Safety helmet system

Abstract

A safety helmet system includes a safety helmet, a clip coupled to the safety helmet, and a visor. The safety helmet includes a shell formed of a rigid material. The clip has an engagement portion including an upper surface and a lower surface each facing in an upward direction, the clip configured to be coupled to the safety helmet in a first position or in a second position, the upper surface engaging the safety helmet when the clip is in the first position and the lower surface engaging the safety helmet when the clip is in the second position, wherein the upper surface is spaced a distance above the lower surface. The visor is coupled to the clip such that the visor is reversibly supported to the safety helmet via the clip and extends circumferentially around a portion of the safety helmet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 10, 2021, with application number 202180061097.5 (PCT / US2021 / 045405) and entitled "Safety Helmet Attachment System and Sunshade Component". Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the interests and priorities of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 167,458, filed March 29, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 162,736, filed March 18, 2021; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 087,578, filed October 5, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 066,561, filed August 17, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of safety helmets and helmets. Specifically, it relates to sun visors and / or other safety equipment accessories attached to safety helmets. Background Technology

[0004] Safety helmets are typically used in noisy and brightly lit areas, such as construction sites on sunny days. Working environments in a variety of different work sites allow for the use of additional safety equipment (e.g., earmuffs and / or face protectors) to provide additional protection to the user.

[0005] Sunshades can protect the user's face and / or neck from sunburn and / or falling debris. Lamps or flashlights can aid vision in low-light or low-visibility environments, or when transitioning from a well-lit to a dimly lit work environment. Additional ear protectors or earmuffs help protect the user's hearing in noisy environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a helmet system including a helmet and a visor. The helmet includes a shell formed of a rigid material and an accessory mounting position positioned along the outer surface of the shell. The visor is reversibly coupled to the helmet. The visor includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the shell and extends radially outward from the shell to form a sun-protective flange. The second portion is coupled to the first portion and positioned adjacent to the accessory mounting position. The second portion is deformable relative to the first portion such that it deforms to accommodate and cover a portion of an accessory coupled to the accessory mounting position, thereby allowing the accessory to extend from the accessory mounting position beneath the second portion.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet system including a helmet and a visor. The helmet includes a shell formed of a rigid material. The visor is reversibly coupled to the helmet. The visor includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is movable between a covered configuration and a stowed configuration, in which the front portion extends away from the front of the helmet in a forward direction, and in the stowed configuration, the front portion extends away from the rear of the helmet in a rearward direction.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet system comprising: a helmet including a shell formed of a rigid material, a clip coupled to the helmet, and a protective shield. The clip includes an engagement portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. Each of the upper and lower surfaces faces upward. The clip is configured to be coupled to the helmet in a first position or a second position. When the clip is in the first position, the upper surface engages with the helmet, and when the clip is in the second position, the lower surface engages with the helmet. The upper surface is spaced above the lower surface by a distance. The protective shield is coupled to the clip such that the protective shield is reversibly supported to the helmet via the clip and extends circumferentially around a portion of the helmet.

[0009] One embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet attachment system. The helmet includes a mounting position comprising opposing dovetail ridges projecting outward from either side of the mounting position. Each ridge includes a transition portion to engage a slot for a support and to support an accessory (e.g., a lamp, face shield, and / or visor). Each ridge extends outward from the mounting position to create a protrusion supporting the mounted accessory. A sunshade (e.g., an extended rim or visor) is attached to the helmet at the mounting position or the extended ridge to shield the wearer's eyes, face, and / or neck, protecting the user from sunlight / UV rays and / or falling debris, etc.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a visor configured for selective attachment to a helmet. The visor includes an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The visor includes a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge is positioned to extend outward from a front surface of the helmet, and the rear edge is positioned to extend outward from a rear surface of the helmet. A tension zone extends radially from the inner diameter to the outer diameter and is located between the front and rear edges, interconnecting the front and rear edges. Fasteners are attached to the tension zone and configured to engage an accessory ridge on the helmet to removably secure the visor to the helmet. In some embodiments, the visor includes a bracket positioned to engage one or more mounting positions on the helmet to secure the visor to the helmet. In a specific embodiment, the bracket is positioned on the front or rear visor to engage a front or rear mounting ridge of the helmet.

[0011] In several different embodiments, the shield includes a single stretch zone that allows the outer diameter of the shield to expand to accommodate helmets of different sizes. In this embodiment, the single stretch zone is located between opposite ends of two shield sections, thereby allowing adjustment of the shield's size / circumference / inner diameter to accommodate helmets of different sizes.

[0012] In several different embodiments, the front edge includes a first end facing a first end of the rear shading member and a second end facing a second end of the rear shading member. In this arrangement, a first stretching zone connects the first ends of the front and rear shading members, and a second stretching zone connects the second ends of the front and rear shading members. In this arrangement, a parallel-stretching sunshade is provided by having, for example, multiple stretching zones on opposite sides of the shading member segment, stretching in a direction between the front and rear edges, thereby allowing the distance between the front and rear shading members to expand between a minimum and a maximum distance. In this configuration, the flexibility of the material of the stretching zones also provides folding positions on each side of the shading member between the front and rear shading members. This allows the user to fold the front edge onto the rear edge and vice versa to customize the edge position of the shading member.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modular visor. The modular visor has a first module or edge segment extending partially around the periphery of the helmet. The modular visor allows the user to customize combinations of edge segments and / or accessories. For example, the user attaches a rear modular edge segment to a face shield located in the front of the helmet. The user customizes a first modular edge segment made of a translucent material in the front and attaches it to a second modular edge segment made of an opaque material at the rear. The modular visor can be used in variations with other accessories and / or segments. The segmentation of the modular visor allows the user to combine different modules made of different materials or features.

[0014] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet visor including a closed, resilient region within an edge of the visor. The closed, resilient region extends radially outward from the inner diameter of the visor toward the outer diameter and is located on opposite lateral sides of the edge. Specifically, the closed, resilient region is positioned adjacent to an auxiliary ridge of the helmet and extends radially outward from the auxiliary ridge by a distance less than the distance to the outer diameter. Thus, the resilient region does not extend over the entire radial length between the inner and outer edges of the visor and forms a resilient inner edge that engages with a rigid outer edge. When an accessory is attached to the auxiliary ridge, the resilient region expands or deflects. For example, the support arm of an earmuff or face shield engages with a port in the auxiliary ridge by deflecting the resilient region, but otherwise, the visor does not need to be removed or adjusted. In this manner, the earmuff is removed and rotated away from the user's ears without requiring the removal or adjustment of either the helmet or the visor.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a sun visor having a front edge and a rear edge, the front and rear edges being joined by two opposing stretch sections. The sun visor has a wire extending along its outer diameter. The front edge includes a translucent material and a padding along the inner diameter of the front edge. The padding creates a buffer that deflects for different sizes or styles of helmets. The stretch sections are coupled to an auxiliary ridge at a pivot joint that biases the visor around the outer periphery of the helmet. The stretch sections and padding deflect to accept size changes for attachments at the mounting position or in the port of the auxiliary ridge without requiring removal or adjustment of the visor. The padding adapts to and / or around an additional attachment (e.g., a face shield) at the mounting position attached to the helmet. The visor folds around a spring-loaded joint or biased pivot to adjust the frictional clamping force of the visor's inner diameter against the outer periphery of the helmet. The offset pivot also includes a connector for attaching the sunshade to the helmet mounting position or auxiliary ridge.

[0016] In several different additional embodiments, the sun visor is configured for use with helmets or hard hats of any style or size (e.g., conventional or climbing styles) including mounting positions and / or auxiliary ridges. In this way, a universal mounting system including mounting positions and auxiliary ridges is compatible with a variety of accessories and configured to work with the visor described herein. The visor may include a bracket coupled to a front or rear mounting position. For example, a cutout on the face of the mounting position secures and removably locks the bracket against the mounting position. For example, the cutout may fit within a recess in the bracket to lock the bracket against the cutout at the mounting position. In another embodiment, the visor slides along the outer periphery of the hard hat below the cutout, and the bracket is coupled above the visor to press the visor against and securely lock it below the cutout.

[0017] Alternative exemplary embodiments involve other features and combinations of features, as typically described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements:

[0019] Figure 1 It is a safety helmet with a forward attachment mounting position and worn with the edge facing forward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a safety helmet with a rearward attachment mounting position and worn with the edge facing backward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a detailed view of the lamp accessory connected to the rigid bracket in the forward mounting position, according to an exemplary embodiment, before it is connected.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a comparison of a visor-style safety helmet with ear flaps and a brim-style safety helmet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 A comparison of the cross-sections of helmets with different visors and helmets with different brims.

[0024] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a helmet for mounting hardware (e.g., earmuffs) above the base of the neck is shown.

[0025] Figure 7 These are two perspective views of a modular protective element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 7 How are the protective parts attached to the visor style helmet and the brim helmet?

[0027] Figure 9 This is a top perspective view of a protective element with a bracket on the outer periphery of a safety helmet, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 A three-dimensional side view of a sunshade component.

[0029] Figure 11A This is a perspective view of a shield having a shield with two stretching zones stretched in parallel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11BThis is a perspective view of a shielding member having a stretching area according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 The parallel stretched shielding is in a top-down stereoscopic view of a folded configuration.

[0032] Figure 13 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 The protective element is in a top-down side view of the folded configuration.

[0033] Figure 14 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 The protective element is shown in the side view of the folded configuration.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular sunshade protector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 16 Modular sunshade and folded sunshade, located at the front and rear of a safety helmet respectively, are shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a top perspective view of a modular protective element attached to a face protection accessory, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a modular protective member having a front translucent material section connected to a rear opaque material section, according to an exemplary embodiment; the modular protective members are connected to each other and attached to a safety helmet with a fastening joint.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a closed, tensile-elastic region located within the edge of the protective member and adjacent to the auxiliary ridge of the helmet, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 20 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 A perspective view of the closed elastic region of an embodiment of the protective element.

[0040] Figure 21 This is another embodiment of a multimaterial protective shield according to an exemplary embodiment, the multimaterial protective shield including padding, wiring and / or support for adjustablely attaching the shield to helmets of different sizes and shapes with a variety of different attachments (e.g., face protection).

[0041] Figure 22 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 21 A three-dimensional view of the protective component.

[0042] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the protective member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 24 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 Detailed perspective view of the protective component.

[0044] Figure 25 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A top view of a portion of the protective structure.

[0045] Figure 26 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the protective component.

[0046] Figure 27 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the protective component.

[0047] Figure 28 It is connected to the helmet according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 Side view of the protective element.

[0048] Figure 29 It is connected to the safety helmet according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 Side view of the protective element.

[0049] Figure 30 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A detailed perspective view of a portion of the protective element.

[0050] Figure 31 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A detailed perspective view of a portion of the protective element.

[0051] Figure 32 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the protective element.

[0052] Figure 33 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the protective component.

[0053] Figure 34 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the protective element.

[0054] Figure 35 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 23 A three-dimensional view of the protective component.

[0055] Figure 36It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 31 A three-dimensional view of the safety helmet and protective gear.

[0056] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of a safety helmet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0057] Figure 38 This is a perspective view of the frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Figure 39 It is based on an exemplary embodiment. Figure 38 A three-dimensional view of the frame.

[0059] Figure 40 This is a perspective view of a helmet system including a face shield and a frame, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0060] Figure 41 This is a perspective view of the frame according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a helmet accessory system is shown and described. Helmets include conventional helmets with brims and climbing-style helmets, such as those with a small visor only at the front. Unless otherwise specified, the applicant uses the term "helmet" to include both conventional and climbing-style helmets, as well as any helmet or protective helmet design (including helmets with universal mounting systems featuring mounting positions and auxiliary ridges). The variety of helmet sizes and styles presents challenges to the size and dimensions of a consistent mounting system. A universal mounting system includes a front mounting position and a rear mounting position, as well as auxiliary ridges on opposite sides. The mounting system provides consistent attachment points and positions for mounting a variety of different accessories onto helmets of various sizes and styles. The applicant has found that protective accessories mounted to a consistent mounting system also provide the operator with multiple access points for mounting additional personal / safety equipment at the mounting ridges and side ports. This allows users to customize helmets for the work site and personal preferences, enhancing user compliance and the correct use of appropriate safety equipment based on work specifications. As used herein, accessories typically include lights (or headlamps), face protection and / or earmuffs, but may also include reflectors, magnetic tool holders or tool / fastener holders, hand / power tools and / or eyeglass / protective goggle holders.

[0062] The visor extends the brim of the helmet to shield the user's eyes, protecting them from direct sunlight at the construction site and blocking / protecting the eyes / front of the face from light debris and dust. Attaching multiple different accessories to the helmet's mounting system can sometimes interfere with other previously installed equipment. For example, operators may frequently put on and take off earmuffs at the work site, requiring them to adjust the visor and earmuffs on / off the helmet. The applicant has found that when the earmuffs are not in use (e.g., off the user's ears and behind them), supports on the mounting system for rotating the earmuffs allow the user to frequently switch between wearing and storing them. This ability to switch between use and storage positions enhances user comfort, especially when the switching minimizes adjustments to other attached accessories such as the visor. Therefore, in the various embodiments discussed below, the applicant has developed an innovative modular helmet that includes relief portions (such as flexible expansion sections and / or portions less taut than adjacent sections), which allows the user to adjust the earmuffs without removing the helmet. The applicant has also developed an innovative modular helmet that allows the user to fold the front and / or side portions of the helmet towards the rear, thereby allowing the user to attach other accessories and / or attachments to the front and / or sides of the helmet without requiring the user to remove the helmet.

[0063] Figure 1 The operator wearing safety helmet 10 is shown. Figure 1 The term 10 refers to a helmet 10 with a brim 12 or a conventional brim, as the brim 12 surrounds and / or extends around the front 14 and rear 15 of the helmet 10. As used herein, the brim 12 is an extension on or attached to the helmet 10 to protect against sun or debris. For example, a sun visor is used to extend the brim 12 and provide additional sun or debris protection. Generally, helmet 10 typically refers to a helmet 10 with a brim (e.g., conventional) and visor (e.g., climbing helmet) style, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0064] As shown, the helmet 10 is oriented forward, with the front mounting position 16 above the visor, spine, visor, or brim 12 of the front portion 14 of the helmet 10. In this configuration, the front brim 12 is located at the front portion 14 of the helmet 10, protecting the operator's eyes, for example, from the sun. In the shown position, the rear portion 15 of the helmet 10 is behind the user's head and provides a smaller brim 12 to protect the user's neck.

[0065] Figure 2A reverse-mounted helmet 10 is shown, with the front 14 positioned behind the user's head and the rear 15 above the eyes. The rear mounting position 16 is the same as or similar to the front 14 mounting position 16, but reversed. In other words, the rear 15 mounting position 16 is positioned above the user's eyes and can be used to attach accessory 18 ( Figure 3 and Figure 9 For example, a light 20 or face shield 22 is attached to the helmet 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Both, each attached accessory 18 (such as a headlamp and / or face shield) includes a mounting bracket 24 ( Figure 3 The mounting bracket is securely attached to the ridge 25 on the front 14 mounting position or the rear 15 mounting position 16 of the safety helmet 10.

[0066] Figure 3 A bracket 24 is shown at a mounting position 16 on a helmet 10 for attaching a headlamp or lamp 20. In some embodiments, the attachment system includes the mounting bracket 24, the lamp 20, and a strap 28. The bracket 24 includes a clip or receiving slot 30 that engages with a ridge 25 on the front or rear mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. The bracket 24 provides structural support for the lamp 20 and provides a rigid attachment position to secure the lamp 20 to the helmet 10. The strap 28 interconnects the lamp 20 with the bracket 24 and provides a mechanism for attaching various lamps 20 (including aftermarket lamps) using the strap 28 at the receiving support position or mounting position 16 of the helmet 10.

[0067] Straps or bands 32 are wrapped around the circumference of the helmet 10 without obstructing the mounting position 16 or the auxiliary ridge 26. For example, the band 32 passes through an opening below the auxiliary ridge 26. The band 32 supports hand tools and / or other equipment suitable for storage along the edge 12 or auxiliary ridge 26 of the helmet 10. Similarly, various accessories 18 are attached or coupled to ports 34 in the auxiliary ridge 26 of the helmet 10. In some embodiments, the tools and / or other accessories 18 include inserts, fasteners, or receiving slots 30 that engage with one or more ports 34.

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different sized ports 34 are shown. Smaller ports 34 accommodate smaller attachments 18 (e.g., tools or eyeglass holders). Similarly, larger ports 34 are used for larger attachments 18 (e.g., earmuffs 38). In some embodiments, the front, middle, and / or rear ports 34 are interchangeable to receive and / or support a variety of different attachments 18. For example, the rear port 34 is positioned along the axial axis 40 and at the centerline of the operator's neck. When an attachment 18 is attached to the rear port 34, the attachment 18 is aligned with the axial axis 40 to reduce torque or load on the user's neck.

[0069] Figure 4 A comparison was made between the white visor style 42 on the left and the green rim style 12 in the middle of the helmet 10. The helmet 10 with visor 42 has a visor 42 at the front 14 (e.g., above the user's eyes), but lacks a rim 12 surrounding the sides (e.g., ears) and / or rear 15 (e.g., neck). In contrast, the helmet 10 with rim 12 has a rim 12 that at least partially surrounds and extends around the front 14, rear 15, and / or sides of the helmet 10. For example, Figures 1 to 3 A helmet 10 with a brim style 12 is shown. The applicant has found that users have preferences for different styles of helmet 10. For example, the brim style 12 can be symmetrical / balanced from the front 14 to the rear 15, while the visor style 42 allows the user to rotate the earcups further upward without being obstructed by the surrounding brim 12. Different helmet styles 10 with different geometries can have the same or similar mounting positions 16 for supporting the same accessories 18.

[0070] exist Figure 4 The left side shows a composite image of the helmet 10 with a visor 42 and a brim 12. In this composite image, the white visor 42 (e.g., the white visor of a climbing helmet) extends further in the front 14. The extended brim 12 (e.g., a conventional style) extends further in the sides and rear 15 of the helmet 10. Both the visor 42 and the brim 12 of the helmet 10 are shown supporting the earmuffs 38 in the rearward port 34. As shown, the white visor 42 of the helmet 10 on the left does not prevent the earmuffs 38 from rotating to a position above and / or behind the user's ears. The middle image shows the earmuffs 38 positioned behind the operator's ears but below the brim 12, so as to minimize obstruction of the earmuffs 38 at the rearward brim 12 of the helmet 10.

[0071] Typically, users attach multiple different attachments 18 at different locations (e.g., mounting position 16 and / or port 34) to maximize utility (e.g., accommodate more attachments 18) and / or comfort. The composite image on the right shows an earmuff 38 in the rear port 34. In this position, when the earmuff 38 is in the illustrated operating position, it is substantially parallel to the axial axis 40 and extends over the user's ear. For example, the user places the earmuff 38 in the third port or rear port 34 because this attachment position for the earmuff 38 is closer to the centerline or axial axis 40 of the operator's neck (e.g., the base of the user's head). Alternative positions for the attachments 18 can contribute to masking and / or muscle comfort, for example, by bringing the mass or CG as close as possible to the axial axis 40 at the centerline.

[0072] In other words, Attachment 18 adapts differently to helmets 10 of different styles and / or geometries. However, where mounting positions 16 and / or auxiliary ridges 26 are the same or similar for different helmets 10, they interchangeably receive Attachment 18 with complementary mounting brackets 24 (or inserts).

[0073] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional comparison of the visor 42 style helmet and the brim 12 style helmet 10 is shown. As illustrated, in various different embodiments, the helmet 10 has a full brim 12 (e.g., brim 12 style) or a large visor 42 without a surrounding brim 12 (e.g., visor 42 style). The mounting position 16 differs for the visor 42 style helmet 10 and the brim 12 style helmet. For example, a helmet 10 of comparable size may have an offset mounting position 16 between a short brim 12 (brim 12 style) helmet 10 and a long visor 42 (visor 42 style) helmet.

[0074] Figure 6 An expandable shield 48 is shown, which surrounds and clamps or directly attaches to the auxiliary ridge 26 and / or mounting position 16 on the helmet 10, for example, similar to strap 32. The shield 48 is attached below the mounting position 16 and / or auxiliary ridge 26 in such a manner that it leaves a port 34 for attaching accessories 18 and the mounting position 16. The shield 48 is made of a flexible material such as fabric, polymer, or plastic. In one embodiment, the shield 48 includes a front portion 50 and a rear portion 52 interconnected by resilient segments 54. The resilient segments 54 allow a user to stretch the shield 48 around the auxiliary ridge 26 and the mounting position 16.

[0075] The protective element 48 is attached to the mounting position 16 and the auxiliary ridge 26 below the outer periphery 88 of the helmet 10. (Example) Figure 6 As shown, the shield 48 is deflected to rotate / move the earmuff 38 from the operating position 56 below the shield 48 to the storage position 58 above the shield 48. Furthermore, as the earmuff 38 moves from the operating position 56 to the storage position 58 above the shield 48, the elastic segment 54 allows the shield 48 to provide some slack. The flexibility of the shield 48 and / or the elastic segment 54 facilitates movement and return from the use position (e.g., operating position 56) to the storage position 58.

[0076] Figure 7Two perspective views of a visor 60 with mounting brackets 24 for attaching to a mounting position 16 on a helmet 10 are shown. The visor 60 functions similarly to a visor 48 for a specific accessory (e.g., face protector 22), but can be modular and segmented. For example, the visor 60 enhances the face protector 22 for helmets 10 of different styles and sizes. An additional external mounting position 16 on the visor 60 supports an accessory 18 on the helmet 10, and an enlarged peak or ridge extension 62 projects radially outward between the mounting position 16 and the edge of the visor 60. Thus, the visor 60 provides cross-compatibility between different helmets 10 of different sizes and styles (including the visor 42 and the rim 12). Furthermore, the visor 60 provides additional mounting positions 16 for other accessories 18.

[0077] When the operator moves the face shield 22 from the operating position 56 to the storage position 58 and back, the shield 60 provides space or a bridge for accessories 18 (such as the lamp 20) to remain attached to the helmet 10. The shield 60 also provides a reliable structural abutment or seal between the face shield 22 and the helmet 10 of any style, where the mounting position 16 (or auxiliary ridge 26) is configured against the bracket 24 on the shield 60. In this way, the shield 60 facilitates the attachment of the welding face shield 22 and the lamp 20 to the mounting position 16. As a specific example, this configuration is advantageous during welding because conventional welding face shields 22 are dark to protect the eyes from the electric arc, but are often too dark to be seen in ambient light. Operators often find it difficult to see and manipulate the workpiece when the face shield is in the operating position but the welding arc is not illuminating. The lamp 20 can provide the operator with sufficient light to see and manipulate the workpiece before and after the welding process in the absence of an electric arc.

[0078] The face shield 60 provides a structured and spatial bridge between the helmet 10 and the face protector 22 for structural support of another attached accessory 18. This allows two accessories 18 (e.g., a welding visor and a headlamp) to be coupled at the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. A ridge extension 62 on the face shield 60 (e.g., a bracket 24 of the face shield 60) provides a structured offset or bridge from the helmet 10 to the face shield 64 to the accessory 18.

[0079] The protective shield 60 has a bracket 24 with repeating mounting positions 16 on the exterior of the protective shield 60 to accommodate additional accessories 18. For example, on one side (e.g., the inner surface) of the protective shield 60 is a mounting bracket 24 with a ridge 25 (similar to the lamp 20). When this bracket 24 of the protective shield 60 is engaged with the mounting position 16, the opposite exposed side of the protective shield 60 (e.g., the outer surface) forms an available external mounting position 16 to receive and support additional accessories 18 such as the lamp 20 on the helmet 10.

[0080] To support accessory 18 and / or protective shield 60, each mounting position 16 has side ridges 25 on both sides of the mounting position 16. Mounting bracket 24 has complementary side receiving grooves 30 on both sides of the mounting bracket 24. The side receiving grooves 30 are configured to engage with the ridges 25 at the mounting position 16. For example, the engagement of the receiving grooves 30 to the ridges 25 mounts the protective shield 60 to the helmet 10, and similarly mounts the light 20 to the protective shield 60. Figure 18 In this way, the protective cover 60 serves as a bridge between the accessory 18 and the mounting positions 16 of the helmets 10 of different sizes and styles.

[0081] The applicant has discovered that mounting positions 16 for the face protector 22 have the same or similar ridge extension 62 dimensions, ensuring proper abutment of the face protector 22 to the shield 64 in the operating position 56, protecting the user's eyes and / or face. The ridge extension 62 structurally interconnects the face protector 22 to the edge 12 of the helmet 10. In one embodiment, the ridge extension 62 and the face protector 22 abut to form a seal, such as a watertight seal or an airtight seal. The seal protects the user from intrusion or splashes of liquids or debris.

[0082] Different users prefer different geometries for the visor 42, brim 12, and / or helmet 10. Different geometries are also advantageous for a variety of different work sites and / or operations. For example, the same user may have one helmet 10 with a large visor 42 for outdoor work sites and a second helmet 10 with a small wraparound brim 12 for indoor work sites to support the light 20.

[0083] The applicant has discovered that the use of the intermediate modular face shield 60 allows a user to attach a face protector 22 that reliably abuts and / or seals against the rim 12 of various safety helmets 10. The face shield 60 provides a reliable fit regardless of the style, size, or geometry of the rim 12 or visor 42 of the safety helmet 10. In this way, an operator with two safety helmets 10 can attach, abut, and / or seal the same face protector 22 to the face shield 60, and then interchangeably attach and detach the face shield 60 and face protector 22 to and from the operator's preferred safety helmet 10. This allows the operator to customize the safety helmet 10 for a specific environment or job. Alternatively, the same user can attach a welding face shield 22 for welding operations and subsequently attach different protective eyewear face shields 22 for woodworking. In other words, the face shield 60 bridges a variety of different helmets 10 (or face protectors 22) of different sizes and shapes, and allows the use of a single face protector 22 to fit a variety of different sizes of helmets 10 with complementary mounting positions 16.

[0084] In one embodiment, the shield 60 includes a rectangular locking protrusion 66 in the mounting position 16. A cantilever 68 on the bracket 24 engages with a cutout or notch 69 to lock the shield 60 in the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. When the shield 60 is attached to the helmet 10, the engaging cutout 69 and cantilever 68 prevent unintentional bumps or knocks to the attachment 18.

[0085] Figure 8 A perspective view, a top view, and a bottom view of the protective shield 60 are shown. The connection between the protective shield 60 and the helmet 10 creates a spine extension 62 that covers both the helmet 10 with a visor style 42 and a brim style 12. The top row shows the protective shield 60 attached to the helmet 10 with a visor style 42 (left side climbing helmet) and a brim style 12 (right side – conventional brim style).

[0086] The face shield 60 attaches to both styles and creates a uniform ridge extension 62 with a consistent edge width W. The edge width W extends from the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10 to the edge of the ridge extension 62 on the face shield 60. As shown, the edge width W is greater than the size of either the visor 42 or the edge 12. The middle row shows how the face shield 60 creates a consistent attachment for either the accessory 18 or the face protector 22. The bottom row shows how the edge width W is longer than the extension size of either the visor style 42 or the edge style 12. Specifically, the black face shield 60 is longer than either the visor 42 (left) or the edge 12 (right) of either helmet 10.

[0087] Figure 9This is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a sunshade or shading member 70 having a bracket 24 on the helmet 10. The shading member 70 is the same as or similar to the shading member 48 and / or the shading member 64, except that the shading member 70 includes one or more attachment mechanisms (shown as a connector 72 and / or bracket 24) to securely but removably attach the shading member 70 to the mounting position 16 or auxiliary ridge 26 of the helmet 10.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, the helmet system 8 includes a helmet 10 and a protective shield 70 reversibly coupled to the helmet 10. The helmet includes a shell 11 formed of a rigid material. The shell 11 includes accessory mounting positions 16 positioned along the outer surface 7 of the shell 11.

[0089] In several different embodiments, the sunshade 70 includes a first portion 130 and a second portion 132. The first portion 130 extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the housing 11 and extends radially outward from the housing 11 to form a sunshade flange. The second portion 132 is coupled to the first portion 130 and positioned adjacent to an accessory mounting location 16. The second portion 132 is deformable relative to the first portion 130 such that it deforms to accommodate and cover a portion of an accessory 18 (e.g., earmuffs) coupled to the accessory mounting location, which is shown as one of a front port 80, a middle port 82, or a rear port 84. The deformation of the second portion 132 allows the accessory 18 to extend from the accessory mounting location (e.g., front port 80, middle port 82, or rear port 84) to below the second portion 132.

[0090] In various embodiments, the second portion 132 is formed of a material that is more elastic than the material of the first portion 130. In various embodiments, the second portion 132 includes a first region 134 on a first side 136 of the housing 11 and a second region 138 on a second side 140 of the housing 11 opposite to the first side 136. In a specific embodiment, the first side 136 is the left side of the housing 11, and the second side 140 is the right side of the housing 11. In various embodiments, a fastener shown as a connector 72 attaches the shield 70 to the left side of the housing 11, while a second fastener shown as a connector 72 attaches the shield 70 to the right side of the housing 11. In various embodiments, the second portion 132 includes a third region 142 and a fourth region 144 separated by a bridge 78, and both the third region 142 and the fourth region 144 are located on a first side of the housing 11 (e.g., the left side and the right side of the housing 11). The bridge 78 is formed of a material that is less elastic than the material forming the second portion 132.

[0091] As described in detail below, the visor 70 allows the user to fold the rim 12, for example, fold the front to the back or the back to the front, and maintain this fold. The visor 70 is attached to the port 34 of the mounting position 16 and / or the auxiliary spine 26 on helmets 10 and / or visor 42 of different styles and sizes (e.g., climbing helmets and conventional helmets 10). Figure 10 A rear view of the helmet 10 is shown, in which the visor 70 is connected to the rear mounting ridge via a bracket 24, as shown. Figure 9 What is shown.

[0092] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The protective shield 70 includes a front portion (shown as a front edge segment 74) and a rear portion (shown as a rear edge segment 76) interconnected by opposing tension sections 77. The front edge segment 74 and the rear edge segment 76 are similar to the front portion 50 and the rear portion 52 of the protective shield 48. Fasteners, shown as connectors 72, connect the two parallel tension sections 77 to ports 34 on an auxiliary ridge 26 to secure the protective shield 70. In one embodiment, the front edge segment 74 and / or the rear edge segment 76 include brackets 24 that connect the protective shield 70 to a mounting position 16 (or auxiliary ridge 26) on the helmet 10. A non-elastic material or bridge 78 between the tension sections 77 is integrally formed with the connector 72. Figure 9 ), or a separate component that connects to connector 72 and supports the connector ( Figure 10 ).

[0093] The front edge segment 74 is movable between a covered configuration and a retracted configuration. In the covered configuration, the front edge segment 74 extends away from the front portion 14 of the helmet 10 in the forward direction 71. In the retracted configuration, the front edge segment 74 extends away from the rear portion 15 of the helmet 10 in the rearward direction 73. When the front edge segment 74 is in the retracted configuration, the front edge segment 74 engages with the rear edge segment 76.

[0094] In various embodiments, clip 24 is attached to the rear edge segment 76, and clip 24 attaches the shield 70 to the helmet 10. Figure 9 In various embodiments, clip 24 is engaged with the front edge segment 74, and when the front edge segment 74 of the shield 70 is in a retracted configuration, clip 24 is engaged with the rear portion 15 of the helmet 10. In various embodiments, when the front edge segment 74 of the shield 70 is in a covered configuration, clip 24 engages the front edge segment 74 with the front portion 14 of the helmet 10. In various embodiments, clip 24 is engaged with the front edge segment 74 of the shield 70, and when the shield 70 is in a covered configuration, clip 24 is engaged with the front portion 14 of the helmet 10.

[0095] In various embodiments, connector 72 is coupled to port 34 in auxiliary ridge 26. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, connector 72 is connected to the front port 80. Figure 10 A connector 72 is shown for attaching the face shield 70 to the center port 82. Similarly, the connector 72 can be attached to any port 34 of the auxiliary ridge 26 (e.g., the rear port 84) and / or the front or rear mounting position 16 on the helmet 10. The position of the connector 72 in the front port 80, center port 82, or rear port 84 determines the folded position 86 of the face shield 70. Additionally, the use of specific ports 34 (e.g., front port 80, center port 82, or rear port 84) facilitates the attachment of other accessories 18 to the mounting position 16 and / or any of the other ports 34 in the auxiliary ridge 26. For example, attaching the face protector 22 and / or the face shield 70 to the front port 80 facilitates the attachment of earmuffs 38 to the center port 82 or rear port 84 of the auxiliary ridge 26.

[0096] In various embodiments, the bracket 24 is directly connected to the shield 70 ( Figure 9 ) or on the protective element 70 ( Figure 10 The connection is made at installation location 16. Figure 9 A bracket 24 is shown that is attached to the protective shield 70 and securely attached to the rear mounting position 16 on the helmet 10. In contrast, Figure 10 A protective shield 70 is shown wrapped around the outer periphery 88 of a helmet 10. The outer periphery 88 includes a transition periphery between a front mounting position and a rear mounting position 16, and side auxiliary ridges 26 facing / adjacent to the edge 12 of the helmet 10. The protective shield 70 has a hollow elliptical shape (elongated ring) extending radially from an inner diameter 90 (e.g., adjacent to the outer periphery 88 of the helmet 10) to an outer diameter 92. A bracket 24 is coupled to the rear mounting position 16 and clamps the protective shield 70 around the outer periphery 88 between the edge 12 of the helmet 10 and the bracket 24 (e.g., below the cutout 69 of the helmet 10 but above the edge 12). The bracket 24 includes the outer mounting position 16 and / or the cutout 69 to further support and / or attach additional accessories 18. An elastic element or strap 94 extends below the front edge 12 to fold the edge 12 and maintain the folded configuration.

[0097] Figure 11A and Figure 11B A comparison was made of a shield 70 having two tension zones 77 on opposite sides, with axial or parallel tension. Figure 11A ) and a shield 70 with only one tension zone 77 and radial tension ( Figure 11B ).like Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs shown, the radially stretched shield 70 expands the inner diameter 90 of the shield 70 to open the radial circumference of the inner diameter 90 and adapts the shield 70 to helmets 10 and / or accessories 18 of different sizes, shapes, and configurations. The parallel-stretched shield 70 includes stretch areas 77 on opposite sides of the shield 70 (e.g., adjacent to the auxiliary ridge 26). The parallel-stretched shield 70 is foldable and may include a folding position 86, allowing the user to fold the shield 70. For example, the folded shield 70 extends the edge 12 on the front or rear half while providing unobstructed access to the mounting system on the other half of the helmet 10 (mounting position 16 and port 34 on the auxiliary ridge 26). The parallel-stretched shield 70 also allows the user to access the ports 34 of the auxiliary ridges 26 on opposite sides of the helmet 10.

[0098] Figures 12 to 14 It shows Figure 9 The protective shield 70 is shown in different views of a folded configuration. Pivots are provided at folded positions 86 on opposite sides of the protective shield 70 to allow the user to flip the front (or rear) edge 12 of the protective shield 70 and attach accessories to mounting positions 16 on the front of the helmet 10. Brackets 24 slide over the flipped edge 12 to clamp and hold the rotated edge 12 in the folded configuration. Straps 94 rotate about both edges 12 (e.g., the front and rear edges 12) to hold the edges 12 together in the folded configuration shown. This configuration allows the user to access mounting positions 16 and / or the auxiliary ridge 26 without obstruction by the protective shield 70 and allows the user to modify the protective shield 70 according to their preferences and conditions.

[0099] In various embodiments, the shield 70 includes a first fold position 86 located on a first side 81 of the shield 70 and a second fold position 87 located on a second side 79 of the shield 70 opposite to the first side 81. In various embodiments, the first fold position 86 includes a stretch region 77 that is more elastic than an adjacent portion of the shield 70 (e.g., a portion of the shield 70 adjacent to a stretch region 77).

[0100] Figure 15Another embodiment of the modular helmet visor 100 is shown. Except for the differences described, the modular helmet visor 100 is identical or similar to helmet visors 48, 64, and 70. The modular helmet visor 100 includes individual modules or edge segments (e.g., front edge segment 74 and rear edge segment 76) joined together around the outer perimeter 88 of the helmet 10. In this way, the modular helmet visor 100 can include different materials, shapes, and / or attachments 18 to provide different functions based on user preferences. As shown, the front edge segment 74 includes a translucent plastic that, for example, blocks UV rays from reaching the user's eyes but allows some visible light to pass through. A connector 72 connects the front edge segment 74 to interconnect the rear edge segment 76. The rear edge segment 76 includes two stretch zones 77 and an opaque plastic material edge 12.

[0101] Straps 94 can be attached to the front edge segment 74 and / or the rear edge segment 76. Connector 72 can be biased or unbiased to provide a folded position 86 for rotating either modular segment. Connector 72 attaches the front edge segment 74 to the rear edge segment 76. Connector 72 also attaches the modular shield 100 to the auxiliary ridge 26. In other embodiments, compressive forces caused by a stretching zone 77 expanding around the outer periphery 88 hold the shield 100 in place. Various gaskets 104 are located around the outer periphery 88 to adjust the size, shape, and / or style of the modular shield 100.

[0102] In some embodiments, the connector 72 includes a mating protrusion 106 and a groove 108 between a front edge segment 74 and a rear edge segment 76. For example, the protrusion 106 engages or snaps into the groove 108 to connect the front segment 74 and the rear segment 76 of the modular shield 100. In a variety of different embodiments, the connector 72 includes other mechanisms for temporarily and securely connecting the segments of the modular shield 100, such as hook and loop connectors, joints that induce pressure / friction, quick-release joints of metal and / or plastic, fasteners, buckles, and / or adhesives.

[0103] Figure 16 It is connected to Figure 9 The front part 14 and the folded protective cover 70 and the rear part 15 connected to the helmet 10 Figure 15A perspective view of the modular protective shield 100. Bridges 78 and / or connectors 72 are joined / form a folded position 86 in opposing, parallel stretch sections 77. For example, connector 72 connects stretch section 77 to front port 80, leaving intermediate port 82 and rear port 84 for attaching additional accessories 18. In other words, the modular protective shield 100 is independently attached to the front 14 of the helmet 10, such as by clamping friction generated by frictional mating or by brackets 24 or inserted fasteners. In some embodiments, a single segment (e.g., front edge segment 74) comprises multiple materials, such as a first translucent material 110 and a second opaque material 112. Because the modules or segments of the modular protective shield 100 are independent, front segment 74 and rear segment 76 can also be made of different materials to exhibit different properties and functions. Alternatively, a segment (e.g., either segment 74 or 76) can be used in combination with another accessory 18, such as face protection 22.

[0104] As shown, there is no physical connection between the modular protective shield 100 and the folded protective shield 70. This configuration enables the functional connection or pairing of the modular protective shield 100 and the folded protective shield 70. The modular protective shield 100 is used in combination with other accessories 18 and / or sunshade elements (e.g., protective shields 48, 67 and / or protective shield 70, or another protective shield described herein). For example, two or more modular protective shields 100 (e.g., front edge segment 74 and rear edge segment 76) are combined to extend completely around the outer perimeter 88 of the helmet 10. The front edge segment 74 and rear edge segment 76 of the modular protective shield 100 may be made of different materials and / or have different transparency (e.g., transparent, translucent, or opaque). Furthermore, the front edge segment 74 and / or rear edge segment 76 can be interchangeably removed and replaced with one or more accessories 18 to suit the operator's preferences, safety, and / or use in a particular work site.

[0105] Figure 17This is a top perspective view of the modular protective cover 100 attached to the face protector 22 attachment 18. The face protector 22 includes a bracket 24 attached to a front mounting position 16 on the helmet 10. The face protector 22 extends around the user's face. In various embodiments, the face protector 22 can create a seal between the user's face (e.g., eyes, nose, and / or mouth). An optional protective element 114 (e.g., a visor sized to fit the face protector 22) extends outward to form a seam 115 along the junction between the face protector 22 and the protective element 114. In various embodiments, the seam 115 is an airtight, watertight, or other fixed seal to prevent debris (e.g., hot / molten metal from a welder's helmet) from entering around the user's face. The bracket 24 on the face protector 22 includes an outer mounting position 116 having a side ridge 125 and a cutout 169 with the same or similar geometry as the mounting position 16. Therefore, the mounting system can use the additional mounting position 116 to attach another accessory 18 (e.g., a lamp and / or eyeglass holder).

[0106] Figure 18 This is a top perspective view of a front modular visor 100 made of a translucent material, connected to a rear modular visor 100 made of an opaque material. The front section 74 and the rear section 76 are joined to form a modular visor 100, which is connected to the helmet 10 via a connector 72. The connector 72 includes a protrusion 106 that engages with a groove 108 to adjust the side of the inner diameter 90 of the assembled modular visor 100 (e.g., a visor formed by connecting the front and rear modular visors 100). This feature allows the user to modify the size of the inner diameter 90 to accommodate the size, style, and / or dimensions of the mounting position 16 and / or the auxiliary ridge 26. Figure 18 As shown, based on the change in inner diameter 90, outer diameter 92 can increase from the solid line to the dashed line. The front edge segment 74 is made of a different material than the rear edge segment 76 to form a multi-material modular shield 100. For example, the front edge segment 74 includes a translucent colored plastic material. The rear edge segment 76 includes an opaque fabric material bonded to the center of the polymer. The modular shield 100 has a front edge segment 74 and a rear edge segment 76 and includes different material characteristics.

[0107] In some embodiments, the modular protective shield 100 includes one or more materials and / or a tension zone 77 to adjust the frictional clamping force of the inner diameter 90 of the protective shield 100 on the outer diameter 92 of the helmet 10. In various different embodiments, the frictional clamping force and / or a bracket 24 connect the protective shield 100 to the helmet 10. The bracket 24 either forms part of the edge segment 74 or 76 (e.g., attached to the edge segment) or adapts to the edge segments 74 and / or 76 and clamps the edge segments against the helmet 10 (e.g., not connected, but adjacent to segments 74 and 76).

[0108] Figure 19 Another embodiment of a shield 150 is shown, having a closed resilient region 152 in the edge 12. The shield 150 is identical or similar to other shields described herein (e.g., shields 48, 64, 70 and / or modular shield 100), but incorporates features and modifications different from those shields. For example, the closed resilient region 152 of the shield 150 extends from the inner diameter 90 of the edge 12, but does not extend across the edge 12 to the outer diameter 92. Unlike the stretching region 77 of the shield 70, the resilient region 152 is closed within the edge 12 and adjacent to the auxiliary ridge 26. The closed resilient region 152 is surrounded by a non-resilient region 154 of the edge 12 on the shield 150. Thus, the outer diameter 192 is fixed (e.g., non-expandable or not flexible), but deflection near the side of the helmet 10 (e.g., near the auxiliary ridge 26) allows access to the port 34 in the auxiliary ridge 26.

[0109] The face shield 150 also connects the rear edge section 76 to both the front port 80 and the rear mounting position 16. This configuration provides a stable connection for the face shield 150 and also allows the operator to insert and attach the earmuffs 38 to the auxiliary ridges 26 via the resilient region 152. Specifically, the four-bar support arm 156 used by the operator for either the face shield 22 or the earmuffs 38 is linked through. The support arm 156 enters or passes through the resilient region 152 and connects the insert 158 ​​(at the end of the support arm 156) to the remaining intermediate port 82 or rear port 84 of each opposing auxiliary ridge 26. Figure 20 The connection of the rear edge segment 76 to the front port 80 and the rear mounting position 16 improves the ergonomic attachment of the earcups 38 to either the middle port 82 or the rear port 84, allowing for the most comfortable arrangement above the individual user's ears.

[0110] Figure 20Different views of the closed elastic area shield 150 and the support arm 156 into which the earmuff 38 is inserted 158 and attached to the rear port 84 are shown. As described above, some users may choose to use the middle port 82 to ergonomically fit the earmuff 38 directly above their ears. In contrast, the rear port 84 provides a better fit for other users. The modular configuration of the shield 150 attached to the front port 80 allows users to optionally select the most ergonomic and comfortable configuration. This configuration also allows the other port 34 on each side of the auxiliary spine 26 to be used for another accessory 18 (e.g., a reflector, eyeglass holder, or tool holder).

[0111] Figure 21 Another embodiment of a visor 160 with mixed materials is shown. The visor 160 comprises different materials having a rigid outer perimeter or outer diameter 92 and a soft fabric inner diameter 90 to accommodate various sizes, styles, and / or dimensions of helmets 10 or visors with different mounting positions 16 or auxiliary spines 26. For example, the visor 160 includes two stretch sections 77 interconnecting a front edge and a rear edge 12. The edge 12 includes padding 162 and a bracket 24 to attach the visor 160 to helmets 10 of different sizes and shapes and / or attached accessories 18 (e.g., face protectors 22).

[0112] In various embodiments, the face shield 22 may be a convertible face shield 22, which is attached to the helmet 10 when the shield 100 is folded toward the rear 15 of the helmet 10. Figure 17 Alternatively, face shield 22 is attached to the rear section 74 of modular shield 150. Shield 160 incorporates various features of the shields previously described herein (e.g., shields 48, 64, 70, 100, and / or 150) to further customize the attachment of different accessories 18 (e.g., face shield 22) to mounting position 16 and / or auxiliary ridge 26.

[0113] The protective shield 160 is mounted around the perimeter 88 of the helmet 10, and has a connecting attachment 18 (face protector 22) at the front mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. This configuration demonstrates how the features and / or materials of the protective shield 160 interact with a variety of different attachments 18 (e.g., four-bar linkages, support arms, and / or inserts) at the mounting position 16 and / or auxiliary ridge 26. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Independent stereoscopic view of the protective element 160.

[0114] like Figures 21 to 22As shown, the bracket 24 includes an external mounting position 116 that is the same as or similar to the mounting position 16 on the helmet 10. In some embodiments, the bracket 24 includes an external mounting position 116 having a ridge 125. In this way, the bracket 24 serves as a bridge to attach a first accessory 18 (e.g., a face protector 22) to the front mounting position 16 of the helmet 10 and provides a second external mounting position 116 for attaching a second accessory 18. In other words, the bracket 24 forms a connecting bridge that allows multiple accessories 18 to be stacked onto a single mounting position 16 of the helmet 10.

[0115] A front liner 162, along the inner diameter 90 of the front transparent edge segment 74, provides tolerance 165 to adapt the protective shield 160 to a variety of different accessories, helmets 10, and visors of different sizes and shapes. Two opposing and parallel stretch sections 77 are positioned adjacent to the auxiliary ridge 26 and extend from the inner diameter 90 of the edge 12 to the outer diameter 92. Spring-loaded or biased fasteners create biased pivots 164 (e.g., similar to connector 72) that engage the stretch sections 77 of the protective shield 160 to ports 34 (e.g., front port 80, middle port 82, or rear port 84) on the auxiliary ridge 26. The biased pivot 164 generates a biasing force or spring force against the protective shield 160, causing the operator to apply a downward force on the protective shield 160 to generate clamping friction at the inner diameter 92 of the edge 12. The stretch zone 77 includes a stretchable flexible material extending from the inner diameter 90 to the outer diameter 92 to generate compressive forces on the outer perimeter 88, and allows the liner 162 and the shield 160 to deflect for helmets 10 of different sizes, shapes, and styles. A wire 166 extends along the outer diameter 92 of the shield 160 to create a rigid outer diameter 92.

[0116] An optional bracket 24 is attached to the rear section 76 of the face shield 160. The bracket 24 attaches to or clamps the face shield 160. A pad 162 slides below a cutout 69 at the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. As shown, the mounting position 16 is attached to the face protector 22, and the pad 162 adapts below the cutout 169 to attach to the outer perimeter 88 of the helmet 10 with the attached accessory 18. The stretch zone 77 is elastic / flexible adjacent to the auxiliary ridge 26, but the wire 166 forms the rigid / strong outer diameter 92 of the face shield 160. This configuration allows multiple materials in the translucent or colored front section 74 and rear section 76, stretch zone 77, and pad 162 to form an expandable feature at the junction between the outer perimeter 88 of the helmet 10 and the inner diameter 90 of the face shield 160. In contrast, the outer diameter 92 is relatively rigid and strong due to the various materials used in the wire 166. In one embodiment, the stretching area 77 extends over and / or deflects around both the support arm 156 and the insert 158 ​​of the attached face shield 22 and / or earmuff 38.

[0117] refer to Figures 23 to 27 This illustrates several different aspects of the helmet visor 220. Aside from the differences discussed herein, helmet visor 220 is substantially the same as helmet visors 48, 60, 64, 67, 70, 100, or 150. Helmet visor 220 includes a rear portion 224 attached to helmet 210 via frame 240. Side portions 222 extend from rear portion 224 and circumferentially surround helmet 210. Folding portions 232 are attached to rear portion 224 via a folded position 230 at connecting portion 236. In a particular embodiment, rear portion 224 and folding portions 232 are formed of fabric or similar fabric material.

[0118] The frame 240 is attached to a safety headgear, shown as helmet 210, at one of a plurality of mounting slots along the side of helmet 210. In the specific embodiment shown, the frame 240 is attached to the central port 214 of helmet 210. In the specific embodiment, the frame 240 is formed in an arched, U-shaped, or horseshoe shape and is made of a plastic material.

[0119] The folding portion 232 includes a front undulating portion, shown as a front fold 226, which is configured to receive various attachments such as earmuff arms. Similarly, the side portion 222 includes a rear undulating portion, shown as a rear fold 228, which is configured to receive various attachments such as earmuff arms. In use, the front portion 234 and the folding portion 232 can be folded upwards and over the dome of the helmet 210 and rearwards toward the rear portion 224 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 27 In this position, the front portion 234 and / or the folding portion 232 can be coupled to something such as a clip 242. Figure 24 Connecting elements, such as shielding elements 220, are used to hold these parts of the shielding element in the folded position.

[0120] In a specific embodiment, the shield 220 includes a first portion 221 and a second portion 223. Similar to various embodiments of the shield 70, the second portion 223 is more deformable than the first portion 221, such that the second portion 223 deforms to accommodate and cover a portion of an accessory attached to an accessory mounting location located below the second portion 223 (e.g., an arm of an earmuff). In various embodiments, the second portion 223 is less taut than the first portion 221. In various embodiments, the second portion 223 includes a front fold 226 and a rear fold 228. For example, the second portion 223 is more deformable without stretching than the first portion 221 (e.g., because the second portion has additional fabric that is not taut). As another example, the second portion 223 extends upward and loosely abuts against the exterior of the shell (see...). Figure 26In a specific embodiment, the rear portion 224 includes an undulating portion shown as a rear fold 228, which is less taut than the portion of the shield 220 adjacent to the rear fold 228, and the rear fold 228 is positioned below the front portion 234 and / or the folded portion 232 when the shield 220 is in a stowed configuration.

[0121] Further reference Figures 25 to 27 When the protective cover 220 is not folded ( Figure 26 Accessories such as earmuff arms extend through the rear fold 228. When the shield 220 is folded ( Figure 27 Accessories such as earmuff arms extend through the front fold 226 and rear fold 228. In a particular embodiment, the shield 220 includes one or more flexible portions shown as bend points 238, which allow the shield 220 to be shaped in various ways to accommodate various accessories covered, surrounding, or passing under the front fold 226 and / or rear fold 228. In various embodiments, the front portion of the shield 220 includes the front fold 226, which is less taut than the portion of the shield 220 adjacent to the front fold 226, and the rear portion includes the rear fold 228, which is less taut than the portion of the shield 220 adjacent to the rear fold 228. In a particular embodiment, when the shield 220 is in a stowed configuration (e.g., when the front portion of the shield 220 is folded back), such as... Figure 12 As shown), the front folding plate 226 is positioned above the rear folding plate 228.

[0122] refer to Figures 28 to 30 This illustrates various aspects of the protective shield 220, which is connected to different safety headgear devices. The frame 240 is used with some safety headgear devices (such as...). Figure 28 The connection of the helmet (shown in helmet 212) is better than that of other safety headgear (such as...) Figure 29 (As shown in helmet 210) is higher. If left untreated, this causes portions of the frame 240 and the visor 220 to extend from the helmet 212 at a steeper angle than the frame 240 and visor 220 attached to the helmet 210.

[0123] To compensate for this, frame 240 includes clip 244. Clip 244 includes an engagement portion 258 comprising a first surface, such as an upper surface (shown as an upper stepped surface 256), and a second surface, such as a lower surface (shown as a lower stepped surface 254), each of which faces upward 257. In use, when clip 244 is attached to helmet 212, either upper stepped surface 256 or lower stepped surface 254 is attached to helmet 212. Specifically, clip 244 is attached to helmet 210 in a first position or a second position. When clip 244 is in the first position, upper stepped surface 256 engages with helmet 210, while when clip 244 is in the second position, lower stepped surface 254 engages with helmet 210. In a specific embodiment, upper stepped surface 256 is spaced 253 above lower stepped surface 254. Therefore, the clip 244 is inserted lower into the body of the helmet 212 compared to the helmet 210, and thus, the angles of the frame 240 and the visor 220 provide greater consistency when coupled to different embodiments of the safety headgear. In a specific embodiment, the engagement portion 258 is offset against the helmet 210 in the horizontal direction.

[0124] refer to Figures 28 to 29 When the clip 244 is engaged with the helmet 210 in a first position, the shield 220 extends from the helmet 210 at a first angle 247 relative to the horizontal line, and when the clip 244 is engaged with the helmet 210 in a second position, the shield 220 extends from the helmet 210 at a second angle 248 relative to the horizontal line. In a particular embodiment, the first angle 247 is different from the second angle 248, and more specifically, the first angle 247 is greater than the second angle 248. In various embodiments, angles 247 and 248 are measured from the front of the helmet 210. In various embodiments, the lower step surface 254 is spaced apart from the upper step surface 256 by a second distance 259 closer to the center 218 of the helmet 210.

[0125] In various embodiments, the helmet system 208 includes a helmet 210, a clip 244 coupled to the helmet 210, and a shield 220 coupled to the shield 220, such that the shield 220 is reversibly supported to the helmet 210 via the clip 244 and extends circumferentially around a portion of the helmet 210.

[0126] refer to Figures 31 to 32The diagram illustrates various aspects of the protective element 220, such as enabling multiple objects to be attached to the same general area of ​​the helmet 212. In a specific embodiment, the frame 240 includes a connecting element shown as a rear slot 250. The rear slot 250 is configured to double the connecting capacity of the rear portion of the helmet 212, thereby allowing the user to daisy-chain elements to the same general area of ​​the helmet 212. For example, the user can attach the frame 240 to the helmet 212 and use the rear slot 250 to attach additional accessories such as a headlamp battery 252.

[0127] refer to Figures 33 to 35 In various embodiments, the visor 220 includes components that provide flexibility for attachment to safety headgear of different sizes. In one such embodiment, the front portion 234 of the visor 220 is attached to the edge 216 of the helmet 212 via a clip 246. In a specific embodiment, the clip 246 is formed of a plastic material.

[0128] In a specific embodiment, the connecting portion 236 resiliently connects the front portion 234 and the rear portion 224. The resilient nature of the connecting portion 236 allows the shield 220 to be securely attached to various sizes of embodiments of the safety headgear (comparative). Figure 33 and Figure 35 ).

[0129] refer to Figure 36 The diagram illustrates several different aspects of the connecting element shown as spring clip 262. Spring clip 262 helps to hold the protective cover on the rear retaining feature of the safety headgear. Spring clip 262 includes an interface element shown as tab 264. The user can interact with tab 264 to pull in direction 260, thereby disengaging spring clip 262.

[0130] refer to Figure 37 This document illustrates several different aspects of a safety headgear, shown as helmet 310. Helmet 310 is similar to helmet 210 except for the differences described herein. Helmet 310 includes a first connecting feature (shown as front mount 312) at the front and a second connecting feature (shown as rear mount 316) at the rear of helmet 310 opposite the front. Helmet 310 includes a connecting element 314 at the front of helmet 310. Helmet 310 includes a connecting element (shown as slot 322) centrally located on the side of helmet 310 between a rear slot 320 and a front slot 324. It is contemplated herein that helmet 310 can engage with one or more elements described herein, such as, for illuminating purposes only.

[0131] refer to Figures 38 to 39This illustrates several different aspects of frame 420. Apart from the differences discussed herein, frame 420 is essentially the same as frame 240.

[0132] Frame 420 engages via a hook 422 (e.g., hook 422 engages with the ridge 25 of mounting position 16 of helmet 10, see...) Figure 3 The connecting mechanism is connected to a safety head-mounted device such as a helmet. One or more tabs 448 engage with a protrusion extending from the front of the helmet, such as engaging below the protrusion.

[0133] Frame 420 includes one or more connecting elements shown as joining portions 460. Joining portions 460 are substantially the same as joining portions 258, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, joining portions 460 include an extension extending vertically above the body of the joining portion 460.

[0134] In use, hook 422 slidably engages with the helmet to restrict frame 420 to vertical movement relative to the helmet, and tab 448 biases frame 420 to prevent it from moving upward and disengaging from the helmet. To remove frame 420 from the helmet, the user pulls lever 440 upward 442. In response, pivot 446 engages against the helmet, forcing tab 448 away from the helmet until tab 448 no longer engages with a protrusion extending from the helmet. Thus, the user can slide frame 420 upward relative to the helmet to disengage frame 420 from the helmet.

[0135] refer to Figure 40 This illustrates several different aspects of the helmet system 508. The helmet system 508 includes a face shield 510 and a frame 520. The helmet system 508 is substantially the same as the helmet system 8, except for the differences discussed herein, and the frame 520 is substantially the same as the frame 420, except for the differences discussed herein. Specifically, the hook 522 of the frame 520 extends further along the inner circumference of the frame 420 than the hook 422 of the frame 420.

[0136] refer to Figure 41 This illustrates several different aspects of frame 620. Apart from the differences discussed herein, frame 620 is essentially the same as frame 420 or frame 520. Specifically, frame 620 includes a structure 624 above hook 622 that extends outward from the helmet to which frame 620 is attached.

[0137] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0138] Given this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be interpreted as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., changing the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, materials used, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown in the monolithic design may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be varied or altered. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0139] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" refers to two components being directly or indirectly linked to each other. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such a connection may be achieved by forming a single entity from which two components and any additional intermediate components are integrally formed, or by attaching two components or two components and any additional components to each other. Such a connection may be permanent in nature, or alternatively, removable or detachable in nature.

[0140] Although specific combinations of features are recited in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such a combination is currently claimed), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0141] In a variety of different exemplary embodiments, as shown in the figures, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, are scaled. Actual measurements of the figures will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of a variety of different exemplary embodiments. The variety of different exemplary embodiments extends to a variety of different ranges surrounding the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the figures. The variety of different exemplary embodiments includes any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the figures. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using the size ratios measured in the figures in conjunction with the explicit dimensions stated in this specification. Additionally, in a variety of different embodiments, this disclosure extends to a variety of ranges surrounding any absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or that can be determined from the figures (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%).

Claims

1. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising a shell formed of a rigid material; A clip connected to the safety helmet, the clip having an engagement portion including an upper surface and a lower surface, each of the upper surface and the lower surface facing upwards, the clip being configured to be connected to the safety helmet in a first position or a second position, wherein when the clip is in the first position, the upper surface engages with the safety helmet, and when the clip is in the second position, the lower surface engages with the safety helmet, wherein the upper surface is spaced apart above the lower surface by a distance; as well as A protective element, which is coupled to the clip such that the protective element is reversibly supported to the helmet via the clip and extends circumferentially around a portion of the helmet.

2. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein when the clip is engaged with the helmet at the first position, the shield extends from the helmet at a first angle relative to the horizontal line, and when the clip is engaged with the helmet at the second position, the shield extends from the helmet at a second angle relative to the horizontal line, the first angle being different from the second angle.

3. The helmet system of claim 2, wherein the first angle is measured at the front of the helmet, and the second angle is measured at the front of the helmet.

4. The helmet system according to claim 2, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle.

5. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein the lower surface is spaced apart from the upper surface by a second distance closer to the center of the helmet.

6. The helmet system of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is offset against the helmet in a horizontal direction.

7. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising: Shell; and An accessory mounting ridge is positioned on the outer surface of the shell; The frame is supported by the helmet; A protective element, connected to the helmet via the frame, the protective element comprising: The first part extends circumferentially around the rear portion of the shell and extends radially outward from the shell; The second part, which is connected to the first part and positioned adjacent to the accessory mounting ridge; and The third part extends circumferentially from the second part around the front portion of the shell and extends radially outward from the shell.

8. The helmet system according to claim 7, wherein, The second portion of the shield includes a folding plate, wherein the folding plate is configured to receive an accessory.

9. The helmet system of claim 7, wherein the second portion comprises a first section on a first lateral side of the shell and a second section on a second lateral side of the shell opposite to the first lateral side.

10. The helmet system according to claim 9, wherein, The frame extends around the rear portion of the shell, wherein the rear portion of the shell is positioned between a first lateral side of the shell and a second lateral side of the shell.

11. The helmet system according to claim 7, wherein, The helmet's accessory mounting ridge also includes a port, and the frame is connected to the port.

12. The helmet system according to claim 11, wherein, The frame also includes a clip, wherein the clip is positioned within the port.

13. The helmet system according to claim 7, wherein, The frame has a U-shaped form.

14. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising: Shell; and An auxiliary mounting ridge is located on the lateral outer surface of the shell; The frame is supported by the helmet; A protective element, connected to the helmet via the frame, the protective element comprising: A first portion, the first portion extending circumferentially around a portion of the shell and extending radially outward from the shell; and The second part, connected to the first part and adjacent to the auxiliary mounting ridge positioning, includes a first undulating portion; and The third part extends circumferentially from the second part around another part of the shell and extends radially outward from the shell.

15. The helmet system according to claim 14, wherein, The first undulating part is a folded plate.

16. The helmet system according to claim 14, wherein, The first undulating portion is a first fold plate, and the second portion of the shielding member further includes a second fold plate.

17. The helmet system according to claim 16, wherein, The first folding plate is positioned between the third portion of the protective member and the second folding plate.

18. The helmet system according to claim 14, wherein, The first undulating portion is positioned along the inner edge of the protective cover and adjacent to the helmet.

19. The helmet system of claim 14, wherein the protective element includes a first folded position on a first side of the protective element and a second folded position on a second side of the protective element opposite to the first side.

20. The helmet system according to claim 14, wherein, The shielding member also includes a bend point located between the first undulating portion and the first portion of the shielding member.

21. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmets, including: Shell; and An auxiliary mounting ridge is located on the outer surface of the shell; A protective element, connected to the helmet, the protective element comprising: An edge, the edge extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the shell and radially outward from the outer surface; and The closed elastic region within the edge, the closed elastic region being adjacent to the auxiliary mounting ridge positioning.

22. The helmet system according to claim 21, wherein, The closed elastic region extends radially outward from the inner edge.

23. The helmet system according to claim 22, wherein, The outermost portion of the closed elastic region is spaced apart from the outer diameter of the edge.

24. The helmet system according to claim 21, wherein, The edge includes an inelastic region surrounding the closed elastic region, such that the outer diameter of the edge is rigid.

25. The helmet system according to claim 21, wherein, The edge can be connected to the port of the auxiliary mounting ridge.

26. The helmet system according to claim 21, wherein, The closed, resilient region is configured to allow an accessory to be inserted through the edge to attach to the auxiliary mounting ridge.

27. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising: A shell formed of rigid material; and Accessory mounting positions located along the outer surface of the shell; and A protective element, reversibly connected to the helmet, the protective element comprising: A first portion, extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the shell and radially outward from the shell to form a sun-protective flange; and The second part is coupled to the first part and positioned adjacent to the accessory mounting location, wherein the second part is deformable relative to the first part such that it deforms to adapt to and cover a portion of the accessory coupled to the accessory mounting location, thereby allowing the accessory to extend from the accessory mounting location to below the second part.

28. The helmet system of claim 27, wherein the second portion is formed of a material with greater elasticity than the material of the first portion.

29. The helmet system of claim 27, wherein the second portion includes a first region on a first side of the shell and a second region on a second side of the shell opposite to the first side.

30. The helmet system according to claim 29, wherein, The first side is the left side of the shell, and the second side is the right side of the shell.

31. The helmet system of claim 30, the helmet system comprising a first fastener connecting the visor to the left side of the shell and a second fastener connecting the visor to the right side of the shell.

32. The helmet system of claim 27, wherein the second portion comprises a third and a fourth section separated by a bridge, the bridge being formed of a material less elastic than the second portion, wherein, Both the third and fourth zones are located on the first side of the shell.

33. The helmet system according to claim 27, wherein, The second part is less taut than the first part.

34. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising a shell formed of a rigid material; as well as A protective element, reversibly connected to the helmet, the protective element including a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion being movable between a covered configuration and a stowed configuration, wherein in the covered configuration the front portion extends forward away from the front of the helmet, and in the stowed configuration the front portion extends rearward away from the rear of the helmet.

35. The helmet system according to claim 34, wherein, When the front portion is in the retracted configuration, the front portion engages with the rear portion.

36. The helmet system of claim 34, the helmet system comprising a clip coupled to a rear portion of the visor, the clip coupling the visor and the helmet.

37. The helmet system of claim 34, the helmet system comprising a clip coupled to a front portion of the visor, the clip being coupled to the front portion of the helmet when the visor is in the covered configuration.

38. The helmet system of claim 34, wherein the protective member includes a first folded position on a first side of the protective member and a second folded position on a second side of the protective member opposite to the first side.

39. The helmet system of claim 38, wherein the first folded position is formed of a material that is more elastic than the portion of the protective member adjacent to the first folded position.

40. The helmet system of claim 34, wherein the rear portion includes a raised portion, the raised portion being less taut than a portion of the visor adjacent to the raised portion.

41. A helmet system, comprising: Safety helmet, the safety helmet comprising a shell formed of a rigid material; A clip connected to the helmet, the clip having an engagement portion including an upper surface and a lower surface, each of the upper surface and the lower surface facing upwards, the clip being configured to be connected to the helmet in a first position or a second position, wherein when the clip is in the first position, the upper surface engages with the helmet, and when the clip is in the second position, the lower surface engages with the helmet, wherein the upper surface is spaced apart above the lower surface by a distance; as well as A protective element, which is coupled to the clip such that the protective element is reversibly supported to the helmet via the clip and extends circumferentially around a portion of the helmet.

42. The helmet system of claim 41, wherein when the clip is engaged with the helmet in the first position, the shield extends from the helmet at a first angle relative to the horizontal line, and when the clip is engaged with the helmet in the second position, the shield extends from the helmet at a second angle relative to the horizontal line, the first angle being different from the second angle.

43. The helmet system of claim 42, wherein the first angle is measured at the front of the helmet, and the second angle is measured at the front of the helmet.

44. The helmet system of claim 42, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle.

45. The helmet system of claim 41, wherein the lower surface is spaced apart from the upper surface by a second distance closer to the center of the helmet.

46. ​​The helmet system of claim 41, wherein the engagement portion is offset against the helmet in a horizontal direction.

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