Self-Closing Helmet Strap

Abstract

A self-closing helmet strap is contemplated to automatically strap a helmet to a user's head. The self-closing strap may be in the form of a curved strap configuration with the straps configured to curve under the user's chin upon application of the helmet.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-closing helmet strap assembly comprising:
 a helmet;   a left strap attached to the helmet and hingedly movable relative to the helmet;   a right strap attached to the helmet and hingedly movable relative to the helmet;   a left paddle attached to the left strap, the left paddle capable of extending into a cavity defined by the helmet, a movement of the left paddle causing a movement of the left strap;   a right paddle attached to the right strap, the right paddle capable of extending into the cavity defined by the helmet, a movement of the right paddle causing a movement of the right strap;   wherein the left strap and right strap are movable between a first closed position when the left and right paddles are urged against the helmet interior surface, and a second open position when the left and right paddles are extended into the cavity defined by the helmet.   
     
     
         2 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  wherein the left and right straps are biased in the first closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  wherein the left and right straps are biased in the second open position. 
     
     
         4 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of the left strap and right strap are curved to wrap under a chin of a helmet user when in the first closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  wherein the left strap and right strap are hingedly connected to the helmet by a left and right hinged mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 5  wherein the hinged connection to the strap contains a locking mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 6  Wherein the locking mechanism is a ratcheted device allowing movement of the hinged connection in a closing direction while not allowing movement in an opening direction. 
     
     
         8 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 7  further comprising a release mechanism in communication with the ratcheted device which when actuated allows movement of the hinged connection in the opening direction. 
     
     
         9 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 6  wherein the left strap is removably attached to the left hinged mechanism, and wherein the right strap is removably attached to the right hinged mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a body attached to the helmet, the left and right strap hingedly connected to the body. 
     
     
         11 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 10  wherein the body is fixedly attached to the helmet. 
     
     
         12 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 10  wherein the body is integrated into the helmet. 
     
     
         13 . The self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  wherein the left and right strap each comprise a plurality of adjustment apertures, the left and right strap each attachable to the helmet through at least one of the adjustment apertures. 
     
     
         14 . A method of operation of the self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 drawing the left strap and right strap to the second open position by a user, the paddles being extended into the cavity defined by the helmet; and 
 placing the helmet on the head of a user, the placing comprising the step of urging the left and right paddle against the interior surface of the helmet, thereby bringing the left and right strap to the first closed position. 
 
     
     
         15 . A method of operation of the self-closing helmet strap assembly of  claim 1  comprising the step of removing the helmet from a head of a user, the removing comprising the step of drawing the left and right strap away from each other, the drawing causing the paddles to extend into the cavity of the helmet, lifting the helmet off of the head of the user.