Helmet Strap

Abstract

A strap is attachable to a helmet with a covered clasp. The clasp provides for adjusting the length of the strap with a second strap portion being looped. The strap is adjustable between a first position having the strap formed in a loop through the clasp, and a second or elongated position having the strap not looped and held by the clasp, to provide a helmet strap usable in a normal position and an elongated position as is required when using auxiliary breathing equipment.

Description

Numerous types of helmet straps and hat holding devices are known in the prior art which are operable to hold a hat or helmet or the like on a person's head in a proper wearing position. These prior art helmet straps and chin straps and the like are adapted to hold a hat or helmet in a fixed position on a person's head with the strap passing underneath the chin or having a chin cup as a part of the strap to receive the wearer's chin. These prior art helmet straps and hat straps have length adjustments to make size compensations for different persons' heads but when set for a particular size are difficult to change again quickly. The prior art helmet straps and hat straps utilize single and in some cases multiple buckle structures with the cooperating straps to give the adjustable features; however, such makes it rather difficult to rapidly change the length of the helmet strap when needed. Current helmet straps provide no means of rapidly lengthening the strap and adjusting it which is a feature that is needed when a person who must wear a helmet for safety reasons must also necessarily quickly put on breathing equipment or protective face masks and the like which cause the effective size of the head to become larger.

In one preferred specific embodiment, a helmet strap structure includes a strap having a strap first portion with one end attachable to a helmet and the other end having a clasp and clasp cover and additionally including a second strap portion which is attachable to the opposite side of a helmet, loopable through the clasp and removably attachable to itself. The extreme ends of the helmet strap are removably attachable to a helmet or the like. The clasp is resiliently urged to a closed position clamping same with the looped second strap portion. In use the helmet strap is adapted to be rapidly adjustable between a normal length position with the second strap portion in a looped and attached configuration, and an elongated length position with the second strap portion held only by the clasp. When rapidly extending the length of the helmet strap, the second strap portion is detached from itself and the effected length of the strap is controlled by the clasp which is constructed to be easily openable for adjustment by finger pressure. The helmet strap of this invention provides a strap which is adjustable from a normal length position used when wearing only a helmet to an extended length position which is adjustable and which is necessary when using face shields and auxiliary breathing equipment in addition to a helmet.

One object of this invention is to provide a helmet strap structure overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Still one other object of this invention is to provide a helmet strap structure having the capability of being used to attach a helmet to a person's head in a normal position and to be rapidly extendable to attach the helmet to the person's head once he has put on a face mask or auxiliary breathing equipment.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a helmet strap structure which has a strap that is attachable to itself when used to attach a helmet to a person's head in a normal length position and not attached to itself when in a lengthened use position holding a helmet on a person's head while the person is wearing auxiliary breathing equipment.

Yet one other object of this invention is to provide a rapidly extendable helmet strap structure provided with attaching devices on the ends thereof for quickly and easily attaching it to a helmet or removing it from a helmet.

Yet one additional object of this invention is to provide a helmet strap structure having a strap of a flexible material which is loopable and adjustable to varying effective lengths and has portions thereof to cover the inner side of the clasp thereof in order to protect the face of the wearer.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG.1 is a perspective view of a person's head and shoulders, the person wearing a firemen's helmet and a face mask type breathing device with the helmet strap attached to the helmet and in the lengthened position passing underneath the person's chin and underneath the mask;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the helmet strap in the normal shortened position with the strap being looped and attached to itself and having snap type end connectors;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the helmet strap in a lengthened position, the strap having snap type end connectors;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a riot helmet having the helmet strap of this invention attached thereto and the strap fitted with clip type end connectors; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a clip type strap end connector of the type shown with the riot helmet in FIG. 4.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the helmet strap structure of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, shown is the upper portion of a person wearing a firemen's helmet with a face mask type breathing device and having the helmet secured by the helmet strap of this invention. The helmet strap of this invention is generally indicated at 10; it attaches to the sides of the firemen's helmet 12 and passes under the person's chin. As shown in FIG. 1 the face mask breathing apparatus 14 covers the entire face of the person and has on its front portion a conduit 16 to connect same with an air source. For a person wearing such a breathing apparatus 14 a normal length helmet strap will not work properly because it will be too short due to the increased effective size of the person's head. The helmet strap 10 has clasp snap type end connectors 18 to attach it to a helmet, and on one end portion a short strap portion 20 with a clasp 22 secured thereto, and on the opposite end portion a long strap portion 24 having a length adjusting buckle 26. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show in detail the helmet strap structure.

FIG. 2 shows the helmet strap 10 in the normal length position and FIG. 3 shows the helmet strap 10 in the elongated or lengthened position which is the position assumed when using it with an auxiliary breathing apparatus as shown in FIG. 1. The short strap portion 20 of the helmet strap has a first loop portion 28 connecting it with the clasp 22, another loop portion 30 connecting it with the end snap clasp 18, and an elongated cover portion 32 extending past the clamp clasp 22. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the helmet strap 10 has closable hook snap type end clasps 18 with a hook portion 34 and a spring-like closing member 36. Clasp ends of types other than those shown can be attached to the helmet strap 10; however, this type is conveniently attachable to existing strap attaching lugs on many current and popular styles of helmets. The closable hook clasp ends 18 have a loop portion passing through the loop portion 30 of the strap portion 20. The clamp clasp 22 is adapted to hold securely the strap 24 and be releasable in an easy and quick manner for rapid adjustment of the position of the strap in the clamp. The clamp clasp 22 has a fixed element 38 and a resiliently urged movable element 40 having grasping portions thereof which are brought into contact and held in contact by a resilient element 42. Pressing on one end portion of the movable element 40 opens the clamp clasp 22 allowing the strap to be moved therethrough. Releasing of the movable element 40 causes the resilient element 42 to press the strap between the fixed element 38 and the movable element 40. The protective cover 32 preferably extends as shown so as to cover one side of the clamp clasp 22 thereby preventing contact of the clamp clasp 22 with the face of a person using the helmet strap. Preventing contact between the clamp clasp 22 and the wearer's face is of particular value for straps used by firemen where they work in a high temperature environment because it keeps the clasp 22 from burning their face.

On the end of the helmet strap 10 opposite to the end of the short strap portion 20 is a long strap portion 24 connected thereto at the clamp clasp 22. The attached end portion of the long strap 24 is looped in the portion 46 so as to connect same with the looped portion of the closable hook type clasp end. The longer strap portion 24 has an inner portion 48 extending from the end portion 46 and having on its opposite extreme end a free end portion 50. On the elongated strap 24 is the length adjusting buckle 26 and a snap 52 attached to the strap inner portion 48. The buckle has a snap receiving element 54 for connecting with the snap 52. As shown in FIG. 2 the longer strap portion 24 can be joined with itself by the length adjusting buckle apparatus 26 wherein the snap 52 is engaged with the snap receiving element 53 in the buckle 54; this is the normal use position of the helmet strap. When in the position shown in FIG. 2, the effective or overall length of the helmet strap 10 can be adjusted by positioning the free end strap portion 50 in the buckle 54 so as to achieve the desired length. In this normal or looped position the end clasps 18 are attached to a helmet and the strap 10 is past underneath the wearer's chin with the effective length of the strap adjusted to size for the comfort of the user.

FIG. 3 shows in detail the helmet strap structure 10 with the strap in the lengthened position. With the strap in this lengthened position the effective length of the helmet strap 10 between the ends of the end attachments 18 is greater than the effective length of the strap as shown in FIG. 2. In the elongated or lengthened position the length adjusting buckle 26 has the snap elements 52 and 53 thereof disconnected so the buckle 26 will move free of the inner strap portion 48. In order to lengthen the helmet strap 10 the length adjusting buckle 26 is unsnapped, then the movable clamp clasp element 40 is moved to open the jaw portion of the clamp clasp 22 thereby allowing the strap 24 to slide therethrough to a position similar to that shown in FIG. 3. Once the strap is pulled or positioned to the appropriate length, the clamp clasp is re-engaged on the strap thereby fixing its length position. With the specific clamp clasp as shown in the drawings, the strap can be adjusted to a longer length than that actually necessary or desired, then the free strap end 50 can be pulled thereby forcing the strap 24 through the clamp clasp 22 to shorten and tighten the strap to the desired length. The particular clamp clasp 22 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 will allow the strap 24 to pass therethrough and to be pulled therethrough in the direction of the strap free end 50 whereas motion in the opposite direction is resisted. Once the helmet strap 10 is in place, the helmet is securely held on a person's head. Removal of the helmet at this time can be done by pressing the clamp clasp 22 to open the jaw portion thereof and pulling on the strap's mid portion.

FIG. 5 shows in detail an alternate strap end connector which is constructed and adapted for use on helmets. The strap connector 60 is a connector that can be used with the helmet strap 10 of this invention. The clip clasp 60 is shown attached to a strap segment 62 by a rivet 64. The clip itself has a body 63 with a shaped interior aperture 66 with a yoke portion 68 formed between a pair of prongs 70. The yoke portion 68 is adapted to receive the shank portion 72 of a pin mounted in the helmet. Enlarged edge portions of the pin are indicated at 74 and extend over the prongs 70. The prongs 70 can be bent so as to be out of the plane of the body 63 so as to hold it in a compression against the helmet. In using the clip clasp 60 the extreme end portions of the helmet strap end portions 20 and 24 do not have to be looped in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in order to attach the clip clasp 60. The strap end portions can be formed with the clip 60 or attached in a flat configuration.

FIG. 4 shows in detail a riot helmet 74 which is a safety helmet having a transparent eye shield 76 and a perforate ear and neck shield portion 78. The riot helmet has the clip clasp fasteners 60 for mounting the helmet strap 10. An end portion of the helmet strap 10 is shown attached to the riot helmet 74. The riot helmet illustrates one type of helmet using the clip clasp strap fasteners, and the helmet strap, wherein the clip clasps are attached on the outer exterior portions of the helmet. The clip clasp fastener 60 is often used in repairing helmets which have integrally formed strap attaching lugs that have been broken. In the case of a repair the attaching pin is mounted through a side portion of the helmet and the clip clasp 60 is clipped onto the pin usually inside the upper portion of the helmet structure. In using the clip clasp end fasteners the helmet strap 10 functions the same as with the snap type clasps 18 and is equally easily attachable to and removable from a safety helmet.

In the construction of the helmet strap 10 of this invention, it can be manufactured in a size so as to be adjustable in length for normal use and for extended length use with numerous types of helmets. The strap structure itself includes several elements of commonly obtainable hardware or easily manufacturable hardware such as the hook type strap ends 34, the length adjusting buckle apparatus 26, the clamp clasp 22, and the clip clasps 60. The strap material itself can be made of different materials depending upon the intended use of the helmet strap. The strap can be made of materials such as extruded vinyl or mesh web belting of asbestos, cotton, nylon or polyester or any combination thereof. A firemen's helmet would require a flameproof and fire resistant material whereas such would not be necessary for a construction worker's safety helmet or a policeman's riot helmet. In practice the strap can be adapted for use with helmets such as a firemen's safety helmet, a typical construction worker's safety helmet, a riot helmet similar to the one shown, a motorcycle crash helmet and other helmet type protective head gear on which it would be necessary or otherwise convenient to have a rapidly lengthwise adjustable strap. In adapting or mounting the helmet strap 10 with helmets other than those shown or described it may be necessary to modify or use different end connections to secure it to the helmet structure. The strap attaching devices are believed to be a relatively minor point and do not detract from the overall usefulness or effectiveness or features of the helmet strap 10 of this invention. A number of plastic molded safety helmets have integrally formed lugs on the sides thereof as shown in FIG. 1 on the fireman's helmet for the specific purpose of attaching snap type straps used to hold the helmet in place. These lugs are adapted specifically for use with the snap type closable hooks 18 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 of the drawings.

In the manufacture of the helmet strap structure of this invention, it is obvious that the strap is properly constructed to achieve the end product. The strap structure can be actually assembled by current apparatuses and with current methods used in production of similar straps. The structure includes a combination of easily manufacturable and/or easily obtainable common hardware type items. The strap itself can be constructed of a single piece of monofilament material such as rubber or a plastic material, or it can be woven in a web. The helmet strap 10 can have snap type connecting ends or can have other ends so as to make it compatibly attachable to existing safety helmets.

In the use and operation of the helmet strap structure of this invention, it is seen that same provides a rapidly adjustable helmet strap structure attachable to existing safety helmets. The helmet strap structure is rapidly adjustable from a normal position to an extended or lengthened position so as to make it easy for a person using the helmet to put on and wear a face mask or breathing equipment such as would change the effective size of the head and make a strap of the normal length unusable. The helmet strap 10 is adapted specifically for use with safety helmets wherein it is sometimes necessary to have a longer strap to hold the helmet in place on the user's head. However, use of the helmet strap is not to be restricted to these specific types of helmets alone since it is essentially functional with any type of helmet wherein adjustment of the chin strap in a rapid fashion is desirable.

As will become apparent from the foregoing description of the applicant's helmet strap structure, relatively inexpensive and simple means have been provided to give a chin strap for a safety helmet a rapidly adjustable feature. The helmet strap structure is economical and simple to manufacture; it is simple to use and readily adjustable. The helmet strap structure is adjustable between a shortened normal use position and an extended or lengthened use position. The strap structure itself is so designed to provide a protection to the wearer's face from a clasp which is used to accomplish the rapid length adjustment. The strap can be constructed of materials compatible with the intended use of a particular helmet.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A helmet strap for securing a helmet, or the like on the head of a person comprising: a long strap portion, a short strap portion, each of said long and short strap portions include a first end and a second end, a clasp means interconnecting said long strap and said second end of said short strap, said clasp means releasably engages said long strap for adjusting the distance between said clasp means and either of said ends of said long strap, a clasp cover means for covering an inside portion of said clasp means, and adjusting buckle means slidably positioned on said long strap to vary the distance between said buckle and either of said ends of said long strap, an interconnecting means for releasably attaching said buckle with a point on said long strap such as to enable said long strap to have a structure defining a first loop, and a means on said first end of said long strap and on said short strap for mounting said helment strap to said helmet.

2. The helmet strap of claim 1 wherein said cover means is defined as said first end of said short strap.

3. The helmet strap of claim 2 wherein said clasp means releasably engages said long strap between said buckle and said point on said long strap where said interconnecting means releasably secures said buckle thereto.

4. The helmet strap of claim 3 wherein said second end of said short strap includes a structure defining a first loop portion wherein said clasp means pivotally attaches.

5. The helmet strap of claim 4 wherein said structure of said second end of said short strap additionally defines a second loop portion wherethrough said means for mounting pivotally attaches.

6. The helmet strap of claim 5 wherein said buckle means is generally in proximity to said second end of said long strap.

7. The helmet strap of claim 6 wherein said interconnecting means comprises a male snap member stationarily fastened to said long strap generally in proximity to said first end thereof, and a female snap member integrally bound to said buckle and cooperatively engaging said male snap member.

8. The helmet strap of claim 7 wherein said clasp means comprises a fixed member, said fixed member pivotally connecting to said first loop of said short strap, a movable member pivotally attaching to said fixed member, said movable member including a grasping portion for engaging said long strap, and a resilient member connected to said fixed member and biasing said movable member such as said long strap is normally locked between said fixed member and said grasping portion of said movable member.

9. The helmet strap of claim 8 wherein said means to mount comprises a closable hook means hookable onto the structure of said helmet.

10. The helmet strap of claim 8 wherein said means to mount comprises a clip means clippable onto a clip receiving element of a helmet.