Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet comprising a main body having a concave interior for receiving a user's head, a head strap coupled to the body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the head strap. The head strap is positioned in a loop that spans at least 1.5 wraps around the interior of the main body. Preferably, the head strap is fully recessed into the concave interior of the main body. The head strap can include an occipital pad and a flexible belt (e.g., two flexible belts) secured to the occipital pad and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible belt is spaced rearward from the occipital pad. The helmet can further include a belt guide (e.g., two side belt guides and a front belt guide) secured to the main body and adapted to allow the head strap to slide through the belt guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet comprising a main body having a concave interior for receiving a user's head, a head strap coupled to the body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the head strap. The head strap is positioned in a loop that spans at least 1.5 wraps around the interior of the main body. Preferably, the head strap is fully recessed into the concave interior of the main body. The head strap can include an occipital pad and a flexible belt (e.g., two flexible belts) secured to the occipital pad and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible belt is spaced rearward from the occipital pad. The helmet can further include a belt guide (e.g., two side belt guides and a front belt guide) secured to the main body and adapted to allow the head strap to slide through the belt guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet comprising a main body having a concave interior for receiving a user's head, a head strap coupled to the body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the head strap. The head strap is positioned in a loop that spans at least 1.5 wraps around the interior of the main body. Preferably, the head strap is fully recessed into the concave interior of the main body. The head strap can include an occipital pad and a flexible belt (e.g., two flexible belts) secured to the occipital pad and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible belt is spaced rearward from the occipital pad. The helmet can further include a belt guide (e.g., two side belt guides and a front belt guide) secured to the main body and adapted to allow the head strap to slide through the belt guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a helmet comprising a main body having a concave interior for receiving a user's head, a head strap coupled to the body, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the head strap. The head strap is positioned in a loop that spans at least 1.5 wraps around the interior of the main body. Preferably, the head strap is fully recessed into the concave interior of the main body. The head strap can include an occipital pad and a flexible belt (e.g., two flexible belts) secured to the occipital pad and engaged with the adjustment mechanism. Preferably, at least a portion of the flexible belt is spaced rearward from the occipital pad. The helmet can further include a belt guide (e.g., two side belt guides and a front belt guide) secured to the main body and adapted to allow the head strap to slide through the belt guide.

Abstract: A helmet adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the size of a helmet having first and second retention members (e.g., plastic straps) movable with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating member (e.g., a pinion) coupled to at least one of the retention members and movable (e.g., rotatable) in two directions to move at least one of the retention members relative to the other. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the actuating member and includes at least one locking member (e.g., two locking members) that inhibits movement of the actuating member in both of the two directions. The adjustment mechanism also includes a release mechanism (e.g., including a rotary dial) adapted to move the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is being moved, the adjustment mechanism also provides a ratcheting detent.

Abstract: A helmet adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the size of a helmet having first and second retention members (e.g., plastic straps) movable with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating member (e.g., a pinion) coupled to at least one of the retention members and movable (e.g., rotatable) in two directions to move at least one of the retention members relative to the other. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the actuating member and includes at least one locking member (e.g., two locking members) that inhibits movement of the actuating member in both of the two directions. The adjustment mechanism also includes a release mechanism (e.g., including a rotary dial) adapted to move the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is being moved, the adjustment mechanism also provides a ratcheting detent.

Abstract: A bicycle mounting clamp used to transport through-axle bicycles on a vehicle rack in the fork mounted position. The clamp permits fork mounting of bicycles that do not have slots in the front fork tips. Bicycles with axle diameters equal to or larger than nine millimeters are particularly compatible with this clamp. Simplicity and ease-of-use are targeted features. Several mechanical advantages minimize the strength necessary to utilize the clamp. The method of use, which is specific to this clamp, allows axle removal and installation to be performed at ground level.

Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable and adjustable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet with a access hole formed therethrough is attached to the outer shell so that the access hole is aligned with the mounting hole. A helmet accessory has at least one mounting member insertable through the access hole. An engagement member is rotatably attached to the grommet with a predetermined amount of friction therebetween, and has means for removably engaging the helmet accessory mounting member inserted through the access hole for removably mounting the helmet accessory to the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet is disposed along the upper shell surface and aligned over the mounting hole. A receptacle housing is disposed along the lower shell surface and has a receptacle aligned to and facing the mounting hole. Engagement prongs secure the grommet to the receptacle housing with the shell member therebetween. The helmet accessory has at least one mounting member, such as a protrusion or screw. The receptacle includes a device for removably engaging the mounting member when the mounting member is inserted through the mounting hole in order to removably mount the helmet accessory to the helmet.

Abstract: A helmet visor attachment apparatus is disclosed including an attachment protrusion with a semi-ball portion on the free end thereof on each side of the visor removably attachable to the helmet with a mounting plate which has an opening therethrough smaller than the semi-ball and slits extending from the opening permitting flexure of the mounting plate when the semi-ball is pressed through the opening.

Abstract: A device for supporting the crossbar of a vehicle roof rack and for clamping to the vehicle roof is constructed of a pedestal with a curved ramp, a follower which engages the curved ramp and is mounted to the pedestal in a movable manner, a clip (clamping element) pivotally mounted to the pedestal through the follower, and a manually operated lever arm pivotally mounted to the clamping element. The curved ramp permits the pedestal and clip combination to apply a force with substantially equal vertical and horizontal components to the vehicle, and to maintain these components at a 1:1 ratio throughout the range of motion of the lever arm which tightens the clip and pedestal down onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A closure for the two hinged bars of a vehicle roof-mounted ski mount is formed from a rotatable catch or pawl secured to one of the bars and a toothed harpoon extending from the other. Engagement and disengagement of the pawl with the teeth on the harpoon is governed by a manually operated button, the pawl being spring-biased toward engagement with the harpoon. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the pawl and button are part of a removable insert which fits into an end cap on the upper bar of the ski mount, and the spring is a spring clip which holds the insert in place in the end cap while permitting it to rotate to engage or disengage the pawl with the harpoon which is on the lower bar, the spring clip also urging the pawl into engagement with the harpoon as well as immobilizing the harpoon once it has been engaged by the pawl.

Abstract: A carrier rack designed for mounting to the rear of a motor vehicle is described. for the mounting of bicycles, brackets on the rack provide a four-point support attaching to the wheels of the bicycle, one above and one below the center of each of the front and rear wheels, without contacting any finished surfaces of the bicycle other than the wheel rims. The brackets are pivotally mounted to the frame so that they extend outward perpendicular to the frame when in use and are rotatable into the plane of the frame when not in use. Manually operated locking features secure the support arms in either of the two positions. Also disclosed is a carrier rack frame which engages the rear bumper of the vehicle and has straps to secure the frame under tension to such features as the top edge of a hatchback window and tow loops beneath the chassis. Unique methods of securement to these features are disclosed.

Abstract: A crossbar on a vehicle roof rack is supported by a pair of pedestals through a cam on each pedestal which exerts its clamping action by rotating toward the center of the vehicle, each cam operating independently of the fastening clip which secures each pedestal to the vehicle roof. The direction of the clamping rotation of the cams and the rate of increase of the radius of each cam as it rotates in the clamping direction provides the cams with a self-tightening effect--i.e., should the apparatus ever begin to loosen after the cam is engaged, any pulling apart of the pedestals will cause the crossbar to draw itself over the cam, causing the cam to rotate in the tightening direction and re-secure the crossbar.