Helmet ear loop

Abstract

An ear loop for a helmet and a helmet having the ear loop is described. The ear loop is connectable to a chin strap of the helmet, and allows movement of the chin strap about the ear loop. The ear loop has one or more features for restricting movement of the chin strap along the ear loop to provide some freedom of movement while ensuring that the positioning of the chin strap remains within a desired range

1 . An ear loop for a helmet, the ear loop being connectable to a chin strap of the helmet, the ear loop having a feature allowing movement of the chin strap about the ear loop along a restricted path only, the restricted path being limited to a predetermined portion of the ear loop.  
   
   
       2 . The ear loop of  claim 1 , wherein the feature comprises a longitudinal slit in the ear loop, and the chin strap passes through the slit, whereby the movement of the chin strap is restricted by lateral ends of the slit.  
   
   
       3 . The ear loop of  claim 1 , wherein the feature comprises first and second protrusions on the ear loop, the chin strap being connected to the ear loop between the first and second protrusions.  
   
   
       4 . The ear loop of  claim 1 , wherein the feature comprises a bridge extending from the ear loop, the bridge having first and second feet, and the chin strap being connected to the ear loop between the first and second feet.  
   
   
       5 . The ear loop of  claim 1 , wherein the feature comprises a button protruding from the ear loop co-operable with a traverse slit in the chin strap to restrict movement of the chin strap relative to the ear loop.