Anchoring part with adjustable force

Abstract

An adjustable force anchor is disclosed. The adjustable force anchor includes a disconnector and a cover having at least one slot that receives the disconnector. The block assembly is removably coupled with the disconnector. The block assembly includes an actuator configured to move from a first position to a second position. Thereafter, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnector when the actuator is in the first position and disengage from the disconnector when the actuator is in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to safety equipment and more particularly to an adjustable force anchor that provides safety in various hazardous environments. Background Art

[0002] Industrial safety regulations require operators to wear safety helmets at all times to protect against falling debris or in the event of a fall. Safety helmets are manufactured to certain safety standards and are enforced to maintain safety standards. The European safety standards governing safety helmets are EN397 for low-rise use and EN12492 for high-rise use. The key difference between these two safety standards lies primarily in the chin strap. Safety helmets that comply with the EN397 standard are required to have an anchor attached to the chin strap that resists forces between 150-250N. In contrast, safety helmets that comply with the EN12492 standard are required to have a chin strap that resists applied tension forces below 500N. This distinction leads to significant challenges, as a single chin strap cannot comply with both standards at the same time due to their mutually exclusive nature. Therefore, in order to comply with safety standards, it becomes important to install two different chin straps within a single safety helmet, each chin strap complying with its respective standard. This requirement presents practical limitations in terms of helmet design and user convenience, as it requires the incorporation of multiple chin straps, thereby increasing complexity and discomfort for the wearer. Furthermore, the requirement for two chin straps may contribute to increased production costs and logistical challenges in managing helmet inventory. Therefore, there remains a need to address these limitations in chin strap design and standards compliance to improve the safety and usability of protective helmets.

[0003] Applicants have identified various problems and challenges associated with current security devices. However, through creativity, hard work and innovation, the present disclosure has solved many of these problems through its methods and devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not an extensive review and is neither intended to identify key or important elements nor to delineate the scope of these elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0005] In an example embodiment, an adjustable force anchor is disclosed. The adjustable force anchor includes a disconnector and a cover having at least one slot for receiving the disconnector. In addition, the adjustable force anchor includes a block assembly detachably coupled to the disconnector. In addition, the block assembly includes an actuator configured to move from a first position to a second position. Thereafter, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnector when the actuator is in the first position, and to disengage from the disconnector when the actuator is in the second position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cover has at least one pair of clips at one end to interlock the disconnect with the cover.

[0007] In some embodiments, the disconnector has at least one cavity configured to receive the block assembly when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnector. In some embodiments, the block assembly includes a block. In some embodiments, when the actuator is in the first position, the block is positioned within the at least one cavity. In some embodiments, when the actuator is in the second position, the block is positioned outside the at least one cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the block includes a slotted portion, and the actuator includes a slide at least partially positioned within the slotted portion. In addition, moving the actuator from the second position to the first position causes the slide to translate within the slotted portion of the block and causes the block to translate toward the at least one cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the block further comprises an aperture, and the actuator comprises a rod connected to a cam positioned within the aperture. In addition, moving the actuator from the second position to the first position causes the cam to rotate within the aperture of the block and causes the block to translate toward the at least one cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the disconnector disconnects from the cap when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnector when the force is between 150-250 Newtons (N). In some embodiments, the disconnector is configured to resist a force of at least 500N when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjustable force anchor is coupled to a strap of the helmet.

[0012] In another example embodiment, an adjustable force anchor is provided. The adjustable force anchor includes a disconnector and a cover having at least one slot for receiving the disconnector. In addition, a block assembly is detachably coupled to the disconnector. In addition, the block assembly includes a slide configured to move from a first position to a second position. Thereafter, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnector when the slide is in the first position and to disengage from the disconnector when the slide is in the second position.

[0013] In another example embodiment, an adjustable force anchor is disclosed. The adjustable force anchor includes a disconnector and a cover having at least one slot for receiving the disconnector. In addition, a block assembly is detachably coupled to the disconnector. The block assembly includes a rod configured to move from a first position to a second position. The block assembly is configured to engage the disconnector when the rod is in the first position and to disengage the disconnector when the rod is in the second position.

[0014] The above overview is provided only to summarize some example embodiments, to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present invention in any way. It will be appreciated that in addition to those embodiments summarized here, the scope of the present invention encompasses many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Having thus generally described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an adjustable force anchor attached to a helmet according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an adjustable force anchor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an adjustable force anchor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a block assembly with a slide in a first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4B illustrates a block assembly engaged with a disconnect when a slide is in a first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5A is another perspective view of a block assembly with a slide in a second position according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5B illustrates a block assembly disengaged from a disconnect when a slide is in a second position according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 is an isometric view of an adjustable force anchor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7is an exploded view of an adjustable force anchor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a block assembly with a rod in a first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8B illustrates a block assembly engaged with a disconnect when a lever is in a first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig. 9A is another perspective view of a block assembly with a rod in a second position according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Fig. 9B A block assembly is illustrated disengaged from a disconnect when the lever is in a second position according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As discussed herein, a protective device may be referred to for use by a person, but may also be used to raise and lower an object, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] The components illustrated in the drawings represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the invention described herein, such that an embodiment may include fewer or more components than those shown in the drawings without departing from the scope of the invention. For visibility of underlying components, some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed lines.

[0031] The present disclosure provides a variety of adjustable force anchors to meet the two helmet safety standards of EN397 and EN12492. The adjustable force anchor can be connected to the chin strap of the helmet. Various embodiments allow the adjustable force anchor to disconnect (i.e., separate) when the adjustable force anchor experiences a force between 150-250 Newtons (N). In other cases, when the adjustable force anchor experiences a force of 500N or more, the adjustable force anchor resists the force (i.e., does not separate). These two standards are mutually exclusive, and for the prior art that meets these two safety standards, two different chin straps of different safety standards need to be installed in a single safety helmet, or two different helmets of different safety standards are required. Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a disconnector and a block assembly that can be switched between a first position and a second position, thereby providing a single helmet that meets two safety standards, thereby potentially reducing the cost of accessories, the cost of the helmet, the time spent engaging or disengaging the two positions, and most importantly, reducing the risk to user safety.

[0032] Figure 1 An example embodiment of an adjustable force anchor 100 attached to a helmet 102 is illustrated according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100 can be attached to the helmet 102 via the helmet strap 104. In addition, the adjustable force anchor 100 can be attached to a chin strap 106 that can be worn around the chin of the wearer (not shown). In some embodiments, a nape pad 108 can be coupled to the middle portion of the chin strap 106 to provide comfort to the wearer's chin. In some embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100 can be configured to provide an adjustable force to tighten the grip of the helmet 102 by using the helmet strap 104 and the chin strap 106. It can be noted that when the chin strap 106 is tightened, the nape pad 108 can absorb the force applied to the chin strap 106 and thereby reduce the stress of the chin strap 106 on the wearer's chin. In some example embodiments, the nape pad 108 can be effectively located at the center of the wearer's jawbone.

[0034] The adjustable force anchor 100 can be configured to meet different safety standards, such as EN397 and EN 12492. Depending on the safety standards, the adjustable force anchor 100 can be configured to separate at a force between 150-250 Newtons (N) in one configuration and resist a force of 500N or more in another configuration. In some example embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100 can be installed at both sides of the helmet 102 along the helmet strap 104 and the chin strap 106 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100 may include a disconnect 110 and a cover 112, i.e., a bottom cover. The cover 112 may have at least one slot (not shown) to receive the disconnect 110. In some example embodiments, the disconnect 110 may be attached to the chin strap 106 of the helmet 102, and the cover 112 may be attached to the headband 104 of the helmet 102. As shown by arrow 114, the chin strap 106 may be pulled in a downward direction to apply force on the disconnect 110. At the same time, the headband 104 may be pulled in the opposite direction, and a force may be applied to the cover 112 as shown by arrow 116 to detach the disconnect 110 from the cover 112 with a sufficient amount of force. The detachment of the disconnect 110 from the cover 112 may be described in more detail in a later portion of the detailed description.

[0036] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an adjustable force anchor 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 describe Figure 2 .

[0037] The adjustable force anchor 100 may include a first cover 202, a second cover 204, and an actuator 206. In some embodiments, the actuator 206 may correspond to a slide or rod coupled to a cam. The first cover 202 may be detachably coupled to the second cover 204. It may be noted that the first cover 202 may correspond to a top cover, and the second cover 204 may correspond to a bottom cover. The first cover 202 may include a housing 208, which is manufactured with a horizontal opening 210. The horizontal opening 210 may be provided to slide the actuator 206 from a first position to a second position for selecting a resistible force. In some embodiments, the first position of the actuator 206 may help the adjustable force anchor 100 resist a force of 500N or more, and the second position of the actuator 206 may help the adjustable force anchor 100 resist a force of up to at least 150N, but may also be disconnected at a force between 150-250N. In some example embodiments, the actuator 206 may be configured to adjust the resistance of the disconnect 110 when the actuator 206 moves between the first position and the second position.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the second cover 204 may include a semicircular surface 212 and a top surface 214. In addition, a plurality of grooves 216 may be integrated at a plurality of locations on the semicircular surface 212 and the top surface 214 of the second cover 204. The plurality of grooves 216 may be configured to receive the helmet strap 104. In some embodiments, a portion of the helmet strap 104 may be inserted from one of the plurality of grooves 216 and removed from another of the plurality of grooves 216, such that the portion of the helmet strap 104 may be perpendicular to the rest of the helmet strap 104. The second cover 204 may further include at least one groove (not shown). The at least one groove may be configured to receive the disconnector 110. In addition, the disconnector 110 may be integrated with the chin strap groove 218. As shown Figure 1 As shown, the chin strap slot 218 can be configured to receive the chin strap 106. Figure 3 A detailed description of the second cover 204 and the disconnector 110 is described.

[0039] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an adjustable force anchor 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1-2 describe Figure 3 .

[0040] The first cover 202 can be detachably coupled to the second cover 204 via a plurality of locking pins 302 and a plurality of locking points 304. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pins 302 can correspond to protruding sections cast at one surface of the first cover 202. The plurality of locking points 304 can correspond to indentations or holes cast on the second cover 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pins 302 can be press-fit into the plurality of locking points 304, and thus the first cover 202 can be locked with the second cover 204. The first cover 202 can be removed from the second cover 204 by lifting the first cover 202, which can disengage the plurality of locking pins 302 from the plurality of locking points 304.

[0041] As discussed above, the first cover 202 may include a housing 208. In addition, the housing 208 may be configured to hold a block assembly, namely, a block 306, a slider 308, and a slider coupling 310. It may be noted that the block 306, the slider 308, and the slider coupling 310 assembled together may be referred to as a block assembly. The block assembly may be detachably coupled to the disconnector 110. The slider 308 may include a sliding cap 312 at one end and a screw 314 at the other end. In some embodiments, the screw 314 may be a threaded screw. The screw 314 of the slider 308 may be coupled to the slider coupling 310 via a slotted portion 316 integrated in the block 306. In some embodiments, the slotted portion 316 may be an oblique cutout section of the block 306, which is configured for sliding movement of the slider 308. In some embodiments, the slider 308 may be at least partially positioned in the slotted portion 316.

[0042] refer to Figure 3 , the second cover 204 may include at least one pair of clips 318 at one end. The at least one pair of clips 318 may be spaced apart to allow the disconnector 110 to be positioned within the second cover 204. The at least one pair of clips 318 may prevent the movement of the disconnector 110 by interlocking the disconnector 110 with the second cover 204. In addition, the disconnector 110 may include a first end 320 and a second end 322. In some embodiments, the first end 320 and the second end 322 of the disconnector 110 may correspond to the upper region and the lower region of the disconnector 110. The first end 320 of the disconnector 110 may be positioned below the at least one pair of clips 318. The second end 322 of the disconnector 110 may have at least one cavity 324 and a chin strap groove 218. In some embodiments, the first end 320 may correspond to a T-shaped cross section. The at least one pair of clips 318 may be positioned within a gap 326 formed between the first end 320 and the second end 322 of the disconnector 110. It may be noted that the movement of the first end 320 may be limited by the at least one pair of clips 318. In some embodiments, the disconnect 110 may be cast as a single piece without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] In addition, the at least one cavity 324 can receive the block assembly, namely the block 306, the slider 308, and the slider coupling 310. As discussed above, in one configuration, when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnect 110, the first end 320 of the disconnect 110 can be separated from the second cover 204 at a force between 150-250 N. In another configuration, the first end 320 of the disconnect 110 can withstand a force of more than 500 N when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnect 110.

[0044] In various examples, when the block 306 is not positioned within the at least one cavity 324, only the at least one pair of clips 318 prevents the disconnector 110 from being separated from other components of the adjustable force anchor 100, such as the second cover 204. When the first cover 202 is covered to the second cover 204 through the plurality of locking pins 302 and the plurality of locking points 304, the at least one pair of clips 318 can retain the disconnector 110 within the adjustable force anchor 100. In various examples, the at least one pair of clips 318 is configured to break when a force between 150-250 N is applied thereto.

[0045] Figure 4A is a perspective view 400 of a slide assembly with the slide 308 in a first position 402 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B FIG. 1 illustrates a block assembly engaged with a disconnect 110 when the slide 308 is in a first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , 2 and 3 to describe Figures 4A-4B .

[0046] In some embodiments, when the slider 308 is in the first position 402, the block 306 can be positioned within the at least one cavity 324. The slider 308 can be moved along the slotted portion 316 to the first position 402, as indicated by arrow 404. In some embodiments, when the slider 308 is moved to the first position 402, the block 306 can be moved downward, as indicated by arrow 406, to engage with the disconnect 110. It can be noted that the movement of the slider 308 to the first position 402 pushes the block 306 downward. In some embodiments, the positioning of the block 306 within the at least one cavity 324 can correspond to a configuration in which the disconnect 110 can resist a force of 500N or more. In other words, when the block 306 is located within the at least one cavity 324, when a force less than 500N is applied to the disconnect 110, the block 306 can prevent the disconnect 110 from separating from other components of the adjustable force anchor 100 (such as the second cover 204).

[0047] refer to Figure 4B , when the slider 308 is in the first position 402, the slider 308 can prevent the disconnect 110 from being disengaged from the second cover 204. In some embodiments, in the first position 402 of the slider 308, the block 306 can resist the force applied to the disconnect 110 as shown by arrow 408 and the force applied to the second cover 204 as shown by arrow 410. In this configuration, the block 306 can prevent the force from being transmitted toward the first end 320, and thus prevent the first end 320 from being disconnected, and also prevent the disconnect 110 from being disengaged from the second cover 204.

[0048] Figure 5Ais a perspective view 500 of a slide assembly with a slide 308 in a second position 502 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B FIG. 2 illustrates a block assembly disengaged from the disconnect 110 when the slide 308 is in the second position according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , 2 and 3 description Figure 5A-5B .

[0049] In some embodiments, when the slider 308 moves from the first position 402 to the second position 502, the block 306 can be positioned outside the at least one cavity 324, for example, the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnect 110. The slider 308 can move along the slotted portion 316 in the second position 502, as indicated by arrow 504. In some embodiments, when the slider 308 moves to the second position 502, the block 306 can move upward, as indicated by arrow 506, to disengage from the disconnect 110. It can be noted that the movement of the slider 308 to the second position 502 lifts the block 306 upward. This disengagement of the block 306 from the at least one cavity 324 can correspond to another configuration in which the disconnect 110 can be disconnected from other components of the adjustable force anchor 100 (such as the second cover 204) at a force between 150-250N.

[0050] refer to Figure 5B , when the block 306 is positioned outside the at least one cavity 324, the disconnect 110 can be configured to separate from the other components of the adjustable force anchor 100 under a force between 150-250N. It can be noted that when the disconnect 110 may experience a force between 150-250N in the direction indicated by arrows 508 and 510, the disconnect 110 can separate from the second cover 204. In some embodiments, the movement of the slider 308 to the second position 502 can cause the block assembly to disengage from the disconnect 110, and thus the first end 320 of the disconnect 110 can act as a weak point. In this configuration, when the disconnect 110 experiences a force between 150-250N, the first end 320 of the disconnect 110 can separate from the second cover 204 of the adjustable force anchor 100.

[0051] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an adjustable force anchor 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 describe Figure 6 .

[0052] The adjustable force anchor 600 may include a first cover 602, a second cover 604, a rod 606 and a disconnector 608. The first cover 602 may be detachably connected to the second cover 604. It may be noted that the first cover 602 may correspond to a top cover, and the second cover 604 may correspond to a bottom cover. In addition, the first cover 602 may include a housing 610 having a rod slot (not shown). In addition, the rod 606 may be connected to the first cover 602 via the rod slot. The rod 606 may be adjusted in two positions, namely a first position and a second position. It may be noted that in the first position, the rod 606 may be placed in a vertical position, and in the second position, the rod 606 may be placed in a horizontal position. In some embodiments, the first position of the rod 606 may help the adjustable force anchor 600 resist a force of 500N or more. In some embodiments, the second position may help the adjustable force anchor 600 resist a force of up to at least 150N, but also disconnect under a force between 150-250N.

[0053] In addition, the second cover 604 may include a semicircular surface 612 and a top surface 614. In addition, a plurality of grooves 616 may be integrated at a plurality of locations on the semicircular surface 612 and the top surface 614 of the second cover 604. The plurality of grooves 616 may be configured to receive the helmet strap 104. In some embodiments, a portion of the helmet strap 104 may be inserted from one of the plurality of grooves 616 and removed from another of the plurality of grooves 616, such that the portion of the helmet strap 104 may be perpendicular to the rest of the helmet strap 104. The second cover 604 may further include at least one groove (not shown). The at least one groove may be configured to receive the disconnector 608. In addition, the disconnector 608 may be integrated with the chin strap groove 618. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the chin strap slot 618 can be configured to receive the chin strap 106. Figure 7 A detailed description of the second cover 604 and the disconnector 608 is described.

[0054] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an adjustable force anchor 600 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 describe Figure 7 .

[0055] The first cover 602 can be detachably coupled to the second cover 604 via a plurality of locking pins 702 and a plurality of locking points 704. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pins 702 can correspond to protruding sections cast at one surface of the first cover 602. The plurality of locking points 704 can correspond to indentations or holes cast on the second cover 604. In some embodiments, the plurality of locking pins 702 can be press-fit into the plurality of locking points 704, and thus the first cover 602 can be locked with the second cover 604. The first cover 602 can be removed from the second cover 604 by lifting the first cover 602, which can disengage the plurality of locking pins 702 from the plurality of locking points 704.

[0056] As discussed above, the first cover 602 may include a housing 610. The housing 610 may be configured to hold a block assembly, namely the rod 606, the block 706, and the cam 708. It may be noted that the rod 606, the block 706, and the cam 708 assembled together may be referred to as a block assembly. The block assembly may be detachably coupled to the disconnector 608. The rod 606 may include a camshaft 710 having an extension 712. The cam 708 may have a slot 714 configured to receive the extension 712 of the camshaft 710. The rod 606 coupled to the cam 708 may be positioned within an aperture 716 integrated within the block 706. In some embodiments, the aperture 716 may be a cut-away section of the block 706 to facilitate movement of the cam 708 within the block 706.

[0057] like Figure 7 As shown, the housing 610 may include a lever slot 718 for rotating a cam 708 within the housing 610 via the lever 606. In some embodiments, the cam 708 may be configured to move along the aperture 716 to engage the block assembly with the disconnector 608 or to disengage the block assembly from the disconnector 608. In addition, the second cover 604 may include at least one pair of clips 720 at one end. The at least one pair of clips 720 may be spaced apart to allow the disconnector 608 to be positioned within the second cover 604. The at least one pair of clips 720 may be designed in a manner that the disconnector 608 is interlocked with the second cover 604, and thus the at least one pair of clips 720 may prevent movement of the disconnector 608. In various examples, the at least one pair of clips 720 is designed to break when the disconnector 608 experiences a force between 150-250N to allow the disconnector 608 to be separated from other components of the adjustable force anchor 600.

[0058] In addition, the disconnector 608 may include a first end 722 and a second end 724. In some embodiments, the first end 722 and the second end 724 of the disconnector 608 may correspond to the upper region and the lower region of the disconnector 608, respectively. The first end 722 of the disconnector 608 may be positioned below the at least one pair of clips 720. The second end 724 of the disconnector 608 may have at least one cavity 726 and a chin strap groove 618. In some embodiments, the first end 722 may correspond to a T-shaped cross section. The at least one pair of clips 720 may be positioned within a gap 728 formed between the first end 722 and the second end 724 of the disconnector 608. It may be noted that the movement of the first end 722 may be limited by the at least one pair of clips 720. In some embodiments, the disconnector 608 may be cast as a single part without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] In addition, the at least one cavity 726 can receive the block assembly, namely the block 706, the rod 606, and the cam 708. In one configuration, when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnect 608, the first end 722 of the disconnect 608 can be separated from the second cover 604 at a force between 150-250 N. In another configuration, when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnect 608, the first end 722 of the disconnect 608 can withstand a force of 500 N or more.

[0060] In various examples, when the block 706 is not positioned within the at least one cavity 726, only the at least one pair of clips 720 prevents the disconnector 608 from being separated from other components of the adjustable force anchor 600, such as the second cover 604. When the first cover 602 is covered to the second cover 604 through the plurality of locking pins 702 and the plurality of locking points 704, the at least one pair of clips 720 can retain the disconnector 608 within the adjustable force anchor 700. In various examples, the at least one pair of clips 720 is configured to disconnect when a force between 150-250 N is applied thereto.

[0061] Fig. 8A is a perspective view 800 of a block assembly with a rod 606 in a first position 802 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8B The block assembly is illustrated as being engaged with the disconnect 608 when the lever 606 is in the first position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 and 7 describe Figures 8A-8B .

[0062] In some embodiments, when the lever 606 is in the first position 802, the block 706 can be positioned within the at least one cavity 726. The lever 606 can move the cam 708 along the aperture 716 to the first position 802. The lever 606 can rotate along the lever slot 718 in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow 804. In some embodiments, when rotated clockwise, the lever 606 can rotate the cam 708 within the aperture 716 of the block 706 in the first position 802. This rotation of the cam 708 can move the block 706 downward, as indicated by arrow 806. This configuration of the adjustable force anchor 600, wherein the block 706 is positioned within the at least one cavity 726, can help the disconnector 608 resist a force of at least 500N. In other words, when the block 706 is within the at least one cavity 726 , the block 706 can prevent the disconnect 110 from separating from other components of the adjustable force anchor 600 , such as the second cover 604 , when a force less than 500 N is applied to the disconnect 608 .

[0063] refer to Figure 8B When the cam 708 is in the first position 802, the cam 708 can prevent the disconnector 608 from being disengaged from the second cover 604. Fig. 8A In some embodiments, in the first position 802 of the cam 708, the block 706 positioned within the at least one cavity 726 of the disconnect 608 can resist a force of 500N or more applied to the disconnect 608 as indicated by arrow 808, and a force applied to the second cover 604 as indicated by arrow 810. In this configuration, the block 706 can prevent the force from being transmitted toward the first end 722, thereby preventing the first end 722 from being disconnected, and also prevent the disconnect 608 from being disengaged from the second cover 604.

[0064] Fig. 9A is a perspective view 900 of a block assembly with a rod 606 in a second position 902 according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9B The block assembly is illustrated as being disengaged from the disconnect 608 when the lever 606 is in the second position according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 , 7 , 8A and 8B Description Figures 9A-9B .

[0065] In some embodiments, when the lever 606 moves from the first position 802 to the second position 902, the block 706 can be positioned outside of the at least one cavity 726, e.g., the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnect 608. The lever 606 can be rotated along the lever slot 718 to move the cam 708 from the first position 802 to the second position 902. This movement of the cam 708 can be configured to move the block 706 in a vertically upward direction at the second position 902. In some embodiments, the rotation of the lever 606 can move the cam 708 in a counterclockwise direction along the aperture 716, as indicated by arrow 904. In some embodiments, when the cam 708 moves to the second position 902 within the aperture 716, the block 706 can move upward, as indicated by arrow 906, to disengage the block assembly from the disconnect 608. It can be noted that the positioning of the cam 708 at the second position 902 lifts the block 706 upward. In some embodiments, the disengagement of the block assembly from the disconnect 608 may correspond to another configuration in which the disconnect 608 may be disconnected from other components of the adjustable force anchor 600 (such as the second cover 604) at a force between 150-250N.

[0066] refer to Fig. 9B , the disconnector 608 can be configured to be disengaged from other components of the adjustable force anchor 600 at a force between 150-250N when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnector 608. In some embodiments, when the disconnector 608 may experience a force of 150-250N, the disconnector 608 can be separated from the second cover 604, as shown by arrows 908 and 910, respectively. In some embodiments, the movement of the cam 708 to the second position 902 can cause the block 706 to be disengaged from the at least one cavity 726, and thereby the first end 722 of the disconnector 608 can act as a weak point. In this configuration, when the disconnector 608 experiences a force between 150-250N, the first end 722 of the disconnector 608 can be separated from the second cover 604 of the adjustable force anchor 600.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100, 600 may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and other thermoplastic polymers. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above materials are provided for illustration purposes only. In some embodiments, the adjustable force anchor 100, 600 may also be made of some other materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above forces are provided for illustration purposes only without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] Such adjustable force anchors 100, 600 can potentially reduce the cost of accessories, the cost of helmets, and the time spent engaging or disengaging adjustable force anchors between two positions. In addition, adjustable force anchors 100, 600 can eliminate the risk of helmet misalignment and thereby ensure the safety of the user.

[0069] Benefiting from the teachings given in the foregoing description and the associated drawings, those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will think of many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may provide different combinations of elements and / or functions without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated, as set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An adjustable force anchor, comprising: Disconnector; a cover having at least one slot to receive the disconnector; and a block assembly removably coupled to the disconnect, wherein the block assembly includes an actuator configured to move from a first position to a second position, and Wherein, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnect when the actuator is in a first position and to disengage from the disconnect when the actuator is in a second position.

2. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 1, wherein: The cover has at least one pair of clips at one end for interlocking the disconnect with the cover.

3. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 1, wherein: The disconnect has at least one cavity configured to receive the block assembly when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnect.

4. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 3, wherein: The block assembly includes a block, wherein the block is positioned within the at least one cavity when the actuator is in a first position, and wherein the block is positioned outside the at least one cavity when the actuator is in a second position.

5. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 4, wherein: The block includes a slotted portion, wherein the actuator includes a slide at least partially positioned within the slotted portion, and wherein moving the actuator from the second position to the first position translates the slide within the slotted portion of the block and translates the block toward the at least one cavity.

6. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 4, wherein: The block includes an aperture, wherein the actuator includes a lever connected to a cam positioned within the aperture, and wherein moving the actuator from the second position to the first position rotates the cam within the aperture of the block and translates the block toward the at least one cavity.

7. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 1, wherein: When the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnector, the disconnector breaks away from the cover when the force is between 150-250 Newtons (N), and wherein the disconnector is configured to resist a force of at least 500 N when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnector.

8. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustable force anchor is coupled to a strap of the helmet.

9. An adjustable force anchor, comprising: Disconnector; a cover having at least one slot to receive the disconnector; and a block assembly removably coupled to the disconnect, wherein the block assembly includes a slide configured to move from a first position to a second position, and Wherein, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnect when the slide is in the first position, and to disengage from the disconnect when the slide is in the second position.

10. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 9, wherein: The cover has at least one pair of clips at one end for interlocking the disconnect with the cover.

11. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 9, wherein: The disconnect has at least one cavity configured to receive the block assembly when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnect.

12. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 11, wherein: The block assembly includes a block, wherein the block is positioned within the at least one cavity when the slide is in a first position, and wherein the block is positioned outside the at least one cavity when the slide is in a second position.

13. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 12, wherein: The block includes a slotted portion, wherein the slide is at least partially positioned within the slotted portion, and wherein moving the slide from the second position to the first position translates the slide within the slotted portion of the block and translates the block toward the at least one cavity.

14. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 9, wherein: The disconnector breaks away from the cover when the force is between 150-250 Newtons (N) when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnector, and wherein the disconnector is configured to resist a force of at least 500 N when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnector.

15. An adjustable force anchor, comprising: Disconnector; a cover having at least one slot to receive the disconnector; and a block assembly removably coupled to the disconnect, wherein the block assembly includes a lever configured to move from a first position to a second position, Wherein, the block assembly is configured to engage with the disconnect when the lever is in a first position and to disengage from the disconnect when the lever is in a second position.

16. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 15, wherein: The cover has at least one pair of clips at one end for interlocking the disconnect with the cover.

17. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 15, wherein: The disconnect has at least one cavity configured to receive the block assembly when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnect.

18. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 17, wherein: The block assembly includes a block, wherein the block is positioned within the at least one cavity when the lever is in a first position, and wherein the block is positioned outside of the at least one cavity when the lever is in a second position.

19. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 18, wherein: The block includes an aperture, wherein the lever is coupled to a cam positioned within the aperture, and wherein moving the lever from the second position to the first position rotates the cam within the aperture of the block and translates the block toward the at least one cavity.

20. The adjustable force anchor according to claim 15, wherein: The disconnector disconnects from the cover when the force is between 150-250 Newtons (N) when the block assembly is disengaged from the disconnector, and wherein the disconnect is configured to resist a force of at least 500N when the block assembly is engaged with the disconnector.

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