US20160270470A1

US20160270470A1 - Adjustable helmet chinstrap

Info

Publication number: US20160270470A1
Application number: US14/937,130
Authority: US
Inventors: Angus W. Hickman; Craig Hickman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2015-11-10
Publication date: 2016-09-22

Abstract

Presently disclosed embodiments provide a safe and easy way for a child, or other wearer, to independently tighten or loosen the chinstrap on his or her helmet while it remains buckled on his or her head. Disclosed embodiments comprise a knob attached to a side of the chinstrap webbing. The knob is an adjustment mechanism used to loosen or tighten the helmet chinstrap. After the wearer, possibly a child, buckles the helmet chinstrap below his or her chin, the wearer can reach up and twist the knob to loosen or tighten the chinstrap to achieve the proper fit. In some embodiments, each knob may have a cord or the like affixed at one end to an interior assembly and affixed at another end to the chinstrap material. In operation, the chinstrap may be buckled under the chin, and then the knob may be rotated forward, the attached cord is shortened and, thus, the chinstrap may be tightened. In some embodiments, the cording remains locked or set in position due to the operation of a ratchet, or ratchet-type assembly located in the interior of one or more of the knob assemblies where the cording winds. Similarly, when the wearer twists the one or more of the knobs in the opposite direction, the cording lengthens and, thus, loosens the chinstrap until the proper fit is achieved. Again, the cording remains locked or set in position until the knob is twisted again. In this manner, disclosed embodiments allows the wearer to easily and quickly adjust the fit of the helmet as necessary and ensure a proper and safe fit.

Description

CROSS-REFENENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application, under 35 U.S.C. §119, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/133,466 filed on Mar. 16, 2015, and titled “Adjustable Chinstrap For Children's Sports Helmet,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to fasteners for helmets. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fastener for a helmet chinstrap that can be easily adjusted and, in many cases, adjusted by a child.

BACKGROUND

Helmets are a widely used and well-known piece of safety equipment and are often worn in sporting activities such as bicycling, skate boarding, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hockey, lacrosse, football, and the like. Typically, these helmets include a durable outer shell, a padding assembly within the outer shell, and a chinstrap connected to each side of the outer shell and intended to be fastened under the wearer's chin to help hold the helmet in place. Typically, the chinstrap is fastened in place by a buckle or other snap-fit mechanism that is part of the chinstrap. A properly adjusted chinstrap is important for a comfortable fit and to maximize the safe operation of the helmet. Typically, the chinstrap is adjusted by having the wearer slide or maneuver one or both sides of the chinstrap through a strap-length adjustment mechanism, such as D-rings, ladderlocks, buckles, or the like in order to achieve a snug, safe fit.
Existing adjustment mechanisms, such as the above-described, have a number of drawbacks. For example, the wearer of the helmet is often a child, without sufficient strength, coordination, or know-how to adjust the chinstrap properly. In addition, the adjustment mechanisms are often located at inconvenient locations and require iterative removal and replacement of the helmet to adjust to the proper fit. Likewise, the strap material is typically thick for strength purposes, but can be difficult to maneuver through the adjustment mechanism due to the strap thickness.
Thus, existing adjustment systems can be cumbersome and frustrating to adjust, particularly when the wearer is a child and can lead to potentially unsafe helmet fit. For example, if a chinstrap is too tight the skin under the chin may be accidentally pinched during buckling which is not only painful, but can also negatively affect the wearer's desire for proper, snug fit of the chinstrap. Likewise, frequent buckling and unbuckling of the chinstrap, and the associated tugging on the strap, often loosens the adjustment mechanism resulting in an unsafe, too loose fit. Improper chinstrap adjustment and fit can compromise or render useless the helmet's safety features which could lead to serious injury to the wearer. Other drawbacks of existing helmet chinstrap adjustment systems may also exist.
In view of the above and other drawbacks with existing systems, there exists a need for an adjustable chinstrap for helmets that can be easily, reliably, and quickly adjusted without the need to remove the helmet from the wearer's head or require the assistance of another. What is needed is an adjustment mechanism that is easily reachable and adjustable and will not compromise the safety and functionality of the helmet.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides safe, easy ways to adjust a chinstrap while it remains buckled and with the helmet still in place on the wearer's head.
Disclosed embodiments include a helmet having a protective cover, a chinstrap, and an adjustment knob connected between the protective cover and the chinstrap and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob adjusts the position of the chinstrap.
Other disclosed embodiments include a helmet with a cord connected between the chinstrap and the adjustment knob and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob coils or uncoils the cord and adjusts that position of the chinstrap.
Other disclosed embodiments include a helmet with a lock mechanism to selectively hold the adjustment knob in position after rotation.
In further disclosed embodiments, the adjustment knob further comprises a winding disk that upon rotation winds or unwinds a cord connected to the chinstrap, a spring in connection with the winding disk to bias the rotation of the winding disk in a first direction, a ratchet wheel having at least one arm, and an outer shell having a rim with a first portion comprising at least one tooth shaped to engage the at least one arm of the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is in a first position, and a second portion without teeth that allows the spring to rotate the winding disk in the first direction when the outer shell is in a second position. In some embodiments, the rotation of the winding disk in the first direction causes the cord to unwind.
In other disclosed embodiments the adjustment knob further comprises, a winding disk that upon rotation in a first direction winds a cord connected to the chinstrap and upon rotation in a second direction unwinds the cord connected to the chinstrap, a ratchet wheel comprising at least one first arm at a first location on the ratchet wheel and at least one second arm at a second location on the ratchet wheel, and an outer shell having at least one first tooth at a first location on the outer shell and shaped to engage the at least one first arm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the first direction and at least one second tooth at a second location on the outer shell and shaped to engage the at least one second arm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the second direction.
In some embodiments, the rotation of the winding disk in the first direction causes the cord to unwind and rotation of the winding disk in the second direction causes the cord to wind.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing an example of a bicycle helmet embodiment in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a bottom-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5D are various views of an adjustment knob assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom-isometric, exploded view of an adjustment knob assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently disclosed embodiments provide a safe and easy way for a child, or other wearer, to independently tighten or loosen the chinstrap on his or her helmet while it remains buckled on his or her head. Disclosed embodiments comprise a small, twistable knob attached to each side of the chinstrap webbing right below each ear. The knobs comprise the adjustment mechanism used to loosen or tighten the helmet chinstrap. After the wearer, possibly a child, buckles the helmet chinstrap below his or her chin, the wearer can reach up and twist one or both knobs to loosen or tighten the chinstrap to achieve the proper fit. In some embodiments, each knob may have a cord or the like affixed at one end to an interior assembly and affixed at another end to the chinstrap material. For example, in embodiments where the chinstrap is webbing material, the cord may be fused between two layers of the webbing material. The other ends of the chinstrap may respectively be attached to the buckle or other snap fit assembly. In operation, the chinstrap may be buckled under the chin, and then one or more of the knobs may be rotated forward, the attached cord is shortened and, thus, the chinstrap may be tightened. In some embodiments, the cording remains locked or set in position due to the operation of a ratchet, or ratchet-type assembly located in the interior of one or more of the knob assemblies where the cording winds. Similarly, when the wearer twists the one or more of the knobs in the opposite direction, the cording lengthens and, thus, loosens the chinstrap until the proper fit is achieved. Again, the cording remains locked or set in position until the knob is twisted again. In this manner, disclosed embodiments allows the wearer to easily and quickly adjust the fit of the helmet as necessary and ensure a proper and safe fit.
In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is provided a helmet 10 which may comprise a protective cover 12, a padding assembly 14, a chinstrap 16, and head-size adjustment assembly 18. While the helmet 10 shown in FIGS. 1-2 is generally shaped as a bicycle helmet, the disclosure is not so limited, and the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other helmets 10, such as football helmets, hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, skating helmets, rock climbing helmets, hardhats, or the like. Of course, the configuration of the various component parts (e.g., protective cover 12, padding assembly 14, chinstrap 16, head-size adjustment assembly 18, etc.) may vary, or some components may not be present, depending upon the type of helmet and intended application of the same.
As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise a snap-fit connector 20 or other buckle mechanism to connect the two pieces of chinstrap 16 together. While a snap-fit connector 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the disclosure is not so limited and other chinstrap 16 connectors may be used. For example, D-ring closures, buckles, or the like, may also be used in place of snap-fit connector 20. In addition, some embodiments may exclude the snap-fit connector 20 entirely and use a single piece chinstrap 20. Other configurations (e.g., multiple straps) are also possible.
As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise adjustment knobs 22 on at least one side of the helmet 10. Other locations for the adjustment knob are also possible. For example, one or more adjustment knobs 22 may be placed on the front, top, or back of helmet 10. Other configurations are also possible.
As also shown in FIGS. 1-2, some embodiments may comprise a cord 24. Cord 24 may comprise any material suitable for coiling via motion of adjustment knob 22. For example, cord 24 may comprise, wire, wire-like material, nylon cording, other synthetic or plastic material (polyesters, polyurethanes, polymers, etc.), natural fiber materials (cotton, hemp, linen, silk), rubber, rubber-like material, composites, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. In general, cord 24 is preferably of a size and flexibility that allow cord 24 to be coiled and uncoiled through the action of adjustment knob 22 thereby tightening or loosening the chinstrap 16 as disclosed herein.
As disclosed herein, for some embodiments, one end of cord 24 may engage a spool, axel, pulley or the like within adjustment knob 22 assembly. In some embodiments, motion of the adjustment knob 22 in one direction coils, or otherwise shortens, the cord 24 thereby tightening the chinstrap 16 and motion of the adjustment knob 22 in the opposite direction uncoils, or otherwise lengthens, the cord 24 thereby loosening the chinstrap 16. Disclosed embodiments also include stop or lockable mechanisms in the adjustment knob 22 assembly to hold the chinstrap 16 in the desired position. Likewise, in other embodiments, it may be convenient to have cord 24 attached to helmet 10 and chinstrap 16 attached to the adjustment knob 22 then the coiling and uncoiling of cord 24 caused the adjustment knob 22 to travel closer or farther from the helmet 10 and thereby tighten or loosen the chinstrap 16.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are top and bottom exploded views of components of adjustment knob 22 assemblies in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As shown embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may comprise a number of constituent parts. For example, adjustment knob 22 may comprise an inner shell 220 having a central axel 224 and a cord 24 aperture 222. In some embodiments cord 24 passes through aperture 222 and attaches to chinstrap 16 as described herein. Winding disk 226 may nest inside inner shell 222 and may comprise an inner spool 228 having gearing or inner teeth 230, a spring stop 232, a spring anchor slot 233, and an aperture 234. In some embodiments, a spring 236, such as a coil spring or the like, may have one end engaged in spring anchor slot 233 and the other end adjacent spring stop 232. In this manner twisting or torsional movement of adjustment knob 22 causes spring 236 to compress or expand as winding disk 226 moves. In some embodiments aperture 234 may be used to anchor one end of chord 24. Anchoring of chord 24 may be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as by a knot in the end of chord 24 to prevent passage through aperture 234, by gluing, by set screw, or the like.
Embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may also comprise ratchet wheel 238. Ratchet wheel 238 may further comprise one or more arms 240 spaced around the circumference of ratchet wheel 238. Ratchet wheel 238 may also comprise a nub 239 on an inner circumference of ratchet wheel 238 and sized and shaped to engage spring stop 232 and thereby impart the torsional motion of ratchet wheel 238 to the winding disk 226. While spring stop 232 and nub 239 are shown as generally rectangular in shape, the disclosure is not so limited and other shapes, sizes, and configurations are possible.
Embodiments of adjustment knob 22 may also comprise an outer shell 242 having one or more teeth 244 on an inner circumference. As indicated in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, teeth 244 may only extend for a portion of the rim 245 on outer shell 242. Outer shell 242 may also comprise an outer spool 247 having outer teeth 246.
In some embodiments, outer shell 242 is sized to fit over inner shell 220 in order to enclose the above-described components into a unit that comprises the adjustment knob 22 or cooperates with adjustment knob 22 to adjust the chinstrap 16 as disclosed herein. For example, embodiments of outer shell 242 may comprise knurling or grooves on rim 245 to present a graspable surface which a wearer may grip and turn the adjustment knob 22. In other embodiments outer shell 242 may further comprise a surface 248 which mates with, is connected or adhered to, or otherwise cooperates with a cover or the like (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-2) to function as adjustment knob 22. Other configurations are also possible.
FIGS. 5A-5D illustrated the assembly of the adjustment knob 22 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5A inner shell 220 holds winding disk 226 on central axel 224. As illustrated in FIG. 5B spring 236 may then be mounted on winding disk 226 by inserting one end into spring anchor slot 233 and placing the other end of the spring 236 adjacent to spring stop 232. As illustrated in FIG. 5C ratchet wheel 238 fits over winding disk 226 and may be substantially the same diameter as inner shell 220. In some embodiments nub 239 may also have a spring anchor 249, such as a slot or groove, in which an end of spring 236 may fit. As illustrated in FIG. 5D outer shell 242 fits over inner shell 220 and ratchet wheel 238 covering them with rim 245. Rim 245 may be of such a depth that inner shell 220 and ratchet wheel 238 may move axially in and out (up and down in FIG. 5D) within outer shell 242. This axial motion enables arms 240 to selectively engage teeth 244 and, when in contact, hold the adjustment knob 22 in position.
In operation of some embodiments a wearer may push in (axially) on the outer shell 242 (either directly or via adjustment knob 22) causing outer teeth 246 to engage inner teeth 230. The wearer may then rotate the outer shell (again, either directly or via adjustment knob 22) and cause rotation of the outer shell 242 with respect to the inner shell 220. Ratchet arms 240 are shaped to slip over teeth 244 in one direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 5C) and engage the teeth 244 in the other (e.g., counter-clockwise in FIG. 5C). In this manner the action of spring 236, arms 240, and teeth 244 keep the adjustment knob 22 from rotating once a desired position for the chinstrap 16 is achieved.
In some embodiments the adjustment knob 22 and chinstrap 16 may be released by pulling axially outward on the outer shell 242 which, for example, moves arms 240 into the portion of rim 245 that lacks teeth 244 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 or FIG. 5D) then the action of the spring 236 will rotate the winding disk 226, unspool chord 24 and loosen chinstrap 16.
FIGS. 6-7 illustrate, respectively, a top and bottom, isometric, exploded view in accordance with disclosed embodiments of the adjustment knob 22. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, some embodiments of the adjustment knob 22 may ratchet in either direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) and, thus, hold the cord 24 and chinstrap 16 in place in either direction of rotation. Among other things, such embodiments reduce the need for a biasing spring to drive the winding disk (e.g., 226 or 626) in the opposite direction.
As shown in FIGS. 6-7, and similarly to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, the adjustment knob 22 may comprise an inner shell 620 having a central axel 624 and an aperture 622. Inner shell may also comprise a ladderlock, D-ring, or other attachment mechanism 652 to connect the adjustment knob 22 to the helmet 10 or to chinstrap 16. As with the above embodiments aperture 622 may be used to allow cord 24 to enter into adjustment knob 22. Embodiments also comprise a winding disk 626 having another aperture 634 through which cord 24 may be anchored. Winding disk 626 may also comprise inner teeth 630. Embodiments also comprise a ratchet wheel 638 with a clockwise-engaging set of arms 640 a and a counter-clockwise-engaging set of arms 640 b. Pins 650, feet, nubs, or other engagement mechanism may mate with reciprocal portions in inner shell 620 in order to hold ratchet wheel 638 in place during motion of the winding disk 626. Embodiments also include an outer shell 642 having a rim 645 that substantially covers the ratchet wheel 638, and winding disk 626. Outer shell also comprises outer teeth 646 shaped to engage with inner teeth 630. In some embodiments, outer shell may be fastened to central axel 624 via a washer 648 or other bearing, and a screw, rivet, pin, or the like.
As also shown in FIG. 7, outer shell 642 may comprise two rows of oppositely oriented teeth 644 a and 644 b shaped to engage respectively with arms 640 a and 640 b. Some embodiments may include a gap or space in between teeth 644 a and 644 b. In operation, the wearer may press the outer shell 642 (or a knob 22 mounted thereupon) axially inward so that, for example, clockwise-engaging arms 640 a to engage teeth 644 a while counter-clockwise-engaging arms 640 b move to the gap or space in between rows 644 a and 644 b and consequently do not engage teeth 644 b. The wearer can then tighten the chinstrap 16 by turning the adjustment knob 22 clockwise, coiling cord 24, and the arms 640 a and teeth 644 b cooperate to hold it at the desired place. When the wearer wishes to loosen the chinstrap 16, knob 22 may be pulled axially outward causing arms 640 b to engage teeth 644 b while arms 640 a move into the gap or space and no longer engage teeth 644 a and counter-clockwise motion of winding disk 626 causes the cord 24 to unwind and loosen the chinstrap 16. Of course, the direction of tightening and loosening is merely exemplary and could be reversed.
Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations are would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A helmet comprising:

a protective cover;

a chinstrap; and

an adjustment knob connected between the protective cover and the chinstrap and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob adjusts the position of the chinstrap.

2. The helmet of claim 1 further comprising:

a cord connected between the chinstrap and the adjustment knob and wherein rotation of the adjustment knob coils or uncoils the cord and adjusts that position of the chinstrap.

3. The helmet of claim 1 further comprising:

a lock mechanism to selectively hold the adjustment knob in position after rotation.

4. The helmet of claim 3 wherein the adjustment knob further comprises:

a winding disk that upon rotation winds or unwinds a cord connected to the chinstrap;

a spring in connection with the winding disk to bias the rotation of the winding disk in a first direction;

a ratchet wheel having at least one arm; and

an outer shell having a rim with a first portion comprising at least one tooth shaped to engage the at least one arm of the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is in a first position, and a second portion without teeth that allows the spring to rotate the winding disk in the first direction when the outer shell is in a second position.

5. The helmet of claim 4 wherein the rotation of the winding disk in the first direction causes the cord to unwind.

6. The helmet of claim 3 wherein the adjustment knob further comprises:

a winding disk that upon rotation in a first direction winds a cord connected to the chinstrap and upon rotation in a second direction unwinds the cord connected to the chinstrap;

a ratchet wheel comprising at least one first arm at a first location on the ratchet wheel and at least one second arm at a second location on the ratchet wheel; and

an outer shell having at least one first tooth at a first location on the outer shell and shaped to engage the at least one first arm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the first direction and at least one second tooth at a second location on the outer shell and shaped to engage the at least one second arm on the ratchet wheel when the outer shell is rotated in the second direction.

7. The helmet of claim 6 wherein the rotation of the winding disk in the first direction causes the cord to unwind and rotation of the winding disk in the second direction causes the cord to wind.