Protective headgear systems are disclosed. One protective headgear system includes an impact-resistant pad and a helmet. The impact-resistant pad includes a top portion configured to be positioned covering a top of a user's head, and first and second side portions extending downward from the top portion. The helmet is unconnected to the impact-resistant pad. The helmet is configured to be positioned overtop of the impact-resistant pad when the impact-resistant pad is positioned on the user's head.

A chin guard support mechanism includes first and second fixed-side members, and a moving-side member fixed to the chin guard. When the chin guard pivots forward from a down position in a rising direction, an annular following surface provided on the moving-side member pivots forward while following an annular followed surface provided on the second fixed-side member to make the chin guard rise while moving forward. It is possible to provide a helmet that allows the chin guard support mechanism capable of relatively excellently raising/lowering the chin guard to have a simple structure, allows to operate the chin guard support mechanism smoothly, obviates the necessity of making the structure in a region including an end of the chin guard including the chin guard support mechanism and a vicinity thereof bulky, and obviates the necessity of making the widthwise size of the helmet large.

The present invention relates to protective helmets. Embodiments of the invention have been primarily developed to provide protective helmets, protective helmet components and methods for manufacturing protective helmets, including protective helmets having an enlargeable bell opening. For example, embodiments are described by reference to two-part helmets having a hinged connection which permits bell opening enlargement to enable insertion or removal of a human head. One embodiment provides a manufacturing method whereby a protective helmet is formed as a single piece, and then cut into shell portions to which interlocking edge members is subsequently applied, thereby to facilitate reconnection of the shells along an interlocking edge.

A personal protection system for providing a sterile barrier around medical/surgical personnel. The system includes a helmet over which a hood or a toga suspended. A microphone, an amplifier and a speaker are mounted to the helmet. Speech of the individual wearing the personal protection system is picked up by the microphone and amplified speech is broadcast by the speaker. The speaker is outwardly directed so as to broadcast the speech out through the hood or toga covering the helmet.

A foldable helmet for use in various athletic activities, and which includes a structure that facilitates folding the helmet into a compact position for storage and/or transport of same. The helmet includes an outer shell having an inner cavity, and one or more inner members positioned within the inner cavity that slideably engage same. The inner members are not fixedly attached to each other at any point, and are therefore slideable relative to each other. The helmet's inner member(s) and outer shell are made of flexible materials, whereby the helmet is foldable from an open position to a closed position. A packaged helmet assembly is also disclosed, including the foldable helmet and a storage container dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.

The present invention relates to a headband including an adjustment band which is worn on a wearer's head and has the length adjusted; a support band which is connected to the adjustment band and is supported on the upper part of the wearer's head; and a length adjustment lever for adjusting the length of the adjustment band, wherein a cushion case of a flexible resilient material is integrally formed on the length adjustment lever.

A foldable helmet for use in various athletic activities, and which includes a structure that facilitates folding the helmet into a compact position for storage and/or transport of same. The helmet includes an outer shell having an inner cavity, and one or more inner members positioned within the inner cavity that slideably engage same. The inner members are not fixedly attached to each other at any point, and are therefore slideable relative to each other. The helmet's inner member(s) and outer shell are made of flexible materials, whereby the helmet is foldable from an open position to a closed position. A packaged helmet assembly is also disclosed, including the foldable helmet and a storage container dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.

A modular helmet system with a removable/detachable/interchangeable exterior shell, an inner force-absorbing layer releasably connected to the rigid exterior shell layer, and a multiple fastening devices associated with the shell which allow the shell to be interchanged/replaced/reconfigured at will. The shell as a single piece unit, or combinable components bear the fastening devices designed to enable rapid, secure interchange of the helmet system's layers, therefore allowing the helmet to be adapted for climatic, functional, and aesthetic preferences.

A modular helmet system with a removable/detachable/interchangeable exterior shell, an inner force-absorbing layer releasably connected to the rigid exterior shell layer, and a multiple fastening devices associated with the shell which allow the shell to be interchanged/replaced/reconfigured at will. The shell as a single piece unit, or combinable components bear the fastening devices designed to enable rapid, secure interchange of the helmet system's layers, therefore allowing the helmet to be adapted for climatic, functional, and aesthetic preferences.

A protective headgear can include a core and two or more impact absorbing layers coupled to the core. At least one impact absorbing layer can include a number of impact absorbing components that are configured to absorb and reduce the force of impact incident on the protective headgear. The impact absorbing materials can employ cylindrical segments of viscoelastic foam with a sealed central void to absorb high energy impacts. The protective helmet can reduce the occurrence of concussions and subconcussive impacts to the brain.