Helmet Chin Strap

Abstract

First and second portions of a chin strap of a helmet are respectively connected to first and second engaging members of a buckle connector. The first engaging member includes a projecting portion and the second engaging member includes a pair of pivotal claws for engaging the first engaging member. A spring acts on the claws to urge the claws to an operative position in which the first engaging member is engaged by the claws. The first engaging member is guidably engaged by side walls on the second engaging member in the course of engagement and disengagement with the claws to restrict lateral movement of the first engaging member.

Description

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus for the engagement and disengagement of a chin strap of a helmet for a motorcycle user.

An object of the invention is to provide such apparatus which is easily released and engaged and which provides reliable connection in use.

According to the invention, there is provided apparatus for engaging first and second portions of a chin strap respectively connected to a helmet, said apparatus comprising first and second engaging members respectively attached to the first and second portions of the chin strap, said first engaging member including a projecting portion and said second engaging member including a pair of pivotal claws for engaging the first engaging member, spring means urging the claws to an operative position in which the first engaging member is engaged, and means for guiding the first engaging member during engagement and disengagement with the claws and positioned to restrict lateral movement of the first engaging member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front view, partly broken away and in section, of a helmet and chin strap according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view on enlarged scale of a buckle portion of the chin strap in disengaged condition,

FIG. 3 is a front view, partly broken away of the buckle portion in engaged condition.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV -- IV in FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a front view, on enlarged scale and partly in section, of a modified buckle portion of in disengaged condition, and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI -- VI in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawing, therein is seen in FIG. 1 a helmet 1 for a motorcycle or the like with a chin strap 2. The chin strap comprises one portion extending from one side edge portion of the helmet 1 and inserted in and engaged with a square buckling ring 3 having an arrowhead-shaped engaging member 4 projecting from buckling ring 3. A second portion of the chin strap extends from the other side edge portion of the helmet 1 and is engaged with an engaging member 8 having a pair of left and right engaging claws 6, urged inwards by a spring 5 for being engaged with engaging member 4, and a pair of left and right side walls 7 for restricting lateral movement of the engaging member 4. The engageable and disengageable members on the ends of the two strap portions constitute a buckle for selective connection and disconnection of the strap.

The buckling ring 3 comprises a square frame 3a, and a movable rod 3b is slidable along the left and right side edges of the frame 3a so that the front end portion of the chin strap 2 is inserted therethrough and engaged therewith in such a manner that the strap is looped on the movable rod 3b and folded back, so that fastening of the strap can be regulated to a proper length. The engaging member 8 is in the form of a flat sleeve comprising front and rear plates 8a, facing each other with a slight space therebetween and interconnected by center, left and right rivets 8b. The right and left rivets 8b pivotally support the engaging claws 6, and the center rivet 8b supports the middle portion of the spring 5 which is wound there round. The front and rear plates 8a, each has an edge 8c at its rear end and edges 8d at both sides at its front end. The opposite edges 8d of each of the adjacent plates 8a defines a space therebetween for receiving the square frame 3a with slight play.

According to this invention, the chin strap 2 can be brought into its operative condition simply by pushing the front end engaging member 4 between the engaging claws 6, and the chin strap 2 can be disengaged simply by pushing the engaging claws 6, to open position against the action of spring 5 releasing the engagement of the engaging member 8 with the engaging member 4. Then the helmet can be put on and taken off with ease and the desired effective length of the chin strap 2 can be adjusted at will by utilizing the square buckling ring 3. The plates 8a are formed with recesses as seen in FIG. 1 so that lateral edges of the claws 6 are accessible for being displaced in unison towards one another to release member 4. Since, the engagement between the engaging member 8 and the engaging member 4 is effected by the pair of left and right claws 6, even if one of the claws 6, is disengaged by accident, the other of the claws 6, maintains the engagement and thus unfavorable release is prevented. Moreover, the lateral movement of the engaging member 4 is restricted by the side walls 7, so that the engagement of member 4 with the engaging member 8 is kept stable and reliable.

According to the modification as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the engaging member 8 is in the form of a substantially flat sleeve provided at its outer peripheral surface with a coating 9 of elastic material such as spongy rubber or the like. In this arrangement, such a disadvantage is prevented that, in use, a metallic part of the buckle can come directly in contact with the face of the user. Thus any unpleasant feeling can be avoided and also any possible injury to the face can be prevented. Additionally the coating 9 serves as a slip-preventing member at the time of engaging and disengaging the buckle and thus these operations are facilitated.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for engaging first and second portions of a chin strap respectively connected to a helmet, said apparatus comprising first and second engaging members respectively attached to the first and second portions of the chin strap, said first engaging member including a projecting portion and said second engaging member including a pair of pivotal claws for engaging the first engaging member, spring means urging the claws to an operative position in which the first engaging member is engaged, means for guiding the first engaging member during engagement and disengagement with the claws and positioned to restrict lateral movement of the first engaging member, and an elastic cover on said second engaging member, said first engaging member including a portion of arrowhead shape, said second engaging member comprising a pair of adjacent plates, and pivots connecting said claws to said plates, said plates being provided with recesses in which said claws are engageable for releasing and engaging the first engageable member, said elastic cover completely enclosing said plates but leaving said recesses open to allow engagement of said claws, said claws being slightly recessed below the outer surface contour of the elastic cover.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plates have side surfaces for laterally engaging the first engageable member and constituting the guiding means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first engaging member comprises a ring in which the first portion of the chin strap is adjustably engaged.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said ring is integral with said portion of arrowhead shape.