Patent ID: 7845025

Claim:
A helmet which may be rapidly disassembled and removed from a wearer, and then immediately reused, comprising: an outer shell split along at least one axis which traverses a substantial surface length of the shell, the shell having cable fastening elements positioned along the split area; a flexible cable for engaging the cable fastening elements positioned along the split area so that when the cable is inserted through the cable fastening elements, the outer shell is formed into an integral, rigid unit, wherein the cable comprises at least one handle facilitating removal of the cable from the shell, and wherein the handle is removably attached to at least one end of the cable using a cable release mechanism, operable by the use of a key; wherein the end of the cable when not attached to the removable handle is recessed within and not protruding from an outer surface of the helmet; wherein following cable disengagement from the cable fastening elements, the outer shell is rapidly disassembled and may be removed from the wearer and, following disassembly, when the cable reengages the cable fastening elements, the outer shell is rapidly reassembled.