Strap adjustment device and helmet comprising one such adjustment device

Abstract

STRAP ADJUSTMENT DEVICE AND HELMET COMPRISING ONE SUCH ADJUSTMENT DEVICEAn adjustment device is configured to adjust a position of a body along a strap. The adjustment device comprises a strap and a body. The body has a first face and a second face. The body defines a running path. The strap passes through the body along the running path. The body defines a first inlet / outlet slot and a second inlet / outlet slot terminating the running path. The body defines a first friction slot and a second friction slot that connect the first face to the second face. The first inlet / outlet slot and second inlet / outlet slot are separated by the first friction slot and second friction slot in a longitudinal direction of the strap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an adjustment device of a strap and to a helmet comprising one such adjustment device.PRIOR ART

[0003] Different helmet configurations exist for mountaineering and for work at heights. To provide a high degree of comfort, the helmet possesses adjustment devices and in particular means for adjusting the chinstrap that is designed to pass under the user's chin.

[0004] It is commonplace to have a chinstrap having a length that is adjustable so as to be able to better adjust to suit the user's head. The strap is generally a single strap that extends from the right side to the left side of the helmet and has a clip enabling the strap to be opened and closed easily.

[0005] In addition to this first adjustment, it is important for the helmet to have an adjustment device that enables the chinstrap to be moved towards the front or the rear of the helmet. The helmet generally has a right strap and a left strap, and the chinstrap is hitched to join these two straps to one another. This adjustment between the front and rear enables the position of the chinstrap to be better adjusted to the shape of the head and also to suit the user's requirements according to his activities. A bonnet can be worn under the crown of the helmet which automatically modifies the position of the head. This can have the result of pressing the chinstrap too hard against the neck which is unpleasant. On the contrary, it can make it more difficult to secure the chinstrap correctly as the latter comes up too close to the chin.

[0006] The chinstrap is used regularly thus subjecting the adjustment device to a very regular stress. In spite of these stressings, it is important for the position of the chinstrap not to change in undesired manner and for adjustment to remain simple to perform.

[0007] To provide a good secure fixing in the selected position, it is commonplace to have an adjustment device having rows of teeth arranged along the running path of the strap. When the strap is tensioned, the teeth are depressed into the strap to prevent any undesired movement.

[0008] This results in engineering of the adjustment device being a complex operation as the teeth have to have a small height to prevent any risk of injuring the user while having a sufficient height and rigidity to ensure good securing of the strap. It is also necessary not to damage the strap too much to avoid making the helmet unusable due to irremediable deterioration of the strap and to take account of ageing of the strap and of the adjustment device so that the required function is provided throughout the lifetime of the helmet.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One object of the invention consists in providing an adjustment device that presents a good trade-off between keeping the adjustment device in the required position and ease of adjustment along the strap without accelerating ageing of the strap.

[0010] This problem tends to be solved by means of an adjustment device configured to adjust a position of a body along a strap comprising:

[0011] a strap;

[0012] a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the body defining a running path, the strap passing through the body along the running path;

[0013] wherein the body defines a first inlet / outlet slot and a second inlet / outlet slot terminating the running path, each slot being passed through by the strap;

[0014] wherein the body defines a first friction slot and a second friction slot that connect the first face to the second face, each slot being passed through by the strap; the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot being separated successively by the first friction slot and the second friction slot in a longitudinal direction of the strap, the first inlet / outlet slot, second inlet / outlet slot, first friction slot and second friction slot being non-aligned.

[0015] In preferential manner, the first friction slot extends in a first friction direction and the second friction slot extends in a second friction direction non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a direction of thickness passing through the first face and the second face, the first friction direction and the second friction direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first friction slot and the second friction slot.

[0016] Advantageously, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an angle comprised between 5° and 30°.

[0017] In an advantageous development, the strap has a first strand extended by a second strand, the first strand entering the body via the first inlet / outlet slot and the second strand leaving the body via the second inlet / outlet slot. The first strand and second strand join one another between the first friction slot and the second friction slot. The first strand presses the second strand against the body.

[0018] Preferentially, the first inlet / outlet slot, the second inlet / outlet slot, first friction slot and the second friction slot are devoid of teeth.

[0019] In advantageous manner, the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a first end that opens into side walls of the body, the side walls connecting the first face to the second face.

[0020] In a particular configuration, the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a second end that opens into the second face, the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot extending in a first diversion direction and the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot extending in a second diversion direction non-parallel to the first diversion direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, the first diversion direction and the second diversion direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the body defines at least one rib along the running path, the at least one rib being salient from the second face to impose circumvention of the at least one rib by the strap, the strap connecting the first friction slot and the second friction slot along the second face, the at least one rib being salient in a thickness direction of the body.

[0022] Preferentially, the at least one rib forms a wall of the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot and / or forms a wall of the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction and the second diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction.

[0024] In an advantageous development, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an acute angle. The first diversion direction and second diversion direction define an obtuse angle.

[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide a mountaineering helmet or a helmet for work at heights having a chinstrap adjustment device that presents a better trade-off between adjustment and keeping the chosen position.

[0026] This result tends to be achieved by means of a mountaineering helmet or a helmet for work at heights comprising an adjustment device according to any one of the foregoing configurations wherein the adjustment device is configured to adjust a position of a chinstrap along an axis connecting a front part of the helmet and a rear part of the helmet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments and implementation modes of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] [FIG. 1]: schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a helmet equipped with an adjustment device;

[0029] [FIG. 2]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0030] [FIG. 3]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0031] [FIG. 4]: schematically illustrates another perspective view of the first face of the first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0032] [FIG. 5]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a second embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0033] [FIG. 6]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first embodiment of a body of an adjustment device;

[0034] [FIG. 7]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the first embodiment of a body of an adjustment device;

[0035] [FIG. 8]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 6, the body having been eliminated;

[0036] [FIG. 9]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 7, the body having been eliminated;

[0037] [FIG. 10]: schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a helmet equipped with an adjustment device;

[0038] [FIG. 11]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0039] [FIG. 12]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0040] [FIG. 13]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of the body of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0041] [FIG. 14]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the body of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0042] [FIG. 15]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 13, the body having been eliminated;

[0043] [FIG. 16]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 14, the body having been eliminated.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a helmet 1 provided with a crown 2 and with a strap 3 that is attached to the crown 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the strap 3 extends on the right side of the helmet 1. An equivalent strap can be attached and extend on the left side of the helmet 1.

[0045] An adjustment device 4 possesses the strap 3 and a body 5 that is mounted movable along the strap 3. In a first state, the body 5 is able to move along the strap 3. In a second state, the body 5 is immobile with respect to the strap 3.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 10 each illustrate a body 5 that is attached on the one hand to the strap 3 and that is attached on the other hand to a chinstrap 6. The chinstrap 6 connects the right side and left side of the helmet 1 and is preferentially attached at both ends to a body 5.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached in irremovable manner with respect to the body 5. If the other end is also attached in irremovable manner with respect to another body, the chinstrap 6 has an opening-closing device for example in the form of a clip and / or it has an additional adjustment device configured to adjust the effective length between the two ends of the chinstrap 6.

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached removably with respect to the body 5. The body 5 constitutes a part of an opening-closing device, for example the female part and preferentially the female part of a clip.

[0049] The body 5 has a first face 5’ and a second face 5’' that are opposite faces of the body 5 in a thickness direction. The body 5 forms a running path that defines the path taken by the strap 3 inside the body 5. The strap 3 passes through the body 5 along the running path.

[0050] The body 5 defines a first inlet / outlet slot 7 and a second inlet / outlet slot 8 that terminate the running path. Both the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are passed through by the strap 3. The two inlet / outlet slots define the inlet and outlet of the running path.

[0051] The body 5 defines a first friction slot 9 and a second friction slot 10 connecting the first face 5’ to the second face 5’’. Both the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are passed through by the strap 3. The first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are separated successively by the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 in a longitudinal direction of the strap 3. In other words, the strap 3 passes successively through the first inlet / outlet slot 7, the first friction slot 9, the second friction slot 10 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8. The first inlet / outlet slot 7, the second inlet / outlet slot 8, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are non-aligned. In preferential manner, the first inlet / outlet slot 7, the second inlet / outlet slot 8, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 do not define a group of three aligned slots.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, the axis connecting the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 crosses the axis connecting the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10. Preferentially, the axes intersect at their mid-points.

[0053] The strap 3 runs inside the body 5 and a part of the strap 3 rubs against the first face 5’ of the body 5. The first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 divert the strap 3 forcing the strap 3 to rub against the edges so as to introduce friction. This enables the strap 3 to be better kept in the predefined position.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 extend respectively in a first friction direction and a second friction direction illustrated in FIG. 6. The second friction direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face 5’ and the second face 5’’. In other words and as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 12, the length of the strap 3 separating the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 is not the same depending on whether the length is observed on one edge of the strap 3 or on the opposite edge, measurement being made in the longitudinal direction of the strap 3. The friction direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the slot in a observation in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0055] In preferential manner, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an angle A comprised between 5° and 30°. In this range, the angle enables a good friction to be had ensuring that the strap 3 is blocked when tensioned without penalising sliding of the strap 3 when the strap is not tensioned.

[0056] In an advantageous configuration, the strap 3 can be divided mentally into a first strand 3’ and a second strand 3’'. The first strand 3’ is extended by the second strand 3’’. The first strand 3’ enters the body 5 via the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second strand 3’’ leaves the body 5 via the second inlet / outlet slot 8. The inlet and outlet are chosen arbitrarily and can be inverted. The first strand 3’ and the second strand 3’’ join one another between the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10.

[0057] It is advantageous for the strap 3 to be in contact with the first face 5’ between the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 so as to introduce friction between the strap 3 and the body 5.

[0058] It is advantageous for the first strand 3’ to be pressing on the second strand 3’’ and to press the second strand 3’’ against the body 5 or for the second strand 3’’ to be pressing on the first strand 3’ and to press the first strand 3’ against the body 5. The more the tension increases in the strap 3, the greater the force in the direction of the body 5 applied by one of the strands on the other strand. As the two strands are oriented in different directions, the forces seeking to move the two strands tend to cancel each other out thereby enabling the strap 3 to be kept in the chosen position.

[0059] The larger the overlap surface between the strands, the more efficient blocking is. It is advantageous for the longitudinal directions of the two strands in the overlap surface not to be perpendicular. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 15 and 16.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the edges of the first friction slot 9 and / or the edges of the second friction slot 10 are devoid of teeth. The frictions introduced by the orientation of the slots and the changes of direction along the running path enable the strap 3 to be blocked in the required position. It is also advantageous for the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to also be devoid of teeth. The absence of teeth facilitates sliding of the strap 3 in the adjustment phases. This also enables the strap 3 to be damaged less thus increasing the lifetime of the strap 3.

[0061] In preferential manner and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 have a first end defined in the side walls of the body 5. The side walls connect the first face 5’ to the second face 5’’. The first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 define a direction for running of the strap 3 inside the body 5. It is advantageous for the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to impose running of the strap 3 in a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to the median plane of the body 5 perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0062] In a preferential embodiment, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 each have a second end that opens into the second face 5’’. The second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 extends in a first diversion direction. The second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 extends in a second diversion direction non-parallel to the first diversion direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0063] The inlet / outlet slots open out from a lateral face and from the second face 5’’ to deform the strap 3 and introduce friction. It is advantageous for the two strands in the two inlet / outlet slots not to be parallel, in an observation in the thickness direction, in order to take advantage of the tension forces in the strap 3 to introduce friction on the edges and keep the strap 3 in the required position better.

[0064] It is advantageous for the body 5 to define at least one rib 5a along the running path. The rib 5a introduces a change of direction of the strap 3, for example a change of direction representing an angle at least equal to 80°, preferably at least equal to 90°. The change of direction is a change with a component in the thickness direction of the body 5. The rib 5a enables the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to be made to open onto one of the faces of the body 5, preferably the second face 5’’. The presence of a rib 5a at the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or at the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 enables a chicane to be formed that introduces friction between the strap 3 and the body 5.

[0065] Preferentially, the at least one rib 5a is salient from the second face 5’’ to impose circumvention of the at least one rib 5a by the strap 3. The strap 3 connects the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 along the first face 5’ and connects the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 along the second face 5’’. The strap 3 connects the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10 along the second face 5’’. The salience is in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0066] It is preferable for a rib 5a to be located along the running path between the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 and / or for a rib 5a to be located along the running path between the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10.

[0067] It is particularly advantageous for the rib 5a to form a wall of the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 in order to impose a large deformation of the strap 3 when the latter leaves the first inlet / outlet slot 7 to reach the first friction slot 9. The same is advantageously the case for the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8.

[0068] To introduce even more friction along the running path, it is advantageous for the first diversion direction to be non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction and for the second diversion direction to be non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction. In other words, in an observation in the thickness direction of the body 5, the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 is not parallel to the first friction slot 9 which requires differentiated forces to be applied over the width of the strap 3 when the strap 3 is tensioned. It is more difficult for the strap 3 to slide. In an observation in the thickness direction, the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 is not parallel to the second friction slot 10.

[0069] In preferential manner, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an acute angle and / or the first diversion direction and the second diversion direction define an obtuse angle. This configuration enables the frictions to be better distributed along the running path without penalising sliding of the strap 3 in the adjustment phases too greatly. The diversion direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the slot in an observation in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiments, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are located in a first portion of the body 5, for example the upper portion. The first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are located in a second portion of the body 5, for example the lower portion. It is possible to invert the first portion and the second portion according to requirements.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiments, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second friction slot 10 are located in a first lateral portion of the body 5, for example the left portion. The second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the first friction slot 9 are located in a second lateral portion of the body 5, for example the right portion. It is possible to invert the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion according to requirements. This configuration enables crossing of the strap 3 to be imposed.

[0072] The adjustment device 4 is particularly interesting in a helmet 1 that is preferentially a mountaineering helmet or in a helmet designed for work at heights. The adjustment device 4 has a strap 3 that extends in a front-rear direction with a first end of the strap 3 attached to a front part of the crown 2 and a second end attached to a rear part of the crown 2. The strap 3 can be attached directly to the crown 2 or it can be attached indirectly, for example it is attached to a headband. The strap 3 is preferentially attached to a lateral part of the crown 2.

[0073] The body 5 is able to move along the strap 3 and therefore in a direction connecting the front part of the crown 2 to the rear part of the crown 2. The body 5 is able to move from front to rear.

[0074] The body 5 preferentially has an attachment system 11 that is designed to attach a chinstrap 6. The attachment system 11 can be a through hole and the chinstrap 6 passes through the through hole to form a ring providing the attachment between the chinstrap 6 and the body 5. Preferentially, the ring is closed by a stitched seam. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6 and 7. In an alternative embodiment, the body 5 is crimped onto one end of the chinstrap 6 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 7, the end of the chinstrap 6 is not removable with respect to the body 5, but another configuration is possible.

[0075] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a configuration where the end of the chinstrap 6 is adjustable with respect to the adjustment device 4 thereby enabling the effective length of the chinstrap 6 to be adjusted. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the end of the chinstrap 6 is attached to the body 5 in removable manner to define an opening-closing device.

[0076] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a body 5 that is substantially similar to the body 5 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 and that presents an attachment cavity 12 for a removable clip 13. The attachment cavity 12 is formed on the second face 5’’ in the illustrated embodiment, but it is possible to form the latter on the first face 5’.

[0077] The adjustment device 4 enables the position of the chinstrap 6 to be adjusted in the front-rear direction in order to place the chinstrap 6 better with respect to the user's neck and chin.

[0078] It is advantageous for an adjustment device 4 to be provided on the right side and on the left side of the helmet 1 to adjust the position of each of the ends of the chinstrap 6.

[0079] The adjustment device 4 is particularly advantageous in a helmet 1 where the strap 3 defines a V-shape. For example, the central part of the V enables the user's ear to be accommodated. The arrangement of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the orientation of the slots can be adjusted to place the body 5 in a predefined volume next to the user's face. The forces applied by the two strands of the strap 3 on the body 5 enable the position of the body 5 to be fixed in permanent manner.

[0080] This configuration makes it possible to form a flat adjustment device 4 of small thickness thereby reducing the risks of injury.

[0081] 1: Helmet

[0082] 2: Crown

[0083] 3: Strap

[0084] 3’: First strand

[0085] 3’’: Second strand

[0086] 4: Adjustment device

[0087] 5: Body

[0088] 5a: Rib

[0089] 5’: First face

[0090] 5’’: Second face

[0091] 6: Chinstrap

[0092] 7: First inlet / outlet slot

[0093] 8: Second inlet / outlet slot

[0094] 9: First friction slot

[0095] 10: Second friction slot

[0096] 11: Attachment system

[0097] 12: Attachment cavity

[0098] 13: Removable clip

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0044]FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a helmet 1 provided with a crown 2 and with a strap 3 that is attached to the crown 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the strap 3 extends on the right side of the helmet 1. An equivalent strap can be attached and extend on the left side of the helmet 1.

[0045]An adjustment device 4 possesses the strap 3 and a body 5 that is mounted movable along the strap 3. In a first state, the body 5 is able to move along the strap 3. In a second state, the body 5 is immobile with respect to the strap 3.

[0046]FIGS. 1 and 10 each illustrate a body 5 that is attached on the one hand to the strap 3 and that is attached on the other hand to a chinstrap 6. The chinstrap 6 connects the right side and left side of the helmet 1 and is preferentially attached at both ends to a body 5.

[0047]FIG. 1 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached in irremovable manner with respect to the body 5. If the other end is also attached in irremovable manner with respect...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to an adjustment device of a strap and to a helmet comprising one such adjustment device.PRIOR ART

[0003] Different helmet configurations exist for mountaineering and for work at heights. To provide a high degree of comfort, the helmet possesses adjustment devices and in particular means for adjusting the chinstrap that is designed to pass under the user's chin.

[0004] It is commonplace to have a chinstrap having a length that is adjustable so as to be able to better adjust to suit the user's head. The strap is generally a single strap that extends from the right side to the left side of the helmet and has a clip enabling the strap to be opened and closed easily.

[0005] In addition to this first adjustment, it is important for the helmet to have an adjustment device that enables the chinstrap to be moved towards the front or the rear of the helmet. The helmet generally has a right strap and a left strap, and the chinstrap is hitched to join these two straps to one another. This adjustment between the front and rear enables the position of the chinstrap to be better adjusted to the shape of the head and also to suit the user's requirements according to his activities. A bonnet can be worn under the crown of the helmet which automatically modifies the position of the head. This can have the result of pressing the chinstrap too hard against the neck which is unpleasant. On the contrary, it can make it more difficult to secure the chinstrap correctly as the latter comes up too close to the chin.

[0006] The chinstrap is used regularly thus subjecting the adjustment device to a very regular stress. In spite of these stressings, it is important for the position of the chinstrap not to change in undesired manner and for adjustment to remain simple to perform.

[0007] To provide a good secure fixing in the selected position, it is commonplace to have an adjustment device having rows of teeth arranged along the running path of the strap. When the strap is tensioned, the teeth are depressed into the strap to prevent any undesired movement.

[0008] This results in engineering of the adjustment device being a complex operation as the teeth have to have a small height to prevent any risk of injuring the user while having a sufficient height and rigidity to ensure good securing of the strap. It is also necessary not to damage the strap too much to avoid making the helmet unusable due to irremediable deterioration of the strap and to take account of ageing of the strap and of the adjustment device so that the required function is provided throughout the lifetime of the helmet.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One object of the invention consists in providing an adjustment device that presents a good trade-off between keeping the adjustment device in the required position and ease of adjustment along the strap without accelerating ageing of the strap.

[0010] This problem tends to be solved by means of an adjustment device configured to adjust a position of a body along a strap comprising:

[0011] a strap;

[0012] a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the body defining a running path, the strap passing through the body along the running path;

[0013] wherein the body defines a first inlet / outlet slot and a second inlet / outlet slot terminating the running path, each slot being passed through by the strap;

[0014] wherein the body defines a first friction slot and a second friction slot that connect the first face to the second face, each slot being passed through by the strap; the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot being separated successively by the first friction slot and the second friction slot in a longitudinal direction of the strap, the first inlet / outlet slot, second inlet / outlet slot, first friction slot and second friction slot being non-aligned.

[0015] In preferential manner, the first friction slot extends in a first friction direction and the second friction slot extends in a second friction direction non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a direction of thickness passing through the first face and the second face, the first friction direction and the second friction direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first friction slot and the second friction slot.

[0016] Advantageously, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an angle comprised between 5° and 30°.

[0017] In an advantageous development, the strap has a first strand extended by a second strand, the first strand entering the body via the first inlet / outlet slot and the second strand leaving the body via the second inlet / outlet slot. The first strand and second strand join one another between the first friction slot and the second friction slot. The first strand presses the second strand against the body.

[0018] Preferentially, the first inlet / outlet slot, the second inlet / outlet slot, first friction slot and the second friction slot are devoid of teeth.

[0019] In advantageous manner, the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a first end that opens into side walls of the body, the side walls connecting the first face to the second face.

[0020] In a particular configuration, the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a second end that opens into the second face, the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot extending in a first diversion direction and the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot extending in a second diversion direction non-parallel to the first diversion direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, the first diversion direction and the second diversion direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the body defines at least one rib along the running path, the at least one rib being salient from the second face to impose circumvention of the at least one rib by the strap, the strap connecting the first friction slot and the second friction slot along the second face, the at least one rib being salient in a thickness direction of the body.

[0022] Preferentially, the at least one rib forms a wall of the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot and / or forms a wall of the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction and the second diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction.

[0024] In an advantageous development, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an acute angle. The first diversion direction and second diversion direction define an obtuse angle.

[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide a mountaineering helmet or a helmet for work at heights having a chinstrap adjustment device that presents a better trade-off between adjustment and keeping the chosen position.

[0026] This result tends to be achieved by means of a mountaineering helmet or a helmet for work at heights comprising an adjustment device according to any one of the foregoing configurations wherein the adjustment device is configured to adjust a position of a chinstrap along an axis connecting a front part of the helmet and a rear part of the helmet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments and implementation modes of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

[0028] [FIG. 1]: schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a helmet equipped with an adjustment device;

[0029] [FIG. 2]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0030] [FIG. 3]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0031] [FIG. 4]: schematically illustrates another perspective view of the first face of the first embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0032] [FIG. 5]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a second embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0033] [FIG. 6]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a first embodiment of a body of an adjustment device;

[0034] [FIG. 7]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the first embodiment of a body of an adjustment device;

[0035] [FIG. 8]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 6, the body having been eliminated;

[0036] [FIG. 9]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 7, the body having been eliminated;

[0037] [FIG. 10]: schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a helmet equipped with an adjustment device;

[0038] [FIG. 11]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of a third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0039] [FIG. 12]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0040] [FIG. 13]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first face of the body of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0041] [FIG. 14]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of a second face of the body of the third embodiment of an adjustment device;

[0042] [FIG. 15]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 13, the body having been eliminated;

[0043] [FIG. 16]: schematically illustrates a perspective view of the path taken by the strap in relation to FIG. 14, the body having been eliminated.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a helmet 1 provided with a crown 2 and with a strap 3 that is attached to the crown 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the strap 3 extends on the right side of the helmet 1. An equivalent strap can be attached and extend on the left side of the helmet 1.

[0045] An adjustment device 4 possesses the strap 3 and a body 5 that is mounted movable along the strap 3. In a first state, the body 5 is able to move along the strap 3. In a second state, the body 5 is immobile with respect to the strap 3.

[0046] FIGS. 1 and 10 each illustrate a body 5 that is attached on the one hand to the strap 3 and that is attached on the other hand to a chinstrap 6. The chinstrap 6 connects the right side and left side of the helmet 1 and is preferentially attached at both ends to a body 5.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached in irremovable manner with respect to the body 5. If the other end is also attached in irremovable manner with respect to another body, the chinstrap 6 has an opening-closing device for example in the form of a clip and / or it has an additional adjustment device configured to adjust the effective length between the two ends of the chinstrap 6.

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached removably with respect to the body 5. The body 5 constitutes a part of an opening-closing device, for example the female part and preferentially the female part of a clip.

[0049] The body 5 has a first face 5’ and a second face 5’' that are opposite faces of the body 5 in a thickness direction. The body 5 forms a running path that defines the path taken by the strap 3 inside the body 5. The strap 3 passes through the body 5 along the running path.

[0050] The body 5 defines a first inlet / outlet slot 7 and a second inlet / outlet slot 8 that terminate the running path. Both the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are passed through by the strap 3. The two inlet / outlet slots define the inlet and outlet of the running path.

[0051] The body 5 defines a first friction slot 9 and a second friction slot 10 connecting the first face 5’ to the second face 5’’. Both the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are passed through by the strap 3. The first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are separated successively by the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 in a longitudinal direction of the strap 3. In other words, the strap 3 passes successively through the first inlet / outlet slot 7, the first friction slot 9, the second friction slot 10 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8. The first inlet / outlet slot 7, the second inlet / outlet slot 8, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are non-aligned. In preferential manner, the first inlet / outlet slot 7, the second inlet / outlet slot 8, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 do not define a group of three aligned slots.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, the axis connecting the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 crosses the axis connecting the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10. Preferentially, the axes intersect at their mid-points.

[0053] The strap 3 runs inside the body 5 and a part of the strap 3 rubs against the first face 5’ of the body 5. The first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 divert the strap 3 forcing the strap 3 to rub against the edges so as to introduce friction. This enables the strap 3 to be better kept in the predefined position.

[0054] In an advantageous embodiment, the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 extend respectively in a first friction direction and a second friction direction illustrated in FIG. 6. The second friction direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face 5’ and the second face 5’’. In other words and as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 12, the length of the strap 3 separating the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 is not the same depending on whether the length is observed on one edge of the strap 3 or on the opposite edge, measurement being made in the longitudinal direction of the strap 3. The friction direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the slot in a observation in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0055] In preferential manner, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an angle A comprised between 5° and 30°. In this range, the angle enables a good friction to be had ensuring that the strap 3 is blocked when tensioned without penalising sliding of the strap 3 when the strap is not tensioned.

[0056] In an advantageous configuration, the strap 3 can be divided mentally into a first strand 3’ and a second strand 3’'. The first strand 3’ is extended by the second strand 3’’. The first strand 3’ enters the body 5 via the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second strand 3’’ leaves the body 5 via the second inlet / outlet slot 8. The inlet and outlet are chosen arbitrarily and can be inverted. The first strand 3’ and the second strand 3’’ join one another between the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10.

[0057] It is advantageous for the strap 3 to be in contact with the first face 5’ between the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 so as to introduce friction between the strap 3 and the body 5.

[0058] It is advantageous for the first strand 3’ to be pressing on the second strand 3’’ and to press the second strand 3’’ against the body 5 or for the second strand 3’’ to be pressing on the first strand 3’ and to press the first strand 3’ against the body 5. The more the tension increases in the strap 3, the greater the force in the direction of the body 5 applied by one of the strands on the other strand. As the two strands are oriented in different directions, the forces seeking to move the two strands tend to cancel each other out thereby enabling the strap 3 to be kept in the chosen position.

[0059] The larger the overlap surface between the strands, the more efficient blocking is. It is advantageous for the longitudinal directions of the two strands in the overlap surface not to be perpendicular. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 15 and 16.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the edges of the first friction slot 9 and / or the edges of the second friction slot 10 are devoid of teeth. The frictions introduced by the orientation of the slots and the changes of direction along the running path enable the strap 3 to be blocked in the required position. It is also advantageous for the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to also be devoid of teeth. The absence of teeth facilitates sliding of the strap 3 in the adjustment phases. This also enables the strap 3 to be damaged less thus increasing the lifetime of the strap 3.

[0061] In preferential manner and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 have a first end defined in the side walls of the body 5. The side walls connect the first face 5’ to the second face 5’’. The first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 define a direction for running of the strap 3 inside the body 5. It is advantageous for the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to impose running of the strap 3 in a direction that is parallel or substantially parallel to the median plane of the body 5 perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0062] In a preferential embodiment, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 each have a second end that opens into the second face 5’’. The second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 extends in a first diversion direction. The second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 extends in a second diversion direction non-parallel to the first diversion direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0063] The inlet / outlet slots open out from a lateral face and from the second face 5’’ to deform the strap 3 and introduce friction. It is advantageous for the two strands in the two inlet / outlet slots not to be parallel, in an observation in the thickness direction, in order to take advantage of the tension forces in the strap 3 to introduce friction on the edges and keep the strap 3 in the required position better.

[0064] It is advantageous for the body 5 to define at least one rib 5a along the running path. The rib 5a introduces a change of direction of the strap 3, for example a change of direction representing an angle at least equal to 80°, preferably at least equal to 90°. The change of direction is a change with a component in the thickness direction of the body 5. The rib 5a enables the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or the second inlet / outlet slot 8 to be made to open onto one of the faces of the body 5, preferably the second face 5’’. The presence of a rib 5a at the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and / or at the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 enables a chicane to be formed that introduces friction between the strap 3 and the body 5.

[0065] Preferentially, the at least one rib 5a is salient from the second face 5’’ to impose circumvention of the at least one rib 5a by the strap 3. The strap 3 connects the first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 along the first face 5’ and connects the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 along the second face 5’’. The strap 3 connects the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10 along the second face 5’’. The salience is in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0066] It is preferable for a rib 5a to be located along the running path between the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the first friction slot 9 and / or for a rib 5a to be located along the running path between the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the second friction slot 10.

[0067] It is particularly advantageous for the rib 5a to form a wall of the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 in order to impose a large deformation of the strap 3 when the latter leaves the first inlet / outlet slot 7 to reach the first friction slot 9. The same is advantageously the case for the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8.

[0068] To introduce even more friction along the running path, it is advantageous for the first diversion direction to be non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction and for the second diversion direction to be non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction. In other words, in an observation in the thickness direction of the body 5, the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 is not parallel to the first friction slot 9 which requires differentiated forces to be applied over the width of the strap 3 when the strap 3 is tensioned. It is more difficult for the strap 3 to slide. In an observation in the thickness direction, the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot 8 is not parallel to the second friction slot 10.

[0069] In preferential manner, the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an acute angle and / or the first diversion direction and the second diversion direction define an obtuse angle. This configuration enables the frictions to be better distributed along the running path without penalising sliding of the strap 3 in the adjustment phases too greatly. The diversion direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the slot in an observation in the thickness direction of the body 5.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiments, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 are located in a first portion of the body 5, for example the upper portion. The first friction slot 9 and the second friction slot 10 are located in a second portion of the body 5, for example the lower portion. It is possible to invert the first portion and the second portion according to requirements.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiments, the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second friction slot 10 are located in a first lateral portion of the body 5, for example the left portion. The second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the first friction slot 9 are located in a second lateral portion of the body 5, for example the right portion. It is possible to invert the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion according to requirements. This configuration enables crossing of the strap 3 to be imposed.

[0072] The adjustment device 4 is particularly interesting in a helmet 1 that is preferentially a mountaineering helmet or in a helmet designed for work at heights. The adjustment device 4 has a strap 3 that extends in a front-rear direction with a first end of the strap 3 attached to a front part of the crown 2 and a second end attached to a rear part of the crown 2. The strap 3 can be attached directly to the crown 2 or it can be attached indirectly, for example it is attached to a headband. The strap 3 is preferentially attached to a lateral part of the crown 2.

[0073] The body 5 is able to move along the strap 3 and therefore in a direction connecting the front part of the crown 2 to the rear part of the crown 2. The body 5 is able to move from front to rear.

[0074] The body 5 preferentially has an attachment system 11 that is designed to attach a chinstrap 6. The attachment system 11 can be a through hole and the chinstrap 6 passes through the through hole to form a ring providing the attachment between the chinstrap 6 and the body 5. Preferentially, the ring is closed by a stitched seam. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6 and 7. In an alternative embodiment, the body 5 is crimped onto one end of the chinstrap 6 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 6 to 7, the end of the chinstrap 6 is not removable with respect to the body 5, but another configuration is possible.

[0075] FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate a configuration where the end of the chinstrap 6 is adjustable with respect to the adjustment device 4 thereby enabling the effective length of the chinstrap 6 to be adjusted. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the end of the chinstrap 6 is attached to the body 5 in removable manner to define an opening-closing device.

[0076] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a body 5 that is substantially similar to the body 5 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 and that presents an attachment cavity 12 for a removable clip 13. The attachment cavity 12 is formed on the second face 5’’ in the illustrated embodiment, but it is possible to form the latter on the first face 5’.

[0077] The adjustment device 4 enables the position of the chinstrap 6 to be adjusted in the front-rear direction in order to place the chinstrap 6 better with respect to the user's neck and chin.

[0078] It is advantageous for an adjustment device 4 to be provided on the right side and on the left side of the helmet 1 to adjust the position of each of the ends of the chinstrap 6.

[0079] The adjustment device 4 is particularly advantageous in a helmet 1 where the strap 3 defines a V-shape. For example, the central part of the V enables the user's ear to be accommodated. The arrangement of the first inlet / outlet slot 7 and the second inlet / outlet slot 8 and the orientation of the slots can be adjusted to place the body 5 in a predefined volume next to the user's face. The forces applied by the two strands of the strap 3 on the body 5 enable the position of the body 5 to be fixed in permanent manner.

[0080] This configuration makes it possible to form a flat adjustment device 4 of small thickness thereby reducing the risks of injury.

[0081] 1: Helmet

[0082] 2: Crown

[0083] 3: Strap

[0084] 3’: First strand

[0085] 3’’: Second strand

[0086] 4: Adjustment device

[0087] 5: Body

[0088] 5a: Rib

[0089] 5’: First face

[0090] 5’’: Second face

[0091] 6: Chinstrap

[0092] 7: First inlet / outlet slot

[0093] 8: Second inlet / outlet slot

[0094] 9: First friction slot

[0095] 10: Second friction slot

[0096] 11: Attachment system

[0097] 12: Attachment cavity

[0098] 13: Removable clip

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0044]FIGS. 1 and 10 illustrate two embodiments of a helmet 1 provided with a crown 2 and with a strap 3 that is attached to the crown 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the strap 3 extends on the right side of the helmet 1. An equivalent strap can be attached and extend on the left side of the helmet 1.

[0045]An adjustment device 4 possesses the strap 3 and a body 5 that is mounted movable along the strap 3. In a first state, the body 5 is able to move along the strap 3. In a second state, the body 5 is immobile with respect to the strap 3.

[0046]FIGS. 1 and 10 each illustrate a body 5 that is attached on the one hand to the strap 3 and that is attached on the other hand to a chinstrap 6. The chinstrap 6 connects the right side and left side of the helmet 1 and is preferentially attached at both ends to a body 5.

[0047]FIG. 1 illustrates a chinstrap 6 that is attached in irremovable manner with respect to the body 5. If the other end is also attached in irremovable manner with respect...

Claims

1. Adjustment device configured to adjust a position of a body along a strap comprising: a strap;a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the body defining a running path, the strap passing through the body along the running path;wherein the body defines a first inlet / outlet slot and a second inlet / outlet slot terminating the running path;wherein the body defines a first friction slot and a second friction slot that connect the first face to the second face;wherein the first inlet / outlet slot, the second inlet / outlet slot, the first friction slot and the second friction slot are non-aligned;the strap passing successively through the first inlet / outlet slot, the first friction slot, the second friction slot and the second inlet / outlet slot, the strap being in contact with the first face between the first friction slot and the second friction slot to introduce a friction between the strap and the body.

2. Adjustment device according to claim 1 wherein the first friction slot extends in a first friction direction and the second friction slot extends in a second friction direction non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, the first friction direction and the second friction direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first friction slot and the second friction slot.

3. Adjustment device according to claim 2 wherein the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an angle comprised between 5° and 30°.

4. Adjustment device according to claim 1 wherein the strap has a first strand extended by a second strand, the first strand entering the body via the first inlet / outlet slot and the second strand leaving the body via the second inlet / outlet slot;wherein the first strand and the second strand join one another between the first friction slot and the second friction slot; andwherein the first strand presses the second strand against the body.

5. Adjustment device according to claim 1 wherein the first inlet / outlet slot, the second inlet / outlet slot, the first friction slot and the second friction slot are devoid of teeth.

6. Adjustment device according to claim 1 wherein the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a first end that opens into side walls of the body, the side walls connecting the first face to the second face.

7. Adjustment device according to claim 6 wherein the body defines at least one rib along the running path, the at least one rib being salient from the second face to impose circumvention of the at least one rib by the strap, the strap connecting the first friction slot and the second friction slot along the second face, the at least one rib being salient in a thickness direction of the body passing through the first face and the second face.

8. Adjustment device according to claim 6 wherein the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot each have a second end that opens into the second face, the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot extending in a first diversion direction and the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot extending in a second diversion direction non-parallel to the first diversion direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, the first diversion direction and second diversion direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first inlet / outlet slot and the second inlet / outlet slot.

9. Adjustment device according to claim 8 wherein the body defines at least one rib along the running path, the at least one rib being salient from the second face to impose circumvention of the at least one rib by the strap, the strap connecting the first friction slot and the second friction slot along the second face, the at least one rib being salient in the thickness direction.

10. Adjustment device according to claim 8 wherein the body defines at least one rib along the running path, the at least one rib being salient from the second face to impose circumvention of the at least one rib by the strap, the strap connecting the first friction slot and the second friction slot along the second face, the at least one rib being salient in a thickness direction of the body, and wherein the at least one rib forms a wall of the second end of the first inlet / outlet slot and / or forms a wall of the second end of the second inlet / outlet slot.

11. Adjustment device according to claim 10 wherein the first friction slot extends in a first friction direction and the second friction slot extends in a second friction direction non-parallel to the first friction direction in an observation in a thickness direction passing through the first face and the second face, the first friction direction and the second friction direction being transverse directions of the strap passing through the first friction slot and the second friction slot, and wherein the first diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction and the second diversion direction is non-parallel to the first friction direction and non-parallel to the second friction direction.

12. Adjustment device according to claim 11 wherein the first friction direction and the second friction direction define an acute angle and wherein the first diversion direction and the second diversion direction define an obtuse angle.

13. Helmet for mountaineering or work at heights comprising an adjustment device according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment device is configured to adjust a position of a chinstrap along an axis connecting a front part of the helmet and a rear part of the helmet.

Images