Helmet and chin strap

Abstract

The helmet comprises a shell having a front section, a rear section, and a pair of side sections extending between the front and rear sections. The shell is sized and configured to fit over the user's head. The helmet further includes a chin strap having a pair of ends and a middle section located between the pair of ends. The ends are fixedly connected to the respective sides of the pair of side sections of the shell to restrict the movement of the ends relative to the shell. The chin strap is flexible to facilitate the positioning of the chin strap around the user's chin in relation to the positioning of the shell over the user's head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved retention system for a helmet. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an easily adjustable jaw strap device for a helmet.

Background Art

[0002] Safety helmets are well-known and can be worn when participating in a wide variety of activities including, but not limited to, many different areas of recreation, transportation, military, and construction. For example, helmets are typically worn during cycling, snowboarding and skiing, skateboarding, rock climbing, football, baseball, field hockey, ice hockey, horseback riding, scooter and motorcycle riding, on the battlefield, and at construction sites. One aspect that almost all conventional helmets have in common is one or more flexible webbing straps that connect under the user's chin to help hold the helmet in place on the user's head.

[0003] Conventional safety helmets typically worn by users participating in activities that require head protection, such as cyclists, may include a dome-shaped body in various sizes and shapes. Fastening the jaw strap may be required to more securely hold the helmet in place on the user's head. The jaw strap may include flexible webbing and a buckle to form a helmet retention system that is attached to the helmet and extends under the chin of the helmet wearer during use. In many helmets, one strap may be connected to the helmet behind each of the user's ears and another strap may be connected to the helmet in front of each of the user's ears. On each side, these straps may be connected together to effectively form a single strap. The two single straps may be adjustable in length to achieve a snug fit under the user's chin.

[0004] The helmet's chin strap helps keep the helmet securely attached to the wearer's head. In fact, they not only minimize vertical movement that could cause the helmet to be thrown off the wearer's head, but also generally help minimize instances where the helmet pivots away from or out of its position at the front or back of the wearer's head, exposing vulnerable parts of the user's head to impact.

[0005] These straps are typically difficult to adjust properly, and therefore, many users wear improperly adjusted helmets, which can reduce the effectiveness of the safety helmet. For example, it can be difficult to adjust the straps so that they are symmetrical from the point where they cross below the user's ears on a given side of the helmet. Further difficulty may be involved in adjusting the straps so that they are taut all the way through when the buckles are fastened.

[0006] While conventional helmets may meet certain safety standards when the straps are properly adjusted, in reality, very few users actually use them in a properly adjusted configuration. Furthermore, many users make the necessary adjustments to the straps while the helmet is off their head, resulting in a trial-and-error process. Typically, even with multiple adjustment attempts while the buckles are fastened, at least one of the straps (e.g., in front of or behind the ear) will loosen, potentially allowing the helmet to come off during a collision. Moreover, the adjustment process is often cumbersome, resulting in an uncomfortable level of tightness, and since users are often not involved in the most dangerous parts of the activity that would require the tightening straps, most users do not wish to adjust the chin strap to be as snug as necessary. Therefore, most users end up wearing the helmet with unevenly and excessively loose straps, even if they know they may be involved in the most dangerous parts of their activity. Clearly, such improper fitting of conventional straps can lead to a significant number of head injuries, and in some cases, even death.

[0007] If conventional straps are not properly adjusted, they may not always prevent undesirable pivotal movement of the helmet forward or backward from the wearer's head. This potential pivotal movement can result in exposure of the wearer's head, either forward or backward, which can be dangerous, especially during multiple impact falls.

[0008] For a helmet to adequately protect the user's head, it is typically crucial that the chin strap is properly adjusted. However, a properly adjusted, snug chin strap can sometimes be uncomfortable, and therefore, many users unbuckle the chin strap during non-critical use. For example, while riding a ski lift, a ski or snowboard helmet may not be necessary for safety, and therefore, many users unbuckle the chin strap to board the ski lift and then buckle it again before skiing. Naturally, users sometimes forget to buckle the strap, which is dangerous and can lead to the helmet falling off the user's head.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a helmet retention system that can be easily adjusted to the appropriate holding position without causing discomfort to the user. Various aspects of this disclosure address this particular need, as will be described in more detail below. [Overview of the project]

[0010] According to one embodiment, a helmet is provided comprising a shell having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of side portions extending between the front and rear portions. The shell is sized and configured to be positioned on the user's head. The helmet further includes a chin strap having a pair of ends and an intermediate portion located between the pair of ends. The ends are fixedly connected to the respective sides of the pair of side portions of the shell so as to restrict the movement of the ends relative to the shell. The chin strap is flexible to facilitate positioning of the chin strap around the user's chin in relation to the positioning of the shell on the user's head.

[0011] The shell and chin strap can be collectively defined as a continuous loop configured such that the shell remains intact while positioned over the user's head and the chin strap is positioned around the user's chin.

[0012] The length of the chin strap may be defined as the distance along the chin strap between its ends, and the chin strap is configured to facilitate selective adjustment of its length. The chin strap and helmet may be configured such that, when the helmet is worn by the user, the pair of ends extend adjacent to only one side of each of the user's ears.

[0013] The shell may include a main body having a lower periphery, and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower periphery. A pair of ends of a strap may be fixedly connected to the respective strap mounts of the pair of strap mounts. Each strap mount may be detachably connected to the main body. The strap may include a pair of segments, each segment connected to an individual strap mount of the pair of strap mounts, and the segments are configured to be detachably engaged with each other. Each segment may include a portion made of woven material. The helmet may also include a pair of connectors coupled to each segment of the pair of segments. The pair of connectors may be cooperatively engaged with each other to facilitate the joint connection of the pair of segments.

[0014] The shell may include a mouthguard portion that extends between a pair of lateral sections below the front. The chin strap may have internal strength to maintain its predetermined shape unless subjected to an external force exceeding the desired magnitude.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a helmet is provided comprising a shell having a front section, a rear section, a pair of side sections extending between the front and rear sections, and a pair of strap attachments located on each side of the pair of side sections. The shell is sized and configured to be positioned over the user's head. The helmet further includes a chin strap having a pair of ends and an intermediate section located between the pair of ends. At least one of the pair of ends is fixedly connected to an individual strap attachment of the pair of strap attachments to restrict the movement of at least one of the pair of ends relative to the shell.

[0016] The helmet may include a pair of connectors configured to engage with a strap, and the pair of connectors may be detachably engaged with each other. One of the pair of connectors may be connected to a strap, and the other of the pair of connectors may be connected to a shell at the strap attachment point.

[0017] The shell may include a main body having a lower periphery, and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower periphery, the pair of strap mounts defining a pair of strap attachment points. Each strap mount may be detachably connected to the main body.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a helmet is provided comprising a shell sized and configured to be positioned over a user's head. The helmet further includes a chin strap coupled to the shell, the chin strap being formed from a semi-rigid material and having at least two segments movable relative to each other. The chin strap includes two attachment points, at which the chin strap is connectable to the shell. The length of the chin strap is defined as the distance along the chin strap between the two attachment points. The chin strap is configured to be selectively transitionable between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration, with the length decreasing as the chin strap transitions from the extended configuration to the tightened configuration.

[0019] The helmet may include springs coupled to the segments to bias the chin strap toward an extension configuration. The helmet may also include cables extending between the segments to facilitate the movement of the segments relative to each other. The cables may be configured to facilitate the application of a force to the two segments that overcomes the springs, thereby moving the two segments toward a tightening configuration.

[0020] The helmet may also include a dial connected to the cable to facilitate the movement of the cable to at least one of the segments. The dial may be connected to the shell or to the chin strap.

[0021] The chin strap may include a pair of lateral segments and a central segment extending between the pair of lateral segments and movable relative to the lateral segments. The chin strap may be fixedly attached to the shell at one of two attachment points and movably attached to the shell at the other of the two attachment points. The chin strap may include a toothed segment, and the helmet may further include a dial that can engage with the toothed segment to facilitate the movement of the chin strap relative to the shell.

[0022] The chin strap may be pivotable relative to the shell. The shell may include a main body having a lower periphery, and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower periphery. A chin strap may be coupled to the shell at the pair of strap mounts.

[0023] According to another embodiment, a helmet is provided comprising a shell sized and configured to be positioned over a user's head. The helmet further includes a chin strap coupled to the shell, the chin strap being formed from a semi-rigid material. The helmet further includes a head support coupled to the shell, having at least two support bodies. The head support is transitionable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein portions of at least two support bodies move toward each other as the head support transitions from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0024] The jaw strap can be configured to be extensible between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration, and the length of the jaw strap decreases as the jaw strap transitions from the extended configuration towards the tightened configuration. The jaw strap and the head support can be operably coupled to each other to facilitate simultaneous adjustment of both the jaw strap and the head support. The helmet can further include a dial that is interlocked with the jaw strap and the head support to facilitate simultaneous adjustment of both the jaw strap and the head support. The helmet can include a cable that interconnects the dial to the head support and the jaw strap.

[0025] The head support can include a rear support member and a front support member operably connected to the rear support member. The contemplated embodiments herein will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with reference to the following description and drawings. Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, common reference numbers are used to indicate the same elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a helmet having a non-pivotable jaw strap positioned above a user's head. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the helmet shell on the wearer's head and the flexion of the jaw strap to avoid interference with the user's face. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the helmet shell on the wearer's head and the flexion of the jaw strap to avoid interference with the user's face. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1 showing the arrangement of the helmet shell on the wearer's head and the flexion of the jaw strap to avoid interference with the user's face. [Figure 5]Figure 1 shows the helmet on the user's head and an upper perspective view of the chin strap in its extended configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a helmet on the user's head and a side view of the chin strap in its fastening configuration. [Figure 7] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 8] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 9] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 10] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 11] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 12] This figure shows the sequential placement of the helmet shown in Figure 1 on the user's head, by tilting the helmet backward and angling the chin strap away from the user's face, without bending the chin strap. [Figure 13] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 14]This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 15] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 16] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 17] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 18] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 19] This figure shows the sequential placement of a full-face helmet with a chin strap on a user's head, with the helmet rotated backward so that there is a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 20] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 21] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 22] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 23] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 24] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 25] Figures 13-19 show the sequential placement of the full-face helmets on the user's head, with the chin strap bent to create a gap between the chin strap and the user's face. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet having a pair of webbing strap segments extending from respective strap mounts located below the lower edge of the helmet shell, with the helmet positioned above the user's head. [Figure 27] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the helmet, with the helmet shell resting on the user's head and the strap segments separated from each other. [Figure 28] Figure 27 is a side view of the helmet. [Figure 29] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the helmet, showing the strap segments connected to each other. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a side view of the helmet. [Figure 31] This is an enlarged view of Figure 29. [Figure 32] Figure 31 is an enlarged perspective view of the helmet, showing the strap mounts separated from the helmet shell. [Figure 33] A perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet having a pair of webbing strap segments with toothed buckles. [Figure 34] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the helmet, with the helmet shell resting on the user's head and the strap segments separated from each other. [Figure 35]Figure 34 is a side view of the helmet. [Figure 36] Figure 35 is a side view of the helmet, showing that the strap segments are connected via toothed buckles. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 38] Figure 37 is an enlarged perspective view showing the toothed buckle included in the helmet. [Figure 39] A perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet having a strap connected to one strap mount and a strap connector connected to another strap mount, where the strap is separated from the strap connector. [Figure 40] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 41] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the helmet, with the strap connected to the strap connector. [Figure 42] Figure 41 is a side view of the helmet. [Figure 43] This is a first side perspective view of a helmet having a cable-type chin strap adjuster. [Figure 44] Figure 43 is a second side perspective view of the helmet with the chin strap fastened. [Figure 45] Figure 43 is a front upper perspective view of the cable-type chin strap adjuster included in the helmet. [Figure 46] Figure 43 is a rear upper perspective view of the cable-type chin strap adjuster included in the helmet. [Figure 47] This is a magnified lower perspective view of a cable-type jaw strap adjuster. [Figure 48] This is a front-upper perspective view of a cable-type chin strap adjuster. [Figure 49] Figure 48 is an anterior upper perspective cross-sectional view of a cable-type jaw strap adjuster. [Figure 50] This is a top perspective view of a disassembled cable-type jaw strap adjuster. [Figure 51]This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a helmet having a cable-type chin strap adjuster with an adjustment dial located on the chin strap. [Figure 52] Figure 51 is a lower perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 53] This is a lower perspective view of a cable-type chin strap adjuster with an adjustment dial located on the chin strap. [Figure 54] This is a lower perspective view of a helmet worn by a user, featuring a cable-type head and chin strap adjuster. [Figure 55] Figure 54 is a lower perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 56] Figure 54 is a first lower perspective view of the cable-type head and chin strap adjuster included in the helmet. [Figure 57] Figure 54 is a second lower perspective view of the cable-type head and chin strap adjuster included in the helmet. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is a perspective view of the lower part of the helmet shown in Figure 54, which is different from the perspective view shown in Figure 54. [Figure 59] This is a front view of a helmet with a rack-and-pinion type chin strap adjuster. [Figure 60] Figure 59 is a first side perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 61] Figure 59 is a second side perspective view of the helmet. [Figure 62] Figure 59 is a side view of the helmet, with the chin strap in an extended configuration. [Figure 63] Figure 59 is a side view of the helmet, which has a chin strap in a tightening configuration. [Figure 64] Figure 59 is a lower perspective view of the helmet with the chin strap removed. [Figure 65] This is a first perspective view of a helmet on a user's head, showing a helmet with a cable-type head and chin strap adjuster having a dial located on a strap mount. [Figure 66]This is a second perspective view of the helmet shown in Figure 65, placed on the user's head. [Figure 67] Figure 65 is a perspective view of a cable-type head and chin strap adjuster used on a helmet. [Figure 68] This is an upper perspective view of the helmet on the user's head, showing a helmet with a cable-type head and chin strap adjuster having a dial located on the helmet shell. [Figure 69] Figure 68 is an upper perspective view of the cable-type head and chin strap adjuster on the user's head with the helmet shell removed. [Figure 70] Figure 68 is an upper perspective view of the cable-type head and jaw strap adjuster. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The detailed description below, in relation to the attached drawings, is intended as a description of a particular embodiment of a retaining mechanism for a helmet and is not intended to represent the only form that may be developed or utilized. While the description describes various structures and / or functions in relation to the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the same or equivalent structures and / or functions may be achieved by different embodiments, which are also intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. It should be further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second is used solely to distinguish one entity from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities.

[0029] Referring here to the drawings, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting preferred embodiments of the present invention, and Figures 1 to 12 show a first embodiment of a helmet 10 having an easy-to-use and comfortable chin strap 12. The helmet 10 generally includes a shell 14 coupled to the chin strap 12, the shell 14 including a main body 16 and a pair of strap mounts 18 coupled to the main body 16. The main body 16 includes an inner surface defining a cavity sized to accommodate at least a portion of the user's head. An exposed outer surface is opposite the inner surface, and one or more openings 20 may extend between the inner and outer surfaces to enhance ventilation and reduce the overall weight of the helmet 10. The main body 16 may also include a front section, a crown section, a rear section, and a pair of side sections extending below the crown section between the front and rear sections. The main body 16 further includes a lower peripheral edge 22 extending around the main body 16 across the front, side, and rear sections. The main body 16 may be sized such that the lower periphery 22 extends over the user's forehead, across the user's temples, over and around the user's ears, and across the back of the user's head, slightly above where the user's head connects with the user's neck. In this regard, the lower periphery 22 may be non-linear to accommodate the wearer's anatomical structure. The main body 16 may be made from foam, plastic, or other materials known in the art, which may be lightweight but may also be able to absorb impact to protect the user's head.

[0030] A pair of strap mounts 18 may be connected to the main body 16 and may extend from the main body 16 below the lower peripheral portion 22 in the region where the strap mounts 18 extend. In this regard, other portions of the lower peripheral portion 22 may extend below the strap mounts 18, particularly at the rear of the helmet 10. However, the strap mounts 18 extend below the lower peripheral portion 22 at the sides of the helmet 10.

[0031] The strap mounts 18 are positioned on both sides of the main body 16, substantially opposite each other. When the helmet 10 is worn, the strap mounts 18 may be positioned in front of the user's ears, generally close to where the sideburns may extend towards the wearer. In one embodiment, the strap mounts 18 include a tapered configuration having a wider portion adjacent to the main body 16 and a narrower portion extending away from the main body 16, in order to provide a more robust interconnection between the strap mounts 18 and the main body 16. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 12, the strap mounts 18 have a substantially triangular configuration, with the vertices of the triangle pointing away from the main body 16. The strap mounts 18 shown in Figures 1 to 12 include forward-facing edges that include two straight segments angularly offset from each other, the most distal segments being angled to accommodate the attachment of the chin strap 12, as will be described in more detail below.

[0032] The helmet 10 may further include a visor 24 defining a pocket recess. For further information regarding the visor and its potential uses, see U.S. Patent No. 11,089,831, titled "Increasally Adjustable and Pivotable Semi-Rigid Retention Strap for a Helmet."

[0033] The chin strap 12 may include a pair of strap arms 26, each strap arm 26 having a separate upper end configured to be fixedly attached to a strap mount 18. According to one embodiment, each strap arm 26 may be made from a semi-rigid material such as injection-molded nylon, Pebax®, or other equivalent materials known in the art that are bendable. In this regard, at least the strap arms 26 may be disposable in both tension and compression. Thus, the strap arms 26 differ from conventional woven chin straps that are generally not compressible. The strap arms 26 may be attached to the strap mount 18 via adhesive, rivets, or other mechanical fasteners in the art. The strap arms 26 and the strap mount 18 may also be molded together such that each strap arm 26 and each strap mount 18 form a single, integrated structure, although the thickness of the strap arms 26 may be less than the thickness of the strap mount 18 to allow for greater flexibility of the strap arms 26.

[0034] The lower end of the strap arm 26 may be connected to the twist adjustment knob 30 and the pad 32 via a twist adjustment mechanism 28. More specifically, the lower end of the strap arm 26 may be coupled to the twist adjustment mechanism 28 in a manner that allows the lower ends of the strap arm 26 to move relative to each other. By turning the twist adjustment knob 30 in a first direction, the lower ends of the strap arm 26 can be moved toward each other to facilitate selective tightening of the chin strap 12, while by turning the twist adjustment knob 30 in a second direction, the lower ends of the strap arm 26 can be moved toward each other to facilitate selective extension of the chin strap 12.

[0035] The upper end of the chin strap 12 may be fixedly connected to the strap mount 18 (e.g., non-pivotably connected) such that at least one point or area of ​​the upper end of the chin strap 12 remains fixed to the strap mount 18, while the rest of the strap arm 26 can be bent relative to the strap mount 18. In this respect, a pivot joint may not be required between the strap mount 18 and the chin strap 12, which may allow for a reduction in manufacturing costs compared to embodiments of a pivoting chin strap. The upper end of the strap arm 26 may be fixed to the strap mount 18 via rivets, adhesives, or other fastening mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the strap arm 26 may be molded as part of the strap mount 18, and thus intended to form a single, integrated unit.

[0036] The fixed connection between the chin strap 12 and the shell 14 results in the chin strap 12 and shell 14 defining a continuous loop that remains complete during use of the helmet 10. The shell 14 defines the upper part of the loop, and the chin strap 12 defines the lower part of the loop. The continuous loop configuration differs from conventional helmets, which include a buckle connector in the middle of the strap that is separated to release the loop when removing the helmet from the user's head.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the attachment point between the chin strap 12 and the shell 14 is located within an attachment zone 36, which can be strategically positioned to tighten the chin strap 12 when the shell 14 rotates forward or backward so that the helmet 10 stays securely on the user's head. For further information regarding the attachment zone 36 (also called the location zone), see U.S. Patent No. 11,089,831, titled "Increasally Adjustable and Pivotable Semi-Rigid Retention Strap for a Helmet".

[0038] Furthermore, the configuration of the chin strap 12, strap mount 18, and main body 16 allows the chin strap 12 to extend adjacent to only one side of the user's ear, i.e., in front of the user's ear, rather than extending adjacent to both sides of the user's ear. This represents a significant departure from conventional chin straps, which typically include two segments extending in front of and behind the user's ear, creating complexity during adjustment and potentially resulting in discomfort during use.

[0039] Figures 1 to 6 show the sequential placement of the helmet 10 on the user's head. As shown in Figure 1, the main body 16 of the shell 14 is oriented such that the visor 24 points forward and the top of the crown defines a nearly horizontal tangent plane. The chin strap 12 extends downward from the main body 16 toward the user's head. The user then biases the chin strap 12 forward and upward in the direction of the arrow 34 shown in Figure 1 to create sufficient space. The chin strap 12 is bent by a certain amount to create sufficient space around the user's face, particularly around the user's nose. Figure 1 shows the chin strap 12 in a neutral position, while Figure 2 shows the chin strap 12 in a bent position, with the lower end of the chin strap 12 bent upward and forward toward the visor 24 or the front of the shell 14. When in a flexed position, the forward edge of the chin strap 12 may be compressed, while the backward edge of the chin strap 12 on the opposite side may be under tension.

[0040] While the chin strap 12 is bent, the main body 16 of the shell 14 is lowered over the user's head, as can be seen in Figures 2 to 4. Once the main body 16 is in place over the user's head, the strap 12 may be carefully released to allow the strap 12 to return to its neutral position, thereby extending the strap 12 under the user's chin. The strap 12 may have material properties such that an internal biasing force causes the strap 12 to be biased toward the neutral position. Once the strap 12 is in the neutral position under the user's chin, the chin strap 12 may be tightened using the adjustment knob 30 as described above.

[0041] Referring to Figures 7 to 12, another technique for positioning the helmet 10 over the user's head without bending the chin strap 12 is shown. In this regard, the technique shown in Figures 7 to 12 may allow the use of a chin strap 12 that is more rigid than the chin strap 12 used to position the helmet over the user's head in the manner shown in Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 7, the main body 16 of the shell 14 is oriented such that the visor 24 points upward and the top of the crown defines a tangent plane that is preferably angled upward at 5° to 65° with respect to the horizontal. By angling the main body 16 in this way, the opening defined by the chin strap 12 and the main body 16 is aligned with the user's head, and the chin strap 12 extends forward in front of the user's face to avoid contact with the user's face. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the main body 16 of the shell 14 is then lowered towards the user's head while the helmet 10 maintains its angled configuration. As can be seen in Figures 10 to 12, once the helmet 10 is positioned on the user's head, the helmet 10 can be rotated so that the chin strap 12 is positioned under the user's chin.

[0042] Referring here to Figures 13 to 25, another embodiment of the helmet 110 including a full-face shell 114 is shown. The helmet 110 includes a chin strap 112 coupled to the full-face shell 114 via rivets 115 or other mechanical attachment mechanisms known in the art. The chin strap 112 is similar to the chin strap 12 described above. In this regard, the main difference between the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 25 and those shown in Figures 1 to 12 is the configuration of the shell 114. The full-face shell 114 includes a front section, a crown section, a rear section, and a pair of side sections extending below the crown section between the front and rear sections. The full-face shell 114 also includes a lower face guard 116 (e.g., a mouthguard section) extending from one side of the shell 114 to the other side of the shell 114 opposite to the rear section. When the helmet 110 is worn by a user, the lower face guard 116 extends over the user's mouth.

[0043] The helmet 110 shown in Figures 13 to 25 can be positioned on the user in the same manner as the helmet 10 shown in Figures 1 to 12. In other words, the helmet 110 can be positioned on the user's head by tilting the helmet 110 as shown in Figures 13 to 19, or by bending the chin strap 112 as shown in Figures 20 to 25.

[0044] Referring here to Figures 26 to 30, another embodiment of the helmet 210 is shown, comprising a shell 214 and a chin strap 212 formed from a woven or webbing material, such as nylon woven fabric or other woven / webbing material known in the art. The shell 214 is similar to the shell 14 described above, and therefore the following description will focus on the unique attributes of the chin strap 212.

[0045] The chin strap 212 includes a first segment 216 having a fixed end 218 fixedly coupled to a first lap mount 220 of the strap mounts 220, and a second segment 222 having a fixed end 224 fixedly attached to a second strap mount 220. The strap segments 216 and 222 can be attached to their respective strap mounts 220 by sewing, welding, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), etc.

[0046] Each of the first segment 216 and the second segment 222 may further include free ends 226 and 228 opposite to the fixed ends 218 and 224. Each free end 226 and 228 may be coupled to strap connectors 230 and 232 such that a strap connector 230 on the first segment 216 can cooperatively engage with a strap connector 232 on the second segment 222. In one embodiment, the first strap connector 230 and the second strap connector 232 may be a cooperatively engaging male and female buckle.

[0047] The length of the chin strap 212 can be defined as the distance along the strap 212 between the mounting points of the strap mount 220 when the first segment 216 and the second segment 222 are connected to each other via strap connectors 230, 232. The strap connectors 230, 232 can be slidably connected to the respective strap segments 216, 222 to selectively increase or decrease the length of the strap.

[0048] The positions in which the strap segments 216 and 222 are attached to their respective strap mounts 220 may be within individual mounting zones 234, similar to the mounting zone 36 described above. In this regard, mounting zone 234 is positioned such that the chin strap 212 is pulled more tightly, or is positioned under tension, or has increased tension, as the helmet 210 slides back and forth on the user's head, in order to prevent the helmet 210 from being displaced from the user's head or moving to a position that is no longer suitable for effectively protecting the user's head. The position of mounting zone 234 allows each of the strap segments 216 and 222 to extend only in front of the user's ears, without any portion extending behind the user's ears. Therefore, adjusting the straps does not require adjusting the strap portions on either side of the user's ears. Furthermore, the position of mounting zone 234 allows the straps 212 to secure the shell 214 to the user's head while also preventing significant pivoting of the shell 214 during use. Therefore, when the strap 212 is properly tightened around the user, the shell 214 can provide protection to the front, back, and sides of the user's head.

[0049] Referring here to Figures 31 and 32, it is intended that one or both of the strap mounts 220 may be detachably connectable to the main body 236 of the shell 214. In this regard, the main body 236 may include a slot 238 that receives a corresponding fin 240 located on the detachable strap mount 220. Naturally, this structure may also be reversed, with the fin 240 extending from the main body 236 and the slot 238 formed on the strap mount 220. In either case, the strap mount 220 and the main body 236 may include detachable engaging features that allow for selective attachment and detachment of the strap mount 220 to and from the main body 236 of the shell 214. The detachable engaging features (e.g., the fin 240 and the corresponding slot 238) may be configured to facilitate sufficient engagement strength between them when the features are coupled together, in order to prevent accidental detachment of the strap mount 220 from the main body 236 of the shell 214. For example, the axis at which the fin 240 is received within the corresponding slot 238 may be offset from the angle at which the chin strap 212 is subjected to tension during normal use of the helmet 210, in order to prevent the tension from inadvertently pulling the strap mount 220 out of engagement with the main body 236 of the shell 214.

[0050] Referring here to Figures 33 to 38, another implementation of chin strap connectors 250, 252 that can be used to fasten the first segment 216 and the second segment 222 together is shown. The chin strap connectors 250, 252 include a ratchet-type buckle with a long strip 254 having multiple teeth or serrations 256 that can engage with a catch member 258, similar to buckles used in conventional ski boots. In this regard, the length of the chin strap 212 can be adjusted by selectively adjusting the amount of toothed strip 254 that is received within the catch member 258. The elongated nature of the strip 254 can be adapted to the adjustability of its length. In this regard, the length of the chin strap decreases as more of the toothed strip 254 advances through the catch member 258, and conversely, the length of the chin strap increases when more of the toothed strip 254 does not advance through the catch member 258.

[0051] Referring here to Figures 39 to 42, another embodiment of the strap 270 and buckle 272 is shown, where the strap 270 comprises a single strip of webbing material having one end coupled to a strap mount 220 and the other end coupled to a strap connector 274. The other strap mount 220 is connected to a corresponding strap connector 276. In this regard, an important aspect of the embodiments shown in Figures 39 to 42 is that the chin strap may consist of a single segment (as shown in Figures 39 to 42) or multiple segments (as shown in Figures 26 to 33), and that one of the strap connectors may be directly attached to the strap mount 220.

[0052] Referring here to Figures 43 to 50, another embodiment of the helmet 300 is shown, which has a chin strap 302 that utilizes a filament or cable 304 to facilitate selective length adjustment of the chin strap 302. More specifically, the helmet 300 includes a shell 306 having a main body 308 and a pair of strap mounts 310, as described in more detail above. The chin strap 302 includes a pair of lateral segments 312 and an intermediate segment 314 extending between the pair of lateral segments 312. Each lateral segment 312 includes a mounting portion 316 connected to an individual strap mount 310. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 43 to 50, each mounting portion 316 may include an opening 318 formed at the end of the lateral segment 312. A boss 320 may extend around the opening 318 to facilitate engagement between the lateral segment 312 and the strap mount 310. The strap mount 310 may include a corresponding opening, the opening of which may be aligned with an opening 318 on the lateral segment 312 to facilitate engagement between the lateral segment 312 and the strap mount 310. The chin strap 302 may be configured to pivot relative to the strap mount 310 and to be pushed under the visor between a lowered position under the user's chin and an elevated position above the user's eyes. However, it is understood that the scope of this disclosure also includes a chin strap 302 that does not pivot relative to the strap mount 310. Furthermore, it is intended that some embodiments of the helmet may include a visor, while other embodiments may not include a visor.

[0053] At least one, preferably both, of the lateral segments 312 may also be configured to move relative to the intermediate segment 314 to facilitate adjustment of the overall length of the jaw strap 302. Each lateral segment 312 may include a guide for guiding the movement of the intermediate segment 314 relative to the lateral segment 312. In the embodiments shown in Figures 43 to 50, the guide includes a channel 322 formed in the lateral segment 312. More specifically, each lateral segment 312 may include an inner surface 324, an outer surface 326, and an end surface 328, with the guide channel 322 extending from the end surface 328 into the lateral segment 312 between the inner surface 324 and the outer surface 326. The guide channel 322 may be molded to include a portion complementary to the configuration of the intermediate segment 314. Furthermore, the guide channel 322 may be configured to accommodate the spring 330, which may be received within the guide channel 322 and act on the lateral segment 312 and the intermediate segment 314 to bias the intermediate segment 314 toward an extended configuration, as will be described in more detail below.

[0054] The intermediate segment 314 includes a pair of ends 332 and a central portion 334 extending between the ends 332. The intermediate segment 314 may also include an inner surface and an outer surface. Each end 332 is configured to be translationally received within an individual guide channel 322 and may include a pair of opposing edges and a cable guide 336 extending longitudinally along the end 332 between the pair of edges. In one embodiment, the cable guide 336 is a cylindrical structure extending outward from the outer surface. The central portion 334 may include curvature to adapt to the natural contour of the user's jaw.

[0055] An exemplary embodiment shows a channel 322 formed within a lateral segment 312 in which an intermediate segment 314 can move, but it is intended that the opposite configuration may also be used. In particular, the intermediate segment 314 may include one or more channels in which the lateral segment 312 can move.

[0056] The lateral segments 312 and intermediate segments 314 may be formed from semi-rigid materials such as molded plastics, other polymers, rubber, or other materials known in the art. The semi-rigid nature of a material refers to its ability to independently maintain its shape, while also having the ability to bend slightly in response to a certain amount of force applied to it.

[0057] The cable 304 may operably interconnect the lateral segment 312 and the intermediate segment 314 to facilitate the selective positioning of the intermediate segment 314 relative to the lateral segment 312. The cable 304 may include one end 338 connected to the lateral segment 312 and the other end connected to the dial 340, as will be described in more detail below. In the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 46 and 49, the end 338 of the cable 304 is held in a bore formed in the lateral segment 312 adjacent to the opening 318. The cable 304 may be bonded to the lateral segment 312 by adhesive, riveting, molding, or other mechanical fastening techniques known in the art. The cable 304 may also be routed through a guide channel 322 on one lateral segment, through a first cable guide 336 on the intermediate segment 314, along the outer surface of the intermediate segment 314, through a second cable guide 336 on the intermediate segment 314, through another guide channel 322 on the other lateral segment 312, and then to the dial 340. The intermediate segment 314 may include a groove or other structure adjacent to the outer surface of the central portion 334 of the intermediate segment 314, configured to hold the cable in place. The cable 304 may be a cord, nylon filament, braided cable, or other suitable material that is easily bendable and exhibits sufficient tensile strength.

[0058] The length of the chin strap 302 can be defined as the distance along the chin strap 302 between two attachment points 316. In one embodiment, this measurement can be obtained as the length of the chin strap 302 between axes around which the opening 318 is located. The chin strap 302 may be configured to be selectively transitionable between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration, with the length decreasing as the chin strap 302 transitions from the extended configuration to the tightened configuration and increasing as the chin strap 302 transitions from the tightened configuration to the extended configuration. In the embodiments shown in Figures 43 to 50, the extent to which the intermediate segment 314 is exposed decreases as the chin strap 302 transitions from the extended configuration to the tightened configuration, and the extent to which the intermediate segment 314 is exposed increases as the chin strap 302 transitions from the tightened configuration to the extended configuration. In one particular embodiment, the jaw strap 302 may be biased toward an extended configuration by a spring 330, which may act on the lateral segment 312 and the intermediate segment 314 to push the lateral segment 312 away from the intermediate segment 314. Each spring 330 may extend between a spring retaining post 335 extending from an individual end of the intermediate segment 314 and a contact wall on a given lateral segment 312. The spring 330 may be configured to push the retaining post 335 away from the contact wall on the lateral segment 312, thereby biasing the jaw strap 302 toward an extended configuration.

[0059] The user may selectively transition the chin strap 302 between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration by using the cable 304. In this regard, the cable 304 may be configured to facilitate the application of a force to segments 312, 314 that overcomes the biasing force of the spring 330 in order to transition them toward the tightened configuration. The dial 340 may be coupled to the cable 304 to facilitate the movement of the cable 304 toward at least one of the segments 312, 314. The effective length of the cable 304 may be defined as the distance along the cable 304 between the dial 340 and the bore into which the cable 304 is mounted, or the distance between the dial 340 and the end 338 of the cable 304.

[0060] The dial 340 may be attached to the strap mount 310 via a dial connector 342 and operably coupled to a reel around which the cable 304 can be wound while the chin strap 302 is tightened, from which the cable 304 can be released while the chin strap 302 is extended. In one embodiment, the dial 340 is axially movable relative to the strap mount 310 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In other words, the dial 340 may be pushed toward the shell 306 or pulled away from the shell 306 when moving between the locked and unlocked positions. When the dial 340 is in the unlocked position, the dial 340 may not restrict the movement of the cable 340, thereby allowing the spring 330 to move the chin strap 302 into its extended configuration. When the dial 340 is in the locked position, the dial 340 may restrict the extension of the cable 302 while allowing the cable 302 to be shortened. In this regard, the dial 340 may be made capable of rotating in a predetermined direction to allow the cable 302 to be shortened to selectively adjust the size of the chin strap 302, as long as the dial 340 remains in the locked position. The chin strap 302 may remain in a tightened configuration until the user wishes to extend the chin strap 302, which can be done by moving the dial from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once the dial 340 is moved to the unlocked position, the spring 330 may bias segments 312, 314 away from each other to automatically transition the chin strap 302 to an extended configuration. In this regard, the chin strap 302 may not require the rotation of the dial 340 to transition from a tightened configuration to an extended configuration. Rather, all that may be required is to move the dial 340 from the locked position to the unlocked position (e.g., pulling out or pushing in the dial 340).

[0061] In another embodiment, the dial 340 may be configured to rotate in opposing directions to facilitate either extending or shortening the cable 304. The dial 340 is intended to be positioned at various locations on the helmet 300 without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As shown in Figures 43-44, the dial 340 may be positioned on the shell 306, in particular on the strap mount 310. The shell 306 may have a curved edge 344 extending around the dial 340 to accommodate the positioning and use of the dial 340.

[0062] Figures 51–53 show alternative arrangements of the dial 340 on the chin strap 302. In particular, the dial 340 is shown as being attached to the intermediate segment 314, but it is intended that the dial 340 may be connected to the lateral segment 312 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 51–53, the dial 340 interfaces with two separate cables 303, 305 that can be simultaneously extended or retracted to selectively adjust the length of the chin strap 302. Each cable 303, 305 may have one end 331, 332 fixed to an individual lateral segment 312, and the other end interfaces with the dial 340. Thus, each cable 303, 305 may be able to move the individual lateral segment 312 relative to the intermediate segment 314. Each cable 303, 305 may be configured to overcome the biasing force applied by an individual spring located within the corresponding lateral segment 312. The use of two cables 303 and 305, each connecting a dial 340 to a lateral segment 312, can result in simultaneous equal incremental adjustment of each lateral segment 312 relative to the intermediate segment 314. Thus, the length of the chin strap 302 can be balanced without one side being longer than the other.

[0063] An exemplary embodiment includes a chin strap 302 comprising a pair of lateral segments 312 and an intermediate segment 314 (for example, three segments in total), but in other embodiments, the chin strap 302 may comprise only two segments that are movable relative to each other to achieve adjustable length as desired. In this regard, a cable may be coupled to one segment to facilitate the movement of that segment relative to the other. A spring may act on the segments to allow the chin strap 302 to stretch when the tension of the cable is released.

[0064] Referring here to Figures 54-58, another embodiment of the helmet 400 is shown, which includes an adjustable head support 402 for fitting the helmet 400 to the user's head. As will be described in more detail below, the head support 402 may be operably coupled to a chin strap 404, so that the user may be able to adjust the head support 402 at the same time as the chin strap 404 is adjusted.

[0065] The head support 402 may include a rear support body 406 and a front support body 408 operably coupled to each other via cables 410, 412. The rear support body 406 may include a rear circumferential segment 414 and a pair of vertical segments 416 extending from opposing ends of the rear circumferential segment 414. The rear circumferential segment 414 may include a channel formed through it to accommodate the passage of cables 410, 412 through the rear circumferential segment 414 between its two ends 418, 420. The vertical segments 416 may be curved or arc-shaped and may be connected at their upper ends by an upper segment 422.

[0066] The front support body 408 may be elongated and may be configured to extend around the front of the user's head, from one side of the user's head to the other side. A central region 424 may be located between the opposing ends 426, 428 of the front support body 408, and the central region 424 may be configured to extend over the user's forehead during use. Each end 426, 428 may have an opening formed therein to facilitate connection with individual cables 410, 412, as will be described in more detail below.

[0067] The front support body 408 can be connected to the shell 430 via a button 432 configured to snap-engage with a corresponding receptacle formed on the shell 430. The rear support body 406 can be coupled to the shell 430 via a movable connection between the front support body 408 and the rear support body 406. In this regard, the connection between the front support bodies 408 facilitates a movable engagement between the user's head and the shell 430, and by adjusting the size of the head support 402, the user can fit the helmet 400 to the size of their head.

[0068] As described above, a pair of cables 410, 412 may be used to facilitate selective adjustment of both the head support 402 and the chin strap 404. The first cable 410 may extend from the dial 434 along the first side of the intermediate segment 436, through a channel in the first lateral segment 438, through a channel in the rear circumferential segment 414, and then connect to an opening formed on the end 428 of the front support body 408. In this regard, the lateral segment 438 through which the first cable 410 passes, and the end 428 of the front support body 408 are located on both sides of the helmet 400. The second cable 412 may extend from the dial 434 along the second side of the intermediate segment 436, through a channel in the second lateral segment 438, through a channel in the rear circumferential segment 414, and then connect to an opening formed on the end 426 of the front support body 408. In this regard, the lateral segment 438 through which the second cable 412 passes, and the end 426 of the front support body 408 are located on both sides of the helmet 400. The cables 410 and 412 can be extended or retracted to selectively adjust the size / circumference / peripheral dimensions of the head support 402. In particular, the head support 402 is configured to be transitionable between extended and retracted configurations, so that as the head support 402 transitions from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration, portions of the front support body 408 and the rear support body 406 move toward each other, and as the head support 402 transitions from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, portions of the front support body 408 and the rear support body 406 move toward each other. In other words, the effective circumference collectively defined by the front support body 408 and the rear support body 406 may increase as the head support 402 transitions from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration. Conversely, the effective circumference may decrease as the head support 402 transitions from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

[0069] As a result of using two cables 410 and 412, when the cables 410 and 412 are tightened, both cables 410 and 412 pull the front support body 408 from its opposing end toward the rear support body 406 until the head support 402 is tightened around the user's head and compresses the spring 330. Once the spring 330 is compressed, the chin strap 404 begins to tighten. By loosening the cables 410 and 412, the chin strap 404 is extended, thereby allowing the spring to move the chin strap 404 toward the extended position, and then the head support 402 begins to loosen. In this way, the head support 402 remains tightly attached to the user's head until the chin strap 404 is fully extended due to the biasing force of the spring 330. Effectively, the helmet 400 includes two adjustment stages, one adjustment stage associated with the head support 402 and the second adjustment stage associated with the chin strap 404. In one embodiment, the head support 402 is first tightened and the chin strap 404 is second tightened, and with regard to loosening, the chin strap 404 is first loosened and the head support 402 is second loosened. In this regard, by allowing the chin strap 404 to be first loosened, the user can loosen the chin strap 404 while maintaining the head support 402 in a tightened fit configuration, which may be desirable if the user wants to temporarily stop and release the tightness of the chin strap 404 while continuing to wear the helmet.

[0070] Figures 54–58 show two cables 410 and 412, but in alternative embodiments, a single cable may be used. Figures 65–67 show an example of a single cable system. From the dial 434 shown in Figure 67, the cable 411 extends upward and is routed through a cable guide in the main body of the shell 430, through the rear support 406, through the front support 408, through the rear support 406, through another cable guide in the main body of the shell 430, and then through / around the chin strap 404.

[0071] The chin strap 404 and the head support 402 can be operably coupled to each other to facilitate adjustment of both the chin strap 404 and the head support 402 by rotating the dial 434. In this regard, a single modality, such as the dial 434, can facilitate adjustment of both the chin strap 404 and the head support 402. When the user tightens the chin strap 404 and the head support 402, the head support 402 may be tightened first due to the spring 440 in the chin strap 404, and only after the head support 402 has been tightened to some extent on the user's head does the chin strap 404 begin to tighten. Thus, the user can tighten and loosen the chin strap 404 without loosening the head support 402, as long as the chin strap 404 has not reached its full length.

[0072] It is understood that other embodiments of the chin strap 404 may not have a spring 440. However, the spring 440 facilitates a two-stage tightening, the first stage involving tightening the head support 402, and the subsequent second stage involving tightening the chin strap 404.

[0073] Figures 68–70 show another embodiment of the helmet 400 having a dial 434 located on the main body 442 of the shell 430. The cable 411 can be routed through the guide 444 within the helmet shell 430, as well as through the rear support 406, the front support 408, and the chin strap 404, and back to the dial 434.

[0074] Various embodiments described herein demonstrate that the dial can be integrated into any part of the helmet, such as on the main body of the shell, on the strap mount, or on the chin strap. Furthermore, the helmet may include a single cable or multiple cables, as desired. Moreover, while exemplary embodiments show a single dial for adjusting the head support and chin strap, primarily to simplify the use of the helmet, other embodiments are intended to include separate dials or adjustment mechanisms for the head support and chin strap. In other words, the helmet may include two dials, one for adjusting the chin strap and the other for adjusting the head support.

[0075] Furthermore, one embodiment of the head support and chin strap is intended to allow for automatic tightening adjustment to the user's head. For example, the user can press a button (e.g., a dial), which may cause the device to automatically tighten the cables until the head support and chin strap fit snugly to the user. A reel operably connected to the cable may be biased in the direction of pulling the cable, and as a result, when the button is pressed, the bias on the reel pulls in the cable, thereby tightening the head support and chin strap. To loosen the chin strap and head support, the user can extend the chin strap by pulling it while pressing and holding the button. When the button is released, the reel may be locked in place to hold the extended position of the chin strap. Alternatively, the user can manually extend the head support by moving the helmet over the user's head or by pulling one side of the head support while pressing the button. Automatic tightening may be facilitated by one or more small electronic motors that can automatically adjust the head support and chin strap, for example, by either extending or tightening, as desired. For example, the motor can operably communicate with a controller that can be programmed to recognize a preferred relaxation configuration and a preferred tightening configuration. Therefore, the user only needs to touch a button, which can facilitate adjustment to the preferred tightening position. Subsequent operation of the button can facilitate adjustment to the preferred relaxation position.

[0076] Referring here to Figures 59 to 64, another embodiment of the helmet 500 having a rack-and-pinion type adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the chin strap 502 is shown. More specifically, the chin strap 502 may be coupled to the shell 504 at a strap mount 506 and may be formed from a single, integrated body having a fixed end 508 and an adjustable end 510. The fixed end 508 may be fixed to the strap mount 506 and therefore does not need to move relative to the strap mount 508 during use of the chin strap 502. The adjustable end 510 may include an elongated slot 512 formed therein. Teeth 515 are formed on the inner surface of the elongated slot 512 and are configured to operably engage with corresponding teeth on an adjustment knob / dial 514. The length of the chin strap 502 may be defined as the distance along the chin strap 502 between the dial 514 and the portion of the chin strap 502 that is fixedly connected to the strap mount 506. The length can be adjusted by rotating the dial 514, where rotation of the dial 514 in a first direction results in extension of the chin strap 502, and rotation of the dial 514 in a second direction opposite to the dial results in tightening of the chin strap 502. When the chin strap 502 is tightened, the portion of the strap 502 that extends upward beyond the dial 514 increases. Thus, the strap mount 506 and the main shell body may include a channel 516 formed therein, which can receive the portion of the chin strap 502 that extends upward beyond the dial 514. In this regard, that portion of the chin strap 502 may be shielded from the user's head for added comfort.

[0077] When the chin strap 502 is sufficiently loosened, the helmet 500 can be positioned over the user's head or removed from the user's head. Alternatively, the strap 502 may be designed to disengage from the shell to allow the helmet to be attached or removed.

[0078] The chin pad 518 may be attached to the chin strap 502 and may be slidable along the chin strap 502 to facilitate centering of the chin pad 518 under the user's chin.

[0079] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous modifications, whether expressly provided or suggested herein, including modifications of structure, dimensions, type of material, and manufacturing process, can be carried out by those skilled in the art in consideration of this disclosure.

Claims

1. It is a helmet, It is a shell, A main body having a front portion, a rear portion, a pair of side portions extending between the front portion and the rear portion, and a lower peripheral portion extending along the front portion, the rear portion, and the pair of side portions, wherein the shell is sized and configured to be positioned over the user's head, A pair of strap mounts are connected to the main body and extend from the main body beyond the lower peripheral edge. A shell that includes, A chin strap having a pair of ends and an intermediate portion located between the pair of ends, wherein the ends are fixedly connected to the pair of strap mounts so as to restrict the movement of the ends relative to the strap mounts, and the chin strap is flexible to facilitate the positioning of the chin strap around the user's chin in relation to the positioning of the shell on the user's head, and A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell is positioned over the user's head and the chin strap is positioned around the user's chin, collectively defining a series of loops configured to maintain integrity.

3. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the chin strap has a length defined as the distance along the chin strap between the ends, and the chin strap is configured to facilitate selective adjustment of the length.

4. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the chin strap and the helmet are configured such that when the helmet is worn by the user, the pair of ends extend adjacent to only one side of the corresponding ears of the user's pair of ears.

5. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein each strap mount has a tapered configuration such that, when the strap mount is connected to the main body, the width of the strap mount narrows as it extends away from the main body.

6. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein each strap mount has higher rigidity than the chin strap.

7. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein each strap mount is detachably connected to the main body.

8. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the strap includes a pair of segments, each segment being connected to a corresponding strap mount of the pair of strap mounts, and the segments are configured to be detachably engaged with one another.

9. The helmet according to claim 8, wherein each segment includes a portion manufactured from a woven material.

10. The helmet according to claim 8 further comprises a pair of connectors coupled to each of the pair of segments, the pair of connectors being able to engage with each other in cooperation to facilitate connection with the pair of segments.

11. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the chin strap has internal strength to maintain a predetermined shape unless acted upon by an external force exceeding a desired magnitude.

12. It is a helmet, It is a shell, Front and, The rear and, A pair of side portions extending between the front portion and the rear portion, The pair of side portions comprises a pair of strap attachment portions located on each of the aforementioned side portions, The aforementioned shell is sized and configured to be positioned above the user's head. Shell and, A chin strap having a pair of ends and an intermediate portion located between the pair of ends, wherein at least one of the pair of ends is fixedly connected to a corresponding strap attachment portion of the pair of strap attachment portions to restrict the movement of at least one of the pair of ends relative to the shell. A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

13. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the chin strap is formed from woven nylon.

14. The helmet according to claim 12 includes a pair of connectors configured to be engageable with the strap, wherein the pair of connectors are detachably engageable with each other.

15. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the chin strap includes a pair of segments, and the pair of connectors are connected to each of the pair of segments.

16. The helmet according to claim 12, comprising a pair of connectors, one of which is connected to the strap, and the other of which is connectable to the shell at the strap attachment point.

17. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the chin strap and the helmet are configured such that when the helmet is worn by a user, the pair of ends extend adjacent to only one side of the corresponding ears of the user's pair of ears.

18. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the shell includes a main body having a lower peripheral edge and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower peripheral edge, the pair of strap mounts defining a pair of strap attachment portions.

19. The helmet according to claim 18, wherein each strap mount is detachably connected to the main body.

20. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the shell includes a mouthguard portion extending between the pair of side portions below the front portion.

21. It is a helmet, A shell sized and configured to be positioned above the user's head, A chin strap coupled to the shell, wherein the chin strap is formed of a semi-rigid material and has at least two segments movable relative to each other, the chin strap has two attachment points, the chin strap is connectable to the shell at the two attachment points, the chin strap has a length defined as the distance along the chin strap between the two attachment points, the chin strap is configured to be selectively transitionable between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration, and the length of the chin strap decreases as it transitions from the extended configuration to the tightened configuration, A spring is connected to an adjacent segment of the at least two segments and configured to apply a biasing force to the adjacent segment of the at least two segments, biasing it in opposite directions. A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

22. The helmet according to claim 21 further comprises a cable extending between adjacent segments of the at least two segments to facilitate the movement of adjacent segments of the at least two segments relative to each other.

23. The helmet according to claim 22, wherein the cable is configured to facilitate the application of a force that overcomes a spring to adjacent segments of the at least two segments in order to move adjacent segments of the at least two segments toward the clamping configuration.

24. The helmet according to claim 22, comprising a dial coupled to the cable to facilitate the movement of the cable to at least one of the at least two segments.

25. The helmet according to claim 24, wherein the dial is coupled to the shell.

26. The helmet according to claim 24, wherein the dial is connected to the chin strap.

27. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein the at least two segments of the chin strap include a pair of lateral segments and a central segment extending between the pair of lateral segments and movable relative to the lateral segments.

28. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein the chin strap is pivotable relative to the shell.

29. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein the shell includes a main body having a lower peripheral edge and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower peripheral edge, and the chin strap is coupled to the shell by the pair of strap mounts.

30. The helmet according to claim 21 is A helmet further comprising a head support coupled to the shell and having at least two supports, wherein the head support is transitionable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the portions of the at least two support bodies move toward each other as the head support transitions from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration.

31. The helmet according to claim 30, wherein the chin strap and the head support are operably coupled to each other to facilitate simultaneous adjustment of both the chin strap and the head support.

32. The helmet according to claim 31 further includes a dial that is interlocked with the chin strap and the head support in order to facilitate simultaneous adjustment of both the chin strap and the head support.

33. The helmet according to claim 32 further comprises a cable that interconnects the dial to the head support and the chin strap.

34. The helmet according to claim 30, wherein the head support comprises a rear support member and a front support member operably connected to the rear support member.

35. The helmet according to claim 30, wherein the chin strap is pivotably connected to the shell.

36. The helmet according to claim 30, wherein the shell includes a main body having a lower peripheral edge, and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower peripheral edge, and the chin strap is coupled to the shell by the pair of strap mounts.

37. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein the spring is a coil spring.

38. The helmet according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the at least two segments includes a channel in which the spring is housed.

39. It is a helmet, A shell sized and configured to be positioned over a user's head, the shell comprising a main body having a lower peripheral edge, and a pair of strap mounts coupled to the main body at a distance from each other and extending from the lower peripheral edge, A chin strap coupled to the shell by a pair of strap mounts, wherein the chin strap is formed of a semi-rigid material, the length of the chin strap is defined as the distance along the chin strap between the pair of strap mounts, the chin strap is configured to be selectively transitionable between an extended configuration and a tightened configuration, and the length of the chin strap decreases as the chin strap transitions from the extended configuration to the tightened configuration, A spring is connected to an adjacent segment of the at least two segments and configured to apply a biasing force to the adjacent segment of the at least two segments, biasing it in opposite directions. A helmet equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

40. The helmet according to claim 39, wherein the chin strap is fixedly coupled to the shell at one of the pair of strap mounts and movably coupled to the shell at the other of the pair of strap mounts.

Images