Patent ID: 7694354

Claim:
A helmet for placement on and protection of the head of a user, the helmet comprising: (a) a shell for receiving at least a portion of the cranium of a user; (b) a first line extending from said shell; (c) a second line extending from said shell; (d) a bi-directional device comprising a control handle rotatable about an axis; (e) a third line extending from said shell and received by said bi-directional device defining a third length of said third line between said shell and said device; and (f) a fourth line extending from said shell and received by said bi-directional device defining a fourth length of said fourth line between said shell and said device; (g) wherein said bi-directional device receives said first line defining a first length of said first line between said shell and said device; (h) wherein said bi-directional device receives said second line defining a second length of said second line between said shell and said device; (i) wherein said first length is shortened when said control handle is rotated in a first rotational direction about said axis; (j) wherein said second length is shortened when said control handle is rotated in a second rotational direction about said axis; (k) wherein said first rotational direction is opposite said second rotational direction; (l) wherein said third length is shortened when said control handle is rotated in said first rotational direction about said axis; (m) wherein said fourth length is shortened when said control handle is rotated in said second rotational direction opposite said first direction about said axis; (n) wherein said first line, said second line, said third line, said fourth line, and said bi-directional device define an adjustable chin strap assembly for retaining said helmet on the head of the user; and (o) wherein said adjustable chin-strap is capable of being tightened by the user by manual rotation of said control handle.