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&#39;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.

Description:
This is a continuation application based on a previously filed non-provisional application, Ser. No. 09/160,655, filed Sep. 25, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,952 of which the benefit of priority is claimed. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a comfortable, self-adjusting, cap-type protective helmet made from a process of insert-molding. More particularly the invention is directed to a helmet which is particularly useful for bicyclists and includes multiple segments arranged in particular advantageous ways and has a strategically-located chinstrap for improved stabilization. One embodiment of this invention includes an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. Another embodiment of this invention comprises an improved strap guide. A further embodiment of this invention includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a storage compartment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Protective helmets and other protective headgear have evolved over the years. It is not uncommon for individuals to wear protective headgear when they are, for example, riding bicycles, riding horses, roller-blading, playing football, playing baseball, playing hockey, skiing and skating, as well as for other general safety purposes. Conventional headgear is often stiff and thick, and made of impact-resistant materials that encase the skull of the wearer. While it is true that conventional headgear does to a certain degree protect the head of the wearer, it is typically stiff and thick and has many disadvantages. 
     Conventional headgear is, for instance, often very cumbersome. When removed from the head, such headgear is difficult to carry, particularly because of its size, shape and weight. Additionally, conventional headgear is uncomfortable to wear, often resulting in pain around the head and causing excessive perspiration around various parts of the head. One of the most serious flaws in typical headgear is its inability to fit the head of the user properly. Upon purchasing conventional protective headgear, the user often has to “force fit” the headgear to his or her head. The force fitting is achieved, most often, by inserting sizing pads into pockets around the internal brim of the headgear. While the use of sizing pads can result in somewhat better fitting protective headgear, the fit obtained with respect to the head of the user is not usually complete or tight and is subject to the uncertain skill of the person using the sizing pads. This means that portions of the protective headgear and protective headgear in combination with sizing pads do not come into direct contact with the head of the user, and therefore, an imperfect fit arises in, for example, the form of gaps between the head of the user and the headgear. 
     As a result of such an imperfect fit, it is believed that the head of the user can be subjected to “secondary impact” forces. This means that in the event of an accident or fall, the protective headgear will make contact with, for example, another bicycle rider or the ground or other obstacle, and the head of the user will come into contact (secondary impact) with the internal portions of the helmet. Such secondary impact is believed to diminish the protective capabilities of conventional helmets. 
     In addition to secondary impact, it is believed that conventional protective headgear which is force-fitted to the head of a user often fails to effectively dissipate loads created from contact. The failure to dissipate loads effectively can also contribute to serious head injuries. 
     It is of increasing interest to produce protective headgear that is comfortable to wear and able to effectively minimize the risk of head injuries. This invention, therefore, is directed in part to a superior protective helmet produced by a method of insert molding, and which embodies structural components that overcome substantial disadvantages of prior art helmets. These insert-molded protective helmets are comfortable, not cumbersome, and able to form fit to the head of the user to minimize the risk of injury during accidents or falls. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,546 assigned to the assignee of the instant application describes a foldable, padded helmet. Also, U.S. Pat. No. Re35,193, assigned to instant assignee, describes a pouch-forming protective helmet for bicyclists. These patents of the assignee are herein incorporated by reference. 
     While some of the prior art describes flexible helmets, such flexible helmets comprise a plurality of individual connecting parts assembled in a structure with substantial disadvantages, such as not conforming to the wearer&#39;s head. These prior art devices have a plurality of individual connecting parts which complicate the manufacturing process and do not generally provide necessary uniformity in hinging and sizing. In addition, the geometry of existing helmets does not generally allow for the construction of a helmet having a protrusion enabling the addition of a storage compartment at the back of the helmet. Furthermore, chinstraps of conventional helmets do not always provide maximum stability. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel helmet made from a process of insert molding. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising a plurality of segmented panels that conform to the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising a plurality of segmented panels and having pivot axes substantially between horizontal and vertical, thereby allowing flexing of the panels around the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising six segmented panels arranged in a particularly advantageous way. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising a plurality of segmented panels that conform to the wearer&#39;s head, with the absence of a fitting panel in front. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising a plurality of segmented panels that conform laterally about the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet having at least two segmented panels on each side of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising five segmented panels that conform laterally about the wearer&#39;s head and further includes a top panel. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein a top panel straddles two side segmented panels disposed on each side of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein a top panel overlaps gaps between the top panel and peripheral panels, thereby further protecting the wearer&#39;s head from leakage of substances onto the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein gaps between segmented panels are staggered to prevent unwanted folding or other instability or lack of integrity of fit of the helmet. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet having uniformity in hinging and sizing through a one-piece armature. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising an armature molded within segmented panels of the helmet with reinforcement limiter tabs attached to the armature between the panels. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein a top panel is connected to peripheral panels with loops formed by an armature molded in the peripheral panels. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising an armature molded within segmented panels of the helmet and discontinuous at the top of the helmet. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising an armature molded within segmented panels of the helmet whereby the armature is non-integrally connected to the top panel or panels of the helmet. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising an armature insert-molded within segmented peripheral panels of the helmet and tabs protruding from the armature also insert-molded into the top panel or panels of the helmet. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein an armature is insert-molded within peripheral panels. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet wherein an armature is insert-molded within peripheral panels and a separate armature is insert-molded within a top panel or panels, and the two armatures are connected as a means of securing the top panel or panels to the peripheral panels. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet with a strategically-located retention system for improved stabilization. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising a plurality of segmented panels and a retention system that brings the panels close to the wearer&#39;s head thereby conforming to the size and shape of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet with a retention system coupled to at least one of the following: the front of the top segment of the helmet, the central area of the top segment of the helmet, the back of the top segment of the helmet, the peripheral panels of the helmet, the outside of the helmet, and to an armature, wherein the armature is insert-molded within the helmet. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet comprising an armature molded within segmented panels of the helmet with protrusions on the armature for coupling the retention system to the armature. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a novel helmet having two segments disposed from the wearer&#39;s forehead to the wearer&#39;s neck. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an improved helmet that can also function as a pouch for holding small objects and can be attached about the waist or hung over the shoulder when not worn on the wearer&#39;s head. is yet a further object of this invention to provide a helmet with a protrusion extending from the back of the helmet in which a storage compartment can be formed. 
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by review of the detailed description of preferred embodiments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is directed to a comfortable, self-adjusting, protective helmet preferably made from a process of insert molding. The helmet comprises an armature, or insert portion, made of a flexible, porous material that is embedded as a layer of the helmet to connect the structural parts of the helmet to one another. The helmet can also comprise a number of peripheral panels connected by the armature in the manner of a string of beads. The top of the helmet can be fitted to the peripheral panels with loops formed by the armature for securing the top piece or pieces to the peripheral panels. Alternatively, the top piece or pieces can be insert molded with a separate armature and the two armatures can be connected as a means of securing the top piece or pieces to the peripheral panels. The armature as used in the helmet also serves several other functions which include hinging and sizing functions where it is exposed between panel gaps. A decorative shell can cover the panels on the sides and the top of the helmet. A retention system is strategically located on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer&#39;s head. In addition to improved helmet stability resulting from the strap geometry, controlled placement of the straps results in improved side of skull adjustability and reduced potential for misuse or poor adjustment. The retention system pulls the panels close to the wearer&#39;s head, thereby causing the panels to further conform to the size and shape of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the helmet can be folded to convert the helmet into an article-carrying pouch. Once the helmet is converted into a pouch, the pouch can be worn around the wearer&#39;s waist or hung over the wearer&#39;s shoulder using an adjustable strap attached to the helmet. By converting the helmet into a pouch, the wearer need not carry around a helmet, and furthermore can carry such items as gloves or sunglasses in the pouch. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the helmet comprises an improved strap guide wherein a locking mechanism is provided by recesses molded in the liner of the helmet. 
     In a further embodiment of the invention, a protrusion is formed at the back of the helmet. A cavity can be formed within this protrusion in the back of the helmet for the purpose of carrying small items. Such items can include a satellite navigation system, telephone system, homing device, keys, money or numerous other items. 
     The above described objects and embodiments are set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings described hereinbelow. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet; 
     FIG. 2 is a view of a peripheral panel assembly making up a portion of a helmet; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top and right side of a helmet, showing attachment of the top panel to a peripheral panel assembly; 
     FIG. 4 a  is a longitudinal section view, taken along line  1 — 1  of FIG. 1, of a helmet in a child&#39;s size, and FIG. 4 b  is a partial section view of a retention system of the helmet of FIG. 4 a;    
     FIGS. 5 a ,  5   b ,  5   c  and  5   d  are partial section views of a peripheral panel of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing an interior receptacle and an exterior receptacle for a strap guide; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a helmet in a pouch mode; 
     FIG. 7 is a right side view of a helmet having a protrusion at the back of the helmet; and 
     FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section view of a helmet showing one allen-compassing exterior shell with an armature insert-molded within the helmet. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1 a one-piece armature  16  (shown as a darkened region within dashed lines) is embedded within and connects a plurality of peripheral panels  12  and a top panel  14  to form a helmet  10 . The one-piece armature  16  is preferably made of a non-stretch, flexible, porous material that is insert-molded into the panels  12  and  14 . A wide variety of materials can be used for the armature  16 , but in a preferred embodiment, the armature material is a commercial product comprising spun polyester fibers woven into mesh and coated with polyvinylchloride (PVC). The material is die-cut to the shape of the armature  16 . 
     In a preferred method, insert molding is carried out by placing the armature  16  into a mold wherein expandable polystyrene (EPS) is injected to create a final part in the shape of each of the plurality of the peripheral panels  12 , resulting in the armature  16  being embedded within a peripheral panel assembly  26  (see FIG.  2 ). The one-piece armature  16  eliminates the need for a plethora of smaller connectors to link all of the panels  12  and  14 , thereby simplifying the manufacturing process. In addition, use of the one-piece armature  16  provides added uniformity in hinging the panels  12  and  14  to one another and uniformity in over-all sizing and fit of the helmet  10 . 
     The plurality of the panels  12  and  14  allows the helmet  10  to self-adjust and conform to the shape of the wearer&#39;s head due to the flexibility of the armature  16 . The plurality of panels  12  and  14  also limits the spread between the panels  12  and  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral panels  12  comprise at least two panels  12  on each side of the wearer&#39;s head and a peripheral panel  12  at the back of the wearer&#39;s head, for a total of at least five peripheral panels  12  attached to the top panel  14 . In this preferred embodiment, panels, the top panel  14  and a peripheral panel  12  at the back of the wearer&#39;s neck, are disposed from the wearer&#39;s forehead to the wearer&#39;s neck. The plurality of peripheral panels  12  provides conformity to the shape of the wearer&#39;s head such that merely one top panel  14  is sufficient, although more than one top panel  14  may be used. Since the armature  16  connects the peripheral panels  12  to one another, as well as to the top panel  14 , self-adjustment occurs in both horizontal and vertical directions. This conformity to the wearer&#39;s head provides extraordinary comfort as well as safety. In a crash or other contact with the helmet  10 , the initial impact wherein the helmet  10  comes in contact with a surface can be less damaging to a helmet wearer compared to secondary impact wherein the wearer&#39;s head hits the inside of the helmet  10 . By conforming to the wearer&#39;s head so closely, this helmet  10  provides exceptional safety in terms of lessening secondary impact. Furthermore, the conformity of the helmet  10  to the wearer&#39;s head eliminates the need for sizing pads typically required to make helmets fit the wearer&#39;s head. Sizing pads in the prior art are typically inserted into pockets around the internal brim of helmets to ease discomfort and reduce some misfit in helmets. The maximum size of the helmet  10  is dependent on the size of the armature  16 , which should be large enough to allow the helmet  10  to fit virtually all adult wearers&#39; heads in general, while the flexibility of the armature  16  allows the helmet  10  to conform to practically all head shapes. A somewhat smaller version is available for children and exhibits all the advantages of an adult form of the helmet  10 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the helmet  10  the top panel  14  overlaps gaps  15  (see FIG. 3) between the top panel  14  and the peripheral panels  12 , thereby protecting the wearer&#39;s head from leakage of substances onto the wearer&#39;s head. Also in a preferred embodiment, the gaps  15  between the panels  12  and  14  are staggered to prevent unwanted folding or other instability and enhance the integrity of fit of the helmet  10 . 
     Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the helmet  10  in FIG. 1 there are vents  30  between some of the panels  12  and  14  in order to prevent the wearer from overheating during warm weather or during strenuous physical exertion. Additional ones of the vents  30  can be molded within the panels  12  and  14  to provide additional means to combat overheating. Ideally, the armature  16  is large enough and flexible enough to allow adequate room beneath the helmet  10  for a person to wear a cap beneath the helmet  10  for enhanced protection from the cold as well. Again, the versatility and goodness of fit enable a wearer to use the helmet  10  with a cap or other head covering without need to add different sizing pads or the like for different seasons or conditions of wear. 
     FIG. 2 shows the peripheral panel assembly  26  during assembly prior to attachment to the top panel  14 . Since the armature  16  is discontinuous at the top, tabs  32  from the armature  16  extend upward from the peripheral panels  12 , forming attachment loops  22 . These tabs  32  are preferably folded lengthwise first and then sewn to form the attachment loops  22  for added strength prior to attaching the top panel  14  to the peripheral panels  12 . In an alternate embodiment, the tabs  32  from the armature  16  are insert-molded to the top panel  14 . Reinforcement limiter tabs  17  (shown in phantom) can also be sewn to the armature  16  where the peripheral panels  12  are joined. The tabs  17  provide additional strength. Chinstrap hangers  18  can be attached to, or protrude from, the armature  16  for added conformity of the helmet  10  to the wearer&#39;s head. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top and right side of the helmet  10  during assembly, showing attachment of the top panel  14  to the peripheral panels  12 . The attachment loops  22  of the armature  16  are inserted through holes  23  in the top panel  14 , thereby securing the peripheral panel assembly  26  to the top panel  14 . The panels  12  and  14  can be molded of EPS or any other suitable padding material. In addition, a decorative shell (not shown) can cover the panels  12  and  14  on the sides and the top of the helmet  10 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, the armature  16  can be insert-molded within the peripheral panels  12 , and the separate armature  16  can be insert-molded within the top panel  14  or panels. The two armatures  16  can then be connected as a means of securing the top panel  14  or panels to the peripheral panels  12 . 
     FIG. 4 a  is a longitudinal section view, taken along line  1 — 1  of FIG. 1, of the preferred form of the helmet  10  in a child&#39;s size, demonstrating the location of a retention system  36 . The retention system  36  features a chinstrap  38  and a nape strap  40  made of, for example, nylon. The left and right sides of the chinstrap  38  are routed through the top panel  14  (see dashed lines) for strength. The chinstrap  38  can be coupled to the front, central area or back of the top segment  14  of the helmet  10 . The nape strap  40  is preferably attached to an exterior surface  42  of the rear peripheral panels  12  to provide stability and fit. The chinstrap hangers  18  and nape strap guides  20  are attached to the exterior surface  42  of the helmet  10 . In a preferred method of manufacture, the chinstrap hangers  18  and the nape strap guides  20  comprise pellets which have been injected into molds for achieving their final shape. The chinstrap hangers  18  and the nape strap guides  20  can also be manufactured by injection molding, die cutting or thermoforming processes. By securing the straps  38  and  40  in the manner shown and described, both horizontal and vertical stabilization is achieved when the helmet  10  is secured to the wearer&#39;s head. 
     FIG. 4 b  is a partial section view of the retention system  36  of the helmet  10  of FIG. 4 a . The straps  38  and  40  are joined at a triangular ring  44  to draw them inward against the wearer&#39;s head when they are tensioned. The triangular ring  44  is then attached to a buckle  46  with a short loop of strapping  50 . Both the chinstrap  38  and the nape strap  40  are allowed to slide around the triangular ring  44  to adjust their lengths. The ends of the straps  38  and  40  are then terminated at slide adjusters  52 , such as Tri-glides™ a trademark of Nexus Corporation, located on each of the respective straps  38  and  40 . 
     If not secured, helmets in general have a natural tendency to rotate on a wearer&#39;s head about a virtual pivot point  41 . To prevent forward rotation of the helmet  10  of this invention, the nape strap  40  is fixed from the rear of the helmet  10  to the wearer&#39;s jaw at a distance far away from the pivot point  41  (see FIG. 4 a ). An ideal system provides excellent stability and can accommodate some amount of slack in the straps  38  and  40  since large amounts of slack are required for the helmet  10  to rotate a significant amount. Fixing the chinstrap  38  at a relatively short length provides good forward and rearward roll resistance. The short, fixed-length chinstrap  38  also maintains the pivot point  41  in an area central to the chinstrap  38  and the nape strap  40  rather than directly on or in close proximity to either of the straps  38  and  40 . In a typical helmet retention system, there are approximately six adjustment points or degrees of freedom, each controlled by the user which can lead to poor locations of the straps resulting in poor stability. A preferred embodiment of the retention system  36  of the present invention having a short, fixed-length chinstrap  38  has only two points of adjustment, namely the nape strap  40  and the short loop of strapping  50 . Hence the potential for a wearer to place the straps  38  and  40  in a poor location is highly limited. The only foreseeable misuse of the system  36  would be caused by a wearer leaving large amounts of slack in the nape strap  40  or strapping  50 , or not even fastening the buckle  46 . In both of these cases, the helmet  10  will not be fitted properly to the wearer, making the wearer aware that something needs to be corrected. This configuration creates pivot axes substantially between horizontal and vertical, thereby enhancing flexibility, and thus fit, of the panels  12  and  14  around the wearer&#39;s head. The retention system  36  is self-adjusting in that securing the retention system  36  to the head simultaneously pulls the peripheral panels  12  against the wearer&#39;s head and adjusts the fit of the helmet  10 . 
     The placement and location of the chinstrap  38  on a child&#39;s head is a factor often overlooked by many major helmet manufacturers. The mandible or jaw of the child develops rapidly over the initial years from a small recessed bone to the large prominent bone found in adults. This requires the chinstrap  38  to be located much further back and at an inclined orientation to the skull to achieve good stability for protective purposes as well as for comfort. The location of the retention system  36  on the helmet  10  lends itself very well to providing good fit and stability over a large age range. 
     A safe, comfortable form of the helmet  10  is provided by the invention for children that will also expand along with the child&#39;s head. The child&#39;s model of the helmet  10  is a cost-effective alternative for parents who would otherwise have to replace their child&#39;s helmet  10  progressively as the child&#39;s head grows. In terms of helmet design, in an alternate embodiment, a toddler&#39;s helmet can include softer and thicker walls of the peripheral panel assembly  26  in view of the lower impact tolerance and lighter weight of a toddler&#39;s head. This is accomplished by providing the softer, thicker walls of the peripheral panel assembly  26  in an interior shape similar to human heads, and meeting the stability requirements of the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. 
     FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are partial section views of a preferred form of one of the peripheral panels  12  showing an exterior receptacle  21  for the strap guide  20 . FIGS. 5 c  and  5   d  are partial section views of a preferred form of one of the peripheral panels  12  showing an interior receptacle  19  for the strap guide  20 . The strap guide  20  consists of a single part tab  24  constructed of a soft plastic (low density polyethylene or thermoplastic elastomer) and is inserted into a slot  29  (see FIG. 5 c ) molded into the peripheral panels  12 . The tab  24  is locked into place with one end of the tab  24  inserted into the slot  29  in the peripheral panels  12  until the tab  24  is exposed inside the helmet  10  and then twisted ninety degrees to its locked position (see FIG. 5 d ). A sharp edge under the tab  24  and a recess forming the exterior receptacle  21  provide for semi-permanent attachment of the guide  20  to the helmet  10 . The tab  24  can be locked from the side with a protrusion in the exterior receptacle  21  which must be overridden by the tab  24  when twisted into the locked position. The locked position of the tab  24  corresponds to its initial shape before insertion, thereby requiring manual intervention to unlock the mechanism since it will not unwind during normal use. Access to the tab  24  can be limited by keeping the interior receptacle  19  small enough to prevent fingers from reaching the tab  24  or by covering the interior receptacle  19  with a comfort pad. The flexibility of the tab  24  allows the tab  24  to buckle and collapse under impact, however, the tab  24  is sufficiently strong to prevent it from being pulled out by the wearer. 
     FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment and use of the invention wherein the helmet  10  can be folded in such a way as to convert the helmet  10  into an article-carrying pouch  60 . In this embodiment, the helmet  10  can comprise two top panels  14  and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, generally radial, fold lines  62  emanating from the center of the top of the helmet  10 . The fold lines  62  include aligned fold lines running over both sides of the top panels  14  facilitating folding of the helmet  10  about the aligned transverse fold lines. Foldable front and rear halves  64  and  66  of the top of the helmet  10  define, between them, an article-carrying pouch cavity. A fastener  68  is provided for latching the front and rear halves  64  and  66  together to hold articles placed therein. The fastener  68  can comprise a variety of different types of fasteners, including Velcro™, snaps, or a zipper. A belt and shoulder strap system  70  of adjustable length can be included on the helmet  10 , allowing the combined helmet and the pouch  60  to be suspended from the shoulder of the wearer or worn as a belt strapped about the waist of the wearer. By converting the helmet  10  into the pouch  60 , the wearer need not carry around a cumbersome helmet, and furthermore can carry such items as gloves or sunglasses in the pouch  60 . For folding purposes, the preferred number of total panels  12  and  14  is six, but a higher number is still quite feasible. 
     FIG. 7 is a right side view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a protrusion  72  at the back of the helmet  10  wherein the protrusion  72  can accommodate a storage compartment  74 . Because of this geometry, particularly the concept of the peripheral panels  12  attached to the top panel  14 , the helmet  10  would not be thrown off balance with the addition of the protrusion  72  the way typical helmets would be. The compartment  74  in the protrusion  72  could be used for many purposes, including holding a satellite navigation system, telephone system, homing device, keys, money or numerous other items. 
     FIG. 8 is a view of another alternate embodiment of the invention showing one all-encompassing exterior shell  76  (in cross-section) with the armature  16  insert-molded within the helmet  10  to provide a contoured fit to the wearer&#39;s head. 
     While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Various features of the invention are defined in the following claims.