U.S. patent application number 13/526937 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for helmet retention system.
Invention is credited to Edward Robert Hall, Curtis Herman, Michael James McGinn.
Application Number | 20130000016 13/526937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389094 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130000016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Edward Robert ; et
al. |
January 3, 2013 |
Helmet Retention System
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.
Inventors: |
Hall; Edward Robert;
(Montreal, CA) ; McGinn; Michael James; (Montreal,
CA) ; Herman; Curtis; (Montreal, CA) |
Family ID: |
47389094 |
Appl. No.: |
13/526937 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61498920 |
Jun 20, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/411 ; 2/421;
24/69ST |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/2117 20150115;
A42B 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/411 ; 2/421;
24/69.ST |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/08 20060101
A42B003/08; A42B 3/04 20060101 A42B003/04 |
Claims
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.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/498,920 filed Jun. 20, 2011.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for retaining a
helmet to a user's head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] The present inventors recognize the need for a low profile
chin strap closure mechanism.
[0009] The present inventors recognize a need for a chin strap
closure mechanism that is capable of operation by one hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a rear view of one embodiment of the helmet
retention system.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the helmet
retention system.
[0023] FIG. 2A is a view of the connection of segments at a
loop.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] FIG. 6A a right side view a the helmet retention system of
FIG. 1 with certain details not shown.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a key-hole strip of
the system of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the key-hole strip of
FIG. 9.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a pin strip of the
system of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of chin cup connecting loop of
the system of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view D-ring of the system of FIG.
1.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system
of FIG. 1 in a locked position.
[0037] FIG. 14A is a side view of the tensioner of FIG. 14 with
certain elements not shown.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system
of FIG. 1 in an open position.
[0039] FIG. 15A is a side view of the tensioner of FIG. 15 with
certain elements not shown.
[0040] FIG. 16 is a side view of a lever of the tensioner of FIG.
14.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a base of the
tensioner of FIG. 14.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lever of FIG. 16.
[0043] FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of an anchor
system of the system of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 20 is an exploded rear perspective view of the anchor
system of FIG. 19.
[0045] FIG. 21 is an unexploded side view of the anchor system of
FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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. By using the tensioner 124, the overall
length of the strap segments 168, 170 can be adjusted and the
distance between the D-rings 130, 132 can be adjusted.
[0048] In one embodiment, 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 102a of the nape
pad 102. A second end of the retaining strap opposite the first end
is secured at or adjacent a second end 102b of the nape pad. The
retaining strap extends through each of the D-rings 130, 132. As
shown in FIG. 1, the retaining strap 105 is secured at the first
end 102a 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
102b of the nape pad 102.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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. In one embodiment, 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. Likewise, 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.
[0051] 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 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2A, segments 164 and 166 are one continuous
piece of strap material. The segments are secured to each other by
stitching rows 166a, 166b to form a loop portion 166c 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
166d. The stitching rows 166a and 166b 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 182a at
loop 140 of the chin cup in an arrangement similar to that
described regarding segments 164, 166 at loop 140.
[0054] 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. In one
embodiment, 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 182a across segments 182 and 186. In one embodiment, 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.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second end 185 of the chin
cup 181 may be attached to either side of the system. For example
in FIG. 1, the second end 185 of the chin cup 181 is threaded
through the second chin cup connecting loop 140. In the
configuration shown in FIG. 2, 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.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, 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.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, 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. Unlike the first raised portion 210 the second raised
portion does not have a corresponding lowered portion. Instead the
raised back surface 244 comprises the length of the recess portion
246 and the second raised portion 240. As a result 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. 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. 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] In one configuration, the first pin 250 is configured to
engage with the first keyhole opening 220 of the keyhole strip, and
the second pin 256 is configured to engage with the second keyhole
opening 230 of the keyhole strip. In one embodiment, 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.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 10, to secure the keyhole strip 190 to the
pin strip 180 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. To lock the keyhole strip and
the second lower strap in place, 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.
[0062] FIGS. 3-8 shows the system in various stages of use. In FIG.
3, 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.
[0063] In FIG. 4, 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. In FIG. 5, 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.
[0064] Each connecting loop 140, 142 has parallel arm portions
140a, 140b connected at each end to end segments to form the loop,
as shown in FIG. 12. To secure the chin cup in position the second
lower chin strap portion 188 is folded over one of the two arm
portions 140a, 140b of the first chin cup connecting loop 142. As
the second lower chin strap portion 188 is folded over 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.
[0065] 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.
In the high stability tension setting 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. In the high stability tension setting,
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.
[0066] 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 in FIG. 8, the second keyhole opening 230 is engaged
with the first pin 250. In this configuration, 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. In the relaxed tension setting, 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. In the example shown in FIG. 8, 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.
[0067] 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. Each of 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.
[0068] 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. 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.
[0069] 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. Since 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. In one embodiment, 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.
[0070] 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. 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.
[0071] The location of the base engaging pins 336, 338 and the
shape of the front of the lever, including the first bottom sloping
section 350, a front edge 351 in the first sloping upper front
surface portion 348, forms a cam end 353. As shown in FIGS. 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 a loop end 160a
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.
[0072] 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 the teeth 310. Therefore, the
strap 162 is secured between the teeth and the cam end of the lever
including the front edge 351. In one embodiment, the lever does not
provide pressure between the strap 162 and the crossbar 302. In one
embodiment, 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.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 14A, in one embodiment, when the tensioner
is in a locked position 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. In one embodiment, shown in FIG.
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 the cam 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. In FIG. 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 the teeth 310 and the strap extends along a
top portion of the lever including along the first sloping upper
front surface 348.
[0074] 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. 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 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] As is shown in FIG. 14, 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. However, the tail
tooth 360 provides a grip or contact point that allows the
tensioner to be operated while the user is wearing gloves.
[0077] 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.
[0078] Each of the anchors 110, 112, 114, 116 is identical. An
anchor system 400 is shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21. 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.
[0079] 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. In one embodiment, the set off is 3 mm.
The anchor may include an oblong center opening 424 for reducing
the weight of anchor.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 21, 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.
[0081] 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.
* * * * *