Helmet restraint system

An occupant helmet protection system usable with an occupant helmet and a seat belt system, the seat belt system of the type including at least a first and a second shoulder belt, each of which when worn is positioned to lie across a respective shoulder of an occupant, the helmet occupant protection system comprising:

• an energy absorbing, flexible tether having a first end operatively adapted to be connected to the helmet in alignment with an effective center of gravity of the combined helmet and the occupant's head, the tether including a second end connected to a tether anchor point;
• a frame member loosely supported about the shoulders of the occupant and including a center or tower portion (120), the center or tower portion having a tether guide means for changing the direction of the tether and providing a low friction surface for the tether, the tether guide means located in alignment with or slightly above a first plane which passes through the effective center of gravity of the head-helmet combination and the tether-helmet anchor point, the tether passing about and not connected to the frame member.

An occupant helmet protection system usable with an occupant helmet and a seat belt system, the seat belt system of the type including at least a first and a second shoulder belt each of which when worn is positioned to lie across a respective shoulder of an occupant, the helmet occupant protection system comprising:

• a flexible tether having a first end operatively connected to a first anchor point proximate the rear of the helmet, the tether including a medial portion and a second end connectable to a second anchor point;
• a frame member removably supportable upon the shoulders of the occupant and including an elevated member (120), the elevated member having a guide surface which elevates the medial portion of the tether to lie in or close to a first plane which passes through the effective center of gravity of the head-helmet combination and the tether-helmet anchor point.