Webbing Adjuster and Helmet Strap System Including Same

Abstract

A webbing adjuster for maintaining orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and secure connections in, e.g., a helmet, which allows for strap adjustment and, upon cinching, secures straps in place. The adjuster can be used in mountaineering, with motorcycle and bicycle helmets, and in other applications that benefit from orderly, adjustable strap arrangement and/or secure connections.

1 . A webbing adjuster selectively positionable and securable on a bight of webbing, the webbing having a width and a thickness, said adjuster comprising:
 a strap securing component comprising opposed sidewalls with a securing beam extending lengthwise between the sidewalls, the securing beam having a height in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction; and   a strap guiding component movably received between said sidewalls adjacent the securing beam, the strap guiding component defining at least a first opening with a width sufficient to receive a width of webbing and a height sufficient to receive at least two thicknesses of webbing;   wherein said securing beam height is greater than said first opening height and said strap securing and guiding components are configured and dimensioned to slidably receive the bight of webbing around the securing beam and through said at least one opening, and to trap the bight of webbing between the securing beam and strap guiding component in response to a force applied to the strap guiding component when tensioned in a direction opposite the bight of webbing.   
     
     
         2 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 1 , wherein said strap guiding component is designed and configured to slide between said securing component sidewalls relative to said securing beam. 
     
     
         3 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 1 , wherein said strap guiding component is designed and configured to rotate between said securing component sidewalls relative to said securing beam. 
     
     
         4 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 1 , wherein said strap guiding component defines at least a second opening below said first opening, said second opening having sufficient width and height to receive one thickness of webbing. 
     
     
         5 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 1 , wherein the securing beam is comprised of a material having sufficient stiffness so as not to deform into said first opening in response to tensioning of the strap guiding component away from the bight of webbing. 
     
     
         6 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 5 , wherein the securing beam comprises at least one longitudinally directed sharp edge for engaging the bight of webbing. 
     
     
         7 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 5 , wherein the securing beam has a trapezoidal cross section. 
     
     
         8 . The webbing adjuster according to  claim 5 , wherein the securing beam has at least one protrusion configured to engage the bight of webbing. 
     
     
         9 . A helmet strap system, comprising:
 a first helmet strap adapted to be secured at fore and aft positions on a helmet forming a bight therebetween, the strap having a width and a thickness;   a strap securing component comprising opposed sidewalls with a securing beam extending lengthwise between the sidewalls;   a strap guiding component movably received between said sidewalls adjacent the securing beam, the strap guiding component defining at least one opening with a height and a width sufficient to receive therethrough the bight of said first helmet strap, said bight passing through said at least one opening and around said securing beam; and   a chin strap looped through said at least one opening in the strap guiding component in a direction away from said bight of helmet strap;   wherein (i) said securing beam and strap guiding component trap the helmet strap bight therebetween when the chin strap is tensioned away from the helmet strap bight, and (ii) said securing component and said strap guiding component are slideable on the helmet strap bight when untensioned.   
     
     
         10 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein said strap guiding component is designed and configured to slide between sidewalls relative to securing beam. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein said strap guiding component is designed and configured to rotate between sidewalls relative to securing beam. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein said strap guiding component has at least two openings with a first opening having a height sufficient to receive two thicknesses of helmet strap and a second opening having a height sufficient to receive one thickness of chin strap, the bight of helmet strap being passed through said first opening and the chin strap being secured in a loop through said second opening. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein the securing beam is configured and dimensioned to not deform into said at least one opening in response to tensioning of the chin strap up to maximum design load. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 13 , wherein the securing beam height is greater than at least one opening height. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein the securing beam comprises at least one longitudinally directed sharp edge for engaging the helmet strap bight. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein the securing beam has a trapezoidal cross section. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , wherein the securing beam includes at least one protrusion configured to engage the helmet strap bight. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a second helmet strap adapted to be secured at fore and aft positions on an opposite side of the helmet from the first helmet strap; and   a second said strap guiding component and second said strap securing component positioned on said second helmet strap with a second end of said chin strap secured thereto;   wherein the chin strap comprises at least two pieces joined by a user openable connector.   
     
     
         19 . The helmet strap system according to  claim 18 , further comprising the helmet secured to said helmet straps. 
     
     
         20 . A method of adjusting a helmet strap system wherein the system includes at least one helmet strap configured to be anchored at fore and aft positions on a helmet, a webbing adjuster slidable on the at least one helmet strap, and a chin strap secured to the webbing adjuster, the method comprising:
 positioning the webbing adjuster at a desired position on the at least one helmet strap by sliding said adjuster along said helmet strap; and   securing the webbing adjuster at the desired position by trapping the helmet strap between cooperating parts of the webbing adjuster in response to tension applied to the chin strap in a direction away from the helmet strap and webbing adjuster.