Protective helmet with flush pivoting ear cups

Abstract: A helmet includes a shell with an impact resistant exterior surface formed by an upper shell and a rear shell. The upper shell is shaped to protect a top portion of a wearer's head, the rear shell shaped to protect an occipital portion of the wearer's head. A headset assembly, attached to the shell, includes dual ear cups rotatable about an axis that is above the wearer's ears when the helmet is worn. The ear cups have at least the following positions: an extended position to cover the wearer's ears, and a retracted position substantially abutting both upper and rear shell to the rear of the wearer's ears. The ear cups are shaped so that they form a surface substantially flush with the exterior surface while the ear cups are in the retracted position. (end of abstract)