A protective headgear having a protective outer layer, an inner impact dispersing layer, an opening in the posterior of the helmet to allow hair to exit the protective helmet, and juxtaposed to the posterior opening, a flap that covers a portion of the opening and is selectively attachable to the inner impact attenuating layer.

Provided is a protective headgear that includes a first shell section, second shell section, third shell section, and fourth shell section. The first shell section is configured to extend about a head of the user, and include a first central portion, a first strap and a second strap that extend from the first shell section. The first central portion includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer disposed atop the first protective layer. The second shell section is configured to extend about a jaw of the user, and include a second central portion, a third strap and a fourth strap that extend from the second shell section. The third shell section is connected to the first shell section by the first strap and the third strap, and the fourth shell section is connected to the second shell section by the second strap and the fourth strap.

A batting helmet having localized impact protection comprises a rigid shell with a padded inner core affixed therein. Localized impact protection comprises additional padding attached to the inner core, increased thickness of the rigid shell, increased stiffness of the rigid shell, and additional padding attached to the rigid shell, alone or in combination, positioned in various regions of the helmet.

A batting helmet having localized impact protection comprises a rigid shell with a padded inner core affixed therein. Localized impact protection comprises additional padding attached to the inner core, increased thickness of the rigid shell, increased stiffness of the rigid shell, and additional padding attached to the rigid shell, alone or in combination, positioned in various regions of the helmet.

A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell and a pad assembly secured to an inner surface of the impact-absorbing shell. The pad assembly includes an outer low-friction layer, an inner low-friction layer, and a middle low-friction layer sandwiched between and slidable relative to the inner low friction layer and the outer low-friction layer. The middle low-friction layer is secured (e.g., with a hook-and-loop fastener) to the impact-absorbing shell such that the inner low-friction layer can slide relative to both the middle low-friction layer and the impact-absorbing shell. The outer low-friction layer can comprise an annulus-shaped sheet having a central opening, and the middle low-friction layer can comprises a disk-shaped sheet, such that the disk-shaped sheet is secured to the impact-absorbing shell through the central opening. The pad assembly can further comprise a resilient layer positioned adjacent an inner surface of the inner low-friction layer, and a flexible cover enclosing a substantial portion of the three low-friction layers.

A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell and a pad assembly secured to an inner surface of the impact-absorbing shell. The pad assembly includes an outer low-friction layer, an inner low-friction layer, and a middle low-friction layer sandwiched between and slidable relative to the inner low friction layer and the outer low-friction layer. The middle low-friction layer is secured (e.g., with a hook-and-loop fastener) to the impact-absorbing shell such that the inner low-friction layer can slide relative to both the middle low-friction layer and the impact-absorbing shell. The outer low-friction layer can comprise an annulus-shaped sheet having a central opening, and the middle low-friction layer can comprises a disk-shaped sheet, such that the disk-shaped sheet is secured to the impact-absorbing shell through the central opening. The pad assembly can further comprise a resilient layer positioned adjacent an inner surface of the inner low-friction layer, and a flexible cover enclosing a substantial portion of the three low-friction layers.

The Football Helmet of the present invention will lessen the Impact Force while also lessening the transfer of momentous inertia that carries on unchanged causing concussions. This is done with cushioning by Impact Bumpers located all around the Players Head repelling impacts as they collapse. The top of the Players Head and Neck is protected because the Outer Shield of the Helmet Collapses from top impact by cushioning while repelling that force by being suspended by Springs in Keeper Boxes and also by a Sponge Pad, and Strapped Pad limiting upward thrust of the Players Head and downward thrust of the Outer shield.

A protective helmet with a shell including movable first and second shell sections and an inner layer of protective material with a first layer section mounted on the first shell section and a second layer section mounted on the second shell section. Protective member(s) received within the shell each have a first end portion and an opposed second end portion. The protective member(s) may be side protective members. The first end portion extends between the first layer section and the first shell section. The second end portion extends between the second layer section and the second shell section. At least one of the first and second end portions of each protective member is displaceable relative to a corresponding one of the first and second layer sections upon the relative displacement of the shell sections.

A method of making articles of apparel that include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer is associated with a thermoplastic polymer element, then an aperture is formed through the base layer and the thermoplastic polymer element. A cushioning elements that may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components is positioned proximate the aperture. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture.

Apparatus for protecting the head of a person from an external force includes an inner shell which fits over the head of the person and an outer shell which fits over the inner shell. A plurality of bags which contain a pressurized gas are disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell. When an external force is applied to the outer shell some of the bags distribute and partially absorb the external force thereby reducing the force experienced by the person.