Abstract: A strap-securing device for use in securing a strap to a shoulder pad worn, for example, on the body of a player in the sport of football. In general, the strap-securing device comprises a strap-engagement member and a catch member joined together by a linkage permitting the members to swivel with respect to each other. The strap-engagement member is secured to a strap free end. The catch member of the strap-securing device is secured to the shoulder pad chest plate. The secured straps firmly hold the shoulder pad in place on the wearer's body. The strap-securing device advantageously provides a secure strap attachment point, without strap slippage, while simultaneously permitting elongation or shortening of the strap length. The swiveling action of the strap-securing device permits the device to lie flat against the shoulder pad while bending and straightening in concert with the wearer's movement.

Abstract: A protective chin strap device for use in securing a helmet to a wearer's head. The chin strap includes a hard outer shell, an inner member made of a self-supporting cushioned material and straps attached to the outer shell for securing the chin strap to a helmet. The inner member is secured with respect to the outer shell so as to contact the outer shell adjacent the wearer's chin yet form at least one cavity between the outer shell and inner member. This combination of elements serve to deflect impact forces applied to the chin strap and further serve to absorb and laterally dissipate those impact forces. The chin strap is comfortable to wear because the wearer's chin is cushioned by the inner member, because a soft liner is provided adjacent the wearer's skin to wick perspiration and moisture from the wearer's chin and because the chin strap is ventilated.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a method for making an improved slide socket of the type having a snap ring and used to secure a strap, e.g. a football helmet strap, to a conventional flanged stud attached to the helmet. The method includes, in either order, the steps of forming a socket body having a cavity and a retention lip and forming a snap ring retainer member. Both the body and the retainer member are preferably formed of molded plastic material. The method further includes the steps of placing the snap ring into the cavity and inserting the retainer member into the cavity to retain the snap ring. In another aspect of the disclosure, an improved slide socket is also disclosed.