is formed of a resilient elastomeric foam core having adhered thereover an exterior fabric shell, forming a composite material substantially in the shape of a football helmet. The interior foam may be cured in place within said fabric whereby said foam is self adhered to the interior of said fabric, or, alternatively, the fabric may be adhered to the exterior of said foam by means of an adhesive. The invention also provides process for forming headgear which includes providing a two-part mold including a first part containing a mold cavity, placing a fabric layer in the cavity, inserting the second mold part in said cavity, which second part has an opening for injection into the mold of a plastic foam forming material. The foam-former is injected through the opening and cured in situ in contact with the fabric thereby forming a composite.

Abstract: A protective headguard including (i) a protective central pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's forehead, (ii) a rear pad for covering at least a portion of an athlete's occipital bone, (iii) a sleeve interconnecting the central pad and the rear pad and covering at least a portion of the interior and exterior surfaces of the central and rear pads, and optionally (iv) an adjustment strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, (v) a packet of cooling material retained by the sleeve, and/or (vi) nubbins projecting from the interior surface of the central and/or rear pad.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that is molded from a shock absorbing foam. The helmet is preferably an single, homogenous piece of injection molded foam. An insert plate can be positioned near the user's forehead at the top and forward portion of the helmet. The purpose of the insert plate is to simulate the hardness of the user's head for heading a ball. The helmet can head the ball without the injury to the head and the brain as potentially encountered without protection. The soft-shell also minimizes injuries on other parts of the body that are struck by the helmet. The helmet can be utilized for football and other contact sports. Additional external components such as metal or plastic inserts can be inset molded into the foam. The purpose of these inserts is to improve stability and allow for attachment of face guards and chin straps.

Abstract: Protective headgear for protecting the head of an athlete comprising a circumferential band, two subtending ear flaps integrally molded to the circumferential band, an upper portion; and a header pad affixed to the circumferential band. Alternatively the protective headgear for a soccer player can comprise a helmet defining ventilation holes and a header pad affixed to a frontal area of the helmet. The helmet comprises a circumferential band, two integral ear flaps; an upper portion; and a header pad is affixed to the circumferential band. The protective headgear can further comprise an internal skeletal to help disperse sudden high energy impacts.

Abstract: A high energy shock absorbing and dissipating device designed to be mounted on existing shoulder pads for football, hockey, dirt bike riders, etc. The head of the wearer is in a spaced relation to the inside surfaces. It consists of a crown structure and a lower support structure with vertical shock absorbing springs in between. An energy dissipating foam annular band is in a plane at the forehead level to attenuate the forces from whiplash-type movements. The possibility of the wearer receiving a concussion is virtually eliminated and will have the maximum of protection against devastating spinal cord injuries.

Abstract: Headguards for athletes, particularly soccer players, having a foam outer shell and attachment points for an interior padding or suspension system. The interior padding and/or the outer shell may independently be formed as a single unitary piece or a system of separately moveable parts.

Abstract: A helmet for protection against non-motorized injuries comprises a number of arched segments with ventilation spaces between them, the arched segments being shaped to extend about and engage the skull. The helmet is constructed to cover the apical as well as the frontal, temporal and occipital basilar skull. The arched segments are convex on their outer surfaces, have flat, curved inner surfaces, and are made of a cushioning, impact absorbing material such as plastic foam. Reinforcing elements extend in longitudinal passages in the arched segments to provide resistance against forces which are only partly absorbed by the cushioning material. In an alternate embodiment, support straps extend over the apical skull, and an impact resistant helmet is worn over the apical skull.

Abstract: A head restraint system is provided for a driver of a racecar. The system includes a helmet for receiving the driver's head, and first and second energy dissipating extendable restraining lanyards for connecting the helmet to a structural member of the racecar. The system preferably includes a quick connect apparatus for allowing the driver to easily escape from the head restraint system. The system preferably includes a rotatable connector which allows the driver to rotate his head left and right so that his lateral vision will not be impeded by the head restraint system.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for helmets and protective gear. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium, to absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with helmets and a variety of sporting equipment. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or titanium—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon the equipment to hold the spring in place. Thus, a helmet, chest protector or the like may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: A sports helmet with a full fabric brim. The helmet protects the skull from impact while the brim provides sun protection to the face, ears, neck, and upper shoulders. The helmet consists of a bowl-shaped, thin-walled, protective shell. The shell contains tear shaped vent holes in the crown and circular vent holes in the front and rear. The shell padding consists of closed cell foam pads in the front, rear, and crown. The helmet is secured by a four-point strap and is closed with a plastic snap buckle. A full fabric brim is attached to the inner edge of the shell with hook and loop strips. The shell padding is secured to the inner lining of the brim band with hook and loop strips. The brim band sandwiched between the shell and the padding provides a very secure attachment. The brim is constructed of heavy duty fabric that is pliable yet maintains its shape in extreme conditions. The material actually stiffens slightly when wet, making it ideal for water sports.

Abstract: A head guard for soccer players for protecting the forehead of a soccer player when the forehead is struck with a soccer ball. The head guard for soccer players includes a plate having a outer surface and an inner surface. The plate has a bottom edge, a pair of side edges and a top edge. The inner surface is concave and the outer surface is convex. The bottom edge generally lies in a plane such that the plate generally arcs back from the bottom edge to the top edge. A head band is elongated and has a pair of ends. Each of the ends of the head band is attached to the plate and defines a loop for extending around a head such that the plate may be abutted against the forehead of the wearer. Each of the ends of the head band is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge and one of the side edges.

Abstract: An improved headgear for martial arts contestants which is reversible so as to be wearable on both sides, and a blank from which the headgear is erected. The headgear comprises a blank of protective foam erected to form a head covering wherein the blank has a first color on one side and a second color on the other side whereby a competitor is provided with a comfortable and proper head protection regardless of the attitude of the headgear and may select one of the two colors simply by turning the headgear inside out. The construction of the headgear facilitates reversibility by means of the design of the blank and an elastic strap member at the rear of the headgear.

Abstract: A method for molding composite items, constituted by beads of sintered expanded resin and by inserts, comprising the steps of: using a movable half-mold and first and second half-molds which can perform a translational motion at right angles to the direction of motion of the movable half-mold; performing the molding operation by means of one of the translatable half-molds mated with the movable half-mold, translating the translatable half-mold from a position for accessing the half-mold to a molding position, simultaneously accessing the other one of the translatable half-molds when the other one of the translatable half-molds is located at the region for access to the translatable half-mold.

Abstract: Protective headguard to be worn by an athlete having (i) a protective central pad, (ii) a rear pad, (iii) an adjustable strap system interconnecting the rear pad and the central pad, and (iv) one or more of (a) a lack of any protective padding which would cover the side of the athlete's head when the headguard is worn, (b) a channel defined by the central pad extending substantially horizontally above the athlete's brow ridges and below the athlete's frontal bone when the headguard is worn, (c) a slot in the rear pad extending substantially vertically from the athlete's occipital bone and accommodating passage of a ponytail when the headguard is worn, (d) a single unitary liner, (e) bands encircling the central pad and releasably securing a liner to the central pad, (f) a removable sleeve, (g) a spine pad extending from the front panel to the rear pad (h) perceptible lines of demarcation on the exterior surface of the central pad.

Abstract: A helmet for protection against non-motorized injuries comprises a number of arched segments with ventilation spaces between them, the arched segments being shaped to extend about and engage the skull. The helmet is constructed to cover the apical as well as the frontal, temporal and occipital basilar skull. The arched segments are convex on their outer surfaces, have flat, curved inner surfaces, and are made of a cushioning, impact absorbing material such as plastic foam. Reinforcing elements extend in longitudinal passages in the arched segments to provide resistance against forces which are only partly absorbed by the cushioning material. In an alternate embodiment, support straps extend over the apical skull, and an impact resistant helmet is worn over the apical skull.

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