Apparatus for minimizing the effects of impact forces to the skull

1 . An apparatus for minimizing the effects of an impact force to the skull, comprising:

a) first and second pressure applying members movably connected to a headgear;

b) a pressure pad secured to each said first and second pressure applying members;

c) said first and second pressure applying members movable from a stowed position to a deployed position and wherein said first and second pressure applying members comprise longitudinal arms for compressing a respective said pressure pad against opposite sides of a user's neck to restrict blood flow from a user's cranial cavity when the headgear is worn.

2 . An apparatus for minimizing the effects of an impact force to the skull, comprising:

a) a substantially U-shaped member defining a continuous flexible body movably secured to a headgear;

b) said flexible body including a cross-member portion and longitudinal arms extending from opposite ends of said cross-member portion said flexible body; and

c) a pressure pad secured to a distal end of each said longitudinal arms, said longitudinal arms compressing a respective said pressure pad against opposite sides of a user's neck when the headgear is worn.

3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said longitudinal arms are movable from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration to apply pressure against a user's neck to restrict blood flow from a user's cranial cavity.

4 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said longitudinal arms apply about 0.40 psi of pressure against the user's neck.

5 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each said pressure pad comprises foam material or semi-rigid material.

6 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each said pressure pad is inflatable with gas or liquid.