US Patent 7096513 Protective helmet with emergency removal feature

A multi-piece helmet for protecting the head region of a wearer and providing emergency removal wherein the helmet shell is provided in separate front and rear portions along a seam. A securing mechanism extends between the helmet portions and holds them together in a releaseable manner. The securing mechanism is positioned on the interior surfaces of the helmet shell and finger access ports are provided in the helmet for providing finger access to the securing mechanism from exterior surfaces of the helmet whereby the securing mechanism may be finger manipulated for thereby releasing the securing mechanism and completely separating the front helmet shell portion from the rear helmet shell portion without requirement of a tool.