Patent ID: 7694353
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A42B

Abstract:
1. A protective helmet connectable to a forced air circulation system, comprising a full face protective shell meeting at least minimum industry standard safety reciuirements for impact protection, the protective shell having an interior and exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior crown region sized to fit a wearer's head and a bottom air space region of the protective shell, in close proximity with a wearer's mouth, defined by a protective chin piece extending over a wearer's mouth; an external manifold assembly mounted to the external surface of the protective shell, the external manifold defining an exhaust passage external of the shell and in fluid communication with the interior crown region of the shell, an intake passage external of the shell and in fluid communication with the bottom air space region of the shell, and at least one connection port; a removable intake duct connectable to a remote positive pressure source at one end and connected to the intake passage on the other end through the at least one connection port; a removable exhaust duct connectable to a remote source of negative pressure at one end and connected to the exhaust passage of the external manifold on the other end through the at least one connection port, wherein fresh air is circulated first to a wearer's mouth at the bottom region by the positive pressure source and exhaust air is forcefully removed from the crown region by the negative pressure source to provide a complementary air circulation system for the wearer of the helmet.