Helmet Retention System

p-0002This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/498,920 filed Jun. 20, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0003The present invention relates to systems for retaining a helmet to a user's head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0004A number of protective and military helmets are known, such as the helmet known as the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), which was a successor to the Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 242,088. Helmet strap systems for holding a helmet to a user's head are also known, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,600,268, 5,123,121, 4,897,888 and US Patent Application Publication 2006/0179537 A1.

p-0005The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the degree of front-to-back helmet rotation that is allowed by the system.

p-0006The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to provide a strap system with a geometric configuration that reduces the circumstances were a strap could cut up under a user's earlobe or interfere with a circum-aural ear protection or communication device.

p-0007One solution for fastening a chinstrap requires putting the closure mechanism on top of the side straps of the system which results in bulky hardware on the face, interference with weapons sighting, and the need for left and right eye-dominant configurations. The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to eliminate the bulky hardware, weapon interference, eye-dominant configuration requirements in a helmet retention system.

p-0008The present inventors recognize that it would be desirable to eliminate the need to adjust the length of straps in the system every time the chin strap is connected rather than at the first fitting.

p-0009The present inventors recognize the need for a low profile chin strap closure mechanism.

p-0010The present inventors recognize a need for a chin strap closure mechanism that is capable of operation by one hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0011An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a helmet retention system having a first side strap system configured to connect to a first side of a helmet and a second side strap system configured to connect to an opposite second side of a helmet. A chin cup and a chin cup connecting mechanism are provided. The chin cup connecting mechanism is configured to connect the first and second side strap systems in an area about the user's chin and to vary the amount of tension in the system between at least two predefined tension states.

p-0012In one embodiment, the chin cup connecting mechanism has at least one loop, a plurality of anchor pins, a key-hole strip having a least two openings each configured to engage one or more anchor pins. The selection of the engagement of one or more openings with one or more anchor pins determines, at least in part, the tension state of the system.

p-0013In one embodiment, the chin cup comprises an upper strap portion, a first lower strap portion, and a second lower strap portion. The upper strap portion and first lower strap portion are configured to encircle a user's chin in at least one tension state. The key-hole strip is connected to the second lower strap portion.

p-0014In one embodiment, the chin cup connecting mechanism comprising at least two loops for connecting opposite sides of the chin cup to the first and second side strap systems.

p-0015In one embodiment, the first loop is connected between the upper strap portion and the first lower strap portion and the second loop configured to be located between the second lower strap portion and the first lower strap portion for at least one tension state of the system.

p-0016In one embodiment, the first side strap system comprises a first upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a first side and a first lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the first side. The second side strap system comprises a second upper front strap portion configured to connect to a front portion of a helmet on a second side and a second lower side strap portion configured to extend to a rear area of a helmet on the second side.

p-0017In one embodiment, the system has a nape pad configured to prevent contact of the straps of the system with portions of the back of a user's neck.

p-0018In one embodiment, the system has at least four strap anchors configured to secure opposite ends of the first and second side strap system to a helmet.

p-0019In one embodiment, the system has a least one tensioner configured to vary the length of a portion of the first or second side strap systems within a predefined range.

p-0020The tensioner has a base and a tension cam. The tension cam is pivotally connected to the base. The base has a crossbar for connecting to a first strap end of the first or second side strap systems; the base has a toothed section ahead of the tension cam opposite the crossbar. The tensioner has an open position and a closed position, the tension cam is configured to create a tortuous path where the strap can engage the teeth under tension when in the closed position.

p-0021Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0022<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a rear view of one embodiment of the helmet retention system.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a rear view of a second embodiment of the helmet retention system.

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a view of the connection of segments at a loop.

p-0025<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the chin cup released from a first side of the system.

p-0026<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the chin cup beginning engagement with the first side of the system.

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the chin cup further engaged with the first side of the system.

p-0028<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the chin cup engaged with the first side of the system.

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> a right side view a the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with certain details not shown.

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the system in a high stability state.

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a front view of the helmet retention system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> mounted to a helmet with the system in a relaxed stability state.

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a bottom perspective view of a key-hole strip of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a top perspective view of the key-hole strip of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>.

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a front perspective view of a pin strip of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a perspective view of chin cup connecting loop of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a perspective view D-ring of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0037<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in a locked position.

p-0038<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref> is a side view of the tensioner of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> with certain elements not shown.

p-0039<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of a tensioner of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in an open position.

p-0040<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref> is a side view of the tensioner of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> with certain elements not shown.

p-0041<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a side view of a lever of the tensioner of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

p-0042<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a side perspective view of a base of the tensioner of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>.

p-0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a perspective view of the lever of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>.

p-0044<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is an exploded front perspective view of an anchor system of the system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

p-0045<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is an exploded rear perspective view of the anchor system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

p-0046<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is an unexploded side view of the anchor system of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0047While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

p-0048A helmet retention system <b>100</b>, <b>101</b> is disclosed. The system has strap segments <b>150</b>, <b>152</b>, <b>154</b>, <b>156</b>, <b>158</b>, <b>160</b>, <b>162</b>, <b>168</b>, <b>170</b>, <b>172</b> connected by rings, such as D-rings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b>, or strap adjusters or strap tensioners <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>. The D-rings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b> are connected to a neck or nape pad <b>102</b> and connected to each other by strap segments <b>168</b>, <b>170</b>, and tensioner <b>124</b>. End strap segments <b>150</b>, <b>152</b>, <b>154</b>, <b>156</b>, which are a subset of the segments, are connected at one end to an anchor <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> for securing the system to a helmet. The combination of strap segments <b>168</b> and <b>170</b> may be one continuous piece of strap material. A first end of the combination of segments <b>168</b> and <b>170</b> has a first loop connected around the crossbar of tensioner <b>124</b>, the continuous strap extends around D-ring <b>130</b> and through the tensioner and has a second loop at a second end opposite the first end that is connected around a portion of D-ring <b>132</b>. By using the tensioner <b>124</b>, the overall length of the strap segments <b>168</b>, <b>170</b> can be adjusted and the distance between the D-rings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b> can be adjusted.

p-0049In one embodiment, the system has a retaining strap <b>105</b> to secure the D-rings to the nape pad. A first end of the retaining strap <b>105</b> is secured at or adjacent to a first end <b>102</b><i>a </i>of the nape pad <b>102</b>. A second end of the retaining strap opposite the first end is secured at or adjacent a second end <b>102</b><i>b </i>of the nape pad. The retaining strap extends through each of the D-rings <b>130</b>, <b>132</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the retaining strap <b>105</b> is secured at the first end <b>102</b><i>a </i>of the nape pad and extends over a left portion of the D-ring <b>132</b> and extends under a right portion of the D-ring <b>132</b> and continues under strap segments <b>170</b> and <b>168</b>, and further it continues extending under a left portion of the D-ring <b>130</b> and over a right portion of the D-ring <b>130</b> and is secured to the second end <b>102</b><i>b </i>of the nape pad <b>102</b>.

p-0050The system includes a first lower side strap portion <b>151</b> and an opposite second lower side strap portion <b>161</b>. The system includes a first upper front strap portion <b>157</b> and an opposite second upper front strap portion <b>167</b>. The first lower side strap portion <b>151</b> comprises strap segments <b>160</b>, <b>162</b>. The second lower side strap portion <b>161</b> comprises strap segments <b>164</b>, <b>172</b>. The first upper front strap portion <b>157</b> comprises strap segments <b>156</b>, <b>158</b>. The second upper front strap portion <b>167</b> comprises strap segments <b>150</b>, <b>166</b>. The rear strap portion <b>169</b> comprises strap segments <b>168</b>, <b>170</b>.

p-0051The system comprises a first side strap system <b>155</b> and a second side strap system <b>165</b>. The first side strap system comprises segments <b>154</b>, <b>156</b>, <b>158</b>, <b>160</b>, <b>162</b>. The second side strap system comprises strap segments <b>150</b>, <b>152</b>, <b>166</b>, <b>164</b>, <b>172</b>. The system also comprises first and second chin cup-engaging strap portions <b>153</b>, <b>163</b>. The first chin cup engaging strap portion <b>153</b> comprises strap portions <b>151</b>, <b>157</b>. The second chin cup engaging strap portion <b>163</b> comprises strap portions <b>161</b>, <b>167</b>. In one embodiment, the strap portions <b>151</b> and <b>157</b> comprise a continuous piece of strap material. A first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b> defines the boundary between strap portion <b>151</b> and strap portion <b>157</b>. The loop <b>142</b> is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engaging strap portion <b>153</b> as the system is adjusted using tensioners <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>. Likewise, a second chin cup-connecting loop <b>140</b> defines the boundary between strap portion <b>161</b> and strap portion <b>167</b>. The loop <b>140</b> is positionable along the overall length of first chin cup engaging strap portion <b>153</b> as the system is adjusted using tensioners <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>.

p-0052In one embodiment, each of the first and second chin cup engaging portions comprises one continuous piece of strap material. In this arrangement, a first end of a first continuous piece of material of the first chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of tensioner <b>126</b>. The strap then continues around the D-ring <b>132</b>, extends through tensioner <b>126</b>, extends through loop <b>142</b>, extends through tensioner <b>128</b>, loops through anchor <b>116</b> and a second end opposite the first end of the first continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar of tensioner <b>128</b>.

p-0053A first end of a second continuous piece of material of the second chin cup engaging portion forms a first loop around the cross bar of tensioner <b>122</b> continues around the D-ring <b>130</b>, extends through tensioner <b>122</b>, extends through loop <b>140</b>, extends through tensioner <b>120</b>, loops through anchor <b>110</b> and a second end opposite the first end of the second continuous piece of material forms a second loop around the cross bar of tensioner <b>120</b>.

p-0054As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, segments <b>164</b> and <b>166</b> are one continuous piece of strap material. The segments are secured to each other by stitching rows <b>166</b><i>a</i>, <b>166</b><i>b </i>to form a loop portion <b>166</b><i>c </i>around the loop <b>140</b> so as to secure the loop in a position along the lengths of segments <b>164</b> and <b>166</b>. The segments <b>164</b> and <b>166</b> overlap each other in a V-fashion so that there is a V-shaped overlap portion <b>166</b><i>d</i>. The stitching rows <b>166</b><i>a </i>and <b>166</b><i>b </i>extend through the V-shaped portion onto each of the segments <b>164</b>, <b>166</b>. This overlap arrangement is also provided on segments <b>160</b>, <b>158</b> at loop <b>142</b>. The segments <b>182</b>, <b>186</b> are secured by one or more stitching rows <b>182</b><i>a </i>at loop <b>140</b> of the chin cup in an arrangement similar to that described regarding segments <b>164</b>, <b>166</b> at loop <b>140</b>.

p-0055The system <b>100</b> has a chin cup <b>181</b> for engaging on or about a user's chin as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-7</figref>. The chin cup <b>181</b> has an upper chin strap portion <b>186</b>, a first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b>, and a second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b>. The first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b> has an anchor pin strip <b>180</b>. The second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b> connects with a keyhole strip <b>190</b>. In one embodiment, the second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b>, the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b>, and the first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b> comprise one continuous piece of strap material where a first end <b>187</b> of the first lower chin strap portion is attached at a predefined position along the strap comprising portions <b>186</b> and <b>188</b> as is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The attachment at the first end edge <b>184</b> at the connection of the first end <b>187</b> to the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> may be by means known in the art such as gluing, stitching, or the like. The stitching arrangement may be the same as the stitching <b>182</b><i>a </i>across segments <b>182</b> and <b>186</b>. In one embodiment, the chin cup <b>181</b> is one continuous piece of webbing. The chin cup <b>181</b> comprises a second end <b>185</b> opposite a first end <b>187</b> which is defined by where the loop <b>140</b> engages to continuous strap that comprises strap portions <b>186</b> and <b>182</b>. Therefore, the loop <b>140</b> is positionable along the strap that comprises strap portions <b>186</b> and <b>182</b> to define the boundaries of the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> and the first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b> respectively. The second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b> is configured to be threaded through the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b>.

p-0056Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the second end <b>185</b> of the chin cup <b>181</b> may be attached to either side of the system. For example in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the second end <b>185</b> of the chin cup <b>181</b> is threaded through the second chin cup connecting loop <b>140</b>. In the configuration shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the second end of the chin cup <b>181</b> is threaded through the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b>. This connecting point may decided at the place of manufacture or, in one embodiment, the first end <b>187</b> of the first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b> may be releasably connected to the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> and the second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b>. The pin strip may be removed and the chin cup may be taken out of the second chin cup connecting loop <b>140</b> and placed in the first chin connecting loop <b>142</b> or vice versa.

p-0057Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>, the keyhole strip <b>190</b> is shown in more detail. The keyhole strip <b>190</b> is configured to engage the pin strip <b>180</b>. The strip <b>190</b> has a first raised portion <b>210</b> connected to a recess portion <b>246</b> by a sloping section <b>212</b>. The recess portion <b>246</b> adjoins a second raised portion <b>240</b> at a step edge <b>242</b> opposite the first raised portion <b>210</b>. The recess portion <b>246</b> has a first keyhole opening <b>220</b> and a second keyhole opening <b>230</b> located along the length of the recess portion <b>246</b>. Each keyhole opening has large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b> contiguous with small openings <b>222</b>, <b>232</b> respectively. The large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b> are larger than the pinheads <b>252</b>, <b>258</b> so that the pin heads may be received through large openings.

p-0058As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the first raised portion has a corresponding lower portion <b>211</b> on the back face of the keyhole strip. A rising slope section <b>213</b> corresponds to be sloping section <b>212</b> and connects the recess portion on the backside with the lower portion <b>211</b>. Unlike the first raised portion <b>210</b> the second raised portion does not have a corresponding lowered portion. Instead the raised back surface <b>244</b> comprises the length of the recess portion <b>246</b> and the second raised portion <b>240</b>. As a result the thickness in the second raised portion is greater than that of the thickness in the recess portion <b>246</b> and the first raised portion <b>210</b>. Each of the large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b> of the key hole openings <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> have a dish or angled portion <b>225</b>, <b>235</b> which provides a recess from the back surface <b>244</b> to accommodate the pin heads <b>252</b>, <b>258</b> of the pin strip <b>180</b>. One skilled in the art will recognize that while two keyhole openings are provided, any number of keyhole openings may be provided in the keyhole strip to correspond to the number of pinheads provided in the pin strip. The strap portion <b>188</b> may be connected on the lower portion <b>211</b> so that the strap portion <b>188</b> is in line with the recess portion <b>246</b>. A slot (not shown) may be formed through the lower portion <b>211</b> and thread can be used to secure the strap portion <b>188</b> to the lower portion <b>211</b>. Other means of attachment may also be used.

p-0059<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> provides a detailed view of the pin strip <b>180</b>. The pin strip <b>180</b> comprises a strip body <b>261</b>. The strip body <b>261</b> has four elongated slot openings <b>260</b>, <b>262</b>, <b>264</b>, <b>266</b>, a first pin <b>250</b>, and a second pin <b>256</b>. Two of the four elongated slot openings are center elongated slot openings <b>262</b>, <b>264</b> and are located along the strip body <b>261</b> between the two pins <b>250</b>, <b>256</b>. The other two of the four elongated slot openings are outside elongated slot openings <b>260</b>, <b>266</b>. Outside elongated slot opening <b>260</b> is located opposite center elongated slot openings <b>262</b> with pin <b>250</b> located therebetween. The outside elongated slot opening <b>266</b> is located opposite center elongated slot opening <b>264</b> with pin <b>256</b> located therebetween. Each pin <b>250</b>, <b>256</b> comprises a pin shaft <b>259</b> (not shown for pin <b>250</b>) and a pin head <b>252</b>, <b>258</b>. The pin shaft spaces the pin head from the strip body <b>261</b>.

p-0060The strip body <b>261</b> comprises an upper arched area <b>253</b>, <b>257</b> and a corresponding lower arched area <b>251</b> (not shown for pin <b>250</b>). The arched areas have a common center with the center of the pin heads <b>252</b>, <b>256</b>. The pin heads <b>252</b>, <b>256</b> have a greater radius than the radius of the arched areas. The pin strip may be secured to the first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b> via stitching, adhesive, or by securing fasteners through the elongated slot openings <b>260</b>, <b>262</b>, <b>264</b>, <b>266</b>, or other means known in the fastening art.

p-0061In one configuration, the first pin <b>250</b> is configured to engage with the first keyhole opening <b>220</b> of the keyhole strip, and the second pin <b>256</b> is configured to engage with the second keyhole opening <b>230</b> of the keyhole strip. In one embodiment, the strip body <b>261</b> has an arc that is configured to approximate the under chin contact of a user and provide a comfortable contact therebetween. The keyhole strip has an arch that is substantially similar to the arch of the strip body <b>261</b> to provide a conforming contact between the keyhole strip and the strip body when the pins <b>250</b>, <b>256</b> are engaged in the keyhole openings <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> respectively.

p-0062Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, to secure the keyhole strip <b>190</b> to the pin strip <b>180</b> each of the large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b> are positioned under the pin heads <b>252</b>, <b>258</b>. A keyhole strip <b>190</b> is raised in that direction A shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> and the pins pass through the large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b> until the pin heads clear at least the lowest portion of the dished areas <b>225</b>, <b>235</b>. To lock the keyhole strip and the second lower strap in place, the keyhole strip is then moved so that pin shafts <b>259</b> (not shown for pin <b>250</b>) engage the small opening <b>222</b>, <b>232</b> respectively, shown as the direction B in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. To remove key hole strip from the pin strip <b>180</b> the keyhole strip is moved in the direction opposite of direction B shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> so that the pin heads <b>252</b>, <b>258</b> align over the large openings <b>224</b>, <b>234</b>.

p-0063<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-8</figref> shows the system in various stages of use. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the chin cup <b>181</b> is shown disconnected from the first chin cup engaging strap portion <b>153</b>. The chin cup <b>181</b> is attached to the second chin cup engaging strap portion <b>163</b> by second chin cup connecting loop <b>140</b>. The anchors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> are attached to the helmet <b>50</b> to hold the system to the helmet. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> shows a right side view, with details not shown, of the system as it is attached to a helmet <b>50</b> at a front side attachment location <b>55</b> and a rear side attachment location <b>54</b>. The anchor <b>110</b> connects at attachment location <b>55</b> and anchor <b>112</b> connects at attachment location <b>54</b>.

p-0064In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the keyhole strip <b>190</b> has been inserted through the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b> so that the first chin connecting loop <b>142</b> is located between the first keyhole opening <b>220</b> in the second keyhole opening <b>230</b>. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the keyhole strip <b>190</b> has been pulled through the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b> and along the second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b> until the loop <b>142</b> reached the first end edge <b>184</b> which is where the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> meets the first lower chin strap portion <b>182</b>.

p-0065Each connecting loop <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> has parallel arm portions <b>140</b><i>a</i>, <b>140</b><i>b </i>connected at each end to end segments to form the loop, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. To secure the chin cup in position the second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b> is folded over one of the two arm portions <b>140</b><i>a</i>, <b>140</b><i>b </i>of the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b>. As the second lower chin strap portion <b>188</b> is folded over the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b>, the first and second keyhole openings <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> of the keyhole strip <b>190</b> are aligned with the first pin <b>250</b> and the second pin <b>256</b> of the pin strip. The keyhole strip is then engaged with the pin strip as explained above to secure the chin cup in position between the first and second chin cup connecting loops <b>140</b>, <b>142</b>.

p-0066The system has at least two tension settings as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>. A high stability tension setting is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. In the high stability tension setting the first and second keyhole openings <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> are engaged with the first and second pins <b>250</b>, <b>256</b> to cause the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> of the chin cup to be located between the lower edge of the chin of a user and the user's lips as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. In the high stability tension setting, both the upper strap portion <b>186</b> and the first lower strap portion <b>182</b> are more fully engaged with the user's face about the user's chin.

p-0067A relaxed tension setting is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. In this configuration, less than all the keyhole openings are engaged with less than all of the pins. In the relaxed tension setting shown, only one keyhole opening is engaged with one of the pins. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the second keyhole opening <b>230</b> is engaged with the first pin <b>250</b>. In this configuration, the first end edge <b>184</b> is not necessarily in contact with the first chin cup connecting loop <b>142</b>. The second pin <b>256</b> is not engaged with the keyhole opening. In the relaxed tension setting, more slack is provided in the chin cup <b>181</b> between the chin cup connecting loops <b>140</b>,<b>142</b> so that the upper chin strap portion is located at a lower position relative to the user's chin than in the case of the high stability tension setting. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the upper chin strap portion <b>186</b> is located below the user's chin <b>52</b> along a least a portion of the upper chin strap portion's length. The relaxed tension setting also allows compatibility with CBRN masks.

p-0068The system provides a strap link adjustability mechanism where the length of any one of the strap portions <b>151</b>, <b>157</b>, <b>161</b>, <b>167</b>, <b>169</b> may vary within a predefined range by the use of tensioners <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b>. Each of tensioners <b>120</b>, <b>122</b>, <b>124</b>, <b>126</b>, <b>128</b> is identical to the others, therefore only one tensioner will be described in detail. Each tensioner has an open position in a locked position. The open position as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 15A</figref>; the locked position is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 14A</figref>. Component parts of the tensioner are shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16</figref>, <b>17</b>, and <b>18</b>.

p-0069Each tensioner has a base <b>300</b>. The base has opposing base side walls <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> joined by a crossbar <b>302</b> and a front bar such as a tooth bar <b>308</b>. The outward facing surface of the side walls each have a series of parallel vertical grip bars <b>316</b> to aid a user's grip for sliding or adjusting the location of the tensioner. Adjacent to the grip bars <b>316</b> are pivot lever mounting holes <b>320</b>, <b>322</b> for connecting with a pivot lever <b>330</b>. The tooth bar <b>308</b> is located at the front of the base <b>300</b>. The tooth bar <b>308</b> has a front surface <b>309</b> opposite a back surface. The back surface of the tooth bar has a plurality of teeth <b>310</b> extending rearward towards the crossbar <b>302</b>. The tooth bar has an upper surface that is recessed below the highest surface of the side walls as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. On the inside surface of the side walls between the tooth bar and a crossbar is a lever pin channel <b>324</b>, <b>326</b> that extends from the top edge of the side wall down to the pivot lever mounting holes <b>320</b>, <b>322</b>.

p-0070The pivot lever <b>330</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 and 18</figref>. The lever has a front edge <b>351</b>, a first sloping upper front surface <b>348</b> continuing on the top side to a second upper sloping surface <b>346</b> continuing on the top to a rear tail surface <b>356</b> and connecting with a tail tooth <b>360</b>. On the underside of the lever from the front edge <b>351</b> is a first bottom sloping section <b>350</b> connecting to a concave second bottom sloping section <b>352</b> further connecting to a third bottom portion <b>354</b> connecting with the tail tooth <b>360</b>. The lever has opposite lateral lever sidewalls <b>341</b>, <b>343</b>. Each side has a base-engaging pin <b>336</b>, <b>338</b>. Since the pins <b>336</b>,<b>338</b> are mirror image identical across a longitudinal, vertical center plane of the lever (which center plane contains the curved line L in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>), only the pin <b>336</b> need be described. The pin <b>336</b> extends outward from the side wall. The pin <b>336</b> joins the side wall at a dish portion <b>342</b>. The dish portion <b>342</b> provides a smooth concave transition between the sidewall <b>341</b> and the shaft <b>345</b>. The outer face of the pin provides a vertical section <b>340</b> and an angled section <b>339</b>. The vertical section <b>340</b> comprises half of the outer face of the pin and the angled section <b>339</b> comprises the second half. The angled section of the surface of the pin is designed smooth the connection between the base and is the first component of the pin to contact the channels <b>326</b>, <b>324</b> when the lever is attached to the base. In one embodiment, the pins <b>336</b>, <b>338</b> are aligned over the channels <b>326</b>, <b>324</b> so that the angled portions <b>339</b> (not labeled or shown for pin <b>338</b>) are closest to the channels. Downward force is then applied to the upper surface <b>348</b>, <b>346</b> of the lever to force the pins down through the channels to a snapped engagement in the pivot lever mounting holes <b>322</b>, <b>320</b>.

p-0071Each of the lever sidewalls <b>341</b>, <b>343</b> of the lever include locking nubs <b>332</b>, <b>337</b>. Each of the inside surfaces of the sidewalls <b>306</b>, <b>304</b> of the base <b>300</b> have locking nub recesses <b>303</b> (not shown for sidewall <b>306</b>). The locking nub recess <b>303</b> may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is parallel with the top surface of the sidewalls of the base portion. In another embodiment, locking recess may be located so that when the lever is in a closed position, the top surface of the lever is above or below the top surface of the side walls of the base portion. The locking nub has a snapped engagement with the locking recess to ensure proper closure and prevent accidental release.

p-0072The location of the base engaging pins <b>336</b>, <b>338</b> and the shape of the front of the lever, including the first bottom sloping section <b>350</b>, a front edge <b>351</b> in the first sloping upper front surface portion <b>348</b>, forms a cam end <b>353</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 15</figref> the lever pins are received in the lever pinholes of the base and the lever is pivotable about the lever pinholes between an open and a locked position. Strap segment <b>160</b> has a loop end <b>160</b><i>a </i>secured around the crossbar <b>302</b>. The loop end is formed by the strap being folded over on itself and is secured to itself. Strap <b>162</b> is threaded over the tooth bar <b>308</b> under the cam end of the lever and over the crossbar to extend out the rear end of the tensioner.

p-0073As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 14A</figref>, when the lever is moved to the locked or closed position that cam end of the lever pivots about the lever pins forwardly towards the teeth <b>310</b>. Therefore, the strap <b>162</b> is secured between the teeth and the cam end of the lever including the front edge <b>351</b>. In one embodiment, the lever does not provide pressure between the strap <b>162</b> and the crossbar <b>302</b>. In one embodiment, the pressure provided between the strap <b>162</b> and the crossbar is negligible and the holding force is provided between the cam end of the lever and the teeth <b>310</b> of the tooth bar <b>308</b>.

p-0074Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, in one embodiment, when the tensioner is in a locked position the lever <b>330</b> including the cam end <b>353</b>, the tooth bar <b>308</b>, and the crossbar <b>302</b> create a tortuous path where the strap <b>162</b> will engage the teeth <b>310</b> under tension. The tortuous path, beginning at the left in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, has a downward segment which encounters the teeth <b>310</b> between the tooth bar <b>208</b> and the front of the cam end <b>353</b> and an upward extending segment that follows along the bottom of the lever over the crossbar <b>302</b> and out the rear of the tensioner. In one embodiment, shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, the teeth come in close proximity to the cam but the teeth do not touch the cam. While the teeth may contact or come in close proximity to the cam, because of the tortuous path, it is not necessary for the cam end <b>353</b> to put excessive pressure on the strap between the teeth to secure the strap in position. This may reduce wear on the teeth and other components and extend the working life of the tensioner. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15A</figref>, the tensioner is in the open position. When the tensioner is in the open position, the strap is relieved from the tortuous path in that the strap is not forced in contact with the teeth <b>310</b> and the strap extends along a top portion of the lever including along the first sloping upper front surface <b>348</b>.

p-0075The cam end has an over-center design such that the cam end <b>353</b> is urged to rotate when subjected to strap tension. Strap <b>162</b> extends around the cam end <b>353</b> that is radially spaced from the pivot axis at the base engaging pins <b>336</b>,<b>338</b> wherein pivoting of the lever from an open position to the locked or tensioning position pulls the strap about the cam tending to shorten the effective length of strap via the tortuous path that has a longer length, as compared to the open path when in the open position, and produces a tension in the strap. If the strap <b>162</b> is further drawn in the direction D shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref> when the tensioner is in the locked position, the additional drawing force will urge the lever to rotate with respect to the base <b>300</b> toward the closed position as the strap draws upward on the front bottom sloping section <b>350</b> and the front edge <b>351</b> about the pivot axis, which creates a rotational force or moment on the cam end <b>353</b> and increases the griping force of the tensioner on the strap.

p-0076In operation, to extend the strap's effective length, strap <b>162</b> is moved in the direction C shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> so that more of strap <b>162</b> is located in front of the cam end of the lever. To reduce the strap's effective length, strap <b>162</b> is moved in the direction opposite of the directions C shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> so that more of the strap <b>162</b> is located to the rear of the crossbar <b>302</b>.

p-0077As is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, tail tooth <b>360</b> is recessed from the plane defined by rear surfaces <b>301</b>, <b>305</b> of the sidewalls <b>304</b>, <b>306</b> of the base <b>300</b> to avoid the tail tooth snagging unintentionally on other elements that may be close to the system. However, the tail tooth <b>360</b> provides a grip or contact point that allows the tensioner to be operated while the user is wearing gloves.

p-0078The D-ring <b>130</b>, <b>132</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. The D-ring has strap engaging links <b>133</b>, <b>134</b>, <b>135</b> joined together by intervening shorter links <b>136</b>, <b>137</b>, <b>138</b> respectively.

p-0079Each of the anchors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, <b>116</b> is identical. An anchor system <b>400</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref>, <b>20</b>, and <b>21</b>. The anchors system includes an anchor <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, <b>116</b>, a screw receiver such as a t-nut <b>410</b>, and a screw <b>440</b>. The anchor includes a helmet mounting portion <b>428</b> and a strap connecting portion <b>452</b>. The helmet mounting portion <b>428</b> includes a mounting hole <b>426</b>. The back surface of the helmet mounting portion <b>428</b> includes a diamond recess <b>430</b>. The t-nut <b>410</b> includes a shaft portion <b>412</b> and a diamond shaped plate portion <b>414</b>. The t-nut includes a threaded bore <b>416</b> that extends through the shaft portion <b>412</b> and the diamond shaped plate portion <b>414</b>. The diamond shaped plate portion <b>414</b> is sized to fit in the diamond recess <b>430</b> so as to prevent substantial rotation of the T-nut <b>410</b>. The screw <b>440</b> has a threaded shaft portion <b>442</b> connected to a non-threaded shaft portion <b>446</b>, which is connected to the head <b>444</b>.

p-0080The strap connecting portion <b>452</b> includes a strap opening <b>422</b> adjacent to a strap bar <b>420</b>. The strap connecting portion <b>452</b> is angled away from or setoff from the plane defined by the helmet mounting portion <b>428</b> to prevent the strap from pinching against a helmet mounting surface. In one embodiment, the set off is 3 mm. The anchor may include an oblong center opening <b>424</b> for reducing the weight of anchor.

p-0081As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, the shaft portion <b>412</b> of the t-nut is received in the mounting hole <b>426</b> of the anchor and the diamond recess <b>430</b> is receives the diamond shaped plate portion <b>414</b> of the t-nut that so that shaft portion <b>412</b> extends beyond the surface of the anchor opposite the diamond shaped recess. The screw may be threaded into the bore <b>416</b> until the non-threaded shaft portion <b>446</b> contacts the shaft portion <b>412</b> or is in close proximity thereto, or until sufficient resistance is created between the screw head and the helmet. Therefore, the anchor is secured to a helmet between the screw thread and a helmet engaging portion <b>428</b> in a helmet engaging area <b>450</b>.

p-0082From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.