Its the overriding term for what you might call a hans device. Belt adjusters should rest on or below the lower portion of the hans device.

A Revolution In Preventing Fatal Craniovertebral Junction
Hans device side impact. The tethers link the sides of the drivers helmet to collar anchor points. Head restraints are safety items which are mandatory when competing with most major motorsports sanctioning bodies. Hans performance products ceo mark stiles said we are not aware of any substantial independent side impact testing on products that try to compete against hans devices but we have seen competitors continually try to deceive racers with marketing spin stiles added sfi tests include a 30 degree side impact. This video shows a 90 degree angle side impact sled test with the hans device. Hans devices are 1 for winners performance and vision. A hans device is a product which is part of a family of devices known as head restraints.
A hybrid fhr uses a non traditional design shown later in the guide with straps. If your hans pushes your head forward uncomfortably a more upright device may be required. There are many such devices on the market today but the hans is the original and the most common. The hans device may lightly contact helmet or head rest. The best side impact performance is achieved with an sfi or fia approved head and neck restraint a good harness system seats that have hip and shoulder support and a lateral head support system. These devices reduce the likelihood of head andor neck injuries including the often fatal basilar skull fracture in the event of a crash.
The latter can be built into the seat or achieved using special side nets. The video goes by pretty quick but notice how the hans device tether grabs the. When g loads build during a forward impact the hans device assures that the drivers helmeted head moves with his torso. Hans is actually a trademarked name an acronym for head and neck support that only certain manufacturers can use. An fhr is a frontal head restraint. The hans device may move back and forth a little during racing.