| 摘要 |
The helmet restraint system of the invention secures the helmet of a driver or passenger occupant of a vehicle, such as a race car, to the structural chassis, body, or frame of the vehicle, independent of the shoulder harness or seatbelt. The system provides a head restraint system which reduces the potentially injurious forces to the neck and head during a high-deceleration event, particularly a frontal collision. The helmet restraint belt system comprises a restraint belt assembly which spans between an anchor point on the vehicle chassis/body and a belt receiving latch mounted to the driver's helmet. The belt is preferably retractable and pre-tensioned by means of a collision or inertially-lockable belt tensioner. The helmet restraint system allows the driver to have unrestricted head movement during normal driving, but restrains the helmet and head during the impact of a collision by locking the belt against further extension. The driver's helmet is attached to the restraint belt by means of a quick-release latch which may be released by the seated driver or a person standing outside the vehicle. Embodiments are disclosed for several different alternative helmet and vehicle mountings of the restraint system, including dual belt, asymmetric restraint systems, and tensioners having internal brake mechanisms that are adjustable to provide tension, either linear or progressive within a preselected range.
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