Abstract: A lace dial system (5810) has a first rack (5850A), a second rack (5850B), a frame (5840), a pinion (5870), a brake (5860), and a lace (5830). The first rack has a set of teeth (5850A3), and a first end (5850A5). The second rack has a set of teeth (5850B3), and a first end (5850B5). The pinion has a body and a set of teeth (5870A) extending longitudinally from the body and engaging with the teeth on the first and second racks. The brake allows rotation of the pinion only when a rotation force applied to the pinion exceeds a predetermined, non-trivial amount. Rotating the pinion in a first direction causes the first end of the first rack and the first end of the second rack to move toward each other, wherein the lace is tightened. Rotating the pinion in a second, opposite direction causes the lace to be loosened.

Abstract: A helmet harness (3200) has an outer shell (3205) and an inner shell (3210) held moveably together by a grommet (3215). The outer shell has an outer frame (3220) and a plurality of pads (3225) for protection and comfort. The inner shell has an inner frame (3250) and a plurality of pads (3255) for protection and comfort. The outer frame and the inner frame have a plurality of longitudinal and lateral ribs (3235, 3265). The ribs form a plurality of holes of voids (3237, 3267) which reduce weight and provide for ventilation. The pads cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the outer frame and the inner frame. The grommet allows the outer shell and the inner shell to pitch, roll, and yaw with respect to each other, but not to so freely move as to be distracting and undesirable to the user.

Abstract: A helmet harness (5000) has an outer frame (5015), an inner frame (5020), and a coupler (5010). The outer frame has a central portion with a plurality of notches (5510). The inner frame has a central portion with an approximately circular hole (5610). The coupler has a first section (5025), a second section (5035), an upper core (5030) between the first section and the second section, the upper core having a hollow central column (5110) and a plurality of supports (5030) surrounding the hollow central column, a third section (5045), and a lower core (5050) between the second section and the third section. The lower core is a sprocket having a plurality of splines (5060) for engaging the plurality of notches of the outer frame. The central portion of the outer frame and the central portion of the inner frame are between the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A lace tensioning system (10) has sliding assemblies (11), and a ratcheted track slide (12). The ratcheted track slide has first and second slots (25), ratcheted tracks (13) on a predetermined side of, and on opposing edges of, the ratcheted track slide, the slots are separated by a divider (24). A sliding assembly is slidingly attached to the track slide and has a lace aperture (43) and ratcheted tracks (14). The ratcheted tracks of the sliding assembly are releasably and slidingly engaged with the ratcheted tracks of the ratcheted track slide. A sliding assembly is responsive to a force impressed upon an actuator button (16) to separate the ratcheted tracks of the sliding assembly from the ratcheted tracks of the ratcheted track slide to allow the sliding assembly to move freely along the slot. A sliding assembly can be moved toward the divider without pressing the actuator button.

Abstract: A helmet harness (3200) has an outer shell (3205) and an inner shell (3210) held moveably together by a grommet (3215). The outer shell has an outer frame (3220) and a plurality of pads (3225) for protection and comfort. The inner shell has an inner frame (3250) and a plurality of pads (3255) for protection and comfort. The outer frame and the inner frame have a plurality of longitudinal and lateral ribs (3235, 3265). The ribs form a plurality of holes of voids (3237, 3267) which reduce weight and provide for ventilation. The pads cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the outer frame and the inner frame. The grommet allows the outer shell and the inner shell to pitch, roll, and yaw with respect to each other, but not to so freely move as to be distracting and undesirable to the user.

Abstract: A helmet harness with a lace tightening system is disclosed. The helmet harness is configured to be secured to the inside of a helmet shell. The harness includes a lace tensioning system and lace guides for distributing forces arising from tension in the laces to provide a secure and comfortable and adjustable fit. An inner frame and an outer frame are connected by cam slides at their extremities to even out tension applied circumferentially and tension applied over wearer's head, and to absorb rotational forces applied to a helmet shell in which the harness is secured.

Abstract: A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object is provided. The buckle connector may include a first clip member and a connector for connecting it to a first object, and a second clip member and a connector for connecting it to a second object. Legs defining opposed grooves are provided on the first clip member and the second clip member is receivable in the grooves. A stop surface is provided on the second clip member and is engageable with a stop surface on the first clip member to prevent relative movement between the first and second clip members, in a first direction. A strap may be connected to the second clip member so that the strap may be positioned in the grooves in the first and second legs on the first clip member before the second clip member is positioned in the grooves.

Abstract: A helmet harness with a lace tightening system is disclosed. The helmet harness is configured to be secured to the inside of a helmet shell. The harness includes a lace tensioning system and lace guides for distributing forces arising from tension in the laces to provide a secure and comfortable and adjustable fit. An inner frame and an outer frame are connected by cam slides at their extremities to even out tension applied circumferentially and tension applied over wearer's head, and to absorb rotational forces applied to a helmet shell in which the harness is secured.

Abstract: A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object is provided. The buckle connector may include a first clip member and a connector for connecting it to a first object, and a second clip member and a connector for connecting it to a second object. Legs defining opposed grooves are provided on the first clip member and the second clip member is receivable in the grooves. A stop surface is provided on the second clip member and is engageable with a stop surface on the first clip member to prevent relative movement between the first and second clip members, in a first direction. A strap may be connected to the second clip member so that the strap may be positioned in the grooves in the first and second legs on the first clip member before the second clip member is positioned in the grooves.

Abstract: A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object is disclosed. The buckle connector may comprise a first clip member and a connector for connecting it to a first object, and a second clip member and a connector for connecting it to a second object. Legs defining opposed grooves are provided on the first clip member and the second clip member is receivable in the grooves. A stop surface is provided on the second clip member and is engageable with a stop surface on the first clip member to prevent relative movement between the first and second clip members, in a first direction. A strap may be connected to the second clip member so that the strap may be positioned in the grooves in the first and second legs on the first clip member before the second clip member is positioned in the grooves.