GB2531146A

GB2531146A - Helmet chinstrap

Info

Publication number: GB2531146A
Application number: GB1515494.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Edmondson Christopher
Original assignee: Heightec Group Ltd
Current assignee: Heightec Group Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2015-09-01
Publication date: 2016-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-01
Also published as: GB2531146B; GB2532708B; GB201515494D0; GB2532708A; GB201415741D0

Abstract

A chinstrap for a helmet contains a weak link (3) which will fail if the force applied to the chinstrap exceeds a predetermined threshold. An additional section of strap (5) is securedly affixed to a first side of said weak link (3) and can be affixed across the weak link (3) providing a strong configuration or, when not affixed (as in figure 1), providing a weak configuration. This allows the helmet threshold force to be changed to suit different situations and standards, such as working at height, or working in confined spaces, and protects appropriately from the risk of the helmet falling off or the risk of strangulation. The chinstrap may contain a buckle (4) to allow adjustment of the length and such that the chinstrap may be opened. The weak link may also be in the form of a buckle comprising a plug (8) and socket (7) containing at least one raised profile (9) corresponding with at least one orifice (10) on the socket portion (7). The raised profile (9) in this embodiment may be rotatable between a weak and a strong configuration having a slot (15) to assist rotation and markings to indicate the selected configuration.

Description

The invention relates to a chinstrap for a safety helmet Safety helmets and other protective devices for the head are known. To help keep the correct position on the head such helmets commonly incorporate an additional securing means comprising at least one strap passing substantially under the wearers chin and optionally containing releasable closing and or adjustment means referred to hereinafter as chinstrap. Two types of chinstrap are common. Firstly those which release when the force applied to them is below a certain threshold. In the event that the user falls and the helmet becomes trapped the chinstrap will release so that the user is not suspended by the strap. Such chinstraps therefore help to protect the user from possible strangulation. The problem with this type is that if the user either slides or falls and collides with the structure the chinstrap may release, allowing the helmet to come off the wearers head leaving them unprotected.

Secondly, those chinstraps which release when the force applied to them exceeds a certain threshold. Such helmets are more secure on the users head during a slide or fall involving collision with the structure but conversely expose the user to the risk of strangulation should they fall and the helmet become trapped.

The invention seeks to solve this problem by providing a chinstrap for a helmet which combines both forms in one.

According to the present invention there is provided a chinstrap for a helmet selectively configurable between a weak configuration, wherein the chinstrap will release at a force below a predetermined threshold and a strong configuration, wherein the chinstrap will release at a force above a predetermined threshold.

Preferably the chinstrap may be locked or otherwise retained in the selected configuration.

Preferably the chinstrap incorporates adjustment means.

Preferably the chinstrap incorporates closing means, selectively configurable between an open position to allow donning and doffing and a closed position, to secure the helmet on the wearers head.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.

Figure 1 is a side view of the chinstrap in the weak configuration.

Figure 2 is a side view of the chinstrap in the strong configuration.

FigureS is a side view of an alternative embodiment.

As described in the accompanying drawings a chinstrap comprises at least one attachment to the helmet on a first side (1) and at least one further attachment to the helmet on a second side (6). Said attachments to the helmet combine to form a single strap portion (2) which passes substantially around the wearers chin, restraining the helmet inoperative contact with the user. A first side of the chinstrap may contain a buckle (4) to allow adjustment of the length of chinstrap and such that the chinstrap may be opened.

Additionally the chinstrap contains a weak link (3) which will fail if the force applied to the chinstrap exceeds a predetermined threshold allowing the chinstrap to part, releasing it from operative contact with the user. An additional section of strap (5) is also provided on strap portion (2). Said strap section (5) is securedly affixed to a first side of said weak link (3). In said weak configuration a second end of said strap section (5) may be securedly affixed to the first side such that said weak link (3) is free to operate. In said strong configuration, said second end of strap section (5) may be securedly affixed to a second side of said weak link (3) such that when the force applied to the chinstrap exceeds a predetermined threshold said strap section (5) will sustain the load keeping the chinstrap in operative contact with the user.

In an alternative embodiment a chinstrap as previously described contains a component which acts as a selectively configurable weak or strong link. Said component may also provide adjustment means and closing means in order to function as a buckle.

Said buckle substantially comprises a plug portion (8) and a socket portion (7). Said plug portion containing at least one raised profile (9) which corresponds with at least one orifice (10) on at least one surface (11) of said socket portion. To fasten the buckle said plug portion is inserted into said socket portion until said at least one raised profile engages with said at least one orifice. Said raised profile providing a first engaging portion (12) wherein the face of said portion is substantially sloped away from the corresponding face (14) on said orifice and a second engaging portion (13) wherein the face of said portion is substantially sloped toward the corresponding face on said orifice. Said at least one raised portion being selectively configurable between a weak configuration wherein said first engaging portion is in operative contact with said corresponding face on said orifice and a strong configuration wherein said second engaging portion is in operative contact with said corresponding face on said orifice.

Said at least one raised profile (9) is rotatable between said strong and weak configurations. A slot (15) or similar means may be provided to assist the rotation. A surface (16) configured to engage with said slot (15) may be provided on the socket portion (7) to provide extra assistance with the rotation. The rotation mechanism may be configured so as to urge said at least one raised profile to remain in the selected configuration. Markings may be provided on said at least one raised profile (9) and said socket portion (7) to indicate the selected configuration.

When a load is applied to said buckle said first or second engaging portion of said at least one raised portion is urged into operative contact with at least one surface of said at least one orifice. To release the buckle, said at least one raised portion is depressed until it passes beneath said at least one surface containing said at least one orifice.

When said first engaging portion is in operative contact with said at least one surface in said at least one orifice the sloping face of said engaging portion forces said raised portion downwards until said portion passes beneath said at least one surface containing said at least one orifice thereby providing a weak configuration.

When said second engaging portion is in operative contact with said at least one surface in said at least one orifice the sloping face overhangs said surface in said orifice preventing said raised portion from passing beneath said surface. Thereby preventing release of the load until mechanical failure of the buckle and thereby providing a strong configuration.

Claims

Claims 1. A chinstrap for a helmet selectively configurable between a weak configuration, wherein the chinstrap will release at a force below a predetermined threshold and a strong configuration, wherein the chinstrap will release at a force above a predetermined threshold.
2. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 1 wherein the chinstrap incorporates a weak link.
3. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 2 wherein an additional strap section may be attached to said strap portion either side of said weak link.
4. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 1 wherein the chinstrap contains a component which acts as a selectively configurable weak or strong link.
5. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 4 wherein said component also provides adjustment means.
6. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 4 or 5 wherein said component also provides closing means.
7. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claims 4 to 6 wherein said component substantially comprises a plug portion and a socket portion.
8. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 4 wherein said plug portion contains at least one raised profile which corresponds with at least one orifice on at least one surface of said socket portion.
9. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 8 wherein said raised profile provides a first engaging portion wherein the face of said portion is substantially sloped away from the corresponding face on said orifice and a second engaging portion wherein the face of said portion is substantially sloped toward the corresponding face on said orifice.
10. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said at least one raised portion being selectively configurable between a weak configuration wherein said first engaging portion is in operative contact with said corresponding face on said orifice and a strong configuration wherein said second engaging portion is in operative contact with said corresponding face on said orifice.
11. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 10 wherein said at least one raised profile is rotatable between said strong and weak configurations.
12. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 11 wherein a slot or similar means maybe provided in said raised profile to assist the rotation.
13. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claim 11 wherein a surface configured to engage with said slot may be provided on the socket portion to provide extra assistance with the rotation.
14. A chinstrap for a helmet according to claims 8 to 13 wherein markings are provided on said at least one raised profile and said socket portion to indicate the selected configuration.
15. A chinstrap for a helmet according to any preceding claim wherein said chinstrap may be locked or otherwise retained in the selected configuration.
16. A chinstrap for a helmet according to any preceding claim wherein said chinstrap incorporates adjustment means.
17. A chinstrap for a helmet according to any preceding claim wherein said chinstrap incorporates closing means, selectively configurable between an open position to allow donning and doffing and a closed position) to secure the helmet on the wearers head.
18. A chinstrap for a helmet substantially as herein defined with reference to the accompanying drawings.