Strap-To-Helmet Quick Connector

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/569,509, filed on Mar. 25, 2024.

The present invention relates to connectors that are used to secure a chin strap to a helmet. More particularly, the present invention relates to connector assemblies wherein the connector assembly is easily releasable or securable to the helmet.

Protective helmets to minimize head injuries have been known and used for many years. For example, football helmet shells have been produced from injection molded ABS, or polycarbonate plastic. Helmets intended for youth usage have usually been produced from ABS plastic, and helmets for adult usage have usually been produced from polycarbonate plastic. ABS plastic is significantly less expensive than polycarbonate, but ABS plastic is not as structurally rigid as polycarbonate. As the level of intensity of contact in youth football is significantly lower than that as the adult level, ABS has been accepted as a satisfactory material for use at the youth level. For adult helmets, however, the structural rigidity of the polycarbonate material minimizes the flex and deformation of the shell under extreme impact conditions. The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) has been responsible for setting minimum performance criteria for football helmets.

Protection is also improved by the addition of a face mask attached to the helmet. For example, football helmets are usually equipped over the exposed face area with a vinyl coated wire or other metal structure, or an injection molded plastic face mask. The obvious purpose of the face mask is to protect the face of the player from injury, while not obstructing the player's vision unnecessarily. The addition of a face mask can also increase the rigidity of the shell which improves performance. Helmet shells are generally designated with smooth spherical surfaces to allow the shells to glance and slide on impact.

Protective helmets usually include a chin strap to retain the helmet, particularly during impact. In the past, chin straps were frequently constructed using a molded plastic cup made of compression or injection-molded plastic material. A pad, usually of a felt or foam material, was bonded or otherwise attached to the plastic cup. This cup construction is preferable to non-padded chin straps which have been standard equipment on football helmets. Non-padded chin straps do not offer any impact protection to the chin area and only serve to secure the helmet to the player's head. Padded chin cups provide an added measure of protection to the chin from impacts, in addition to securing the helmet to the player's head. Improvement in the impact absorption performance of padded chin straps is desirable. Most molded plastic chin cups currently used are molded in a manner which allows the formed cup to flex to a degree upon impact. An improved construction is a rigid material which does not flex on impact to an undesirable degree, thus distributing the impact force over a larger area of the chin.

In certain chin guards, the chin strap can be adjustable once secured to the helmet. This allows a player to modify the connection between the chin strap and the helmet to a position in which the chain guard may be too loose or improperly secured. From a safety standpoint it is important that the user maintain the chin guard in its desired position to assure that the proper connection between the strap and the helmet has been achieved.

In the past, various patents have issued relating to adjustable chin guard assemblies. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,368, issued on Mar. 3, 1987 to Infusino et al, shows an adjustable chin strap assembly that has a flexible piece of material which forms a chin cup, a pair of support straps slidably attached to the chin cup, two adjustment pieces through the support straps slidably intersect, and a set of four slidable snaps which releasably fasten the support straps to an athletic helmet. The attitude of the flexible chin cup can be adjusted by sliding the adjustment piece along the lengths of the support straps to each side of the chin cup thereby allowing for maximum user comfort.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,274 issued on Aug. 18, 1998 to N. Kraemer, teaches a chin protector for a helmet. This chin protector has an inner member and an outer member. A suspension arrangement is provided for at least partially suspending a portion of the outer member in spaced relationship to a central portion of an inner member. This forms a gap between the inner and outer members.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,932 issued on Jul. 4, 2000 to N. Kraemer, describes a chin strap assembly for use with an athletic helmet. This chin strap assembly has a chin cup member having a flexible strap on each side of the chin cup member. A flexible strap passes through a plurality of slots formed in the chin cup member. In particular, this strap is threaded through the slots of the cup and is adjustably maintained relative to the cup.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,024, issued on Nov. 19, 2002 to S. P. Grant, shows a protective chin strap device for securing a helmet to a wearer's head. The chin strap includes a hard outer shell, an inner member made of a self-supporting, cushioned material, and straps attached to the outer shell for securing the chin strap to a helmet. The inner member is secured with respect to the outer shell so as to contact the outer shell adjacent to wearer's chin.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,160 issued on Jun. 15, 2010, to the present inventor, provides a chin guard apparatus that has a shell with a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin, a resilient layer received within the cup of the shell and having a periphery overlying the outer peripheral edge of the shell, a first strap affixed to one side of the shell and extending outwardly therefrom, and a second strap affixed to an opposite side of the shell and extending outwardly therefrom. A bladder may be affixed to a surface of the resilient layer opposite the shell.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,370, issued on Feb. 15, 2011 to M. M. Winningham, provides a protective chin pad assembly that has an outer shell of a plastic material and straps attached thereto. An inner cushion member is attached to the shell independently of the straps. The shell has an outer surface and an inner surface providing a pocket with a pair of openings formed in the shell between the inner and outer surfaces. The inner cushion member is received in the pocket of the shell. An attachment mechanism has a pair of elongate members extending from an outer surface of the cushion member. Each of the elongate members is received through a separate one of the openings in the shell and coupled outwardly from the outer surface of the shell to releasably attach the cushion member to the shell independently of the straps.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,475, issued on Apr. 12, 2011 to Nascimento et al, discloses an impact-attenuating chin protector. The chin protector has a hard outer shell and a narrowed central area. An inner foam member is affixed to the shell. The foam member includes a series of alternating foam columns and recesses with perforations at controlled locations. The inner surface of the foam member is configured so that almost the entire interior surface contacts the wearer's chin. The columns and recesses are configured so that the recesses are located around two pressure points on the chin.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,322, issued on Aug. 30, 2011 to the present inventor, teaches a chin guard that has a shell with a cup suitable for fitting upon a human chin and a resilient layer received within the cup of the shell. The resilient layer has a periphery overlying the outer peripheral edge of the shell. The resilient layer has a support layer in surface-to-surface contact with the surface of the shell. A plurality of padded sections are integrally formed with the support layer.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D606,707, issued on Dec. 22, 2009 to the present inventor, shows a chin guard design in which a foam resilient layer has a plurality of bumps formed on the surface thereof.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0122402, published on May 20, 2010 to A. S. Tipp, teaches a visor attachment clip for use with a helmet in which the helmet has at least one face mask bar. The visor is configured to provide a shield associated with the face mask bar. A mounting bracket is configured to secure the visor to the face mask bar. The mounting bracket includes a clip and a thumbscrew removably connected to the clip. The clip defines a channel configured to receive the face mask bar. A threaded receptacle is positioned on the clip. The thumbscrew includes a threaded post connected to a thumb wheel. The threaded post is configured to threadably engage with the receptacle of the clip and releasably retain the thumbscrew on the clip. The threaded post of the thumbscrew is configured to extend through a hole of the visor and into the receptacle. When the thumb wheel is rotated, the thumb wheel clamps the visor between the thumb wheel and the mounting bracket.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0222198, published on Sep. 6, 2012 to W. W. Tatomir, shows a mounting assembly for a face shield which mounts to a protective helmet. A mounting assembly has a base, a spacer assembly and a pair of posts. The base is disposed on the interior of the helmet. The posts are contracted to the base and extend outwardly through holes that are formed in the one side of the helmet. The spacer assembly slides over the post when the posts are inserted through the corresponding holes in the helmet so as to frictionally engage the outer surfaces of the first and second posts such that the helmet is disposed between the base and the spacer assembly. The post threadably receives corresponding fasteners that attach the face shield to the helmet.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0084857, published on Mar. 29, 2018 to the present inventor, teaches an adapter for attaching a chin strap to a helmet. This adapter has a body and a post affixed to the body. The body has a first face and a second face extending in generally parallel relation. The body has an outwardly extending portion projecting outwardly of the portion of the second face. The body includes a threaded receptacle affixed or formed therein. The threaded receptacle opens at the first face and opens at an outer surface of the outwardly extending portion. The post is affixed to the first face of the body and is adapted to receive a snap post buckle of the chin strap thereon.

Certain football helmets on the market today include a recess or opening formed on a surface thereof. This recess is intended to receive various appliances therein. One type of appliance that has been utilized in such a recess is a ratchet mechanism. This item is referred to as a “ratchet hook-up” that can be used with chin straps so as to adjust the position of the chin strap relative to the helmet. The ratchet mechanism is removably received within this recess in the helmet in a lower position adjacent to the jaw of the wearer. Unfortunately, this ratchet mechanism and ratchet-type chin strap have proven to be problematic during use. For example, the ratchet mechanism may attach the chin guard too loosely to the chin of the wearer. This can be unsafe if the helmet is not properly secured. As such, a need has developed to avoid and prevent the use of a random strap adjustment system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that makes it easier to fit a chin strap in the proper and most ideal position to a helmet of a user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly in which the chin strap is always in a proper fit position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is adaptable with certain modifications to various helmets.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is not adjustable when engaged.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is always connected in the same position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is only adjustable when disengaged.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that provides faster strap-to-helmet connections.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that allows for a one-handed connection in a fixed position of the chin strap to the helmet.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that prevents accidental disengagement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that has a neat appearance because the excess strap beyond the connection point is not visible.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that aligns the strap portions with each other when threaded through the connector assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that provides positive feedback both audible and tactile as to a proper connection between the chin strap and the helmet.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is designed to keep the strap that attaches to cup from slipping.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a connector assembly that is easy to use.

It is still a further object of the present invention provide a connector assembly that is easily replaceable.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.

The present invention is a connector assembly for securing a chin strap to a helmet. The connector assembly comprises a housing adapted to be secured to a surface of the helmet, an actuator positioned in the housing, and an insert member adapted to be secured to the chin strap. The housing has at least one slot formed therein. The actuator is movable between a first position and a second position. The insert member has a portion receivable within the slot of the housing. The actuator cooperates with the insert member such that the first position of the actuator releases the insert member from the housing and the second position of the actuator secures the insert number to the housing.

The housing of the connector assembly of the present invention has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is adapted to bear against the surface of the helmet. The inner surface of the housing has a screw hole formed therein. The screw hole is adapted to receive a threaded member therein. The threaded member is adapted to extend through a surface of the helmet so as to threadedly engage with the screw hole. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded member has a thumb wheel at an end thereof.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of the housing has a tail extending outwardly therefrom. The tail is adapted to fit within a slot formed on an exterior surface of the helmet. The tail has a portion extending toward the outer surface of the housing so as to define a generally triangular cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the housing is adapted to fit on an exterior surface of the helmet (and not within any slot formed on the helmet).

The housing has a channel formed therein. The channel receives the actuator therein. The actuator is spring-loaded within the channel of the housing so as to urge the actuator into the second position. The actuator has a button surface exposed at the outer surface of the housing. The button surface is adapted to allow a user to move the actuator from the second position to the first position. The button surface is flush with or slightly recessed into the outer surface of the housing when in the second position of the actuator. The actuator has a protrusion formed on an interior thereof. The protrusion is adapted to engage with a surface of the insert member when the actuator is in the second position. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion is of a ramp form. This ramp form has a shoulder adapted to bear against the surface of the actuator member. A spring is positioned within the housing so as to have one end bearing against the actuator and opposite end bearing against the interior of the housing. The spring urges the actuator to the second position. The spring is a coil spring in which one end of the coil spring has a diameter greater than a diameter at an opposite end of the coil spring.

The insert member has a tongue extending outwardly of a body of the insert member. The tongue is adapted to be received in the slot of the housing. The tongue has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the tongue is adapted to engage with a surface of the actuator when the actuator is in the second position. The tongue has a ramp surface formed thereon at or adjacent to the end of the tongue opposite the body. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tongue has a pocket formed on the bottom surface thereof. This pocketed is adapted to engage with the actuator in the second position.

The body of the insert member has one or more slots formed therein. In the present and preferred embodiment, the insert member has a pair of slots formed therein. The pair of slots are adapted to receive the chin strap therein. The body of the insert member has a screw hole formed therein. The screw hole has one end opening to a bottom of the body and an opposite end opening adjacent one of the pair of slots. A screw is received in the screw hole of the body of the insert member. The screw hole is adapted to have one end bearing against the surface of the chin strap so as to lock the chin strap within the insert member.

The present invention is a multiple part connecting device that secures the chin strap to the helmet in one non-adjustable position when the device is connected. The device is not adjustable when the two parts are connected and engaged. Once adjusted, the device always is connected in the same position and, preferably, with the best and safest fit. The strap length may be adjusted, but requires the parts to be disengaged and re-threaded. One part (referred to as the male part) receives the strap from the chin strap cup. The strap goes in one or more slots and returns through a slot. This action is known as threading the strap. The male part of the strap connector may contain an optional securing element, such as a screw, to further assist in keeping the strap from moving. The female part of the strap connector the present invention is attachable to the football helmet. This female part is designed to accept the male part. When the parts are connected and engaged, the chin strap is connected to the helmet in a secure manner. The present invention allows for a faster “chin strap-to-helmet” connection. It can also be hooked up with one hand.

This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to this preferred embodiment can be made within the scope of the present claims. As such, this Section should not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Referring to, there is shown the strap connector assemblyin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The strap connector assemblyincludes a housingthat is adapted to be secured to a surface of the helmet. The housing will have at least one slot formed therein. An actuatorwill be positioned in an interiorof the housing. The actuator, as will be described hereinafter, is movable between a first position and a second position. An insert memberis adapted to be secured to the chin strap. The insert memberhas a portionthat is receivable within the slot of the housing. The actuatorcooperates with the insert membersuch that the first position of the actuatorreleases the insert memberfrom the housingand the second position of the actuatorsecures the insert memberto the housing.

As can be seen in, the housinghas an outer surfaceand an inner surface. The inner surfaceis adapted to bear against a surface of the helmet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surfacecan have a tailextending outwardly therefrom. Tailis adapted to fit within a slot formed at an exterior surface of the helmet. In particular, the relation between the inner surfaceand the tail, as fitting within the slot of the helmet, stabilizes and secures the housingto the helmet. It also resists any pivoting of the housing. The tailalso helps to deflect impacts over a wider area and to distribute the force of the impact away from the strap connector assemblytoward the surfaces of the helmet. Additionally, the tailof the strap connector assemblyof the present invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the strap and the connector assembly used to secure the strap to the helmet. The tailhas a portionextending upwardly toward the outer surfaceof the housing. The tailwill have generally a triangular cross-section, as shown in. In alternative embodiment, the helmet does not have a slot thereon. As such, the inner surface is simply secured to an exterior surface of the helmet (an does not require either the tailor the slot of the helmet).

The interiorof the housingwill have a channel formed therein. This channel receives the actuatortherein. The actuatoris spring-loaded within this channel of the housingso as to urge the actuator into the second position. The actuatorhas a button surfaceexposed at the outer surfaceof the housing. The button surfaceis adapted to allow user to move the actuatorfrom the second position to the first position. As will be described hereinafter, the button surfacewill be flush with or slightly recessed into the outer surfaceof the housingwhen in the second position of the actuator.

The portionof the insert memberhas a tongueextending outwardly of the bodyof insert member. Tongueis adapted to be received within the slot of the housing. The tonguehas an upper surfaceand a bottom surface. The bottom surfaceis adapted to engage with a surface of the actuatorwhen the actuatoris in the second position. The tongueis a ramp surfaceformed thereon at or adjacent to an end of the tongueopposite the body.

In normal use, as will be described hereinafter, the actuatorwill be received within the interiorof the housing. In particular, the actuatorwill be spring-loaded within the interior. As such, the spring will urge the button surfaceof the actuatorinto proximity with the outer surfaceof the housing. The insert member(which is secured to the chin strap) will be inserted through the slot of the housing. The ramp surfacewill slide through this slot in the housingso as to urge against a bottom portionof the actuator. This will urge the actuatordownwardly within the interiorof the housing. Ultimately, when the insert memberreaches a desired insert position within the housing, a pocket or indentation formed on the bottom surfaceof the tonguewill engage with a protrusion formed on the lower portionof the actuator. This will cause the insert memberto be fully engaged within the interiorof the housing. This connection will create a “click” sound which provides positive feedback to the user that a proper connection has been made. Once in this position, the insert member(along with the strap connected thereto) is securely affixed within the interiorof the housing. In order to release the insert memberfrom the housing, the user will put pressure (by a finger or otherwise) upon the button surfaceof the actuatorso as to release the protrusion on the lower portionof the actuatorfrom the pocket or indentation on the bottom surfaceof the tongue. The tonguecan then slide outwardly of the slot of the housingso that the insert memberis released from the housing.

This connection is carried out in a simple and easy manner. The user can simply preform a one-handed connection between the insert memberand the housing. This provides a fast strap-to-helmet connection. It also serves to prevent any accidental disengagement between the insert memberand the housing. The “click” sound from the snap-fit connection will provide an audio feedback to the user of the proper connection.

shows a bottom view of the connector assemblyof the present invention. In particular,shows that the housinghas a channelformed therein. Housingalso has a screw holeopening at the bottom surface. The tailhas a bottom surface. The actuatorincludes a slidethat can extend into the channelof the housing. A postis formed at the bottom of the button surfaceof the actuator. Postwill allow the end of a coil spring to be secured thereto. As such, this will allow for the actuatorto be “spring-loaded” within the channelof the housing.