Abstract

A headgear comprising a helmet shell and a combination of energy-absorbing and sizing means mounted on the inside surface of the shell. The combination includes a crown-engaging structure either in the form of a web suspension or an air-inflatable means. These pad structures comprise curved assemblies which engage the forehead and back of the wearer's head and the pad structures enable automatic alignment of the helmet along the long axis of the head whereby the air-inflatable side members are operated after the helmet has been put on the head. Air inflatable sizing means are located intermediate the pad structures at the front and back of the shell, and these sizing means engage the respective sides of the werer's head to provide a side-to-side fit on the head. A combination serving as a sizing means and energy-absorbing means is located on the lower rear inside wall of the shell. Separate energy-absorbing pad structures are located on the front and back inner walls of the shell.