Abstract: A chin strap retainer for gathering the forward and rearward chin straps of a headgear into a substantially overlapping arrangement having the appearance of a single strap link. A substantially circular frame of the chin strap retainer defines an open interior region. A primary cross member extends across a central portion of the open interior region and a pair of secondary cross members are disposed on either side of the primary cross member. The frame and the cross members are part of a single integral workpiece. A pair of strap openings are provided between the primary cross member and the secondary cross members. A pair of apertures are provided between said secondary cross members and the frame.

Abstract: A hat-helmet combination includes a hat having a protective helmet removably disposed therein. The hat has a continuous lower rim, and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown, the lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the hat. The helmet includes an outer impact-resistant shell, an inner foam liner, and a chin strap. The shell and the liner each have a continuous lower rim and a hollow dome extending from the lower rim to a central crown, the lower rim and dome collectively defining a forward portion, a rearward portion, and lateral portions of the helmet.