Helmet Retention System

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method of use for retaining protective head gear without the use of a chin strap. The inventive device and method utilizes connection means to a chest harness or other equipment worn over the torso.

1 . A protective head gear retention device comprising a means for securing the protective head gear to a chest harness, wherein said means comprises two opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the protective head gear and the opposite end of the means is connected to a chest harness. 
     
     
         2 . The protective head gear retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for securing the protective head gear comprises bilaterally disposed pre- and a post-auricular straps, on either side of the head, wherein, the pre-auricular strap is disposed forward of the ear and the post-auricular strap is disposed behind the ear, and wherein the pre- and post-auricular straps are connected at one of its two ends to said protective head gear and the opposite ends of the pre- and post auricular straps join by a means for connecting straps to form a single strap and wherein said single strap is connected to a chest harness, by a securing means. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device also comprises an occipital strap that connects to said protective head gear near the occipital region of the head, and wherein said occipital strap is connected at one of its two ends to said protective head gear and opposite end protrudes down the back of the neck and connects to said chest harness by a means for connecting straps. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said connection to said chest harness is located at a point that is at or below the clavicular-manubrial insertion to the sternum. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for connecting straps to the chest harness or helmet comprises a means for quick release for separating the head gear from the chest harness. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said chest harness is incorporated in an inner or outer garment and is integral to that garment. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the chest harness comprises biometric sensors. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps, on either side of the head, are connected together below the ear by a means for fastening the straps and, wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps are connected by said means for fastening straps to a helmet strap that is operatively connected said chest harness. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said pre- and post-auricular straps are connected to a horizontally disposed strap that extends from ear to ear and around the back of the head that is connected by straps to said chest harness. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said quick release is a quick release buckle that releases upon pressing a button or lever. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said quick release mechanism operates automatically by a means for determining a preset exertion or force threshold and a means for releasing the connection of the protective head gear and a chest harness in response to exceeding the said preset threshold. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said chest harness can be detached from said garment by means for detaching and attaching. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said chest harness contains one or more sensors capable of measuring parameters selected from the group consisting of: body temperature of wearer, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, ambient air temperature, hydration/dehydration, global positioning and tension exerted between helmet and chest harness. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is the strap connection to said chest harness. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection is the connection between the pre- and post-auricular straps and said strap connected to said chest harness. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the protective head gear and chest harness connection is the connection between a securing strap and a horizontally disposed strap. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said protective head gear and chest harness connection also comprises the connection of the occipital strap to said protective head gear. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said connection also comprises the connection of the neck strap and said horizontally disposed strap. 
     
     
         19 . A method of protecting individuals from head injury comprising securing a protective head gear to a wearer using the device of  claim 1 , wherein the protective head gear is connected to a chest harness or garment worn on the wearer's torso. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said protective head gear can be quickly separated from said chest harness or garment.