WO2016154437A1

WO2016154437A1 - Helmet retention system

Info

Publication number: WO2016154437A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/024012
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. HOVAN; Joseph SLIVNSKI; Jillian HALDAMAN
Original assignee: Gentex Corporation
Priority date: 2015-03-24
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2016-09-29
Also published as: EP3273818A4; IL254527A0; EP3273818A1; US20180049505A1

Abstract

A retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at two points of intersection. The horizontal chin strap may include a first horizontal chin strap portion, a second horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first chin strap and the second chin strap, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The vertical chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the vertical chin strap to a body of the vertical chin strap, a loop through which the vertical chin strap passes through, and at least one forward strap for affixing the forward strap to a helmet.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Helmet Retention System

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/137,700, filed March 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention, according to some embodiments, relates to a dual chin strap retention system and helmet liner that may be positioned into an interior region of a helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Helmets for head protection are worn in a variety of environments and for various purposes. Helmets are often secured to a wearer's head by a flexible chin strap. The chin strap may include multiple segments of flexible strap material that are secured at either side of the helmet and pass below the chin, where the segments are releasably joined. In some helmets the strap segments on either side of the helmet are attached to the helmet at two positions, in front of and behind the wearer's ear. When joined, the two strap segments form a single strap that may be adjusted in length.

[0005] Conventional helmet straps may be difficult to adjust. If only a single strap is provided on each side of the helmet, for example, the adjustment can be made at the buckle where the straps are joined. If the chin strap has connections at two positions on each side of the helmet, however, the two separate strap segments each need adjustment for length, but generally have no convenient buckle or termination to accommodate such adjustment. A typical approach for adjusting the length of these strap segments is to fix one end of the strap and loop the free end through a buckle or loop, returning it to a ladder-lock adjustment mechanism positioned along the length of strap. By pushing more or less of the free end through the ladder lock, the length of a strap segment is altered. The geometry of this solution dictates that for each inch of length adjustment, the free end must move two inches. The free strap end that extends beyond the ladder lock may be secured with an additional component such as a clasp, or in some designs the wearer can adjust the position of the ladder lock along the strap segment to minimize the length of the exposed strap. In any case, the result is that adjusting the length of helmet straps is neither fast nor convenient and may require removing the helmet and making multiple adjustments, repositioning the ladder lock, and trying the helmet again for proper fit.

[0006] While adjustment theoretically is needed only when the helmet is first acquired, in practice the wearer may wish to adjust the tightness of the straps according to circumstances. In active situations, for example, especially if additional accessories such as night-vision goggles are attached to the helmet, the wearer may wish the straps to be tighter than normally required.

[0007] A current liner system for helmets includes a plurality of separate impact-absorbing foam pads that are positioned in the interior of a helmet. An example of such a system is the Zorbium® Action Pad (ZAP™) system available from Team Wendy®. One drawback of such systems is that the foam pads comprise foam blocks that do not generally match the geometry of the wearer's head, leading to discomfort or instability of the helmet on the wearer's head. A wearer may remove one or more the foam pads in order to improve fit and comfort, however, removal of the foam pads eliminates the impact protection from that portion of the helmet. Another drawback of these systems is that the materials used in the foam pads (e.g., Zorbium® polyurethane foam) absorb water. This can lead to increased weight on the wearer's head and greater discomfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. The horizontal chin strap may include a center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The mounting strap may have at least one hole by which the mounting strap is configured to be affixed to the helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chin strap may include a first central horizontal chin strap portion, a second central horizontal chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first central horizontal chin strap and the second central horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap may include a center portion, a loop through which the center portion of the vertical chin strap passes through; and at least one forward strap for affixing the forward strap to a helmet. The forward strap may have at least one hole by which the mounting strap is configured to be affixed to the helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the center portion of the vertical chin strap to a body of the center portion of the vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at one or more points (e.g. two points) of intersection. [0009] In some embodiments, the vertical chin strap further includes a buckle, for example a double D-ring buckle, configured to adjust the length of the vertical chin strap between the two points of intersection with the horizontal chin strap.

[0010] In some embodiments the first fastener includes a first fastener pile mounted to a surface of the first central horizontal chin strap and a second fastener pile mounted to a surface of the second central horizontal chin strap, wherein the fastener piles are configured to provide a separable interconnection when pressed together. One of the first fastener pile and the second fastener pile may include a plurality of hooks and the other of the first fastener pile and the second fastener pile may include a plurality of loops.

[0011] In some embodiments the forward strap and center portion of the vertical chin strap are coupled to the loop such that the vertical strap is substantially linear. In some embodiments, the forward strap is coupled to the loop such that the forward strap and mounting strap are substantially perpendicular.

[0012] According to another embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the horizontal chin strap is secured to the vertical chin strap at one or more points (e.g. two points) of intersection. The horizontal chin strap may include a center portion, a loop through which the center portion of the horizontal chin strap passes through; and at least one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the forward strap to a helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the center portion of the horizontal chin strap to a body of the center portion of the horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap may include a center vertical chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap may include a first central vertical chin strap portion, a second central vertical chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first central vertical chin strap and the second central vertical chin strap.

[0013] According to another embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the horizontal chin strap is secured to the vertical chin strap at one or more points of intersection. The horizontal chin strap may include a center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chin strap may include a first central horizontal chin strap portion, a second central horizontal chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first central horizontal chin strap and the second central horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap may include a center vertical chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap may include a first central vertical chin strap portion, a second central vertical chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first central vertical chin strap and the second central vertical chin strap.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes an adjustable nape assembly, which includes a semi-rigid shell sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer's head, the liner body comprising a body and two legs and having an outer surface and an inner surface; a pad comprising a body and two legs attached to the interior surface of the semi-rigid shell so that the pad body and pad legs are generally aligned with the semirigid shell body and semi-rigid shell legs; an adjustment strap having a first end attached to a semirigid shell leg and a second end portion having a mount point for attaching the adjustment strap to an interior of a helmet; and a buckle capable of adjusting the length of the strap between the pad leg and mount point.

[0015] In some embodiments an upper portion of the semi-rigid shell extends beyond the pad body and has a mount point for mounting the semi-rigid shell to a helmet. In some embodiments the semi-rigid shell comprises expanded polypropylene. In some embodiments the pad comprises a foam material enclosed in fabric. In some embodiments the semi-rigid shell comprises a flexible joint between each of the semi-rigid shell legs and the semi-rigid shell body.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a retention system for a helmet includes a horizontal chin strap and a vertical chin strap and an adjustable nape assembly including a semi-rigid shell sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer's head, the liner body comprising a body and two legs and having an outer surface and an inner surface; a pad comprising a body and two legs attached to the interior surface of the semi-rigid shell so that the pad body and pad legs are generally aligned with the semi-rigid shell body and semi-rigid shell legs; an adjustment strap having a first end attached to a semi-rigid shell leg and a second end portion having a mount point for attaching the adjustment strap to an interior of a helmet; and a buckle capable of adjusting the length of the strap between the pad leg and mount point. The horizontal chin strap may include a center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap having at least one hole for affixing the mounting strap to a helmet. The center portion of the horizontal chin strap may include a first central horizontal chin strap portion, a second central horizontal chin strap portion, and a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first central horizontal chin strap and the second central horizontal chin strap. The vertical chin strap may include a center portion, a loop through which the center portion of the vertical chin strap passes through; and at least one forward strap having at least one hole for affixing the forward strap to a helmet. The center portion of the vertical chin strap may include a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the center portion of the vertical chin strap to a body of the center portion of the vertical chin strap. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at least one point of intersection.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a kit includes a retention system for a helmet, an adjustable nape assembly, or both a retention system for a helmet and an adjustable nape assembly and a helmet. The helmet may be an advanced combat helmet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the helmet retention system, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention can be embodied in different forms and thus should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a front, right side perspective view of a helmet retention system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention shown attached to a helmet and on a mannequin;

[0020] Fig. 2 is a front, left side perspective view of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 ;

[0021] Fig. 3 is a left side elevational view of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1;

[0022] Fig. 4 is a left side elevational view of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 shown with the helmet shell in phantom;

[0023] Fig. 5 is a rear, right side perspective view of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 shown with the helmet shell in phantom;

[0024] Fig. 6 is a plan view of an assembled chin strap assembly of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 ; [0025] Fig. 7 is a partially exploded plan view of the assembled chin strap assembly of Fig. 6;

[0026] Fig. 8 A is a plan view of a portion of the chin strap assembly of Fig. 6;

[0027] Fig. 8B is a side elevational view of the portion of the chin strap assembly shown in Fig. 8A;

[0028] Fig. 9A a plan view of a portion of the chin strap assembly of Fig. 6;

[0029] Fig. 9B is a side elevational view of the portion of the chin strap assembly shown in Fig. 9A;

[0030] Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the portion of the chin strap assembly shown in Fig. 9A;

[0031] Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of a nape assembly of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 ;

[0032] Fig. 1 1 is a rear perspective view of the nape assembly of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1 ; and

[0033] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the nape assembly of the helmet retention system of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which representative embodiments are shown. The present subject matter can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to describe and enable one of skill in the art.

[0035] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-12, a helmet retention system, generally designated 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The helmet retention system may include a chin strap assembly 100 and a nape assembly 200 (see Fig. 5).

[0036] Referring to Fig. 1, in certain embodiments of the present invention, chin strap assembly 100 is configured to be mounted to an interior of a head protection device, such as a helmet 103. More particularly, chin strap assembly 100 in some embodiments is configured to be worn across a wearer's chin and secure helmet 103 to a wearer's head during use. In some embodiments chin strap assembly 100 provides helmet lift and pitch constraint to the wearer, for example, by providing adjustable, vertical and horizontal, straight-line paths from the wearer's chin directly to hard-mount, connection points near the brow area, and near the bottom edges of the helmet shell. Helmet 103 may be any type of head protection helmet known in the art, for example, those used for sporting, police, or military purposes. In certain embodiments, helmet 103 is a standard infantry ballistic helmet. In some embodiments, helmet 103 is an advanced combat helmet (ACH).

[0037] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a chin strap assembly 100 includes a horizontal chin strap 105 and a vertical chin strap 110, wherein the vertical chin strap 1 10 is secured to the horizontal chin strap 105 at two points of intersection 140. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 is oriented approximately perpendicular to the horizontal chin strap at each point of intersection. In other embodiments, the angle a between the vertical chin strap and the horizontal chin strap is about 85°, about 80°, about 75°, about 70°, about 65°, or about 60°. In other embodiments, the angle a between the vertical chin strap and the horizontal chin strap is between about 90° and about 80°, between about 85° and about 75°, between about 80° and about 70°, between about 75° and about 65°, between about 73° and about 67°, or between about 70° and about 60°. In some embodiments, the vertical chin strap 110 and horizontal chin strap 105 are

permanently-fixed together where they intersect 140. When worn by a user, intersection 140 may be aligned with the user's jaw hinge, allowing a user to move his jaw freely or largely freely. When worn by a user to secure a helmet to the user's head, horizontal strap 105 may pass between the user's chin and lower lip, and the vertical strap 110 may pass between the user's chin and throat, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0038] In some embodiments, the chin strap assembly 100 offers more freedom of movement and/or comfort than a conventional chin-cup retention system. In some embodiments, the chin strap assembly 100 allows a user to move his jaw more freely than a conventional chin-cup retention system. In some embodiments horizontal chin strap 105 and/or vertical chin strap 1 10 may include vinyl webbing. Still referring to Figs. 6 and 7, in some embodiments vertical chin strap 1 10 includes center portion 1 14, forward strap 125 and mount strap 130. In some embodiments center portion

114 includes a first end 1 12 and body 113. In some embodiments the horizontal chin strap 105 and/or the vertical chin strap 1 10 includes a mount point 151, which may fasten the chin strap to a helmet 103 at connection point 153. The horizontal chin strap 105 may comprise a mount strap 130, wherein the mount strap 130 includes a mount point 151. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 comprises a forward strap 125, wherein the forward strap includes a mount point 151. In some embodiments, helmet mount point 151 may be removeably attached to helmet 103, for example by button, clamps, straps, buttons, snap fasteners, latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile, or other mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, adhesives are used, for example, adhesive tapes, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or putty-like adhesives (e.g., Blu Tack). In still other embodiments a chin strap assembly 100 is attached to a helmet 103 via a bolt, screw (e.g. a screw and T-nut), nail, or pin.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a vertical chin strap 1 10 comprises a forward strap 125, a vertical chin strap center portion 114, and a second fastener 135. In some embodiments the second fastener 135 is configured to adjust the length of the vertical chin strap 110 (e.g. the length of the vertical chin strap center portion 1 14) extending between the two points of intersection 140 with the horizontal chin strap 105. The second fastener 135 may be any reversible coupling mechanism (e.g. snap, button, buckle, clip, double D-ring, hook and loop, etc.). In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 1 10 comprises a plurality of second fasteners 135, such that the length of the vertical chin strap 110 extending between the two intersection points 140 is capable of being adjusted by changing which of the plurality of second fasteners 135 is employed. In a preferred embodiment second fastener 135 is a buckle or a double D-ring. In some embodiments a double D- ring may include a first ring having another smaller ring extending from the outer periphery. In one embodiment, each ring has a flat portion forming the ring into a capital D shape, while in other embodiments one or both rings may be O-shaped. In one embodiment, the second smaller ring is at an obtuse angle relative to the larger ring (see Fig. 9C). Having the rings bent relative to one another may allow for a user to more easily grasp the second ring. In other embodiments a double D ring may include two equally sized rings, each ring having a flat portion forming the ring into a capital D shape, while in other embodiments, one or both rings may be O- shaped. In other embodiments a double D ring may include a ring having a flat portion forming the ring into a capital D shape with a rectangular loop extending from the flat portion of the capital D shaped ring. Referring to Fig. 5, fastener 135 may couple forward strap 125 with vertical chin strap center portion 1 14 to form a substantially straight line. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, fastener 137 may couple forward strap 125 with vertical chin strap center portion 1 14 to form a substantially straight line.

[0040] A horizontal chin strap 105 and/or a vertical chin 1 10 strap may have a length between first and second intersection points 140 that may be adjusted. Referring now to Fig. 7, in some embodiments, horizontal chin strap 105 includes a first horizontal strap portion 107, a second horizontal strap portion 108, and a first fastener 109 for reversibly coupling the first horizontal chin strap portion 107 and the second horizontal chin strap portion 108. The first fastener may be any reversible coupling mechanism (e.g. snap, button, buckle, clip, double D-ring, hook and loop, etc.) capable of reversibly coupling the first horizontal strap portion 107 to the second horizontal strap portion 108. The first fastener may comprise a first fastener pile (e.g. one of hooks or loops) mounted to a surface of the first horizontal chin strap portion 107 and a second fastener pile (e.g. the other of hooks or loops) mounted to a surface of the second horizontal chin strap portion 108, wherein the fastener piles are configured to provide a separable interconnection when pressed together. In some embodiments, the horizontal chin strap 105 is mounted to the bottom edge of the helmet shell, as far aft and horizontal as possible (e.g., see Fig. 4) to maximize helmet stability. The horizontal chin strap 105 may be length-adjustable through a set of overlapping, hook & pile interlocking, attachment straps.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, in some embodiments a vertical chin strap 1 10 comprises vertical chin strap center portion 114 having a first end 112 and a body 1 13. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap further comprises a third fastener 120 for reversibly coupling first end 1 12 to body 1 13 of the vertical chin strap center portion 114. The third fastener 120 may be any reversible coupling mechanism (e.g. snap, button, buckle, clip, hook and loop, etc.) capable of reversibly coupling the first end 1 12 to the body 1 13 of the vertical chin strap center portion 114. The third fastener 120 may include a quick-disconnect component (e.g. a two point quick-release fastener, or a single-point quick-release fastener) such as a snap.

[0042] The vertical chin strap 110 may further include a loop 137 through which the vertical chin strap center portion 1 14 passes through. In some embodiments loop 137 may couple the vertical chin strap center portion 114 with forward strap 125. Loop 137 may couple the vertical chin strap center portion 1 14, with forward strap 125 and mounting strap 130. When vertical chin strap center portion 114, forward strap 125, and mounting strap 130 are coupled by loop 137, each may be slideably moveable relative to the others. While worn by a user to retain a helmet to the user's head, the forward straps 125 and vertical chin strap center portion 114 may align to form a generally straight line. While worn by a user to retain a helmet to the user's head, the mounting strap 130 may be oriented approximately perpendicular to the forward strap 125. In some embodiments, mounting strap 130 is oriented about 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, or 85° from forward strap 125. In some embodiments, mounting strap is oriented about 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 1 15°, or 120° from forward strap 125. In some embodiments, mounting strap 130 is oriented in a range of from about 85° to about 95°, about 80° to about 100°, or about 75° to about 105°.

[0043] In some embodiments one side of the vertical chin strap 1 10 (e.g. center portion 114) is adjustable through a set of double D rings. In some embodiments the other side is constrained by a single D ring (e.g. loop 137) and a quick release snap (e.g. fastener 120). Such arrangement may allow the wearer to quickly attach and release both the horizontal chin strap 105 and the vertical chin strap 110 in one, single step.

[0044] Referring now to Fig. 4, the horizontal chin strap 105 may include one or more (e.g. 2, 3,

4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) helmet mount points 151, any one of which can be used to fasten the vertical chin strap to a helmet 103 at connection point 153. Horizontal chin strap 105 may include 5 helmet mount points 151. In some embodiments the horizontal chin strap 105 includes a plurality of helmet mount points 151 to enable a wearer to adjust a length of horizontal chin strap between connection point

153 and intersection point 140. The horizontal chin strap 105 may include a plurality of helmet mount points 151 so a wearer can adjust a length of horizontal chin strap between a connection point

153 to the helmet and intersection point 140. In some embodiments a horizontal chin strap 105 includes a mounting point 151 that is a slot or elongated hole allowing for a continuously variable connection point position. In embodiments in which mounting point 151 includes a slot or elongated hole, the horizontal strap may be coupled to a helmet 103 by a tension buckle, for example. When being used to secure a helmet to a wearer's head, the horizontal chin strap 105 may provide a generally straight line path from the wearer's chin to a connection point 153 located near a bottom edge of the helmet. The vertical chin strap 1 10 may include one or more (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8) helmet mount points 151, any one of which can be used to fasten the vertical chin strap to a helmet

103 at a connection point 153. Vertical chin strap 1 10 may include 3 helmet mount points 151. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 includes a plurality of helmet mount points 151 to enable a wearer to adjust a length of vertical chin strap 110 between a connection point 153 and intersection point 140. In some embodiments a vertical chin strap 1 10 includes a mounting point 151 that is a slot or elongated hole allowing for a continuously variable connection point position. In embodiments in which mounting point 151 includes a slot or elongated hole, the vertical strap 110 may be coupled to a helmet 103 by a tension buckle, for example. When being used to secure a helmet to a wearer's head, the vertical chin strap 110 may provide a generally straight line path from the wearer's chin to a connection point 153 near the wearer's brow. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 110 is mounted to a connection point 153 near the temple-area of the helmet shell. In some embodiments the vertical chin strap 1 10 is mounted to a connection point 153 as high-up and vertical as possible to maximize helmet stability. In preferred embodiments, multiple mounting points 151 (e.g. adjustment holes) are provided at the strap-to-helmet-shell connection points to ensure that both the vertical and horizontal chin straps remain in straight-line paths from the individual wearer's chin to the helmet-shell connection points.

[0045] It is to be understood that while the figures show loop 137 and third fastener 120 positioned on the left side of the user's face and second fastener 135 on the right side of the user's face, other arrangements are within the scope of the invention, for example loop 137 and third connection 120 may be located on the right side of the user's face and second fastener 135 may be located on the left side of the user's face. Similarly, while an embodiment having an adjustable horizontal chin strap and vertical chin strap has been described in detail, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments are within the scope of the invention, for example a vertical strap may be designed to be adjustable using a first and second vertical chin strap portions and a fastener (e.g. hook-and-loop or hook-and-pile) as the horizontal strap is described herein, and/or a horizontal chin strap may be designed to be adjustable using a buckle (e.g. a double D ring) and may include a quick release fastener, as the vertical chin strap is described herein. Such alternate embodiments are within the scope of the invention.

[0046] Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention provide for increased adjustability over prior art helmet retention systems by allowing the position relative to the wearer's jaw of the intersection points of the horizontal and vertical straps, the length of the center portion of each of the horizontal and vertical chin straps, and the points of attachment to the helmet of each of the forward straps and mounting straps to be adjusted independently. Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention further provide for ease of use over prior art helmet retention systems providing for a single release point (e.g. fastener 120) which upon release allows the helmet to be removed from the wearer without further adjustment to any components of the retention system. The single release point allows a user to adjust the helmet straps and connection points to best fit the helmet to the user's head and retain the fit (e.g. the length and position of the vertical and horizontal straps) as the user removes and re-dons the helmet without requiring further adjustment to the fit. Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention provide for the intersection of the horizontal and vertical chin straps (e.g. intersection point 140, or center of fastener 135 and/or 137) to be aligned with or aligned approximately with the hinge point of the user's jaw, allowing the user greater ability to articulate his jaw (e.g. to speak). When aligned with or aligned approximately with the hinge point of the user's jaw, the horizontal strap 105 may form an approximately straight line with the mounting strap from the user's chin to the mounting point. Similarly, when aligned with or aligned approximately with the hinge point of the user's jaw, the center portion of the vertical strap 114 may form an approximately straight line with the mounting strap from the user's chin to the mounting point. Retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention provide greater stability than prior art retentions systems. For example, retentions systems according to some embodiments of the invention include mounting straps 130 that are mounted directly to the helmet 103 rather than to the nape assembly 200. In another example, retention systems according to some embodiments of the invention provide intersection points of the vertical 105 and horizontal 110 straps in alignment or in approximate alignment with the user's jaw, providing increased stability.

[0047] Referring now to Figs. 5, and 10-12, in some embodiments a liner or nape assembly 200 generally includes an impact liner 210 sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer's head. The nape assembly 200 may be pivotable with respect to the helmet 103 to allow the nape assembly 200 to move relative to the helmet 103. In some

embodiments, the nape assembly 200 includes a body 225 and two legs 230. Impact liner 210 may have an interior surface with a generally or slightly concave shape to encourage a good fit against a user's head. Impact liner 210 may have an exterior surface with a generally or slightly convex shape to nest in a backing shell 205 and/or helmet 103. In some embodiments liner assembly 200 further comprises a backing shell 205 sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around an outer surface of impact liner 210. In some embodiments the backing shell includes a body 215. In some embodiments the backing shell 205 includes two legs 220. In some embodiments the impact liner is arranged with respect to the backing shell 205 such that impact liner body 225 is generally aligned with the backing shell body 215 and impact liner legs 230 are generally aligned with backing shell legs 220. In such embodiments the shell 205 may cover substantially all of an outer surface area of the impact liner 210. In other embodiments the shell 205 may cover a portion of an exterior surface area of the impact liner 210. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is constructed from a material that provides strength and flexibility such as a plastic (e.g. an injection molded plastic), aluminum, an aramid, etc. Backing shell 205 may be constructed from an aramid, e.g. Kevlar. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is constructed of a material that may help with impact absorption. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is composed of a material that is substantially rigid. In other embodiments, backing shell 205 may be elastic or flexible. Backing shell 205 may be semi-rigid. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 is of a single-piece construction, having a unitary or monolithic structure. Backing shell 205 may be articulated, having two or more rigid portions joined by one or more flexible joints. In some embodiments the backing shell body 215 has a unitary structure and is joined to backing shell legs 220 by a flexible joint. In other embodiments the backing shell body 215 and/or backing shell legs 220 are articulated. For example, a backing shell 205 that is constructed from a rigid material may have a plurality of joints or articulations to provide the backing shell 205 with flexibility. In some embodiments a backing shell 205 may include one or more living hinges (e.g. a thin, flexible hinge made from the same material as the two rigid pieces it connects). In some embodiments the backing shell 205 is coupled to the impact liner 210 by an adhesive patch 216. In another embodiment, the nape assembly 200 may be coupled to the chin strap assembly 100.

[0048] In some embodiments a modular, articulated backing shell 205 may provide helmet lift constraint. In some embodiments the modular, articulated, hard-shell comfortably provides helmet lift constraint, while the inboard-mounted impact liner material remains the dominant, rear impact attenuation contributor.

[0049] In some embodiments, the nape assembly 200 is sufficiently sized to extend from about the middle of the back of the head of the wearer (as shown in Fig. 5) to about the nape of the neck of the wearer during use. In some embodiments nape assembly 200 extend from about the top of the user's head to about the nape of the neck of the user during use. In some embodiments, nape assembly 200 may cover the sides of a user's head during use. In some embodiments, impact liner body 225 includes an outer surface that is convexly contoured to generally match the interior curvature of helmet 203 and/or backing shell 205. In one embodiment, impact liner body 225 is shaped such that it retains the same shape whether or not it is coupled to the backing shell 205, helmet 203 and/or the user's head. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 is configured to entirely fit within the interior of backing shell 205 and/or helmet 203 and to not extend beyond the periphery of backing shell 205 and/or helmet 203 during use. In some embodiments, impact liner body 225 includes an interior surface 227 that is concavely contoured to fit around the wearer's head during use. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 and backing shell 205 are generally the same size. Backing shell 205 may be slightly smaller than impact liner 210. In some embodiments, backing shell 205 covers a larger percentage of area of the impact liner towards the user's head than away from the user's head. In some embodiments, impact liner body 225 has a generally uniform thickness between the convex outer surface and the concave interior surface 227. In some embodiments, the thickness of the impact liner 210 may generally relate to the thickness of a helmet liner. The thickness of the impact liner 210 may allow the liner to be generally flush with the rest of the helmet shell. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 has a thickness in a range from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 12 mm to about 18 mm, or from about 14 mm to about 16 mm. In some embodiments, liner body 102 is at least 10 mm thick, at least 12 mm thick, at least 14 mm thick, at least 16 mm thick, at least 18 mm thick, or at least 20 mm thick. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 has a thickness less than 20 mm.

[0050] In some embodiments, impact liner 210 is configured to provide different levels of impact attenuation to different locations around the wearer's head. For example, impact liner body 225 may be configured to provide greater or lesser impact attenuation versus the left and right sides impact liner legs 230. In some embodiments, different levels of impact attenuation can be achieved by having an impact liner 210 with different densities of the impact-absorbing material at the different locations. In some embodiments, impact liner 210 may include denser material at locations where greater impact attenuation is desired. In other embodiments, impact liner 210 may have a variable thickness, for example, such that impact liner 210 is thicker at portions where greater impact attenuation is desired.

[0051] In some embodiments, backing shell 205 comprises an upper portion 250 that extends beyond the exterior surface of the impact liner 210, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. In some embodiments backing shell 205 comprises a helmet mount point 255 for attaching the backing shell to a helmet. In some embodiments the backing shell 205 is hard-mounted to the helmet. In some embodiments the backing shell 205 is hard mounted to the helmet near the top of an interior surface of the helmet. In some embodiments backing shell 205 may be hard mounted to the helmet by a screw, bolt, pin, or nail. In other embodiments, backing shell 205 may be removeably attached to helmet 203, for example by button, clamps, straps, buttons, snap fasteners, latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile, or other mechanical fasteners. In other embodiments, adhesives may be used, for example, adhesive tapes, epoxy, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or putty-like adhesives (e.g., Blu Tack).

[0052] Referring in particular to Fig. 12, in some embodiments a contact liner 21 1 may be affixed to an interior surface and/or bottom surface of impact liner 210. In some embodiments, the contact liner 21 1 may provide reinforcement to the impact liner 210 (e.g. help provide cracking of the impact liner 210). In some embodiments, the contact liner 211 may be made of a sufficiently durable material that provides comfort to the user's nape. The contact liner may be made of moleskin. The contact liner 21 1 may be affixed to the interior and/or bottom surface of the impact liner 210 by an adhesive, for example, adhesive tapes, pressure sensitive adhesives, glues, or puttylike adhesives. In some preferred embodiments contact liner 21 1 is coupled to impact liner 210 using hook-and-loop or hook-and-pile fasteners. In some embodiments, contact liner 211 includes a contact liner body 212 and two contact liner legs 213. In some embodiments contact liner body 212 and contact liner legs 213 form a single liner piece, while in other embodiments contact liner body 212 and contact liner legs 213 are separate pieces. In some embodiments the contact liner 21 1 is arranged with respect to the impact liner 210 such that contact liner body 212 is generally aligned with the impact liner body 225 and contact liner legs 213 are generally aligned with impact liner legs 230. In such embodiments the contact liner 21 1 may cover substantially all of an interior surface area of the impact liner 210. In other embodiments the contact liner 211 may cover a portion of an interior surface area of the impact liner 210. In some preferred embodiments contact liner 21 1 is coupled to impact liner legs 230 and a portion of impact liner body 225 (e.g. a bottom portion of impact liner body 225). In some embodiments contact liner legs 213 comprise a fabric configured to provide comfort to a wearer, such as moleskin. In other embodiments, contact liner legs 213 each comprise an adhesive backed patch with a hook (e.g. Velcro™) face. The hook face may allow the comfort liner legs 1 13 to grip a helmet's cloth comfort liner in order to minimize bunching of the comfort liner when the wearer dons the helmet.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 12, in some embodiments, nape assembly 200 further comprises a double-sided adhesive patch 216. The adhesive patch 216 may be provided to adhere the backing shell 205 to the impact liner 210. In some embodiments, adhesive patch 216 is made of a para- aramid synthetic fiber such as Kevlar. [0054] Referring now to Figs. 10 and 1 1, in some embodiments liner assembly 200 further comprises an adjustment strap 235 having a first end 237 attached to a backing shell leg 220 and a second end portion 239 having a liner assembly mount point 240 for attaching the adjustment strap 235 to an interior surface of a helmet. In some embodiments the liner assembly 200 also includes a buckle 245 that is capable of adjusting the length of the adjustment strap 235 between the backing shell leg 220 and liner assembly mount point 240. In some embodiments adjustment strap 235 may be hard mounted to the helmet by a screw, bolt, pin, or nail. In other embodiments, adjustment strap 235 may be removeably attached to helmet 203, for example by button, clamps, straps, buttons, snap fasteners, latches, hook-and-loop, hook-and-pile, or other mechanical fasteners. In other

embodiments, adhesives may be used, for example, epoxy, adhesive tapes, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or putty-like adhesives (e.g., Blu Tack). In some embodiments the adjustment straps are hard mounted to points on a bottom edge of the helmet shell. The adjustment strap mount point may be low and far forward on the helmet shell. In some embodiments, when the adjustment strap and the horizontal chin strap are both attached to the helmet, the adjustment strap may cross the horizontal chinstrap (e.g. the connection point 253 where the horizontal chinstrap is attached to the helmet may be lower than the point where the adjustment strap is connected to the impact liner leg 230 or backing shell leg 220, while the adjustment strap attachment point 240 is lower than the point where the horizontal chin strap 205 is attached to loop 237). In some embodiments the entire liner assembly is free to hinge and/or flex, allowing it to wrap around the user's occipital lobe as the adjustment straps are pulled taut. For example, in embodiments where the liner assembly 200 is mounted to the helmet 103 at a single point 255, the fit of the liner assembly to the back of the user's head may be adjusted by adjusting the length of straps 235, for example by adjusting buckle 245, or by adjusting the point at which the strap 235 is mounted to the helmet 103.

[0055] Referring now to Fig. 5, in some embodiments a retention system comprises a chin strap assembly 100 as described herein and a liner assembly 200 as described herein. In some

embodiments a helmet retention system that includes both a dual chinstrap assembly 100 and an articulated, hard-shell backed impact liner assembly 200 may provide a comfortable, stable, adjustable, impact-tolerant method of constraining a helmet to a user's head.

[0056] In some embodiments, chin strap assembly 100 and liner assembly 200 may each be supplied alone, may be supplied together as a retention system, or may be supplied as a kit together with helmet 103. In some embodiments, chinstrap assembly 100 and liner assembly 200 are supplied together as a kit, with or without helmet 103.

[0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one."

[0058] It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A retention system for a helmet comprising: a horizontal chin strap comprising: a center horizontal chin strap portion comprising a first center horizontal chin strap portion and a second center horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first center horizontal chin strap portion and the second center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the horizontal chin strap to a helmet; and a vertical chin strap comprising: a center vertical chin strap portion, a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the center vertical chin strap portion to a body of the center vertical chin strap portion, a loop through which the center vertical chin strap portion passes through, and at least one forward strap configured to affix the vertical chin strap to the helmet, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at two or more points of intersection.

2. The retention system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical chin strap further comprises a buckle configured to adjust the length of the vertical chin strap between the two or points of intersection with the horizontal chin strap.

3. The retention system according to claim 2, wherein the buckle is a double D-ring.

4. The retention system according to claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a first fastener pile mounted to a surface of the first center horizontal chin strap and a second fastener pile mounted to a surface of the second center horizontal chin strap, wherein the fastener piles are configured to provide a separable interconnection when pressed together.

5. The retention system according to claim 4, wherein one of the first fastener pile and the second fastener pile comprises a plurality of hooks and the other of the first fastener pile and the second fastener pile comprises a plurality of loops.

6. The retention system according to claim 1 , wherein the forward strap and center vertical chin strap portion are coupled to the loop such that the vertical chin strap is substantially linear.

7. The retention system according to claim 1, wherein the forward strap is coupled to the loop such that the at least one forward strap and the at least one mounting strap are substantially perpendicular.

8. The retention system according to claim 1, the at least one mounting strap having at least one hole by which the at least one mounting strap is configured to be affixed to the helmet.

9. The retention system according to claim 1, the at least one forward strap having at least one hole by which the at least one forward strap is configured to be affixed to the helmet.

10. A retention system for a helmet comprising: an adjustable nape assembly comprising: a semi-rigid shell sized and configured to fit within an interior of a helmet and around a portion of a wearer's head, the semi-rigid shell comprising a semi-rigid shell body and two semi-rigid shell legs and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a pad comprising a pad body and two pad legs attached to the interior surface of the semi-rigid shell so that the pad body and pad legs are generally aligned with the semirigid shell body and semi-rigid shell legs, an adjustment strap having a first end attached to one of the semi-rigid shell legs and a second end portion having a mount point for attaching the adjustment strap to an interior of a helmet; and a buckle capable of adjusting the length of the adjustment strap between the pad leg and mount point.

1 1. The retention system according to claim 10, wherein an upper portion of the semi-rigid shell extends beyond the pad body and has a mount point for mounting the semi-rigid shell to a helmet.

12. The retention system according to claim 10, wherein the semi-rigid shell comprises expanded polypropylene.

13. The retention system according to claim 10, wherein the pad comprises a foam material enclosed in fabric.

14. The retention system according to claim 10, wherein the semi-rigid shell comprises a flexible joint between each of the semi-rigid shell legs and the semi-rigid shell body.

15. The retention system according to claim 10 further comprising: a horizontal chin strap comprising: a center horizontal chin strap portion comprising a first center horizontal chin strap portion and a second center horizontal chin strap portion, a first fastener for reversibly coupling the first center horizontal chin strap portion and the second center horizontal chin strap portion, and at least one mounting strap for affixing the horizontal chin strap to a helmet; and a vertical chin strap comprising: a second fastener for reversibly coupling a first end of the vertical chin strap to a body of the vertical chin strap, a loop through which the vertical chin strap passes through, and at least one forward strap for affixing the vertical chin strap to a helmet, wherein the vertical chin strap is secured to the horizontal chin strap at two points of intersection.