Patent ID: 8353066

Claim:
A retention system for a helmet, the retention system comprising: a chin-holding component; a strap single continuous having a terminus of a first end secured in position relative to the chin-holding component and having a second end looped around a component affixable to a helmet; and a strap buckle for adjusting the length of the strap, the strap buckle comprising a frame having upper, central, and lower cross-members, the upper cross member having an acutely angled inner edge and a flared, finger-engageable outer portion extending outwardly from a plane of the frame, and the lower cross member having a smooth rounded surface in contact with the strap, wherein the second end of the strap comprises a terminus attached to the central cross member of the buckle whereby the acutely angled inner edge is normally frictionally engaged against the strap to prevent movement of the buckle with respect to the strap, wherein rotation of the buckle about an axis running essentially through the central cross member, by means of the finger-engageable upper cross member in a direction to release engagement of the acutely angled edge from the strap, frees the buckle with respect to the strap to adjust the length thereof, and wherein movement of the buckle toward the chin-holding component tightens the strap in a 1:1 ratio relative to movement of the buckle.