Patent Publication Number: US-2017367430-A1

Title: Helmet retention system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/524,675, filed on Oct. 27, 2014 and title “Helmet Retention System”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/896,221, filed on Oct. 28, 2013 and titled “Helmet Retention System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Helmets generally include a shell, liner, and retention system. The helmet shell provides protection from protruding objects and is often configured to spread the impact load across the footprint of the helmet. The helmet liner is generally made of a softer and lower density material than the helmet shell. The helmet liner is often configured such that, upon impact, the helmet liner at least partially absorbs the impact energy from the force of an impact. The helmet retention system is generally configured to retain the helmet on the head of the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application discloses a helmet, a retention system for a helmet, and a method of adjusting a helmet. 
     In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a helmet shell and a retention system attached to the helmet shell. The retention system comprises a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, first and second straps extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion for adjusting the length of the first and second straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. Each strap comprises a strap segment and an elongated member attached to the strap segment, and wherein the elongated member is attached to both strap segments. The adjustment device is configured to selectively adjust the elongated member to move the first and second strap segments relative to the helmet shell and adjust the length of the first and second straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell to tighten and loosen the straps about the head of the user. 
     In certain embodiments, the retention system for a helmet comprises a padded portion connected to the rear of the helmet, a pair of first straps extending from the padded portion to right and left temple portions of the helmet, a pair of securing members attached to the right and left temple portions of the helmet, and a lacing device attached to the padded portion and configured to selectively adjust the length of the first straps between the padded portion and the temple portions of the helmet. Each first strap comprises a strap segment extending from the padded portion and a lace portion attached to the strap segment. The lace portion is attached to both strap segments. The securing members movably attach the lace portion to the helmet. The lacing device is configured to selectively adjust the lace portion to move the strap segments relative to the securing members and adjust the length of the first straps between the padded portion and the temple portions of the helmet to tighten and loosen the first straps about the head of the user. 
     In certain embodiments, the method of adjusting a helmet comprises utilizing a retention system attached to a helmet shell to stabilize a helmet on a user&#39;s head. The retention system comprising a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, first and second straps extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion for adjusting the length of the first and second straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. Each strap comprises a strap segment and an elongated member attached to the strap segment and movable relative to the helmet shell. The elongated member is attached to both strap segments. The method further comprises using the adjustment device to selectively adjust the elongated member and move the first and second strap segments relative to the helmet shell to adjust the length of the first and second straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell to tighten and loosen the straps about the head of the user. 
     Further aspects and concepts will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, embodiments of the invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to exemplify embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating a helmet retention system according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 2A  is a right side view of a helmet having a retention system according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 2B  is a left side view of the helmet of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a front view of the helmet of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2D  is a rear view of the helmet of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial bottom perspective view of the inside of a helmet having a retention system according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top plan view of the retention system of  FIG. 2A  removed from the helmet. 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial top plan view of the retention system of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a partial top plan view of the retention system of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a retention system removed from a helmet and according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustrating a helmet retention system according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 7A  is a top plan view of a retention system according to an embodiment of the present application removed from a helmet. 
         FIG. 7B  is a partial top plan view of the retention system of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a partial top plan view of the retention system of  FIG. 7A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The present application discloses a helmet, a retention system for a helmet, and a method of adjusting a retention system for a helmet. The retention system generally comprises a rear portion, a plurality of straps, and an adjustment device for adjusting one or more of the straps. 
     In the embodiments disclosed herein, the retention system is described for use with a military helmet shell. Examples of such military helmet shells include a US Army Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), a US Marine Corp Lightweight Helmet (LWH), an Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), a Personal Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet, or other typical ballistic helmet shells. However, the retention system may also be used with a variety of other helmets, including, but not limited to, tactical helmets, aircrew and flight helmets, sporting helmets, such as football, lacrosse, hockey, multi-sport, cycling, whitewater, climbing, softball, or baseball helmets, or safety helmets, such as industrial or construction helmets. 
     The present application discusses adjustment of the length of straps between two points. Adjustment of the length of a strap between two points means the distance between the two points is adjusted (i.e., increased or decreased). For example, straps between a chin portion and a rear portion of the retention system may be selectively adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between the chin portion and the rear portion. Further, any one or more straps of the present application may comprise one or a plurality of strap segments or other components, such as lacing or wire. For example, a strap between two points may comprise a strap segment and lacing attached to the strap segment. Selective adjustment of the length of the strap, such as, for example, by adjusting the lacing attached to the strap segment, increases or decreases the distance between the two points. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a retention system  100  according to an embodiment of the present application. The retention system  100  comprises a rear portion  102  attached to a rear  104  of a helmet shell, at least one flexible strap  108  extending from the rear portion to a front portion  106  of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device  114  attached to the rear portion for adjusting the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. The adjustment device  114  may be a variety of devices capable of adjusting the length of the strap  108 , such as, for example, wire, lacing, or belt systems in which a flexible wire, lace, or belt may be adjusted by winding and unwinding, retracting, or otherwise altering the free length of the wire, lace, or belt, or a system with a rigid or semi-rigid strap that can be driven with a rack and pinion gear, worm drive, or other mechanism to alter the free length of the strap. In certain embodiments, the adjustment device  114  is a lacing device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the strap  108  comprises a flexible strap segment  110  and a flexible elongated member  112 , such as, e.g., a wire, lace, or belt, attached to the strap segment. The elongated member  112  extends from the strap segment  110 , through a securing member  120  of the helmet, through an attachment portion  122  of the strap segment, and to the adjustment device  114 . The adjustment device  114  is configured to adjust the elongated member  112  by selectively altering the free length of the member. The attachment portion  122  attaches the elongated member  112  to the strap segment  110  and permits the member to move relative to the strap segment. The attachment portion  122  may be shaped and configured in a variety ways, such as, for example, a tube or conduit, one or more eyelets or arches, a sheath, a sleeve, a pocket, a passage, one or more slots or openings in the strap segment, or the like. The elongated member  112  may comprise a variety of materials, including steel, plastic, or fabric. In one embodiment, the elongated member  112  is made from Aircraft grade stainless steel. 
     When the adjustment device  114  is manipulated to retract the elongated member  112  into the adjustment device, the elongated member is moved in a first direction D 1  through the attachment member  122  and the securing member  120 . Further, the strap segment  110  is pulled toward the securing member  120 . The securing member  120  may be attached directly or indirectly to the helmet. In certain embodiments, the securing member  120  comprises a strap segment that is configured to be attached to the helmet and a clip that movably attaches the elongated member  112  to the strap segment. However, a variety of other means for movably attaching the elongated member to the helmet may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, an opening in the helmet, an opening in a strap segment, an eyelet, a loop, a ring, a clip, a sheath, a sleeve, a passage, a conduit, a buckle, a fastener, or the like may be used to movably attach the elongated member to the helmet. 
     In certain embodiments, the securing member  120  is attached at the right and/or left front side or temple portion of the helmet. Thus, when the elongated member  112  is retracted into the adjustment device  114 , at least a portion of the strap  108  is tightened against the side of the user&#39;s head and the rear portion  102  is pulled in a direction forward and upward against the rear of the user&#39;s head. Further, the retention system  100  is generally configured with straps  108  extending from the rear portion  102  on both the right and left sides of the helmet. As such, retraction of the elongated members  112  of the right and left straps  108  will fit the retention system  100  around the circumference of the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. 
     When the adjustment device  114  is manipulated to release the elongated member  112  and permit the member to be pulled out of the adjustment device, the elongated member is permitted to move in a second direction D 2  through the attachment member  122  and the securing member  120 . Further, the strap segment  110  is permitted to move away from the securing member  120 . As such, the strap  108  and the rear portion  102  of the retention system  100  are loosened to facilitate removal of the helmet shell from the user&#39;s head. In certain embodiments, the adjustment device  114  may be used to move the elongated member  112  in the second direction D 2  through the attachment member  122  and the securing member  120 . Further, the adjustment device  114  may be used to move the strap segment  110  away from the securing member  120 . 
     The rear portion  102  of the retention system  100  is generally configured to contact the rear of the user&#39;s head, e.g., the occipital or suboccipital portion of the head, and/or the nape of the user&#39;s neck and acts as an anchor point of the system. The rear portion may or may not extend below the rear edge of the helmet shell such that it is exposed and accessible to the user when wearing the helmet. The rear portion  102  may also be a variety of shapes and sizes, e.g., the rear portion may be shaped as a truncated triangle, square, rectangle, circle, or any other shape. The rear portion  102  may comprise padding material (e.g., foam) with a canvas covering. However, in certain embodiments, the rear portion may or may not be padded and may include one or more pieces of fabric or polymer material. 
     In certain embodiments, the retention system of the present application comprises a chin portion, a rear portion, a plurality of straps, and a lacing device for adjusting one or more of the straps. The chin portion is generally configured to receive the chin of a person wearing the helmet. The rear portion is connected to the chin portion and the rear of the helmet. A pair of first straps extend from the chin portion to the rear portion and the length of each first strap between the chin portion and rear portion is selectively adjustable. A pair of second straps extend from the chin portion to the front of the helmet and the length of each second strap between the chin portion and the front of the helmet is selectively adjustable. A pair of third straps extend from the rear portion to the front of the helmet. Each third strap comprises a strap segment and a lace portion attached to the strap segment. The lacing device is attached to the rear portion and configured to selectively adjust the lace portions relative to the lacing device to adjust a length of each third strap between the rear portion and the front of the helmet. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate a helmet  200  having a helmet shell  210  and a retention system  220  according to an embodiment of the present application. The retention system  220  is connected to the helmet shell  210  and is configured to hold and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. As shown, the retention system  220  comprises a chin portion  224 , a rear portion  222 , a plurality of straps  226 ,  228 , and  230 , and a lacing device  232  ( FIG. 2D ). 
     The chin portion  224  of the retention system  220  is configured to receive the chin of the user and acts as a first anchor point of the system. As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the chin portion  224  comprises a plurality of flexible straps, or webbing, that are sewn together and are sized and configured to receive the user&#39;s chin. However, the chin portion may be configured in a variety of other ways. For example, the chin portion may comprise one or more flexible pieces of fabric or polymer material. Further, the chin portion may comprise a chincup made of one or more components, such as, for example, a polymer or metallic structure formed as a chincup. Further still, the chin portion may comprise a liner material such as ultrasuede or padding material to provide comfort to the user&#39;s chin. 
     The rear portion  222  of the retention system  220  contacts the rear of the user&#39;s head, e.g., the occipital or suboccipital portion of the head, and/or the nape of the user&#39;s neck and acts as a second anchor point of the system. As shown in  FIG. 2D , the rear portion  222  comprises a pad  236  attached to the helmet shell  210  by one or more attachment straps  234  or webbing. At least a portion of the pad  236  extends below the rear edge of the helmet shell  210  such that it is exposed and accessible to the user when wearing the helmet  200 . The pad  236  may be a variety of shapes and sizes. As shown in  FIG. 2D , the pad  236  is shaped as a truncated triangle with a bottom edge extending substantially the width of the user&#39;s neck. The pad  236  comprises a padding material (e.g., foam) with a canvas covering and has a thickness between about 0.1 and 0.5 inches. However, in certain embodiments, the rear portion may or may not be padded and may include one or more pieces of fabric or polymer material. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the retention system  220  comprises a pair of first straps  226 , or webbing, connecting the chin portion  224  to the rear portion  222  of the system. The length of each first strap  226  between the chin portion  224  and the rear portion  222  may be selectively adjusted to tighten the rear portion against the user&#39;s head and/or neck and the rear of the helmet shell  210  down on the user&#39;s head. As illustrated, each first strap  226  comprises a cam lock slider or cam buckle that permits the length of the strap to be selectively adjusted by the user with one hand by pressing down and moving the slider or buckle. However, other strap adjustment devices may be used, such as, for example, various loops, slides, adjusters, clasps, buckles, Velcro®, or other strap adjustment devices. Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the first straps may not be adjustable and/or may be made of an elastic material. 
     The retention system  220  also comprises a pair of second straps  228 , or webbing, connecting the chin portion  224  to the front of the helmet shell  210 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the second straps  228  extend from the chin portion  224  to the right and left front sides or temple portions of the helmet shell  210 . The length of each second strap  228  between the chin portion  224  and the front of the helmet shell  210  may be selectively adjusted to tighten the front of the helmet shell down on the user&#39;s head. As illustrated, each second strap  228  comprises a cam lock slider or cam buckle that permits the length of the strap to be selectively adjusted by the user with one hand. However, other strap adjustment devices may be used, such as, for example, a loop, slide, adjuster, clasp, buckle, Velcro®, or other strap adjustment device. Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the second straps may not be adjustable and/or may be made of an elastic material. 
     The retention system  220  also comprises a pair of third straps  230 , or webbing, connecting the rear portion  222  to the front of the helmet shell  210 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the third straps  230  extend from the rear portion  222  to the right and left front sides or temple portions of the helmet shell  210 . The length of each third strap  230  between the rear portion  222  and the front of the helmet shell  210  may be selectively adjusted to fit the retention system around the circumference of the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. Various strap adjustment devices may be used, such as, for example, a loop, slide, adjuster, clasp, buckle, Velcro®, or other strap adjustment device. Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the third straps may not be adjustable and/or may be made of an elastic material. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , comfort pads  238  at least partially surround a portion of the third straps  230  to provide comfort to the sides of the user&#39;s head. 
     An adjustment device may be used to selectively adjust the length of the third straps  230  between the rear portion  222  and the front of the helmet shell  210 . In certain embodiments, the adjustment device is attached to the rear portion  222  and below the rear edge of the helmet shell  210  such that it is exposed and accessible to the user when wearing the helmet. Examples of adjustment devices that may be used include, for example, wire, lacing, or belt systems in which a flexible wire, lace, or belt may be adjusted by winding and unwinding, retracting, or otherwise altering the free length of the wire, lace, or belt, or a system with a rigid or semi-rigid strap that can be driven with a rack and pinion gear, worm drive, or other mechanism to alter the free length of the strap. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the adjustment device comprises a wire or lacing device  232  attached to the rear portion  222  below the rear edge of the helmet shell  210 . As illustrated, the lacing device  232  is a Boa lacing system, however other adjustable wire, lacing, belt, or strap devices may be used. As described in greater detail below, wires or laces  240  extending from the lacing device  232  are used to selectively adjust the length of the third straps  230  between the rear portion  222  and the front of the helmet shell  210 . The wires or laces  240  may comprise a variety of materials, including steel, plastic, or fabric. In one embodiment, the wires or laces  240  are made from Aircraft grade stainless steel. 
     The second, third, and attachment straps  228 ,  230 , and  234  may be attached to the helmet shell  210  in a variety of ways. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more of the straps are attached to a loop or other securing member that is attached to the helmet shell  210  with a fastener, such as a bolt or other fastening device. As an example,  FIG. 3  illustrates the second straps  228  attached to a loop  310  that is attached to the helmet shell  210  with a fastener  312 . In certain embodiments, a fastener is received through a hole in one or more of the straps to attach the strap directly to the helmet shell. Other methods of attaching the straps to the helmet shell may also be used, such as, for example, by threading the strap through an opening in the helmet shell or by use of an adhesive. Furthermore, any one or more of the second, third, and attachment straps  228 ,  230 , and  234  may be attached to a helmet liner of the helmet shell. 
     The attachment of any one or more of the second, third, and attachment straps  228 ,  230 , and  234  to the helmet shell  210  may also be adjustable. For example, the loop or other securing member attaching the strap to the helmet shell may be configured such that the distance from the strap attachment point to the helmet attachment point is adjustable. For example, a piece of strap, or webbing, attaching the loop or other securing member to the helmet shell may comprise a plurality of holes that may be used to attach the loop or securing member to the helmet shell. Furthermore, any one or more of the second, third, and attachment straps  228 ,  230 , and  234  may comprise a plurality of holes that may be used to attach the strap directly to the helmet shell. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , the retention system  220  comprises a buckle  250  to permit removal of the retention system and the helmet shell  210  from the head of the user. As illustrated, a first portion of the buckle  250  is attached to the chin portion  224  of the retention system  220  and a second portion of the buckle is attached to the first and second straps  226  and  228  of the retention system. As such, release of the buckle  250  permits the chin portion  224  to be disconnected from the first and second straps  226  and  228  such that the user can remove the helmet  200 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate the retention system  220  removed from the helmet shell  210 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate the retention system  220  with the comfort pads  238  and  FIG. 4C  illustrates the retention system with the comfort pads removed. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , first and second lace portions  410  and  412  extend from the lacing device  232  and through openings in the attachment straps  234  of the rear portion  222 . The first and second lace portions  410  and  412  are routed through tubes  414  attached to the outer surface of strap segments  450  and  452  of the third straps  230 . The tubes  414  movably attach the lace portions  410  and  412  to the strap segments  450  and  452  to permit selective adjustment of the length of each third strap  230  between the rear portion  222  and the front of the helmet shell. However, other means for movably attaching the lace portions to the strap segments may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more eyelets or arches, a sheath, a sleeve, a pocket, a passage or conduit, one or more slots or openings in the strap segment, or the like may be used to movably attach the lace portions to the strap segments. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates one side of the retention system  220  with the comfort pad removed to better show the connection of the lace portion. Although only one side of the retention system  220  is shown in  FIG. 4C , the connection of the lace portion is the same for both sides of the retention system. As, each third strap  230  comprises the strap segment  450  or  452  and the lace portion  410  or  412  attached to the strap segment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the lace portion  412  exits the tube  414  and is routed through a securing member  420  that is configured to be attached to the helmet shell, such as with a fastener inserted through opening  422 . The securing member  420  movably attaches the lace portion  412  to the helmet shell to permit selective adjustment of the length of each third strap  230  between the rear portion  222  and the front of the helmet shell. The end of the lace portion  412  is then attached to the strap segment  452  of the third strap  230 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the securing member  420  comprises a strap segment  470  that is configured to be attached to the helmet shell and a clip  472  that movably attaches the lace portion  412  to the helmet shell. However, other means for movably attaching the lace portion to the helmet shell may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, an opening in the helmet shell, an opening in a strap segment, an eyelet, a loop, a ring, a clip, a sheath, a sleeve, a passage, a conduit, a buckle, a fastener, or the like may be used to movably attach the lace portion to the helmet shell. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the end of the lace portion  412  comprises an enlarged portion  460  that is attached to the strap segment  452  by folding an end of the strap segment over and attaching it to itself to hold the enlarged portion in place. However, a variety of other methods may be used to attach the end of the lace portion  412  to the strap segment  452 , such as, for example, by routing the lace portion through an opening in the strap segment or using an adhesive, a loop or other fastening device to secure the lace portion to the strap segment. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the comfort pads  438  are configured to at least partially surround the connection and exposed lace portions  410  and  412  to protect the lace portions and provide comfort to the side of the user&#39;s head. 
     The lacing device  232  may be manipulated to retract the first and second lace portions  410  and  412  into the lacing device (e.g., by rotating a dial of the lacing device). When this occurs, each lace portion  410  and  412  is moved in a first direction through the tube  414  and securing member  420  and the end of the strap segment  450  and  452  is pulled toward the securing member. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the securing members are attached at the right and left front sides or temple portions of the helmet shell  210 . As such, when the lace portions  410  and  412  are retracted into the lacing device  232 , at least portions of the third straps  230  are tightened against the sides of the user&#39;s head and the rear portion  222  is pulled in a direction forward and upward against the rear of the user&#39;s head to fit the retention system  220  around the circumference of the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell  210  on the user&#39;s head. 
     The lacing device  232  may also be manipulated to release the first and second lace portions  410  and  412  and permit the lace portions to be pulled out of the lacing device (e.g., by pulling up on a dial of the lacing device). When this occurs, each lace portion  410  and  412  is permitted to move in a second direction through the tube  414  and securing member  420  and the strap segment  450  and  452  is permitted to move away from the securing member. As such, the third straps  230  and the rear portion  222  of the retention system  220  are loosened to facilitate removal of the helmet shell  210  from the user&#39;s head. In certain embodiments, the lacing device  232  may be used to move the lace portions  410  and  412  in the second direction through the tube  414  and the securing member  420 . Further, the lacing device  232  may be used to move the strap segments  450  and  452  away from the securing members  420 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a retention system  520  removed from the helmet shell. The retention system  520  is similar to the retention system  220  and, when connected to the helmet shell, is configured to hold and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. Similar to retention system  220 , the retention system  520  comprises a chin portion  224 , a rear portion  222 , a plurality of straps  226 ,  228 , and  230 , and a lacing device  232 . Each first and second strap  226  and  228  of the retention system  520  comprises a cam lock slider or cam buckle  504  that permits the length of the strap to be selectively adjusted by the user with one hand by flipping the top open and moving the slider or buckle. Further, the attachment point of each second and third strap  228  and  230  to the helmet shell is adjustable. As illustrated, an end portion  502  of each second strap  228  comprises a plurality of holes that may be used to attach the second and third straps to the helmet shell. 
     An exemplary method of adjusting the fit of a helmet on a user&#39;s head is described below. A retention system of the present application is attached to a helmet shell to stabilize the helmet on the user&#39;s head. In certain embodiments, the retention system comprises a rear portion connected to the rear of the helmet shell, at least one strap extending from the rear portion to a front portion of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device attached to the rear portion. The strap comprises a strap segment extending from the rear portion and an elongated member attached to the strap segment and movable relative to the helmet shell. The adjustment device is used to selectively adjust the elongated member and move the strap segment relative to the helmet shell to adjust the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. 
     When the adjustment device is used to move the strap segment in a first or forward direction toward the front portion of the helmet, the strap is tightened against the side of the user&#39;s head and the rear portion is pulled in a direction forward and upward against the rear of the user&#39;s head to fit the retention system on the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. Further, when the adjustment device is used to move or permit movement of the strap segment in a second or rearward direction away from the front portion of the helmet, the strap and the rear portion are loosened to facilitate removal of the helmet shell from the user&#39;s head. 
     In certain embodiments, the retention system comprises a securing member attached to the front portion of the helmet shell that movably attaches the elongated member to the helmet shell. The adjustment device is used to move the elongated member through the securing member and the strap segment toward the securing member to decrease the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. Further, the adjustment device is used to permit movement of the elongated member through the securing member and the strap segment away from the securing member to increase the length of the strap between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. 
     In certain embodiments, the retention system of the present application comprises an adjustment device and a single elongated member. The elongated member extends from the adjustment device and is movably attached (i.e., attached to a component but able to move relative to the component) to a first strap segment of the retention system, a first securing member of the helmet, a rear portion of the retention system, a second strap segment of the retention system, and a second securing member of the helmet. Adjustment of the adjustment device retracts/releases the elongated member which tightens/loosens the straps and rear portion to fit the retention system on the user&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a retention system  600  according to an embodiment of the present application. The retention system  600  comprises a rear portion  602  attached to a rear  604  of a helmet shell, flexible straps  608 A and  608 B extending from the rear portion to a front portion  606  of the helmet shell, and an adjustment device  614  attached to the rear portion for adjusting the length of the straps between the rear portion and the front portion of the helmet shell. 
     The adjustment device  614  may be a variety of devices capable of adjusting the length of the straps  608 A and  608 B, such as, for example, wire, lacing, or belt systems in which a flexible wire, lace, or belt may be adjusted by winding and unwinding, retracting, or otherwise altering the free length of the wire, lace, or belt, or a system with a rigid or semi-rigid strap that can be driven with a rack and pinion gear, worm drive, or other mechanism to alter the free length of the strap. In certain embodiments, the adjustment device  614  is a lacing device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the straps  608 A and  608 B comprise flexible strap segments  610 A and  610 B and a flexible elongated member  612 , such as, e.g., a wire, lace, or belt, attached to the strap segment. The elongated member  612  extends from the adjustment device  614  through a first routing portion  622 A of the strap segment  610 A, through a first securing member  620 A of the helmet, back through the first routing portion  622 A, through the rear portion  602 , through a second routing portion  622 B of the strap segment  610 B, through a second securing member  620 B of the helmet, back through the second routing portion  622 B, and returns to the adjustment device  614 . The adjustment device  614  is configured to selectively adjust the elongated member  112  to tighten or loosen the straps  608 A and  608 B about the head of the user. 
     The routing portions  622 A and  622 B are configured to attach the elongated member  612  to the strap segments  610 A and  610 B and permit the elongated member to move relative to the strap segments. The routing portions  622 A and  622 B may be located at or near the end of the strap segments  610 A and  610 B and may be shaped and configured in a variety ways, such as, for example, a tube or conduit, one or more eyelets or arches, a sheath, a sleeve, a pocket, a passage, one or more slots or openings in the strap segment, or the like. In certain embodiments, the routing portions  622 A and  622 B comprise a double layer of strap bounded by thread stitches and forming a passage for the elongated member  612 . The elongated member  612  may comprise a variety of materials, including steel, plastic, or fabric. In one exemplary embodiment, the elongated member  112  is made from Aircraft grade stainless steel. 
     When the adjustment device  614  is manipulated to retract the elongated member  612  into the adjustment device, the elongated member is moved in a first direction D 1  through the routing members  622 A and  622 B and the securing members  620 A and  620 B. Further, the strap segments  610 A and  610 B are pulled toward the securing members  620 A and  620 B. The securing members  620 A and  620 B may be attached directly or indirectly to the helmet. In certain embodiments, the securing members  620 A and  620 B comprise a strap segment that is configured to be attached to the helmet and a clip that movably attaches the elongated member  612  to the strap segment. However, a variety of other means for movably attaching the elongated member to the helmet may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, an opening in the helmet, an opening in a strap segment, an eyelet, a loop, a ring, a clip, a sheath, a sleeve, a passage, a conduit, a buckle, a fastener, or the like may be used to movably attach the elongated member to the helmet. 
     In certain embodiments, the securing members  620 A and  620 B are attached at the right and left front side or temple portion of the helmet. Thus, when the elongated member  612  is retracted into the adjustment device  614 , at least a portion of the straps  608 A and  608 B are tightened against the side of the user&#39;s head and the rear portion  602  is pulled in a direction forward and upward against the rear of the user&#39;s head. Further, the straps  608 A and  608 B extend from the rear portion  602  on both the right and left sides of the helmet. As such, retraction of the elongated member  612  will fit the retention system  600  around the circumference of the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the elongated member  612  extends through the rear portion  602  to facilitate tightening of the rear portion against the rear of the user&#39;s head. However, the elongated member  612  may be movably attached to the rear portion  602  in a variety of different ways such that the elongated member is capable of tightening the rear portion against the rear of the user&#39;s head. For example, a tube or conduit, one or more eyelets or arches, a sheath, a sleeve, a pocket, a passage, one or more slots or openings in the rear portion  602 , or the like may be used to movably attach the elongated member  612  to the rear portion. 
     When the adjustment device  614  is manipulated to release the elongated member  612  and permit the member to be pulled out of the adjustment device, the elongated member is permitted to move in a second direction D 2  through the routing members  622 A and  622 B and the securing members  620 A and  620 B. Further, the strap segments  610 A and  610 B are permitted to move away from the securing members  620 A and  620 B. As such, the straps  608 A and  608 B and the rear portion  602  of the retention system  600  are loosened to facilitate removal of the helmet shell from the user&#39;s head. In certain embodiments, the adjustment device  614  may be used to move the elongated member  612  in the second direction D 2  through the routing members  622 A and  622 B and the securing members  620 A and  620 B. Further, the adjustment device  614  may be used to move the strap segments  610 A and  610 B away from the securing members  620 A and  620 B. 
       FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate a retention system  700  according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the retention system  700  is removed from the helmet shell.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the retention system  700  with comfort pads  738  and  FIG. 7C  illustrates the retention system with the comfort pads removed. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a lace portion  710  extends from a lacing device  732  through openings in attachment straps  734  of the rear portion  722 . The lace portion  710  extends through routing portions  760  located at an end of strap segments  750  and  752 . The routing portions  760  movably attach the lace portion  710  to the strap segments  750  and  752  permitting selective adjustment of the length of each third strap  730  between the rear portion  722  and the front of the helmet shell. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C , the routing portions  760  form passages for the lace portion  710  by folding the strap segments  750  and  752  over and stitching them together. However, other means for movably attaching the lace portion to the strap segments may be used. For example, in certain embodiments the routing portion may be comprised of one or more eyelets or arches, a sheath, a sleeve, a pocket, a passage or conduit, one or more slots or openings in the strap segment, or the like may be used to movably the lace portion to the strap segments. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates one side of the retention system  700  with the comfort pad  738  removed to better show the connection of the lace portion  710 . Although only one side of the retention system  700  is shown in  FIG. 7C , the connection of the lace portion  710  is the same for both sides of the retention system. It should be noted that, for the retention system  700 , a single lace portion  710  is used for both sides of the retention system in a single closed loop. Both ends of the lace portion  710  terminate in the lacing device  732 . Further, each third strap  730  comprises the strap segment  750  or  752  and the lace portion  710  movably attached to the strap segment by the routing portion  760 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the lace portion  710  originates at the lacing device  732 , travels through an opening in the attachment strap  734  and the webbing tunnel or routing portion  760 . The lace portion  710  is then routed through a securing member  780  that is configured to be attached to the helmet shell, such as with a fastener inserted through opening  782 . The securing member  780  movably attaches the lace portion  710  to the helmet shell to permit selective adjustment of the length of each third strap  730  between the rear portion  722  and the front of the helmet shell. The lace portion  710  is then routed back through the webbing tunnel or routing portion  760  and through the rear portion  722 , from which it will emerge on the other side of the retention system  700 . The lace portion  710  then travels through the corresponding components on the other side of the retention system  700  and back to the lacing device  732 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the securing member  780  comprises a strap segment  770  that is configured to be attached to the helmet shell and a clip  772  that movably attaches the lace portion  710  to the helmet shell. However, other means for movably attaching the lace portion to the helmet shell may be used. For example, in certain embodiments, an opening in the helmet shell, an opening in a strap segment, an eyelet, a loop, a ring, a clip, a sheath, a sleeve, a passage, a conduit, a buckle, a fastener, or the like may be used to movably attach the lace portion to the helmet shell. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the routing portion  760  is located at the end of the strap segment  752 . The routing portion  760  is configured to movably attach the lace portion  710  to the strap segment  752  such that it constrains the path of the lace portion relative to the strap segment. As shown, the routing portion  760  is formed by folding an end of the webbing strap segment  752  back onto itself and attaching the end to the strap segment in a manner that forms a tunnel or passage having a first opening  790 A, a second opening  790 B, and a third opening  790 C. The lacing portion  710  extends from the lacing device  732 , passes into the third opening  790 C of the routing portion  760 , passes through the passage, exits the first opening  790 A, passes through the securing member  780 , passes into the second opening  790 B, passes through the passage, exits the third opening and extends through the rear portion  722  to the other side of the retention system  700 . As such, the lace portion  710  extends through the passage of the routing portion  760  twice on each side of the retention system  700 . 
     However, a variety of other methods may be used to attach the end of the lace portion  710  to the strap segment  752 , such as, for example, by routing the lace portion through an opening in the strap segment or using an adhesive, a loop or other fastening device to secure the lace portion to the strap segment. As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the comfort pads  738  are configured to at least partially surround the connection and exposed lace portion  710  to protect the lace portion and provide comfort to the side of the user&#39;s head. 
     The lacing device  732  may be manipulated to retract the first and second lace portion  710  into the lacing device (e.g., by rotating a dial of the lacing device). When this occurs, the lace portion  710  is moved in a first direction through the routing portion  760  and securing member  780  and the end of the strap segment  750  and  752  is pulled toward the securing member. The securing members are generally attached at the right and left front sides or temple portions of the helmet shell. As such, when the lace portion  710  is retracted into the lacing device  732 , at least portions of the third straps  730  are tightened against the sides of the user&#39;s head and the rear portion  722  is pulled in a direction forward and upward against the rear of the user&#39;s head to fit the retention system  700  around the circumference of the user&#39;s head and stabilize the helmet shell on the user&#39;s head. 
     The lacing device  732  may also be manipulated to release the lace portion  710  and permit the lace portion to be pulled out of the lacing device (e.g., by pulling up on a dial of the lacing device). When this occurs, the lace portion  710  is permitted to move in a second direction through the routing portion  760  and securing member  780  and the strap segment  750  and  752  is permitted to move away from the securing member. As such, the third straps  730  and the rear portion  722  of the retention system  700  are loosened to facilitate removal of the helmet shell from the user&#39;s head. In certain embodiments, the lacing device  732  may be used to move the lace portion  710  in the second direction through the routing portion  760  and the securing member  780 . Further, the lacing device  732  may be used to move the strap segments  750  and  752  away from the securing members  780 . 
     As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be in direct such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the inventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative device, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept. 
     While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions--such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.