US20130000016A1 - Helmet Retention System - Google Patents
Helmet Retention System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130000016A1 US20130000016A1 US13/526,937 US201213526937A US2013000016A1 US 20130000016 A1 US20130000016 A1 US 20130000016A1 US 201213526937 A US201213526937 A US 201213526937A US 2013000016 A1 US2013000016 A1 US 2013000016A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- helmet
- strap portion
- canceled
- chin
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/08—Chin straps or similar retention devices
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/21—Strap tighteners
- Y10T24/2102—Cam lever and loop
- Y10T24/2117—Strap tighteners
Definitions
- the present invention relates to systems for retaining a helmet to a user's head.
- ACH Advanced Combat Helmet
- PASGT Personnel Armor System Ground Troops
- Helmet strap systems for holding a helmet to a user's head are also known, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,600,268, 5,123,121, 4,897,888 and US Patent Application Publication 2006/0179537 A1.
- the present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the degree of front-to-back helmet rotation that is allowed by the system.
- the present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the circumstances were a strap could cut up under a user's earlobe or interfere with a circum-aural ear protection or communication device.
- the present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to eliminate the need to adjust the length of straps in the system every time the chin strap is connected rather than at the first fitting.
- the present inventors recognize the need for a low profile chin strap closure mechanism.
- the present inventors recognize a need for a chin strap closure mechanism that is capable of operation by one hand.
- An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a helmet retention system having a first side strap system configured to connect to a first side of a helmet and a second side strap system configured to connect to an opposite second side of a helmet.
- a chin cup and a chin cup connecting mechanism are provided.
- the chin cup connecting mechanism is configured to connect the first and second side strap systems in an area about the user's chin and to vary the amount of tension in the system between at least two predefined tension states.
- the chin cup connecting mechanism has at least one loop, a plurality of anchor pins, a key-hole strip having a least two openings each configured to engage one or more anchor pins. The selection of the engagement of one or more openings with one or more anchor pins determines, at least in part, the tension state of the system.
- the chin cup comprises an upper strap portion, a first lower strap portion, and a second lower strap portion.
- the upper strap portion and first lower strap portion are configured to encircle a user's chin in at least one tension state.
- the key-hole strip is connected to the second lower strap portion.
- the chin cup connecting mechanism comprising at least two loops for connecting opposite sides of the chin cup to the first and second side strap systems.
- the first loop is connected between the upper strap portion and the first lower strap portion and the second loop configured to be located between the second lower strap portion and the first lower strap portion for at least one tension state of the system.
- the first side strap system comprises a first upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a first side and a first lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the first side.
- the second side strap system comprises a second upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a second side and a second lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the second side.
- the system has a nape pad configured to prevent contact of the straps of the system with portions of the back of a user's neck.
- the system has at least four strap anchors configured to secure opposite ends of the first and second side strap system to a helmet.
- the system has a least one tensioner configured to vary the length of a portion of the first or second side strap systems within a predefined range.
- the tensioner has a base and a tension cam.
- the tension cam is pivotally connected to the base.
- the base has a crossbar for connecting to a first strap end of the first or second side strap systems; the base has a toothed section ahead of the tension cam opposite the crossbar.
- the tensioner has an open position and a closed position, the tension cam is configured to create a tortuous path where the strap can engage the teeth under tension when in the closed position.
- FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the helmet retention system.
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the helmet retention system.
- FIG. 2A is a view of the connection of segments at a loop.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup released from a first side of the system.
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup beginning engagement with the first side of the system.
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup further engaged with the first side of the system.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup engaged with the first side of the system.
- FIG. 6A a right side view a the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 with certain details not shown.
- FIG. 7 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the system in a high stability state.
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the helmet retention system of FIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the system in a relaxed stability state.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a key-hole strip of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the key-hole strip of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a pin strip of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of chin cup connecting loop of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view D-ring of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system of FIG. 1 in a locked position.
- FIG. 14A is a side view of the tensioner of FIG. 14 with certain elements not shown.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system of FIG. 1 in an open position.
- FIG. 15A is a side view of the tensioner of FIG. 15 with certain elements not shown.
- FIG. 16 is a side view of a lever of the tensioner of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a base of the tensioner of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lever of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of an anchor system of the system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 20 is an exploded rear perspective view of the anchor system of FIG. 19 .
- FIG. 21 is an unexploded side view of the anchor system of FIG. 19 .
- a helmet retention system 100 , 101 is disclosed.
- the system has strap segments 150 , 152 , 154 , 156 , 158 , 160 , 162 , 168 , 170 , 172 connected by rings, such as D-rings 130 , 132 , or strap adjusters or strap tensioners 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 .
- the D-rings 130 , 132 are connected to a neck or nape pad 102 and connected to each other by strap segments 168 , 170 , and tensioner 124 .
- End strap segments 150 , 152 , 154 , 156 which are a subset of the segments, are connected at one end to an anchor 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 for securing the system to a helmet.
- the combination of strap segments 168 and 170 may be one continuous piece of strap material.
- a first end of the combination of segments 168 and 170 has a first loop connected around the crossbar of tensioner 124 , the continuous strap extends around D-ring 130 and through the tensioner and has a second loop at a second end opposite the first end that is connected around a portion of D-ring 132 .
- the system has a retaining strap 105 to secure the D-rings to the nape pad.
- a first end of the retaining strap 105 is secured at or adjacent to a first end 102 a of the nape pad 102 .
- a second end of the retaining strap opposite the first end is secured at or adjacent a second end 102 b of the nape pad.
- the retaining strap extends through each of the D-rings 130 , 132 . As shown in FIG.
- the retaining strap 105 is secured at the first end 102 a of the nape pad and extends over a left portion of the D-ring 132 and extends under a right portion of the D-ring 132 and continues under strap segments 170 and 168 , and further it continues extending under a left portion of the D-ring 130 and over a right portion of the D-ring 130 and is secured to the second end 102 b of the nape pad 102 .
- the system includes a first lower side strap portion 151 and an opposite second lower side strap portion 161 .
- the system includes a first upper front strap portion 157 and an opposite second upper front strap portion 167 .
- the first lower side strap portion 151 comprises strap segments 160 , 162 .
- the second lower side strap portion 161 comprises strap segments 164 , 172 .
- the first upper front strap portion 157 comprises strap segments 156 , 158 .
- the second upper front strap portion 167 comprises strap segments 150 , 166 .
- the rear strap portion 169 comprises strap segments 168 , 170 .
- the system comprises a first side strap system 155 and a second side strap system 165 .
- the first side strap system comprises segments 154 , 156 , 158 , 160 , 162 .
- the second side strap system comprises strap segments 150 , 152 , 166 , 164 , 172 .
- the system also comprises first and second chin cup-engaging strap portions 153 , 163 .
- the first chin cup engaging strap portion 153 comprises strap portions 151 , 157 .
- the second chin cup engaging strap portion 163 comprises strap portions 161 , 167 .
- the strap portions 151 and 157 comprise a continuous piece of strap material.
- a first chin cup connecting loop 142 defines the boundary between strap portion 151 and strap portion 157 .
- the loop 142 is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engaging strap portion 153 as the system is adjusted using tensioners 126 , 128 .
- a second chin cup-connecting loop 140 defines the boundary between strap portion 161 and strap portion 167 .
- the loop 140 is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engaging strap portion 153 as the system is adjusted using tensioners 120 , 122 .
- each of the first and second chin cup engaging portions comprises one continuous piece of strap material.
- a first end of a first continuous piece of material of the first chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of tensioner 126 .
- the strap then continues around the D-ring 132 , extends through tensioner 126 , extends through loop 142 , extends through tensioner 128 , loops through anchor 116 and a second end opposite the first end of the first continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar of tensioner 128 .
- a first end of a second continuous piece of material of the second chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of tensioner 122 continues around the D-ring 130 , extends through tensioner 122 , extends through loop 140 , extends through tensioner 120 , loops through anchor 110 and a second end opposite the first end of the second continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar of tensioner 120 .
- segments 164 and 166 are one continuous piece of strap material.
- the segments are secured to each other by stitching rows 166 a , 166 b to form a loop portion 166 c around the loop 140 so as to secure the loop in a position along the lengths of segments 164 and 166 .
- the segments 164 and 166 overlap each other in a V-fashion so that there is a V-shaped overlap portion 166 d .
- the stitching rows 166 a and 166 b extend through the V-shaped portion onto each of the segments 164 , 166 .
- This overlap arrangement is also provided on segments 160 , 158 at loop 142 .
- the segments 182 , 186 are secured by one or more stitching rows 182 a at loop 140 of the chin cup in an arrangement similar to that described regarding segments 164 , 166 at loop 140 .
- the system 100 has a chin cup 181 for engaging on or about a user's chin as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .
- the chin cup 181 has an upper chin strap portion 186 , a first lower chin strap portion 182 , and a second lower chin strap portion 188 .
- the first lower chin strap portion 182 has an anchor pin strip 180 .
- the second lower chin strap portion 188 connects with a keyhole strip 190 .
- the second lower chin strap portion 188 , the upper chin strap portion 186 , and the first lower chin strap portion 182 comprise one continuous piece of strap material where a first end 187 of the first lower chin strap portion is attached at a predefined position along the strap comprising portions 186 and 188 as is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the attachment at the first end edge 184 at the connection of the first end 187 to the upper chin strap portion 186 may be by means known in the art such as gluing, stitching, or the like.
- the stitching arrangement may be the same as the stitching 182 a across segments 182 and 186 .
- the chin cup 181 is one continuous piece of webbing.
- the chin cup 181 comprises a second end 185 opposite a first end 187 which is defined by where the loop 140 engages to continuous strap that comprises strap portions 186 and 182 . Therefore, the loop 140 is positionable along the strap that comprises strap portions 186 and 182 to define the boundaries of the upper chin strap portion 186 and the first lower chin strap portion 182 respectively.
- the second lower chin strap portion 188 is configured to be threaded through the first chin cup connecting loop 142 .
- the second end 185 of the chin cup 181 may be attached to either side of the system.
- the second end 185 of the chin cup 181 is threaded through the second chin cup connecting loop 140 .
- the second end of the chin cup 181 is threaded through the first chin cup connecting loop 142 .
- This connecting point may decided at the place of manufacture or, in one embodiment, the first end 187 of the first lower chin strap portion 182 may be releasably connected to the upper chin strap portion 186 and the second lower chin strap portion 188 .
- the pin strip may be removed and the chin cup may be taken out of the second chin cup connecting loop 140 and placed in the first chin connecting loop 142 or vice versa.
- the keyhole strip 190 is shown in more detail.
- the keyhole strip 190 is configured to engage the pin strip 180 .
- the strip 190 has a first raised portion 210 connected to a recess portion 246 by a sloping section 212 .
- the recess portion 246 adjoins a second raised portion 240 at a step edge 242 opposite the first raised portion 210 .
- the recess portion 246 has a first keyhole opening 220 and a second keyhole opening 230 located along the length of the recess portion 246 .
- Each keyhole opening has large openings 224 , 234 contiguous with small openings 222 , 232 respectively.
- the large openings 224 , 234 are larger than the pinheads 252 , 258 so that the pin heads may be received through large openings.
- the first raised portion has a corresponding lower portion 211 on the back face of the keyhole strip.
- a rising slope section 213 corresponds to be sloping section 212 and connects the recess portion on the backside with the lower portion 211 .
- the second raised portion does not have a corresponding lowered portion.
- the raised back surface 244 comprises the length of the recess portion 246 and the second raised portion 240 .
- the thickness in the second raised portion is greater than that of the thickness in the recess portion 246 and the first raised portion 210 .
- Each of the large openings 224 , 234 of the key hole openings 220 , 230 have a dish or angled portion 225 , 235 which provides a recess from the back surface 244 to accommodate the pin heads 252 , 258 of the pin strip 180 .
- the strap portion 188 may be connected on the lower portion 211 so that the strap portion 188 is in line with the recess portion 246 .
- a slot (not shown) may be formed through the lower portion 211 and thread can be used to secure the strap portion 188 to the lower portion 211 . Other means of attachment may also be used.
- FIG. 11 provides a detailed view of the pin strip 180 .
- the pin strip 180 comprises a strip body 261 .
- the strip body 261 has four elongated slot openings 260 , 262 , 264 , 266 , a first pin 250 , and a second pin 256 .
- Two of the four elongated slot openings are center elongated slot openings 262 , 264 and are located along the strip body 261 between the two pins 250 , 256 .
- the other two of the four elongated slot openings are outside elongated slot openings 260 , 266 .
- Outside elongated slot opening 260 is located opposite center elongated slot openings 262 with pin 250 located therebetween.
- the outside elongated slot opening 266 is located opposite center elongated slot opening 264 with pin 256 located therebetween.
- Each pin 250 , 256 comprises a pin shaft 259 (not shown for pin 250 ) and a pin head 252 , 258 .
- the pin shaft spaces the pin head from the strip body 261 .
- the strip body 261 comprises an upper arched area 253 , 257 and a corresponding lower arched area 251 (not shown for pin 250 ).
- the arched areas have a common center with the center of the pin heads 252 , 256 .
- the pin heads 252 , 256 have a greater radius than the radius of the arched areas.
- the pin strip may be secured to the first lower chin strap portion 182 via stitching, adhesive, or by securing fasteners through the elongated slot openings 260 , 262 , 264 , 266 , or other means known in the fastening art.
- the first pin 250 is configured to engage with the first keyhole opening 220 of the keyhole strip
- the second pin 256 is configured to engage with the second keyhole opening 230 of the keyhole strip.
- the strip body 261 has an arc that is configured to approximate the under chin contact of a user and provide a comfortable contact therebetween.
- the keyhole strip has an arch that is substantially similar to the arch of the strip body 261 to provide a conforming contact between the keyhole strip and the strip body when the pins 250 , 256 are engaged in the keyhole openings 220 , 230 respectively.
- each of the large openings 224 , 234 are positioned under the pin heads 252 , 258 .
- a keyhole strip 190 is raised in that direction A shown in FIG. 10 and the pins pass through the large openings 224 , 234 until the pin heads clear at least the lowest portion of the dished areas 225 , 235 .
- the keyhole strip is then moved so that pin shafts 259 (not shown for pin 250 ) engage the small opening 222 , 232 respectively, shown as the direction B in FIG. 10 .
- To remove key hole strip from the pin strip 180 the keyhole strip is moved in the direction opposite of direction B shown in FIG. 10 so that the pin heads 252 , 258 align over the large openings 224 , 234 .
- FIGS. 3-8 shows the system in various stages of use.
- the chin cup 181 is shown disconnected from the first chin cup engaging strap portion 153 .
- the chin cup 181 is attached to the second chin cup engaging strap portion 163 by second chin cup connecting loop 140 .
- the anchors 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 are attached to the helmet 50 to hold the system to the helmet.
- FIG. 6A shows a right side view, with details not shown, of the system as it is attached to a helmet 50 at a front side attachment location 55 and a rear side attachment location 54 .
- the anchor 110 connects at attachment location 55 and anchor 112 connects at attachment location 54 .
- the keyhole strip 190 has been inserted through the first chin cup connecting loop 142 so that the first chin connecting loop 142 is located between the first keyhole opening 220 in the second keyhole opening 230 .
- the keyhole strip 190 has been pulled through the first chin cup connecting loop 142 and along the second lower chin strap portion 188 until the loop 142 reached the first end edge 184 which is where the upper chin strap portion 186 meets the first lower chin strap portion 182 .
- Each connecting loop 140 , 142 has parallel arm portions 140 a , 140 b connected at each end to end segments to form the loop, as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the second lower chin strap portion 188 is folded over one of the two arm portions 140 a , 140 b of the first chin cup connecting loop 142 .
- the first and second keyhole openings 220 , 230 of the keyhole strip 190 are aligned with the first pin 250 and the second pin 256 of the pin strip.
- the keyhole strip is then engaged with the pin strip as explained above to secure the chin cup in position between the first and second chin cup connecting loops 140 , 142 .
- the system has at least two tension settings as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- a high stability tension setting is shown in FIG. 7 .
- the first and second keyhole openings 220 , 230 are engaged with the first and second pins 250 , 256 to cause the upper chin strap portion 186 of the chin cup to be located between the lower edge of the chin of a user and the user's lips as shown in FIG. 7 .
- both the upper strap portion 186 and the first lower strap portion 182 are more fully engaged with the user's face about the user's chin.
- a relaxed tension setting is shown in FIG. 8 .
- the relaxed tension setting shows less than all the keyhole openings are engaged with less than all of the pins.
- the relaxed tension setting shown only one keyhole opening is engaged with one of the pins.
- the second keyhole opening 230 is engaged with the first pin 250 .
- the first end edge 184 is not necessarily in contact with the first chin cup connecting loop 142 .
- the second pin 256 is not engaged with the keyhole opening.
- more slack is provided in the chin cup 181 between the chin cup connecting loops 140 , 142 so that the upper chin strap portion is located at a lower position relative to the user's chin than in the case of the high stability tension setting.
- the upper chin strap portion 186 is located below the user's chin 52 along a least a portion of the upper chin strap portion's length.
- the relaxed tension setting also allows compatibility with CBRN masks.
- the system provides a strap link adjustability mechanism where the length of any one of the strap portions 151 , 157 , 161 , 167 , 169 may vary within a predefined range by the use of tensioners 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 .
- tensioners 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 is identical to the others, therefore only one tensioner will be described in detail.
- Each tensioner has an open position in a locked position. The open position as shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A ; the locked position is shown in FIGS. 14 and 14A . Component parts of the tensioner are shown in FIGS. 16 , 17 , and 18 .
- Each tensioner has a base 300 .
- the base has opposing base side walls 304 , 306 joined by a crossbar 302 and a front bar such as a tooth bar 308 .
- the outward facing surface of the side walls each have a series of parallel vertical grip bars 316 to aid a user's grip for sliding or adjusting the location of the tensioner.
- Adjacent to the grip bars 316 are pivot lever mounting holes 320 , 322 for connecting with a pivot lever 330 .
- the tooth bar 308 is located at the front of the base 300 .
- the tooth bar 308 has a front surface 309 opposite a back surface.
- the back surface of the tooth bar has a plurality of teeth 310 extending rearward towards the crossbar 302 .
- the tooth bar has an upper surface that is recessed below the highest surface of the side walls as shown in FIG. 17 .
- a lever pin channel 324 , 326 On the inside surface of the side walls between the tooth bar and a crossbar is a lever pin channel 324 , 326 that extends from the top edge of the side wall down to the pivot lever mounting holes 320 , 322 .
- the pivot lever 330 is shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 .
- the lever has a front edge 351 , a first sloping upper front surface 348 continuing on the top side to a second upper sloping surface 346 continuing on the top to a rear tail surface 356 and connecting with a tail tooth 360 .
- On the underside of the lever from the front edge 351 is a first bottom sloping section 350 connecting to a concave second bottom sloping section 352 further connecting to a third bottom portion 354 connecting with the tail tooth 360 .
- the lever has opposite lateral lever sidewalls 341 , 343 . Each side has a base-engaging pin 336 , 338 .
- the pins 336 , 338 are mirror image identical across a longitudinal, vertical center plane of the lever (which center plane contains the curved line L in FIG. 18 ), only the pin 336 need be described.
- the pin 336 extends outward from the side wall.
- the pin 336 joins the side wall at a dish portion 342 .
- the dish portion 342 provides a smooth concave transition between the sidewall 341 and the shaft 345 .
- the outer face of the pin provides a vertical section 340 and an angled section 339 .
- the vertical section 340 comprises half of the outer face of the pin and the angled section 339 comprises the second half.
- the angled section of the surface of the pin is designed smooth the connection between the base and is the first component of the pin to contact the channels 326 , 324 when the lever is attached to the base.
- the pins 336 , 338 are aligned over the channels 326 , 324 so that the angled portions 339 (not labeled or shown for pin 338 ) are closest to the channels. Downward force is then applied to the upper surface 348 , 346 of the lever to force the pins down through the channels to a snapped engagement in the pivot lever mounting holes 322 , 320 .
- Each of the lever sidewalls 341 , 343 of the lever include locking nubs 332 , 337 .
- Each of the inside surfaces of the sidewalls 306 , 304 of the base 300 have locking nub recesses 303 (not shown for sidewall 306 ).
- the locking nub recess 303 may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is parallel with the top surface of the sidewalls of the base portion.
- locking recess may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is above or below the top surface of the side walls of the base portion.
- the locking nub has a snapped engagement with the locking recess to ensure proper closure and prevent accidental release.
- the lever pins are received in the lever pinholes of the base and the lever is pivotable about the lever pinholes between an open and a locked position.
- Strap segment 160 has a loop end 160 a secured around the crossbar 302 . The loop end is formed by the strap being folded over on itself and is secured to itself. Strap 162 is threaded over the tooth bar 308 under the cam end of the lever and over the crossbar to extend out the rear end of the tensioner.
- the lever when the lever is moved to the locked or closed position that cam end of the lever pivots about the lever pins forwardly towards the teeth 310 . Therefore, the strap 162 is secured between the teeth and the cam end of the lever including the front edge 351 .
- the lever does not provide pressure between the strap 162 and the crossbar 302 .
- the pressure provided between the strap 162 and the crossbar is negligible and the holding force is provided between the cam end of the lever and the teeth 310 of the tooth bar 308 .
- the lever 330 including the cam end 353 , the tooth bar 308 , and the crossbar 302 create a tortuous path where the strap 162 will engage the teeth 310 under tension.
- the tortuous path beginning at the left in FIG. 14A , has a downward segment which encounters the teeth 310 between the tooth bar 208 and the front of the cam end 353 and an upward extending segment that follows along the bottom of the lever over the crossbar 302 and out the rear of the tensioner.
- the teeth come in close proximity to the cam but the teeth do not touch the cam.
- the tensioner is in the open position.
- the tensioner is relieved from the tortuous path in that the strap is not forced in contact with the teeth 310 and the strap extends along a top portion of the lever including along the first sloping upper front surface 348 .
- the cam end has an over-center design such that the cam end 353 is urged to rotate when subjected to strap tension.
- Strap 162 extends around the cam end 353 that is radially spaced from the pivot axis at the base engaging pins 336 , 338 wherein pivoting of the lever from an open position to the locked or tensioning position pulls the strap about the cam tending to shorten the effective length of strap via the tortuous path that has a longer length, as compared to the open path when in the open position, and produces a tension in the strap. If the strap 162 is further drawn in the direction D shown in FIG.
- the additional drawing force will urge the lever to rotate with respect to the base 300 toward the closed position as the strap draws upward on the front bottom sloping section 350 and the front edge 351 about the pivot axis, which creates a rotational force or moment on the cam end 353 and increases the griping force of the tensioner on the strap.
- strap 162 In operation, to extend the strap's effective length, strap 162 is moved in the direction C shown in FIG. 14 so that more of strap 162 is located in front of the cam end of the lever. To reduce the strap's effective length, strap 162 is moved in the direction opposite of the directions C shown in FIG. 14 so that more of the strap 162 is located to the rear of the crossbar 302 .
- tail tooth 360 is recessed from the plane defined by rear surfaces 301 , 305 of the sidewalls 304 , 306 of the base 300 to avoid the tail tooth snagging unintentionally on other elements that may be close to the system.
- the tail tooth 360 provides a grip or contact point that allows the tensioner to be operated while the user is wearing gloves.
- the D-ring 130 , 132 is shown in FIG. 13 .
- the D-ring has strap engaging links 133 , 134 , 135 joined together by intervening shorter links 136 , 137 , 138 respectively.
- the anchors system includes an anchor 110 , 112 , 114 , 116 , a screw receiver such as a t-nut 410 , and a screw 440 .
- the anchor includes a helmet mounting portion 428 and a strap connecting portion 452 .
- the helmet mounting portion 428 includes a mounting hole 426 .
- the back surface of the helmet mounting portion 428 includes a diamond recess 430 .
- the t-nut 410 includes a shaft portion 412 and a diamond shaped plate portion 414 .
- the t-nut includes a threaded bore 416 that extends through the shaft portion 412 and the diamond shaped plate portion 414 .
- the diamond shaped plate portion 414 is sized to fit in the diamond recess 430 so as to prevent substantial rotation of the T-nut 410 .
- the screw 440 has a threaded shaft portion 442 connected to a non-threaded shaft portion 446 , which is connected to the head 444 .
- the strap connecting portion 452 includes a strap opening 422 adjacent to a strap bar 420 .
- the strap connecting portion 452 is angled away from or setoff from the plane defined by the helmet mounting portion 428 to prevent the strap from pinching against a helmet mounting surface.
- the set off is 3 mm.
- the anchor may include an oblong center opening 424 for reducing the weight of anchor.
- the shaft portion 412 of the t-nut is received in the mounting hole 426 of the anchor and the diamond recess 430 is receives the diamond shaped plate portion 414 of the t-nut that so that shaft portion 412 extends beyond the surface of the anchor opposite the diamond shaped recess.
- the screw may be threaded into the bore 416 until the non-threaded shaft portion 446 contacts the shaft portion 412 or is in close proximity thereto, or until sufficient resistance is created between the screw head and the helmet. Therefore, the anchor is secured to a helmet between the screw thread and a helmet engaging portion 428 in a helmet engaging area 450 .
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- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
A helmet retention system having a first side strap system configured to connect to a first side of a helmet and a second side strap system configured to connect to an opposite second side of a helmet is provided. A chin cup and a chin cup connecting mechanism are provided. The chin cup connecting mechanism is configured to connect the first and second side strap systems in an area about the user's chin and to vary the amount of tension in the system between at least two predefined tension states. Strap adjusters provide a cam design for tensioning the straps and retaining the adjustors fixed to the straps at the desired adjustment under external force applied to the straps. Anchors provide secure mounting of the straps to the helmet.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/498,920 filed Jun. 20, 2011.
- The present invention relates to systems for retaining a helmet to a user's head.
- A number of protective and military helmets are known, such as the helmet known as the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), which was a successor to the Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 242,088. Helmet strap systems for holding a helmet to a user's head are also known, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,600,268, 5,123,121, 4,897,888 and US Patent Application Publication 2006/0179537 A1.
- The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the degree of front-to-back helmet rotation that is allowed by the system.
- The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the circumstances were a strap could cut up under a user's earlobe or interfere with a circum-aural ear protection or communication device.
- One solution for fastening a chinstrap requires putting the closure mechanism on top of the side straps of the system which results in bulky hardware on the face, interference with weapons sighting, and the need for left and right eye-dominant configurations. The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to eliminate the bulky hardware, weapon interference, eye-dominant configuration requirements in a helmet retention system.
- The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to eliminate the need to adjust the length of straps in the system every time the chin strap is connected rather than at the first fitting.
- The present inventors recognize the need for a low profile chin strap closure mechanism.
- The present inventors recognize a need for a chin strap closure mechanism that is capable of operation by one hand.
- An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a helmet retention system having a first side strap system configured to connect to a first side of a helmet and a second side strap system configured to connect to an opposite second side of a helmet. A chin cup and a chin cup connecting mechanism are provided. The chin cup connecting mechanism is configured to connect the first and second side strap systems in an area about the user's chin and to vary the amount of tension in the system between at least two predefined tension states.
- In one embodiment, the chin cup connecting mechanism has at least one loop, a plurality of anchor pins, a key-hole strip having a least two openings each configured to engage one or more anchor pins. The selection of the engagement of one or more openings with one or more anchor pins determines, at least in part, the tension state of the system.
- In one embodiment, the chin cup comprises an upper strap portion, a first lower strap portion, and a second lower strap portion. The upper strap portion and first lower strap portion are configured to encircle a user's chin in at least one tension state. The key-hole strip is connected to the second lower strap portion.
- In one embodiment, the chin cup connecting mechanism comprising at least two loops for connecting opposite sides of the chin cup to the first and second side strap systems.
- In one embodiment, the first loop is connected between the upper strap portion and the first lower strap portion and the second loop configured to be located between the second lower strap portion and the first lower strap portion for at least one tension state of the system.
- In one embodiment, the first side strap system comprises a first upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a first side and a first lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the first side. The second side strap system comprises a second upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a second side and a second lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the second side.
- In one embodiment, the system has a nape pad configured to prevent contact of the straps of the system with portions of the back of a user's neck.
- In one embodiment, the system has at least four strap anchors configured to secure opposite ends of the first and second side strap system to a helmet.
- In one embodiment, the system has a least one tensioner configured to vary the length of a portion of the first or second side strap systems within a predefined range.
- The tensioner has a base and a tension cam. The tension cam is pivotally connected to the base. The base has a crossbar for connecting to a first strap end of the first or second side strap systems; the base has a toothed section ahead of the tension cam opposite the crossbar. The tensioner has an open position and a closed position, the tension cam is configured to create a tortuous path where the strap can engage the teeth under tension when in the closed position.
- Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, and from the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the helmet retention system. -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the helmet retention system. -
FIG. 2A is a view of the connection of segments at a loop. -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup released from a first side of the system. -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup beginning engagement with the first side of the system. -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup further engaged with the first side of the system. -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the chin cup engaged with the first side of the system. -
FIG. 6A a right side view a the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 with certain details not shown. -
FIG. 7 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the system in a high stability state. -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the helmet retention system ofFIG. 1 mounted to a helmet with the system in a relaxed stability state. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a key-hole strip of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the key-hole strip ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a pin strip of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of chin cup connecting loop of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view D-ring of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system ofFIG. 1 in a locked position. -
FIG. 14A is a side view of the tensioner ofFIG. 14 with certain elements not shown. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system ofFIG. 1 in an open position. -
FIG. 15A is a side view of the tensioner ofFIG. 15 with certain elements not shown. -
FIG. 16 is a side view of a lever of the tensioner ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a base of the tensioner ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lever ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of an anchor system of the system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 20 is an exploded rear perspective view of the anchor system ofFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is an unexploded side view of the anchor system ofFIG. 19 . - While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
- A
helmet retention system strap segments rings strap tensioners rings nape pad 102 and connected to each other bystrap segments tensioner 124.End strap segments anchor strap segments segments tensioner 124, the continuous strap extends around D-ring 130 and through the tensioner and has a second loop at a second end opposite the first end that is connected around a portion of D-ring 132. By using thetensioner 124, the overall length of thestrap segments rings - In one embodiment, the system has a retaining
strap 105 to secure the D-rings to the nape pad. A first end of the retainingstrap 105 is secured at or adjacent to afirst end 102 a of thenape pad 102. A second end of the retaining strap opposite the first end is secured at or adjacent asecond end 102 b of the nape pad. The retaining strap extends through each of the D-rings FIG. 1 , the retainingstrap 105 is secured at thefirst end 102 a of the nape pad and extends over a left portion of the D-ring 132 and extends under a right portion of the D-ring 132 and continues understrap segments ring 130 and over a right portion of the D-ring 130 and is secured to thesecond end 102 b of thenape pad 102. - The system includes a first lower
side strap portion 151 and an opposite second lowerside strap portion 161. The system includes a first upperfront strap portion 157 and an opposite second upperfront strap portion 167. The first lowerside strap portion 151 comprisesstrap segments side strap portion 161 comprisesstrap segments front strap portion 157 comprisesstrap segments front strap portion 167 comprisesstrap segments rear strap portion 169 comprisesstrap segments - The system comprises a first
side strap system 155 and a secondside strap system 165. The first side strap system comprisessegments strap segments strap portions strap portion 153 comprisesstrap portions strap portion 163 comprisesstrap portions strap portions cup connecting loop 142 defines the boundary betweenstrap portion 151 andstrap portion 157. Theloop 142 is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engagingstrap portion 153 as the system is adjusted usingtensioners loop 140 defines the boundary betweenstrap portion 161 andstrap portion 167. Theloop 140 is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engagingstrap portion 153 as the system is adjusted usingtensioners - In one embodiment, each of the first and second chin cup engaging portions comprises one continuous piece of strap material. In this arrangement, a first end of a first continuous piece of material of the first chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of
tensioner 126. The strap then continues around the D-ring 132, extends throughtensioner 126, extends throughloop 142, extends throughtensioner 128, loops throughanchor 116 and a second end opposite the first end of the first continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar oftensioner 128. - A first end of a second continuous piece of material of the second chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of
tensioner 122 continues around the D-ring 130, extends throughtensioner 122, extends throughloop 140, extends throughtensioner 120, loops throughanchor 110 and a second end opposite the first end of the second continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar oftensioner 120. - As shown in
FIG. 2A ,segments rows loop portion 166 c around theloop 140 so as to secure the loop in a position along the lengths ofsegments segments overlap portion 166 d. Thestitching rows segments segments loop 142. Thesegments more stitching rows 182 a atloop 140 of the chin cup in an arrangement similar to that described regardingsegments loop 140. - The
system 100 has achin cup 181 for engaging on or about a user's chin as shown inFIGS. 3-7 . Thechin cup 181 has an upperchin strap portion 186, a first lowerchin strap portion 182, and a second lowerchin strap portion 188. The first lowerchin strap portion 182 has ananchor pin strip 180. The second lowerchin strap portion 188 connects with akeyhole strip 190. In one embodiment, the second lowerchin strap portion 188, the upperchin strap portion 186, and the first lowerchin strap portion 182 comprise one continuous piece of strap material where afirst end 187 of the first lower chin strap portion is attached at a predefined position along thestrap comprising portions FIG. 1 . The attachment at thefirst end edge 184 at the connection of thefirst end 187 to the upperchin strap portion 186 may be by means known in the art such as gluing, stitching, or the like. The stitching arrangement may be the same as thestitching 182 aacross segments chin cup 181 is one continuous piece of webbing. Thechin cup 181 comprises asecond end 185 opposite afirst end 187 which is defined by where theloop 140 engages to continuous strap that comprisesstrap portions loop 140 is positionable along the strap that comprisesstrap portions chin strap portion 186 and the first lowerchin strap portion 182 respectively. The second lowerchin strap portion 188 is configured to be threaded through the first chincup connecting loop 142. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thesecond end 185 of thechin cup 181 may be attached to either side of the system. For example inFIG. 1 , thesecond end 185 of thechin cup 181 is threaded through the second chincup connecting loop 140. In the configuration shown inFIG. 2 , the second end of thechin cup 181 is threaded through the first chincup connecting loop 142. This connecting point may decided at the place of manufacture or, in one embodiment, thefirst end 187 of the first lowerchin strap portion 182 may be releasably connected to the upperchin strap portion 186 and the second lowerchin strap portion 188. The pin strip may be removed and the chin cup may be taken out of the second chincup connecting loop 140 and placed in the firstchin connecting loop 142 or vice versa. - Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , thekeyhole strip 190 is shown in more detail. Thekeyhole strip 190 is configured to engage thepin strip 180. Thestrip 190 has a first raisedportion 210 connected to arecess portion 246 by asloping section 212. Therecess portion 246 adjoins a second raisedportion 240 at astep edge 242 opposite the first raisedportion 210. Therecess portion 246 has afirst keyhole opening 220 and a second keyhole opening 230 located along the length of therecess portion 246. Each keyhole opening haslarge openings small openings large openings pinheads - As shown in
FIG. 10 , the first raised portion has a correspondinglower portion 211 on the back face of the keyhole strip. A risingslope section 213 corresponds to be slopingsection 212 and connects the recess portion on the backside with thelower portion 211. Unlike the first raisedportion 210 the second raised portion does not have a corresponding lowered portion. Instead the raised backsurface 244 comprises the length of therecess portion 246 and the second raisedportion 240. As a result the thickness in the second raised portion is greater than that of the thickness in therecess portion 246 and the first raisedportion 210. Each of thelarge openings key hole openings angled portion back surface 244 to accommodate the pin heads 252, 258 of thepin strip 180. One skilled in the art will recognize that while two keyhole openings are provided, any number of keyhole openings may be provided in the keyhole strip to correspond to the number of pinheads provided in the pin strip. Thestrap portion 188 may be connected on thelower portion 211 so that thestrap portion 188 is in line with therecess portion 246. A slot (not shown) may be formed through thelower portion 211 and thread can be used to secure thestrap portion 188 to thelower portion 211. Other means of attachment may also be used. -
FIG. 11 provides a detailed view of thepin strip 180. Thepin strip 180 comprises astrip body 261. Thestrip body 261 has four elongatedslot openings first pin 250, and asecond pin 256. Two of the four elongated slot openings are center elongatedslot openings strip body 261 between the twopins slot openings elongated slot opening 260 is located opposite center elongatedslot openings 262 withpin 250 located therebetween. The outsideelongated slot opening 266 is located opposite center elongatedslot opening 264 withpin 256 located therebetween. Eachpin pin head strip body 261. - The
strip body 261 comprises an upperarched area chin strap portion 182 via stitching, adhesive, or by securing fasteners through theelongated slot openings - In one configuration, the
first pin 250 is configured to engage with the first keyhole opening 220 of the keyhole strip, and thesecond pin 256 is configured to engage with the second keyhole opening 230 of the keyhole strip. In one embodiment, thestrip body 261 has an arc that is configured to approximate the under chin contact of a user and provide a comfortable contact therebetween. The keyhole strip has an arch that is substantially similar to the arch of thestrip body 261 to provide a conforming contact between the keyhole strip and the strip body when thepins keyhole openings - Referring to
FIG. 10 , to secure thekeyhole strip 190 to thepin strip 180 each of thelarge openings keyhole strip 190 is raised in that direction A shown inFIG. 10 and the pins pass through thelarge openings areas small opening FIG. 10 . To remove key hole strip from thepin strip 180 the keyhole strip is moved in the direction opposite of direction B shown inFIG. 10 so that the pin heads 252, 258 align over thelarge openings -
FIGS. 3-8 shows the system in various stages of use. InFIG. 3 , thechin cup 181 is shown disconnected from the first chin cup engagingstrap portion 153. Thechin cup 181 is attached to the second chin cup engagingstrap portion 163 by second chincup connecting loop 140. Theanchors helmet 50 to hold the system to the helmet.FIG. 6A shows a right side view, with details not shown, of the system as it is attached to ahelmet 50 at a frontside attachment location 55 and a rearside attachment location 54. Theanchor 110 connects atattachment location 55 andanchor 112 connects atattachment location 54. - In
FIG. 4 , thekeyhole strip 190 has been inserted through the first chincup connecting loop 142 so that the firstchin connecting loop 142 is located between the first keyhole opening 220 in the second keyhole opening 230. InFIG. 5 , thekeyhole strip 190 has been pulled through the first chincup connecting loop 142 and along the second lowerchin strap portion 188 until theloop 142 reached thefirst end edge 184 which is where the upperchin strap portion 186 meets the first lowerchin strap portion 182. - Each connecting
loop parallel arm portions FIG. 12 . To secure the chin cup in position the second lowerchin strap portion 188 is folded over one of the twoarm portions cup connecting loop 142. As the second lowerchin strap portion 188 is folded over the first chincup connecting loop 142, the first andsecond keyhole openings keyhole strip 190 are aligned with thefirst pin 250 and thesecond pin 256 of the pin strip. The keyhole strip is then engaged with the pin strip as explained above to secure the chin cup in position between the first and second chincup connecting loops - The system has at least two tension settings as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8 . A high stability tension setting is shown inFIG. 7 . In the high stability tension setting the first andsecond keyhole openings second pins chin strap portion 186 of the chin cup to be located between the lower edge of the chin of a user and the user's lips as shown inFIG. 7 . In the high stability tension setting, both theupper strap portion 186 and the firstlower strap portion 182 are more fully engaged with the user's face about the user's chin. - A relaxed tension setting is shown in
FIG. 8 . In this configuration, less than all the keyhole openings are engaged with less than all of the pins. In the relaxed tension setting shown, only one keyhole opening is engaged with one of the pins. In the example shown inFIG. 8 , the second keyhole opening 230 is engaged with thefirst pin 250. In this configuration, thefirst end edge 184 is not necessarily in contact with the first chincup connecting loop 142. Thesecond pin 256 is not engaged with the keyhole opening. In the relaxed tension setting, more slack is provided in thechin cup 181 between the chincup connecting loops FIG. 8 , the upperchin strap portion 186 is located below the user'schin 52 along a least a portion of the upper chin strap portion's length. The relaxed tension setting also allows compatibility with CBRN masks. - The system provides a strap link adjustability mechanism where the length of any one of the
strap portions tensioners tensioners FIGS. 15 and 15A ; the locked position is shown inFIGS. 14 and 14A . Component parts of the tensioner are shown inFIGS. 16 , 17, and 18. - Each tensioner has a
base 300. The base has opposingbase side walls crossbar 302 and a front bar such as atooth bar 308. The outward facing surface of the side walls each have a series of parallel vertical grip bars 316 to aid a user's grip for sliding or adjusting the location of the tensioner. Adjacent to the grip bars 316 are pivotlever mounting holes pivot lever 330. Thetooth bar 308 is located at the front of thebase 300. Thetooth bar 308 has afront surface 309 opposite a back surface. The back surface of the tooth bar has a plurality ofteeth 310 extending rearward towards thecrossbar 302. The tooth bar has an upper surface that is recessed below the highest surface of the side walls as shown inFIG. 17 . On the inside surface of the side walls between the tooth bar and a crossbar is alever pin channel lever mounting holes - The
pivot lever 330 is shown inFIGS. 16 and 18 . The lever has afront edge 351, a first sloping upperfront surface 348 continuing on the top side to a second upper slopingsurface 346 continuing on the top to arear tail surface 356 and connecting with atail tooth 360. On the underside of the lever from thefront edge 351 is a firstbottom sloping section 350 connecting to a concave secondbottom sloping section 352 further connecting to athird bottom portion 354 connecting with thetail tooth 360. The lever has opposite lateral lever sidewalls 341, 343. Each side has a base-engagingpin pins FIG. 18 ), only thepin 336 need be described. Thepin 336 extends outward from the side wall. Thepin 336 joins the side wall at adish portion 342. Thedish portion 342 provides a smooth concave transition between thesidewall 341 and theshaft 345. The outer face of the pin provides avertical section 340 and anangled section 339. Thevertical section 340 comprises half of the outer face of the pin and theangled section 339 comprises the second half. The angled section of the surface of the pin is designed smooth the connection between the base and is the first component of the pin to contact thechannels pins channels upper surface lever mounting holes - Each of the
lever sidewalls nubs sidewalls nub recess 303 may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is parallel with the top surface of the sidewalls of the base portion. In another embodiment, locking recess may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is above or below the top surface of the side walls of the base portion. The locking nub has a snapped engagement with the locking recess to ensure proper closure and prevent accidental release. - The location of the
base engaging pins bottom sloping section 350, afront edge 351 in the first sloping upperfront surface portion 348, forms acam end 353. As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 the lever pins are received in the lever pinholes of the base and the lever is pivotable about the lever pinholes between an open and a locked position.Strap segment 160 has aloop end 160 a secured around thecrossbar 302. The loop end is formed by the strap being folded over on itself and is secured to itself.Strap 162 is threaded over thetooth bar 308 under the cam end of the lever and over the crossbar to extend out the rear end of the tensioner. - As shown in
FIGS. 14 and 14A , when the lever is moved to the locked or closed position that cam end of the lever pivots about the lever pins forwardly towards theteeth 310. Therefore, thestrap 162 is secured between the teeth and the cam end of the lever including thefront edge 351. In one embodiment, the lever does not provide pressure between thestrap 162 and thecrossbar 302. In one embodiment, the pressure provided between thestrap 162 and the crossbar is negligible and the holding force is provided between the cam end of the lever and theteeth 310 of thetooth bar 308. - Referring to
FIG. 14A , in one embodiment, when the tensioner is in a locked position thelever 330 including thecam end 353, thetooth bar 308, and thecrossbar 302 create a tortuous path where thestrap 162 will engage theteeth 310 under tension. The tortuous path, beginning at the left inFIG. 14A , has a downward segment which encounters theteeth 310 between the tooth bar 208 and the front of thecam end 353 and an upward extending segment that follows along the bottom of the lever over thecrossbar 302 and out the rear of the tensioner. In one embodiment, shown inFIG. 14A , the teeth come in close proximity to the cam but the teeth do not touch the cam. While the teeth may contact or come in close proximity to the cam, because of the tortuous path, it is not necessary for thecam end 353 to put excessive pressure on the strap between the teeth to secure the strap in position. This may reduce wear on the teeth and other components and extend the working life of the tensioner. InFIG. 15A , the tensioner is in the open position. When the tensioner is in the open position, the strap is relieved from the tortuous path in that the strap is not forced in contact with theteeth 310 and the strap extends along a top portion of the lever including along the first sloping upperfront surface 348. - The cam end has an over-center design such that the
cam end 353 is urged to rotate when subjected to strap tension.Strap 162 extends around thecam end 353 that is radially spaced from the pivot axis at thebase engaging pins strap 162 is further drawn in the direction D shown inFIG. 14A when the tensioner is in the locked position, the additional drawing force will urge the lever to rotate with respect to the base 300 toward the closed position as the strap draws upward on the frontbottom sloping section 350 and thefront edge 351 about the pivot axis, which creates a rotational force or moment on thecam end 353 and increases the griping force of the tensioner on the strap. - In operation, to extend the strap's effective length,
strap 162 is moved in the direction C shown inFIG. 14 so that more ofstrap 162 is located in front of the cam end of the lever. To reduce the strap's effective length,strap 162 is moved in the direction opposite of the directions C shown inFIG. 14 so that more of thestrap 162 is located to the rear of thecrossbar 302. - As is shown in
FIG. 14 ,tail tooth 360 is recessed from the plane defined byrear surfaces sidewalls tail tooth 360 provides a grip or contact point that allows the tensioner to be operated while the user is wearing gloves. - The D-
ring FIG. 13 . The D-ring hasstrap engaging links shorter links - Each of the
anchors anchor system 400 is shown inFIGS. 19 , 20, and 21. The anchors system includes ananchor nut 410, and ascrew 440. The anchor includes ahelmet mounting portion 428 and astrap connecting portion 452. Thehelmet mounting portion 428 includes a mountinghole 426. The back surface of thehelmet mounting portion 428 includes adiamond recess 430. The t-nut 410 includes ashaft portion 412 and a diamond shapedplate portion 414. The t-nut includes a threadedbore 416 that extends through theshaft portion 412 and the diamond shapedplate portion 414. The diamond shapedplate portion 414 is sized to fit in thediamond recess 430 so as to prevent substantial rotation of the T-nut 410. Thescrew 440 has a threadedshaft portion 442 connected to anon-threaded shaft portion 446, which is connected to thehead 444. - The
strap connecting portion 452 includes astrap opening 422 adjacent to astrap bar 420. Thestrap connecting portion 452 is angled away from or setoff from the plane defined by thehelmet mounting portion 428 to prevent the strap from pinching against a helmet mounting surface. In one embodiment, the set off is 3 mm. The anchor may include an oblong center opening 424 for reducing the weight of anchor. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , theshaft portion 412 of the t-nut is received in the mountinghole 426 of the anchor and thediamond recess 430 is receives the diamond shapedplate portion 414 of the t-nut that so thatshaft portion 412 extends beyond the surface of the anchor opposite the diamond shaped recess. The screw may be threaded into thebore 416 until thenon-threaded shaft portion 446 contacts theshaft portion 412 or is in close proximity thereto, or until sufficient resistance is created between the screw head and the helmet. Therefore, the anchor is secured to a helmet between the screw thread and ahelmet engaging portion 428 in ahelmet engaging area 450. - From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.
Claims (36)
1. A helmet retention system, comprising:
a first side strap system configured to connect to a first side of a helmet;
a second side strap system configured to connect to an opposite second side of a helmet a chin cup; and
a chin cup connecting mechanism configured to connect the first and second side strap systems in an area about the user's chin, and to vary the amount of tension in the system between at least two predefined tension states.
2. The helmet retention system of claim 1 , wherein the chin cup connecting mechanism comprises at least one loop, a plurality of anchor pins, a key-hole strip having a least two openings each configured to engage one or more anchor pins, wherein the selection of the engagement of one or more openings with one or more anchor pins determines, at least in part, the tension state of the system.
3. The helmet retention system of claim 2 , wherein the chin cup comprises an upper strap portion, a first lower strap portion, and a second lower strap portion, the upper strap portion and first lower strap portion configured to encircle a user's chin in at least one tension state, the key-hole strip connected to the second lower strap portion.
4. The helmet retention system of claim 1 , wherein the chin cup comprises a chin cup connecting mechanism, wherein the chin cup connecting mechanism comprising at least two loops for connecting opposite sides of the chin cup to the first and second side strap systems.
5. The helmet retention system of claim 4 , wherein a first loop of said at least two loops is connected between the upper strap portion and the first lower strap portion, and a second loop of said at least two loops configured to be located between the second lower strap portion and the first lower strap portion for at least one tension state of the system.
6. The helmet system of claim 1 , wherein the first side strap system comprises a first upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a first side and a first lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the first side; and
the second side strap system comprises a second upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a second side and a second lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the second side.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. The helmet system of claim 1 , comprising at least one tensioner configured to vary the length of a portion of the first or second side strap systems within a predefined range.
11. The helmet system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one tensioner comprises a base and a tension cam.
12. The helmet system of claim 10 , wherein the tensioner comprises a base and a tension cam pivotally connected to the base, the base has a crossbar for connecting to a first strap end of the first or second side strap systems, the base has a toothed section ahead of the tension cam opposite the crossbar.
13. The helmet system of claim 12 , wherein the tensioner has an open position and a closed position, the tension cam is configured to create a tortuous path where the strap will engage the teeth under tension when in the closed position.
14. A strap adjuster comprising:
a base having opposing base side walls joined by a crossbar and a front bar, the crossbar spaced apart and parallel to the front bar;
a pivot lever pivotally connected to the side walls about a pivot axis, having an open position and a closed position with respect to the base depending on the pivoted position of the pivot lever, the pivot lever having a front edge, wherein when the pivot lever is in the closed position a tortuous path for a strap is formed between the base side walls and extending above the crossbar, below the front edge of the pivot lever tooth bar, and above the front bar, the pivot lever having an over-center design such that when the pivot lever is pivoted into the closed position, increasing strap tension acts to exert a moment on the lever about the pivot axis that is directed to urge the lever to pivot toward the closed position with respect to the base.
15. The strap adjuster according to claim 14 , wherein the pivot lever comprises a cam end, formed by the front edge, a first sloping upper front surface continuing on the top side to a second upper sloping surface, wherein when the lever is in the open position and is rotated into the closed position, the cam end exerts a tensioning force on a strap that is threaded between the base side walls, over the crossbar under the cam end and over the front bar, until the pivot lever reaches the closed position.
16. The strap adjuster according to claim 14 , wherein the front bar has a front surface opposite a back surface, the back surface of the front bar having a plurality of teeth extending rearward towards the crossbar.
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. The strap adjuster according to claim 14 , wherein the pivot lever comprise opposite lever sidewalls and each of the lever sidewalls include a locking nub, and wherein each inside surface of the base side walls have locking nub recesses, the locking nub recess located such that the locking nubs have a snap engagement with the locking recess when the pivot lever is rotated into the closed position.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. A helmet retention system, comprising:
a first lower side strap portion and an opposite second lower side strap portion;
a first upper front strap portion connected at one end at an angle to the first lower side strap portion and connectable to a helmet at an opposite end, and an opposite second upper front strap portion connected at one end at an angle to the second lower side strap portion and connectable to the helmet at an opposite end;
a first loop connected to the first upper front strap portion at the connection between the first upper front strap portion and the first lower side strap portion;
a second loop connected to the second upper front strap portion at the connection between the second upper front strap portion and the second lower side strap portion;
the first lower side strap portion connected to a first ring and the second lower side strap portion connected to a second ring; and
a first rear upper strap portion connected at one end to the first ring and connectable at an opposite end to the helmet, and a second rear upper strap portion connected to the second ring at a first end and connectable at an opposite end to the helmet; and
a chin cup connected between the first and second loops.
32. The helmet retention system according to claim 31 , comprising a plurality of strap adjusters each for adjusting strap length and one of each arranged respectively on the first lower side strap portion and the opposite second lower side strap portion.
33. The helmet retention system according to claim 31 , comprising a plurality of strap adjusters each for adjusting strap length and one of each arranged respectively on the first upper front strap portion and the opposite second upper front strap portion.
34. The helmet retention system according to claim 31 , comprising a nape pad and a restraining strap, wherein a first end of the retaining strap is secured at or adjacent to a first end of the nape pad, a second end of the retaining strap opposite the first end is secured at or adjacent a second end of the nape pad, wherein the retaining strap extends through each of the rings.
35. An anchor system for connecting straps to a helmet, comprising:
an anchor;
a screw receiver; and
a screw, the anchor including a helmet mounting portion and a strap connecting portion, the helmet mounting portion including a mounting hole, the back surface of the helmet mounting portion including a shaped recess open into the mounting hole, the screw receiver including a shaft portion and a shaped plate portion, the screw receiver includes a threaded bore that extends through the shaft portion and the shaped plate portion, the threaded bore configured to receive the screw for attaching the anchor to a helmet, the shaped plate portion is sized to fit in the shaped recess, wherein the shape of the shaped plate portion and the shape of the shaped recess prevent substantial rotation of the screw receiver with respect to the helmet mounting portion; and
the strap connecting portion includes a strap opening adjacent to a strap bar for connecting a strap.
36. The anchor system according to claim 35 , wherein the strap connecting portion is angled off from the helmet mounting portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/526,937 US20130000016A1 (en) | 2011-06-20 | 2012-06-19 | Helmet Retention System |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161498920P | 2011-06-20 | 2011-06-20 | |
US13/526,937 US20130000016A1 (en) | 2011-06-20 | 2012-06-19 | Helmet Retention System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20130000016A1 true US20130000016A1 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
Family
ID=47389094
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/526,937 Abandoned US20130000016A1 (en) | 2011-06-20 | 2012-06-19 | Helmet Retention System |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130000016A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012174661A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20140109301A1 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2014-04-24 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet suspension system |
WO2015061002A1 (en) * | 2013-10-24 | 2015-04-30 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Self-actuating webbing adjuster and helmet strap system including same |
US9032558B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2015-05-19 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
WO2018232444A1 (en) * | 2017-06-21 | 2018-12-27 | Darryl Rodney Flack | Helmet chin strap |
US10869520B1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2020-12-22 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11547166B1 (en) | 2022-02-11 | 2023-01-10 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11641904B1 (en) | 2022-11-09 | 2023-05-09 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11700902B2 (en) | 2020-01-08 | 2023-07-18 | ArmorSource, LLC | Helmet retention system |
US11733528B2 (en) | 2020-02-06 | 2023-08-22 | Galvion Ltd. | Rugged integrated helmet vision system |
US11832677B2 (en) | 2021-05-12 | 2023-12-05 | Galvion Incorporated | System for forming a deep drawn helmet |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2022016040A1 (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2022-01-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Hard hat with strap system |
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US3226791A (en) * | 1963-02-01 | 1966-01-04 | Andrew G Garter | Aligned-lever buckle mechanism |
CA2191683C (en) * | 1996-11-29 | 2005-03-22 | Daniel Chartrand | Padding with embedded fastener for use in a helmet |
CN1117535C (en) * | 1997-05-14 | 2003-08-13 | 海茵茨·埃格尔福 | Helmet with adjustable safety strap |
US5978973A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-11-09 | Bauer, Inc. | Fastener for use on a protective helmet |
JP2000104708A (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2000-04-11 | Hashi:Kk | Improved cam buckle |
US6868587B2 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2005-03-22 | Roy Rard | Strap tensioner |
US7124449B2 (en) * | 2004-03-30 | 2006-10-24 | Gentex Corporation | Protective helmet assembly having lightweight suspension system |
US7827617B2 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2010-11-09 | Bae Systems Specialty Defense Systems Of Pennsylvania, Inc. | Chin strap assembly for helmet |
US8353066B2 (en) * | 2006-02-04 | 2013-01-15 | Artisent, Llc | Easily adjusted retention system for helmets |
US7770239B1 (en) * | 2008-03-25 | 2010-08-10 | Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited Llc | Suspension system and chin strap assembly for a helmet |
-
2012
- 2012-06-19 US US13/526,937 patent/US20130000016A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-06-20 WO PCT/CA2012/050411 patent/WO2012174661A1/en active Application Filing
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US10130133B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2018-11-20 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9032558B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2015-05-19 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9119433B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2015-09-01 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9462840B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2016-10-11 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9468248B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2016-10-18 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9554608B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2017-01-31 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US9560892B2 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2017-02-07 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet system |
US10064443B2 (en) | 2012-10-22 | 2018-09-04 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet suspension system |
US9307802B2 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2016-04-12 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet suspension system |
US20140109301A1 (en) * | 2012-10-22 | 2014-04-24 | Revision Military S.A.R.L. | Helmet suspension system |
US9433259B2 (en) | 2013-10-24 | 2016-09-06 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Self-actuating webbing adjuster and helmet strap system including same |
WO2015061002A1 (en) * | 2013-10-24 | 2015-04-30 | Bell Sports, Inc. | Self-actuating webbing adjuster and helmet strap system including same |
WO2018232444A1 (en) * | 2017-06-21 | 2018-12-27 | Darryl Rodney Flack | Helmet chin strap |
AU2018236726B2 (en) * | 2017-06-21 | 2019-04-04 | Flack, Darryl Rodney MR | Helmet chin strap |
US10743601B2 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2020-08-18 | Darryl Rodney FLACK | Helmet chin strap |
US10869520B1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2020-12-22 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11696612B2 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2023-07-11 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11700902B2 (en) | 2020-01-08 | 2023-07-18 | ArmorSource, LLC | Helmet retention system |
US11733528B2 (en) | 2020-02-06 | 2023-08-22 | Galvion Ltd. | Rugged integrated helmet vision system |
US11832677B2 (en) | 2021-05-12 | 2023-12-05 | Galvion Incorporated | System for forming a deep drawn helmet |
US11547166B1 (en) | 2022-02-11 | 2023-01-10 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
US11641904B1 (en) | 2022-11-09 | 2023-05-09 | Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, Lp | Helmet |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012174661A1 (en) | 2012-12-27 |
WO2012174661A9 (en) | 2013-03-21 |
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Legal Events
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Owner name: REVISION MILITARY S.A.R.L., LUXEMBOURG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HALL, EDWARD R.;MCGINN, MICHAEL JAMES;HERMAN, CURTIS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120905 TO 20120911;REEL/FRAME:028941/0404 |
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Owner name: REVISION MILITARY S.A.R.L., LUXEMBOURG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HALL, EDWARD R.;MCGINN, MICHAEL JAMES;HERMAN, CURTIS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120905 TO 20120911;REEL/FRAME:029164/0917 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |