STRAP-TO-HELMET QUICK CONNECTOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective exploded view of the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective exploded view of the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an end exploded view of the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of the assembled configuration of the housing and the actuator.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the housing and actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the actuator as used in the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the housing of the connector assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view showing the connector assembly of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an upper perspective exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a lower perspective view of the pivot member and spring associated with the connector assembly of the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the strap connector assembly 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The strap connector assembly 10 includes a housing 12 that is adapted to be secured to a surface of the helmet. The housing will have at least one slot formed therein. An actuator 14 will be positioned in an interior 16 of the housing 12. The actuator 14, as will be described hereinafter, is movable between a first position and a second position. An insert member 18 is adapted to be secured to the chin strap. The insert member 18 has a portion 20 that is receivable within the slot of the housing 12. The actuator 14 cooperates with the insert member 18 such that the first position of the actuator 14 releases the insert member 18 from the housing 12 and the second position of the actuator 14 secures the insert member 18 to the housing 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the housing 12 has an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24. The inner surface 24 is adapted to bear against a surface of the helmet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface 24 can have a tail 26 extending outwardly therefrom. Tail 26 is adapted to fit within a slot formed at an exterior surface of the helmet. In particular, the relation between the inner surface 24 and the tail 26, as fitting within the slot of the helmet, stabilizes and secures the housing 12 to the helmet. It also resists any pivoting of the housing 12. The tail 26 also helps to deflect impacts over a wider area and to distribute the force of the impact away from the strap connector assembly 10 toward the surfaces of the helmet. Additionally, the tail 26 of the strap connector assembly 10 of the present invention improves the aesthetic appearance of the strap and the connector assembly used to secure the strap to the helmet. The tail 26 has a portion 28 extending upwardly toward the outer surface 22 of the housing 12. The tail 26 will have generally a triangular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 1. 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 tail 26 or the slot of the helmet).

The interior 16 of the housing 12 will have a channel formed therein. This channel receives the actuator 14 therein. The actuator 14 is spring-loaded within this channel of the housing 12 so as to urge the actuator into the second position. The actuator 14 has a button surface 30 exposed at the outer surface 22 of the housing 12. The button surface 30 is adapted to allow user to move the actuator 14 from the second position to the first position. As will be described hereinafter, the button surface 30 will be flush with or slightly recessed into the outer surface 22 of the housing 12 when in the second position of the actuator 14.

The portion 20 of the insert member 18 has a tongue 32 extending outwardly of the body 34 of insert member 18. Tongue 32 is adapted to be received within the slot of the housing 12. The tongue 32 has an upper surface 36 and a bottom surface 38. The bottom surface 38 is adapted to engage with a surface of the actuator 14 when the actuator 14 is in the second position. The tongue 32 is a ramp surface 40 formed thereon at or adjacent to an end of the tongue 32 opposite the body 34.

In normal use, as will be described hereinafter, the actuator 14 will be received within the interior 16 of the housing 12. In particular, the actuator 14 will be spring-loaded within the interior 16. As such, the spring will urge the button surface 30 of the actuator 14 into proximity with the outer surface 22 of the housing 12. The insert member 18 (which is secured to the chin strap) will be inserted through the slot of the housing 12. The ramp surface 40 will slide through this slot in the housing 12 so as to urge against a bottom portion 42 of the actuator 14. This will urge the actuator 14 downwardly within the interior 16 of the housing 12. Ultimately, when the insert member 18 reaches a desired insert position within the housing 12, a pocket or indentation formed on the bottom surface 38 of the tongue 32 will engage with a protrusion formed on the lower portion 42 of the actuator 14. This will cause the insert member 18 to be fully engaged within the interior 16 of the housing 12. 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 18 (along with the strap connected thereto) is securely affixed within the interior 16 of the housing 12. In order to release the insert member 18 from the housing 12, the user will put pressure (by a finger or otherwise) upon the button surface 30 of the actuator 14 so as to release the protrusion on the lower portion 42 of the actuator 14 from the pocket or indentation on the bottom surface 38 of the tongue 32. The tongue 32 can then slide outwardly of the slot of the housing 12 so that the insert member 18 is released from the housing 12.

This connection is carried out in a simple and easy manner. The user can simply preform a one-handed connection between the insert member 18 and the housing 12. This provides a fast strap-to-helmet connection. It also serves to prevent any accidental disengagement between the insert member 18 and the housing 12. The “click” sound from the snap-fit connection will provide an audio feedback to the user of the proper connection.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the connector assembly 10 of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2 shows that the housing 12 has a channel 44 formed therein. Housing 12 also has a screw hole 46 opening at the bottom surface 24. The tail 26 has a bottom surface 48. The actuator 14 includes a slide 50 that can extend into the channel 44 of the housing 12. A post 52 is formed at the bottom of the button surface 30 of the actuator 14. Post 52 will allow the end of a coil spring to be secured thereto. As such, this will allow for the actuator 14 to be “spring-loaded” within the channel 44 of the housing 12.

The insert member 18 is illustrated as having a body 34 and a tongue 32. The bottom of tongue 32 has the ramp surface 40 formed thereon. The bottom surface 38 of tongue 32 includes a pocket 54. Pocket 54 is adapted to engage with a protrusion formed on the lower portion 42 of the actuator 14. A screw hole 56 is formed in the body 34 of the insert member 18. Screw hole 58 is adapted is adapted to receive a screw therein. This screw can be used so as to fixedly secure the strap to the insert member 18.

Referring to FIG. 2, the screw hole 46 is formed on the inner surface 24 of the housing 12. The screw hole 46 is adapted to receive a threaded member therein. This threaded member is adapted to extend to 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. As such, a user can easily affix the housing 12 to a hole or an indentation formed on the exterior surface of the helmet. The tail 26 extends outwardly from the inner surface 24 of the housing 12. In the preferred embodiment, the tail 26 is adapted to fit within the slot formed on the exterior surface of the helmet. FIG. 2 shows that the tail 26 has a generally triangular cross-section. Alternatively, the tail 26 can be omitted from the housing 12 and the helmet does not require a slot. The housing can be secured to the helmet in a wide variety of techniques.

FIG. 3 further shows the configuration of the connector assembly 10 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows, in particular, that the housing 12 has slot 60 formed therein. Slot 60 has a configuration suitable for receiving the tongue 32 of the insert member 18. The actuator 14 has a generally U-shaped configuration extending below the button surface 30. It can be seen that there is a protrusion 62 formed on the lower portion 22 of the actuator 14. Protrusion 62 will engage with the pocket 54 on the lower surface 38 of the tongue 32 of insert member 18. The protrusion 62, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is a ramp surface. However, within the concept of the present invention, the protrusion is 62 can take on a wide variety of other configurations, such as a block or a post. The post 52 extends downwardly from the button surface 30 in a direction toward the protrusion 62. Post 52 can receive a coil spring thereon. In a preferred embodiment the present invention, the coil spring will have a wide diameter at one end and a narrow diameter at an opposite end. This will avoid any binding when the spring is compressed. In particular, the post 52 can receive the narrow diameter end of the coil spring thereon. The wide diameter end of the coil spring can bear against surfaces on the interior 16 of the housing 12 so as to cause the actuator 14 to be spring-loaded relative to the housing 12. The coil spring will urge the actuator 14 toward the second position in which the tongue 32 is locked in the second position within the housing 12.

FIG. 3 shows that the body 34 of the insert member 18 has a first slot 64 and a second slot 66 formed therein. In normal use, the strap of the chin guard will initially be threaded to the first slot 64, loop around the middle section 68 and return through the second slot 66. As such, these portions of the chin strap will be neatly aligned with each other so that an unsightly appearance of the chin strap having portions dangling outwardly therefrom, is avoided. The strap will be threaded through the slots 64 and 66 so as to be fixedly received therein. As a result, the strap will not be adjustable when the tongue 32 of the insert member 18 is received within the slot 60. As a result, the chin guard will always be in its proper fit position on the user whenever the insert member 18 is inserted within the slot 60 of the housing 12. A screw can be placed within the screw hole 56 of the body 34 of insert member 18 to further secure the strap portions in their fixed positions. This serves to avoid any circumstance where the user changes the orientation or tightness of the strap during use. The strap can only be adjusted when the insert member 18 is disengaged from the housing 12. This configuration always assures that the proper fit between the chin guard and the chin of the user is achieved.

In normal use, when the pocket 54 of the tongue 32 of the insert member 18 is positioned over the protrusion 62 of the actuator 14, the insert member 18 is locked in a secure position. In order to release the insert member 18 from this locked position, it is only necessary for the user to depress the button portion 30 downwardly so that the protrusion 62 is released from the pocket 54. This allows the user to slide the tongue 32 from the slot 60 and release the insert member 18 from the housing 12.

FIG. 4 shows the assembled configuration of the housing 12 and the actuator 14. It can be seen that the button surface 30 of the actuator 14 is slightly recessed within the upper surface 22 of the housing 12. This will avoid any accidental release of the insert member 18 from the housing 12 during contact at a football game. The slot 60 is formed at one end of the housing 12. The tail 26 is formed at an opposite end of the housing 12.

In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the button surface 30 has a generally square or rectangular configuration. This fits within the square or rectangular opening formed in the housing 12. The square or rectangular shape of the button surface 30 assures that inadvertent and undesired rotation of the actuator 14 does not occur. The actuator 14 is easily accessible by a user. A simple pressing of the actuator 14 will allow the insert member 18 to be released from the slot 60. A simple insertion of the tongue 32 of the insert member 18 in the slot 60 will automatically cause the actuator 14 to engage with the pocket formed on the underside of the tongue 32 so as to fix the position of the tongue 32 within the slot 60 in the interior of the housing 12.

FIG. 5 shows the bottom view of the housing 12 of the connector assembly of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 shows that the screw hole 46 opens at the bottom surface 24 of the housing 12. Since the housing 12 can be formed of a polymeric material, a metallic female threaded portion can be part of the screw hole 46. This serves to avoid any unnecessary loosening of the connection between the housing 12 and the helmet. Similarly, the insert member 18 is illustrated as received within the slot 60 of the housing 12. The top surface 70 of the body 34 of insert member 18 will be flush with the top surface 22 of the housing 12. This avoids any sharp edges that might present themselves when assembled. The insert member 18 has screw hole 56 illustrated as formed on the bottom surface thereof. Screw hole 56 can be reinforced with a metallic female threaded member. As such, these metallic female threaded members used for the screw holes 46 and 56 can be co-molded with the molding of the housing 12 and the insert member 18. Similarly, a metallic body can also be co-molded within the interior of each of the housing 12 and the insert member 18 so as to provide a further rigid and secure construction.

FIG. 5 shows that the lower portion 22 of the actuator 14 is received within the slot formed in the housing 12. When the insert member 18 is inserted within the slot 60 of the housing 12, the interaction between the tongue 32 and the bottom portion 22 of the actuator 14 will cause the bottom surface 22 to move toward the bottom surface 14 of the housing 12.

FIG. 6 shows an isolated view of the actuator 14. Actuator 14 has the button surface 30 formed at a top thereof. A post 52 extends downwardly from the button surface 30. A U-shaped structure 80 will also extend outwardly from the button surface 30. This U-shaped structure 80 is received within the channel 72 of the housing 12. A protrusion 82 is formed within the interior of this U-shaped structure 80 and extends upwardly from the lower surface 22 of the actuator 14. Wings 84 and 86 extend outwardly of the U-shaped structure 80 so as to provide a positive indication of assembly. In another embodiment the wings may be replaced with a plate affixed the bottom surface of the actuator lower bar 22.

The post 52 is adapted to receive one end of a coil spring 51 thereon. The coil spring 51 will has an opposite end bearing upon interior structures of the housing 12 (as shown in FIG. 6A in dashed lines) so as to create a resilient action with respect to the actuator 14.

As can be seen from the above description, the present invention provides a multiple part connecting device that secures the chin strap to the helmet in one non-adjustable position when the connector assembly is connected. The strap is not adjustable while the housing 12 and the insert member 18 are connected and engaged. Once the strap is properly adjusted with respect to the insert member 18, the strap is always connected in the same position. This is important for the best and safest fit. The strap length can be adjusted but requires that the insert member 18 be disengaged from the housing 12. The insert member 18 receives the strap from the chin strap cup. This strap will go into one of the slots 64 and 66 and exit through the other of the slots 64 and 66 of the insert member 18. This “threading” secures the strap to the insert member. The insert member can include an optional securing element, such as a screw, so as to further and assist in maintaining the strap in its fixed position relative the insert member 18. The housing 12 is attachable to the football helmet. The housing is designed to accept the tongue 32 of the insert member 18. When the insert member 18 is connected into the slot 60 of the housing 12, the chin strap is connected to the helmet in a secure manner. This connector assembly allows for a faster chin strap-to-helmet connection. It can be assembled with only one hand.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the strap connector assembly 100 of the present invention. The strap connector assembly 100 includes a housing 102, insert member 104 and a pivot member 106. The housing 102 has a surface 108 that is adapted to be affixed to a helmet. As will be described hereinafter, the housing 102 has a chamber formed on the interior thereof. The housing 102 includes a tail portion 110 that extends outwardly of the housing 102. When installed upon a helmet, the tail 110 serves to distribute impacts over a larger area, to provide stability between the connector assembly 100 and the helmet, and improve the aesthetic appearance of the connector assembly and straps associated therewith.

The insert member 104 includes a body 112 that is illustrated as received within the and 114 of the housing 102. The body 112 will include an insert structure (in the manner of the previous embodiment) that receives a strap therein. The strap will extend outwardly of the back 116 of the insert member 104. This structure will assure that the end of the strap will be aligned with the remaining portion of the strap so as to present a clean appearance. Unsightly outwardly extending ends of the strap are avoided through the structure of the connector assembly of the present invention.

The pivot member 106 is received within a chamber 118 of the housing 102. Pivot member 106 is used to secure the insert member 104 within the housing 102. The pivot member 106 includes an upper surface 120 that has a plurality of gussets 122 extending thereacross. Gussets 122 serve to increase the structural integrity of the pivot member 106. The pivot member 106 will extend generally flush with the upper surface of the housing 102. It can also be slightly recessed within the chamber 118 of the housing 112. It is important that the upper surface 120 of the pivot member 106 be configured such that impacts upon the connector assembly 100 will minimize chances that the insert member 140 will become disconnected from the housing 102.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of each of the housing 102, the insert member 104 and the pivot member 106. Housing 102 is illustrated as showing the chamber 118 formed therein. Holes 122 are formed in a wall of the housing 102. Holes 122 are aligned on the opposite walls of the chamber 118. These holes 122 are adapted to receive an axle which allows the pivoting of the pivot member 106 within the chamber 118.

The insert member 104 includes the body 112 having a tongue 126 extending outwardly therefrom. Tongue 126 has a receptacle 128 formed in the top surface thereof. A tapered surface 130 will extend from the receptacle 128. Tapered surface 130 facilitates the ability of the tongue 126 to enter the slot formed on the wall 114 of the housing 102.

FIG. 8 further shows the strap receptacle 132 formed at the back 116 of the insert member 104. A strap receptacle 132 is adapted to allow a strap to the threaded therethrough such that the strap is fixedly secured to the insert member 104. The pivot member is illustrated as having a wall 136 that will face the end 138 of the insert member 104. A lip 140 is formed at the bottom of the wall 136. Lip 140 is insertable into the receptacle 128 when in the locked position. Lip 140 will be free of the receptacle 128 when in an unlocked position. The pivot member 106 includes flanges 144 at the bottom thereof. Flanges 144 also have holes formed therein. These holes will align with the holes 122 of the housing 102. An axle will be received by these holes so as to allow the pivot member 106 to pivot within the chamber 118 of the housing 102.

FIG. 9 is an view of the underside of the pivot member 106. As can be seen, there is a spring 150 that is received upon a pin 152 on the inner surface 154 of the pivot member 106. Spring 156 will have one end bearing against the bottom of the chamber 118 of the housing 102. The other end of the spring 150 will bear against the inner surface 154 of the pivot member 106 so as to urge against the inner surface 154.

FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration of the lip 140 formed at the bottom of the wall 136 of the pivot member 106. Lip 140 is adapted to be received within the receptacle 128 on the tongue 126 of the insert member 104. The axle 156 is illustrated as extending outwardly of the holes associated with the flanges 144 so as to be received within the holes 122 of the housing 102.

In relation to the previous FIGS. 7-9, the strap connector assembly 100 provides a simple and unique manner in which to secure the strap to the helmet. In order to lock the strap to the helmet, the tongue 126 is inserted into the slot of the housing 102 until the end 138 of the insert member 104 abuts the wall 114 of the housing 102. This movement will cause the lip 140 to glide along the tapered surface 130 until the lip 144 resiliently enters to the receptacle 128. This will produce a “click” sound so as to provide an audio indication to the user that the strap is securely connected to the helmet. When it is desired to remove the strap from the helmet, the pivot member 136 can have a downward pressure applied to the upper surface 120 thereof. This will go against the force of the spring 150 so as to cause the lip 140 to separate from the receptacle 128. The tongue 126 can then be pulled from the interior of the chamber 118 such that the strap associated with the insert member 104 is separated from the housing 102 that is secured to the helmet.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made is the scope of the present invention without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.