Helmet strap

Abstract

A strap ( 14,15 ) used in a strap adjuster for a protective helmet is provided. The strap adjuster comprises a case ( 10 ) comprising a front face ( 11 ), a rear face ( 12 ) and a slot ( 13 ) therebetween. Within the slot ( 13 ) are received the ends of the two straps ( 14,15 ), each of which is slotted and defines on one side of the slot ( 13 ) a respective rack gear profiles ( 16,17 ). A control knob ( 18 ) is rotatable in the case ( 10 ) and has one or more pinion gear profiles to engage the respective rack gear profiles ( 16,17 ). Each strap ( 14,15 ) has a mid-portion comprising a plurality of thin strap portions ( 21 ) arranged side-by-side and separated by long apertures ( 22 ) in a direction transverse to the length of the strap ( 14,15 ). The apertures ( 22 ) define the thin strap portions ( 21 ) of increased flexibility, and may he at least partially out of the plane of the strap ( 14,15 ).

1 . A flexible helmet strap comprising plural openings along the length thereof, said openings being defined by strap portions lying side-by-side in a direction transverse to the length of the strap. 
     
     
         2 . A strap according to  claim 1  wherein said strap portions have substantially the same length. 
     
     
         3 . A strap according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein said strap portions have a substantially constant. spacing. 
     
     
         4 . A strap according to any preceding claim wherein said strap portions are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         5 . A strap according to  claim 4  wherein said strap portions have a substantially constant cross-sectional area. 
     
     
         6 . A strap according to  claim 5 , wherein said strap portions have a cross-sectional area of less than 2 mm 2 . 
     
     
         7 . A strap according to any of  claims 4 - 6 , wherein said strap portions are co-planar at one end thereof. 
     
     
         8 . A strap according to any preceding claim and having three strap portions. 
     
     
         9 . A strap according to any preceding claim and comprising a one-piece plastics moulding. 
     
     
         10 . A strap according to  claim 9  of nylon PA66. 
     
     
         11 . A helmet strap assembly comprising two helmet straps according to any of  claims 1 - 10  and a fixing, one end of each strap being adapted for connection to said fixing, and the other end of each strap being adapted for connection to a helmet component. 
     
     
         12 . An assembly according to  claim 11 , wherein said fixing comprises a means of drawing said straps into closer engagement around the wearer's head. 
     
     
         13 . An assembly according to  claim 11  or  claim 12  wherein in use said fixing is adapted to lie centrally at the rear of the wearer's head, said strap portions lying in use on either side thereof at the rear base of the skull. 
     
     
         14 . A helmet strap substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
         15 . A helmet strap assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.