Helmet liner locking lace retraction system with quick release

Abstract

A lace tensioning system (10) has sliding assemblies (11), and a ratcheted track slide (12). The ratcheted track slide has first and second slots (25), ratcheted tracks (13) on a predetermined side of, and on opposing edges of, the ratcheted track slide, the slots are separated by a divider (24). A sliding assembly is slidingly attached to the track slide and has a lace aperture (43) and ratcheted tracks (14). The ratcheted tracks of the sliding assembly are releasably and slidingly engaged with the ratcheted tracks of the ratcheted track slide. A sliding assembly is responsive to a force impressed upon an actuator button (16) to separate the ratcheted tracks of the sliding assembly from the ratcheted tracks of the ratcheted track slide to allow the sliding assembly to move freely along the slot. A sliding assembly can be moved toward the divider without pressing the actuator button.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 828,957 filed on Apr. 3, 2019.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]A low-profile lace retraction system for quickly and efficiently retracting lace to adjust a helmet liner system is disclosed.PRIOR ART[0003]Some helmet liner fit systems which include a lace tightening system that cooperates with the elements of helmet liner so that they can be tightened around and made to conform to the configuration and contours of an individual's head in order to provide a secure helmet liner fit, such as the lace tensioning system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,729, which is a reel-based (rotary) high torque rotary system and can be employed in one lace and two lace systems. Rotary dial systems are, however, awkward to access with the thumb and index finger at the rear of the helmet to perform a series of dial rotations necessary to achieve the desired tension. Further, rotary dials are bulky, noisy, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a lace tensioning system that includes a track slide, two sliding assemblies, and ratcheted tracks. The system allows for easy adjustment and movement along the slots of the track slide. The technical effects include improved efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use for tensioning and tightening laces.

Problems solved by technology

Rotary dial systems are, however, awkward to access with the thumb and index finger at the rear of the helmet to perform a series of dial rotations necessary to achieve the desired tension.

Further, rotary dials are bulky, noisy, and present major design constraints when one is attempting to integrate a rotary dial system into a helmet shell design.

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