EP2095729A1 - Adjustment device, in particular for a helmet - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has longitudinal elastically deformable toothed bars (4, 7) subjected to an elastic deformation when a force (F) is exerted on the bars in a direction against a translation direction (T) during rotation of a pinion (1). The pinion is housed in a housing (3) that leaves a gap (J1) for the bars in a rotation plane perpendicular to the direction (T). The gap is equal to a small tooth from two rows of teeth so that a tooth from one row cooperated with the other row of teeth (2) of the pinion is disengaged from a tooth of the latter row when the bars are subjected to the deformation. An independent claim is also included for an object comprising an adjusting unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a setting device, for adjusting at least one dimension of an object. It finds particular application to the adjustment of a dimension of an object to be worn by a user, such as a helmet. More generally, the invention is applicable to the adjustment of a dimension of any object to be worn by a user, such as a garment, a shoe, or any accessory. It can also be any object, not necessarily intended to be worn by a user, but having at least one adjustable dimension. In particular, it may be a strap or a clamping cable, used alone or attached to an object of adjustable size.

We know, for example documents US 7 222 374 , US 2007/0266481 and WO 98/46097 , adjusting devices intended in particular for the adjustment of a helmet to the head of a user.

Such devices generally comprise a system combining a pinion provided with several teeth and housed freely in rotation in a housing, with one or two racks provided with a row of teeth. The rack or racks are slid free in translation in the housing. The teeth of the rack or racks cooperate with the teeth of the pinion, so that the rotation of this pinion causes the translation of the rack or racks.

Optionally, a knob or an adjusting wheel can be mounted rotatably connected to the pinion, to allow the user to put this pinion in rotation.

The rack or racks are themselves connected to an adjustment system of the headband, for example a strap slideably disposed inside the helmet and forming a closed loop. Thus, the translation of the racks in one direction or the other causes the decrease or increase of the perimeter of the loop, and therefore the adjustment of the helmet to the user's head circumference (in other words tightening or loosening). helmet).

One of the problems with this type of adjustment device is that, when the adjustment (tightening) is forced beyond the optimum setting position, that is to say when reducing the perimeter of the buckle below the user's head circumference, a stress is exerted on the device in the form of a force that pulls on the racks in the opposite direction to the clamping translation.

This then results in a force exerted on the teeth of the pinion and or racks, which can cause damage to these teeth or connecting means between the adjusting wheel and the pinion. In some cases, the teeth or these connecting means can even break if the effort is too great.

The problem that arises is therefore to have an adjusting device, in particular for fitting a helmet to the head of a user, based on a rack and pinion system as presented above, which will not be damaged when the device is forced beyond the optimum setting position.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem among other problems.

The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to a control device adapted to adjust at least one dimension of an object.

The object may be for example an object intended to be worn by a user, such as a shoe, a garment, a helmet or an accessory.

The device comprises a pinion provided with several first teeth of a first height. This pinion is housed freely in rotation about an axis in a housing.

By the expression "housed free in rotation" is meant that, once housed in the housing, the pinion can rotate about the axis. Nevertheless, this rotation can be controlled by temporary locking / unlocking means which is mentioned a little later in this description.

Moreover, when we talk about the height of a tooth, we are talking about the distance between the tip and the base of this tooth.

The device also includes at least one first rack provided with at least one row of several second teeth of a second height. This second tooth height may be equal to or different from the first tooth height.

This first rack is slid freely in translation in the housing.

The second teeth, that is to say the teeth of the first rack, cooperate with the first teeth, that is to say the teeth of the pinion, so that the rotation of the pinion about the axis causes the translation of the first rack.

Characteristically, the first rack is elastically deformable, so that when a force is exerted on the first rack in the opposite direction to the direction of translation during rotation of the pinion, the first rack undergoes elastic deformation.

In addition, the housing leaves a clearance for the first rack, in the plane of the rotation of the pinion and perpendicular to the direction of translation. This game is at least equal to the smallest of the tooth heights, between the first height, that is to say the height of the first teeth of the pinion, and the second height, that is to say the height of the second teeth of the first rack.

In this way, when the first rack undergoes elastic deformation, that of the second teeth which is in cooperation with the first teeth of the pinion disengages from these first teeth.

Thus, when the adjustment (tightening) is forced beyond the optimum setting position, the stress exerted on the device takes the form of a force which pulls on the racks in the opposite direction to the clamping translation. .

Under the effect of this force, and thanks to the presence of play in the housing, the rack is deformed elastically and its tooth, among the second teeth, which was then in cooperation with the teeth of the pinion, or first teeth, disengages of this pinion.

In this way, the force on the teeth of the rack and pinion stops, and the rack back, that is to say in the opposite direction to the translation clamping, which causes the loosening, so the back to a position of optimum setting, or, at the very least, at a setting position not exerting any damaging stress on the device.

In a first variant, the device comprises a second rack provided with at least one row of several third teeth of a third height. This second rack is slid, free in translation opposite to the translation of the first rack in the housing.

These third teeth cooperate with the first teeth so that the rotation of the pinion about the axis causes the translation of the second rack.

This second rack is elastically deformable, so that when a force is exerted on the second rack in the opposite direction to the direction of translation during rotation of the pinion, the second rack undergoes elastic deformation.

Furthermore, the housing leaves a clearance for the second rack, in the plane of the rotation of the pinion and perpendicular to the direction of translation.

This game is at least equal to the smallest tooth height, between the first height, that is to say the height of the first teeth of the pinion, and the third height, that is to say the height of the teeth. third teeth of the second rack.

In this way, when the second rack undergoes this elastic deformation, that of the third teeth which is in cooperation with the first teeth of the pinion disengages from these first teeth.

The property according to which the first and / or second rack are elastically deformable can come from the material used, for example a plastic material such as polypropylene or TPU, and / or can come from the structure itself. Even with a known little deformable material, such as metal, the rack can be sufficiently elastically deformable if its structure is sufficiently thin.

The pinion will generally also be plastic material, such as polycarbonate, or polyacetal.

In a variant, possibly in combination with the previous one, the first and / or second rack is in the form of an element longitudinal axis provided with an opening in its longitudinal direction.

This opening is delimited by a first side, along which is arranged the row of second and / or third teeth.

In another variant, possibly in combination with one or more of the previous ones, the housing comprises a cavity centered on the axis of rotation of the pinion. This cavity is intended to receive the pinion.

Furthermore, the housing also comprises two longitudinal portions on either side of the cavity. These two longitudinal parts are intended to guide the first and / or second rack in translation.

These two longitudinal portions each have first and second passages for the passage of the first and / or second rack. The first passages are arranged at a distance from the cavity, and the second passages open into the cavity.

The distance between the axis of rotation of the pinion and the second passages, that is to say the passages opening into the cavity, is less than the minimum distance between this axis of rotation and the end of the first and / or or second rack.

This minimum distance generally corresponds to an extreme position of the rack in which the longitudinal element abuts, at the end of the opening, against the teeth of the pinion.

Therefore, this minimum distance corresponds to the radius of the pinion (height of the teeth included) increased by the distance between the end of the opening in the longitudinal element and the end of this longitudinal element.

If it is considered that the longitudinal element comprises a first part inside which is formed the opening, so a first recessed portion, and a second solid portion at its end, then the distance between the end of the opening and the end of the longitudinal element corresponds to the length of this second solid part.

Thus, the minimum distance referred to above corresponds to the radius of the pinion (including the height of the teeth) plus the length of this pinion. full extreme part of the longitudinal element forming the rack

Therefore, in this extreme position, if the distance between the axis of rotation of the pinion and the second passages is as presented above, the end of the rack remains in the housing guided through at least the second passage. Thus, the rack remains well in the plane of rotation of the pinion, and does not leave the housing.

In yet another variant, possibly in combination with any one of the preceding, the bottom of the housing, for example the bottom of the cavity, has at least one stud against which the first and / or second rack can be supported, to limit the deformation of the first and / or second rack in the plane of rotation of the pinion.

In yet another variant, possibly in combination with any one of the preceding, the device comprises a wheel rotatably connected to the pinion by connecting means and intended to impart rotation to the pinion.

The pinion can be directly integrated in the wheel.

Optionally, this wheel can form a closure cap of the housing.

In yet another variant, possibly in combination with any one of the preceding, the pinion is mounted on a support which is housed in the housing.

In this variant, the support is preferably provided with temporary locking means which cooperate with temporary locking means in the housing, so as to temporarily prevent the free rotation of the pinion.

More preferably, the temporary locking means of the support comprise at least one deformable lateral branch, and preferably semi-circular, provided with a lug. On the other hand, the temporary locking means in the housing comprise striations arranged in a ring and which cooperate with the lug.

In this way, in the absence of a certain rotational force imparted in one direction or the other to the wheel, the lug of the lateral branch of the pinion support remains temporarily blocked in one of the striations of the crown of streaks of housing. The pinion then does not rotate, and the rack is stable.

To adjust the device, it is necessary to impart a rotation to the wheel, with a certain force, which has the effect of imparting this same rotation to the support of the pinion. The spur then comes out of the streak in which it was temporarily blocked, under the effect of the elastic deformation of the lateral branch which bears this spur.

If the rotation continues, with at least this same force, the lug penetrates successively into several grooves of the housing, by the effect of return of the deformable lateral branch, but immediately emerges from these grooves, in the manner of a pawl.

The rotation is thus engaged, resulting in the translation of the rack, until the rotational force imparted to the wheel decreases below a certain threshold. Below this threshold, the lug engages again in one of the striations of the crown of striations of the housing, but this time without coming out, under the effect of recall of the deformable lateral branch. The pin locks again temporarily, thus stabilizing the rack.

The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to an object having at least one adjustable dimension via adjustment means.

Typically, the adjustment means are connected to, or comprise, an adjusting device as shown above, and the translation of the first and / or second rack causes adjustment of the adjustable dimension of the object. .

The adjustment means may comprise a strap or a cable connected to the object and at least one end of which is connected to, or constitutes, the first or second rack of the adjustment device.

Optionally, a second end of the strap or cable is connected to, or constitutes, the other of the first or second racks of the adjustment device.

In a variant, possibly in combination with the previous one, the object is intended to be worn by a user, such as for example a helmet, shoe, clothing or accessory. The adjustment then makes it possible to adapt the adjustable dimension of the object to the size or dimensions of the body part of the user intended to carry this object.

Optionally, the object is intended to be worn on the head of a user, such as a helmet for example. The adjustable dimension is then the turn of the head.

Alternatively, the object is intended to be worn on the foot of a user, such as a shoe. The adjustable dimension is then the kick or the calf.

According to a third aspect, the invention furthermore relates to a strap or clamping cable intended to form a closed loop and having a first and a second end.

Typically, the strap or cable is provided with an adjustment device as presented above. Moreover, its first and / or second end is connected to or constitutes the first and / or second rack of the adjustment device. The translation of the first and / or second rack then causes the adjustment of the perimeter of the loop.

• figure 1 : représente schématiquement une variante du dispositif de l'invention, vue de dessous,
• figure 2 : représente schématiquement le logement du dispositif de la variante de la figure 1, vue de dessus,
• figure 3 : représente schématiquement les détails du pignon et de son support du dispositif de la figure 1,
• figure 4 : représente schématiquement une vue éclatée du dispositif de la figure 1, sans les crémaillères,
• figure 5 : représente schématiquement les moyens d'ajustement d'un objet à dimension ajustable, dans la variante en forme de sangle, notamment pour un casque.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of the preferred embodiments of the device, which are given as non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. following.

• figure 1 : schematically represents a variant of the device of the invention, seen from below,
• figure 2 : schematically represents the housing of the device of the variant of the figure 1 , top view,
• figure 3 : schematically represents the details of the pinion and its support of the device of the figure 1 ,
• figure 4 : schematically represents an exploded view of the device of the figure 1 , without the racks,
• figure 5 : schematically represents the adjustment means of an adjustable dimension object, in the strap-shaped variant, in particular for a helmet.

To the figure 1 , the adjustment device of the invention is shown in an alternative embodiment.

In this embodiment, two racks 4, 7 are slid in opposite directions in a housing 3, free in translation T or T ', so as to be made to cooperate with a pinion 1 housed free to rotate about its central axis in the housing 3.

Precisely, the first teeth 2 of the pinion 1 cooperate with the row of second teeth 5 of the first rack 4, and with the row of third teeth 9 of the second rack 7.

Thus, the rotation R of the pinion 1 about its central axis A (represented at figure 3 ), causes the translation T of the first rack 4, and the translation T ', in the opposite direction of T, of the second rack 7.

The first 4 and second 7 racks are elastically deformable, especially in the direction perpendicular to the translation direction T, T '.

This first and second rack 4, 7 are in the form of two longitudinal members 4, 7 provided with an opening (referenced 8 with respect to the first longitudinal member 4) in their longitudinal direction which corresponds to the translation direction T, T '. Only the opening 8 of the first rack 4 is referenced to the figure 1 , to the extent that the two first and second racks 4, 7 are superimposed and therefore where the two openings are also superimposed.

The row of second teeth 5 of the first rack 4 is thus disposed along one of the two edges or sides 8a, 8b of the opening 8, in this case the edge 8a.

It is the same for the row of third teeth 9 of the second rack 7, on an edge of the longitudinal opening of the longitudinal member 7 constituting the second rack which is opposite the edge 8a of the opening 8 along which the second teeth 5 of the first rack 4 are arranged.

Thus, when a force F is exerted on the first rack 4, in the direction opposite to the direction of the translation T, thus in the direction of the translation T ', during rotation of the pinion 1, the first rack 4 undergoes elastic deformation.

Similarly, when a force F 'is exerted on the second rack 7, in the opposite direction to the translation direction T', so in the direction of the translation T, during rotation of the pinion 1, the second rack 7 undergoes elastic deformation.

These elastic deformations are exerted perpendicular to the direction of translation T, T ', due to the rotation of the pinion 1, and then tend to naturally shift the row of second teeth 5 of the first rack 4 and third teeth 9 of the second rack, so that these second and third teeth 5, 9 are no longer in engagement with the first teeth 2 of the pinion 1.

The first and second racks 4 and 7 are certainly forced to slide in translation T, T 'in the housing 3, but the latter has a clearance j ₁ and a clearance j ₂ sufficient in the plane of the rotation of the pinion 1 and perpendicular at the translation direction T, T ', such that when the first rack 4, respectively the second rack 7 undergoes the aforementioned elastic deformation, the second tooth among the second teeth 5, respectively the third tooth among the third teeth 9, then in cooperation with the first teeth 2 of the pinion 1, disengage these first teeth 2 of the pinion 1.

To do this, the clearance j ₁ is greater than or equal to the smallest height between the height of the second teeth 5 (second height) of the first rack 4, and the height of the first teeth 2 (first height) of the pinion 1.

Moreover, the clearance j ₂ is greater than or equal to the smallest height between the height of the third teeth 9 (third height) of the second rack 7, and the height of the first teeth 2 (first height) of the pinion 1.

The housing 3 of the device is shown in more detail at figure 2 . It comprises a cavity 11, preferably circular, centered on the axis of rotation of the pinion 1, and intended to receive this pinion 1.

The games j ₁ and j ₂ mentioned above, which are materialized on the figure 1 , therefore each correspond to the distance between one of the longitudinal edges of one of the two racks 4, 7 and the edge of the cavity 11.

Specifically, the clearance j ₁ corresponds to the distance between the longitudinal edge of the first rack 4, on the side of the second teeth 5 of this first rack 4, to the edge of the cavity 11.

Moreover, the clearance J ₂ corresponds to the distance between the longitudinal edge of the second rack 7, on the side of the third teeth 9 of this second rack 7, to the edge of the cavity 11.

So that the elastic deformation mentioned above can take place, and thus the disengagement of the teeth 5, 9 of the racks 4, 7, teeth 2 of the pinion 1, can take place, it is necessary that the games j ₁ and j ₂ are superior or equal to the smallest height of the teeth, as explained above. Moreover, each of these games is at most equal to j ₁ and j _{2, respectively,} as represented in FIG. figure 1 that is to say that the maximum elastic deformation is limited by the edge of the cavity 11.

In addition, in the variant shown in figures 1 and 2 , the housing 3 comprises two longitudinal portions 12 and 13, distributed on either side of the cavity 11, and extending in the translation direction T, T '. These two longitudinal portions 12, 13 are intended to guide in translation T, T 'each of the racks 4 and 7.

Specifically, the first longitudinal portion 12 has two passages 12a, 12b for the passage of one of the two racks 4, 7 or both.

The second longitudinal portion 13 also has two passages 13a, 13b for the passage of one of the two racks 4, 7 or both.

The first passage 12a of the first longitudinal portion 12 and the first passage 13a of the other longitudinal portion 13 are arranged at a distance from the cavity 11.

The second passage 12b of the first longitudinal portion 12 and the second passage 13b of the other longitudinal portion 13 open into or near the cavity 11.

To avoid the risk of lifting the racks 4, 7 in position extreme, it is expected that the distance between the axis of rotation of the pinion 1 and the second passages 12b and 13b opening into the cavity 11 is less than the minimum distance between this axis of rotation and the end of the first and / or second rack 4, 7.

When the cavity 11 is substantially circular, as shown in FIG. figure 2 the distance between the axis of rotation of the pinion 1 and the second passages 12b and 13b corresponds to the radius of the cavity 11.

The extreme position mentioned above corresponds to the position in which the first or second racks 4, 7, by its longitudinal element 4, 7, abuts, at the end of the opening 8, against the teeth 2 sprocket 1.

The minimum distance in question therefore corresponds to the sum of the radius of the pinion 1 and the length L of the end portion of the longitudinal element 4, 7, between the end of the opening 8 and the end of this longitudinal element 4, 7.

If one distinguishes in the longitudinal element 4, 7, constituting a rack 4, 7, a first part in which is formed the opening 8, so a first recessed portion, and a second solid portion between the end of the 8 and the end of the longitudinal element 4, 7, the length L corresponds to the length of the solid end portion of the longitudinal element 4, 7.

Thus, the minimum distance mentioned above corresponds to the sum of the radius of the pinion 1 and the length L of the solid end portion of the longitudinal element 4, 7.

In the position referred to above, if the distance between the axis of rotation of the pinion 1 and the second passages 12b, 13b is less than this minimum distance as presented above, the end of the rack 4, 7 remains well in the housing 3, guided through at least the second passage 12b, 13b. Thus, the rack 4, 7 remains in the plane of rotation of the pinion 1, and remains in its housing.

One or more pads 10, 21 can also be provided on the bottom of the housing 3, so in this variant, on the bottom of the cavity 11.

The first 4 and second 7 racks then come to bear against these studs 10, 21. Thus, during translation, and despite the elastic deformation that they can undergo as explained above, the racks 4, 7 are well maintained in the plane of rotation of the pinion 1, and does not offset.

In the case where these pads are present, the games j ₁ and j ₂ as presented above are limited to the distance between the outer longitudinal edges of the racks 4, 7 and the respective ends of the pads 10, 21

Therefore, as explained above, the distance between the outer longitudinal edges of the racks 4, 7 and respective ends of the pads 10, 21 must be greater than or equal to the smallest height of teeth as defined above.

As can be seen at figure 3 , the pinion 1 can be mounted on a support 15, preferably circular, which is housed in the housing 3, so in the cavity 11 in this variant.

At the periphery of this support 15, two deformable, preferably semicircular, side branches 16, 18 are arranged, which act as temporary locking means for the support 15, therefore of the pinion 1, in the cavity 11 of the housing 3, thus in housing 3.

These lateral branches 16, 18 cooperate, by means of respective lugs 19, 20 disposed substantially at their respective ends, with temporary locking means 17, shown in FIG. figure 2 disposed in the cavity 11 of the housing 3.

These temporary locking means 17 in the housing 3 take the form of ridges 17 distributed in a ring at the periphery of the cavity 11.

This cooperation of the temporary locking means 16, 18, 19, 20 at the level of the support 15, with the temporary locking means 17 at the level of the housing 3, is intended to prevent or limit the free rotation of the pinion 1.

Thus, in the absence of a certain rotational force imparted in one direction or the other to the pinion 1, the pin 19 and / or 20 of the side branch 16 and / or 18 of the support 15 of the pinion 1 remains temporarily locked in one of the ridges 17 of the crown of grooves of the cavity 11 of the housing 3. The pinion 1 does not enter then not in rotation, and the rack 4 and / or 7 is stable.

To adjust the device, it is necessary to impart a rotation to the pinion 1, with a certain force, which has the effect of imparting this same rotation to the support 15 of the pinion. The lug 19 and / or 20 then leaves the groove 17 in which it was temporarily blocked, under the effect of the elastic deformation of the side branch 16 and / or 18 which carries the lug 19 and / or 20.

If the rotation continues, with at least this same force, the lug 19 and / or 20 penetrates successively into several ridges 17 of the cavity 11 of the housing 3, by the return effect of the deformable lateral branch 16 and / or 18, but immediately emerges from these grooves 17, in the manner of a pawl.

The rotation is thus engaged, resulting in the translation of the rack 4 and / or 7, until the rotational force imparted to the pinion 1 decreases below a certain threshold. Below this threshold, the lug 19 and / or 20 engages again in one of the ridges 17 of the ring of ridges of the cavity 11 of the housing 3, but this time without coming out, under the effect of recall of the deformable side branch 16 and / or 18. The lug 19 and / or 20 is therefore temporarily locked again, thus stabilizing the rack 4 and / or 7.

To the figure 4 , the adjusting device is shown in exploded view, without the rack 4, 7.

The pinion 1 is thus housed, by means of its support 15, in the cavity 11 of the housing 3, free to rotate R about the axis A (within the limits of the temporary blocking means 16 to 20 mentioned below. above).

A control wheel 14 is mounted on the assembly, on the axis A, connected to the support 15 in rotation R by connecting means 23, so as to facilitate the rotation of the pinion 1.

Optionally, the pinion 1, with or without a support 15, can be directly integrated with the control wheel 14. In this case, the pinion 1, or its support 15, has an upper portion which serves as a control wheel.

This wheel 14 may constitute a kind of closure cap housing 3, or be itself closed by an independent cover 22.

In this figure, one of the parts longitudinal 13, with its first passage 13a, as presented above with reference to the figure 2 .

Given the perspective, the second passage 13b of this longitudinal portion 13, opening into the cavity 11, is not shown. It is the same for the other longitudinal portion 12 and its first and second passages 12a and 12b.

To the figure 5 , there is shown a strap 6, constituting the adjustment means 6 used to adjust an adjustable dimension of an object, in particular, but not only, an object intended to be worn by a user such as a helmet, a shoe, a garment or any accessory having such an adjustable dimension.

In the case of a helmet, these adjustment means 6, also called "ring", are fixed in principle inside the helmet by the central portion 6a. The two end portions 6b and 6c are brought together to form a closed loop, and it is by adjusting the perimeter of the loop that the helmet is adjusted to the size of the wearer.

One or both ends 6b, 6c are connected to the adjustment device of the invention as presented above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 .

Specifically, these ends 6b, 6c are connected to the racks 4 and 7. In the variant shown in FIG. figure 5 these ends 6b and 6c merge even with the racks 4 and 7.

Thus, at these ends 6b and 6c of the adjustment means 6, there are the two longitudinal elements 4 and 7, each provided with an opening (referenced 8 for the first longitudinal element 4, and not referenced for the second longitudinal element 7 ) as described above, and along at least one side 8a of which we find the rows of teeth 5 and 9.

Such adjustment means 6, associated with an object of adjustable size, such as a helmet, thus make it possible, by translating T, T 'of the rack or racks 4, 7 as explained above, to adjust the dimension in question.

It may thus be a question for example of adjusting a helmet to the head of a user, or a foot shoe or calf of a user.

The adjustment means 6, such as a strap or a cable 6, can also be used independently, for example to strap an entire object that is desired to maintain together. The tightening diameter of the object pack is then adjusted and the perimeter of the loop formed by the strap 6 is adjusted.

The whole of the description above is given by way of example, and is therefore not limitative of the invention.

In particular, the device of the invention has been presented above with two rack 4, 7, but can very well work with a single rack, at one end of the strap 6. The other end is then fixed either to the device itself, without the possibility of adjustment, or to the object, such as a helmet, which we want to adjust one of the dimensions.

Also, in the case where the adjustment device has two racks 4, 7, it can very well be expected that only one of these racks 4, 7, for example the first rack 7, is likely to deform elastically through a unique game in slot 3 for this purpose.

In this case, if the device is forced beyond the adjustment position, the translation of the first rack 4 stops in a first step. But as the second rack 7 remains in engagement with the pinion 1, this second rack continues its translation. Therefore, in the case of a strap that forms a closed loop, with two racks at each end, the first rack 4 begins to move back, that is to say between in reverse translation. This is to shift the device, without changing the setting (eg round head for a headset).

However, especially for a strap-type application or headband adjustment ring in a helmet, it is preferred that the two racks can deform each with a suitable clearance, to avoid the shift of the device mentioned above. Indeed, if such a shift occurs, the adjustment device is found in a position that is not suitable (for example on the front of the head instead of being behind or on the side), and the The user must reposition it in the correct position for future use.

Claims (19)

Adjusting device adapted to adjust at least one dimension of an object, such as an object intended to be worn by a user such as a shoe, a garment, a helmet or an accessory, said device comprising a pinion (1) provided with a plurality of first teeth (2) of a first height, said pinion (1) being housed free in rotation (R) about an axis (A) in a housing (3), and at least one first rack (4, 7 ) provided with at least one row of a plurality of second teeth (5) of a second height, said first rack (4, 7) being slid freely in translation (T) in said housing (3), said second teeth (5) cooperating with said first teeth (2) so that the rotation (R) of said pinion (1) about the axis (A) causes the translation (T) of said first rack (4, 7),
characterized in that said first rack (4, 7) is elastically deformable, so that when a force (F) is exerted on said first rack (4, 7) in the opposite direction in the direction of said translation (T) being rotation (R) of the pinion (1), said first rack (4, 7) undergoes elastic deformation, said housing (3) leaves a clearance (j ₁ ) for the first rack (4, 7), in the plane of rotation (R) of the pinion (1) and perpendicular to the translation direction (T), said set (j ₁ ) being at least equal to the smallest of said first and second heights respectively of said first and second teeth (2, 4), so that when the first rack (4, 7) undergoes said elastic deformation, that of the second teeth (5) which is in cooperation with the first teeth (2) of the pinion (1) disengages from said first teeth (2). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second rack (4, 7) provided with at least one row of several third teeth (9) of a third height, said second rack (4, 7) being slid free in translation (T ') opposite to the translation (T) in said housing (3), said third teeth (9) cooperating with said first teeth (2) so that the rotation (R) of said pinion (1) about the axis (A) causes the translation (T ') of said second rack (4, 7), said second rack (4, 7) being elastically deformable, so that when a force (F ') is exerted on this second rack (4, 7) in the opposite direction to the direction of said translation (T ') during rotation (R) of the pinion (1), this second rack (4, 7) undergoes an elastic deformation, the housing (3) leaving a clearance (j ₂ ) for the second rack (4, 7), in the plane of rotation (R) of the pinion (1) and perpendicular to the direction of translation (T), said clearance (j ₂ ) being at least equal to the smallest of said first and third heights respectively said first and third teeth (2, 9), so that when the second rack (4, 7) undergoes said deformation elastic tick, that of the third teeth (9) which is in cooperation with the first teeth (2) of the pinion (1) disengages from said first teeth (2). Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first and / or second rack (4, 7) is in the form of a longitudinal member (4, 7) provided with an opening (8). ) in its longitudinal direction, said opening (8) being delimited by a first side (8a), the row of second and / or third teeth (5, 9) being arranged along said first side (8a). Device according to claim 3 and having a first (4) and a second (7) rack, characterized in that the first side (8a) of the opening (8) of the longitudinal member (4) forming said first rack (4) ), along which is arranged the row of second teeth (5), is opposite the first side of the opening of the longitudinal member (7) forming said second rack (7), along which is arranged the row of thirds teeth (9). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (3) comprises a cavity (11) centered on the axis (A) of rotation (R) and intended to receive the pinion (1) , and two parts longitudinal members (12, 13) on either side of said cavity (11) and intended to guide the first and / or second rack (4, 7) in translation (T, T '), said longitudinal portions (12, 13 ) each having a first (12a, 13a) and a second (12b, 13b) passages for the passage of said first and / or second rack (4, 7), said first passages (12a, 13a) being disposed remote from said cavity (11), and said second passages (12b, 13b) opening into said circular cavity (11), the distance between said axis (A) of the rotation (R) and said second passages (12b, 13b) being smaller than the minimum distance between said axis (A) of rotation (R) and the end of said first and / or second rack (4, 7). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bottom of the housing (3) has at least one stud (10, 21) against which the first and / or second rack (4, 7) is supported , so as to maintain said first and / or second rack (4, 7) in the plane of rotation (R) of the pinion (1). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a wheel (14) rotatably connected to the pinion (1) by connecting means (23) and intended to impart rotation (R) to said pinion (1). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the pinion (1) is integrated in the wheel (14). Device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the wheel (14) forms a closure cover of the housing (3). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pinion (1) is mounted on a support (15) which is housed in the housing (3). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the support (15) is provided with temporary locking means (16, 18, 19, 20) which cooperate with temporary locking means (17) in the housing (3), in to prevent the free rotation of the pinion (1). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the means of temporary blocking (16, 18, 19, 20) of the support (15) comprise at least one deformable lateral branch (16, 18), and preferably semicircular, provided with a lug (19, 20), and in that that the temporary locking means (17) in the housing (3) comprise ridges (17) arranged in a ring and which cooperate with said lug (19, 20). An object having at least one adjustable dimension via adjustment means (6), characterized in that the adjusting means (6) are connected to or comprise an adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and in that the translation (T, T ') of the first and / or second rack (4, 7) causes the adjustment of said adjustable dimension of the object. Object according to claim 13, characterized in that the adjustment means (6) comprise a strap or a cable (6) connected to the object and of which at least one first end (4, 7) is connected to or constitutes the first or second rack (4, 7) of the adjusting device. Object according to Claim 14, characterized in that a second end (4, 7) of the strap or cable (6) is connected to or constitutes the other of the first or second racks (4, 7) of the adjusting device . Object according to any one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it is intended to be worn by a user, such as a helmet, a shoe, a garment or an accessory, the adjustment making it possible to adapt the adjustable dimension of said object to the size or dimensions of the body part of the user intended to carry said object Object according to claim 16, characterized in that it is intended to be worn on the head of a user such as a helmet, the adjustable dimension being the head circumference. Object according to claim 17, characterized in that it is intended to be worn on the foot of a user such as a shoe, the adjustable dimension being the kick or the calf circumference. Strap or cable (6) for clamping to form a closed loop and having first and second ends (4, 7), characterized in that it is provided with an adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and in that its first and / or second end (4, 7) is connected to or constitutes the first and / or or second rack (4, 7) of said adjusting device, the translation (T, T ') of the first and / or second rack (4, 7) causing the adjustment of the perimeter of said loop.

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