Safety device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a safety device. Various embodiments of voltage detection devices and related safety systems are provided. In various embodiments, a voltage detection device is configured to be coupled to a safety headgear and to detect a distance and / or direction to an object having an electrical current. In various embodiments, the voltage detection device is detachably coupled to the safety headgear.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 621,330, filed January 16, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of tools and workplace safety. Specifically, it relates to voltage detection devices and related safety systems for use in the workplace. Background Technology

[0004] When working in a building, workers may be instructed to work near objects that conduct harmful electrical currents, such as high-voltage power lines. Workers may be at risk of injury or worse from such objects if they are unaware of them and / or if they are aware but forget about them. This risk may increase if the object conducting harmful electrical currents has recently been moved and / or activated, potentially creating a different risk situation than that communicated to the worker. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model relates to a safety device comprising: a housing configured to be connected to the outer shell of a safety helmet; a plurality of electrodes connected to the housing, including a first electrode and a second electrode; a controller connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a notification device connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The first electrode is configured to generate a first detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having an electric current, and the second electrode is configured to generate a second detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having an electric current. The controller is configured to receive the first and second detection signals, analyze the first and second detection signals to determine at least one of a distance to a nearby object or a direction to a nearby object, and generate a controller signal in response to the analysis of the first and second detection signals. The notification device is configured to generate an alarm in response to receiving the controller signal from the controller.

[0006] In various embodiments, the housing is configured to attach to the outer shell of a safety helmet, and the housing includes a body, arms extending from the body toward a person wearing the safety helmet, and tongues extending from the arms toward each other, the tongues configured to engage with the safety helmet to attach the housing to the safety helmet. In various embodiments, the housing defines a central axis extending through the front and rear portions of the housing, and each of the tongues extends from the arms toward the central axis. In various embodiments, the safety device defines an aperture for receiving a protrusion extending from the safety helmet, and engagement between the aperture and the protrusion biases the safety device to prevent it from being removed from the safety helmet.

[0007] In various implementations, the plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes, each of the at least three electrodes configured to generate a detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having an electrical current. In various implementations, the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart circumferentially in front of a person wearing the safety headgear.

[0008] In various implementations, the alert generated by the notification device is selected from the group consisting of a visual alert, an audible alert, and a haptic alert. In various implementations, the alert generated by the notification device is adjusted in response to at least one of ambient light and ambient sound. In various implementations, the alert indicates at least one of a distance to the nearby object and a direction to the nearby object. In various implementations, the alert indicates the distance to the nearby object.

[0009] Another implementation of the present utility model relates to a safety device, the safety device comprising: a housing configured to couple to an outer shell of a safety headgear; a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing; a controller coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a notification device coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The plurality of electrodes is configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to detecting a nearby object having an electrical current. The controller is configured to receive the one or more detection signals, analyze the one or more detection signals to determine a direction to the nearby object relative to the housing, compare the direction to a target directional range, and generate a controller signal in response to the comparison of the direction to the target directional range. The notification device is configured to generate an alert in response to the notification device receiving the controller signal from the controller.

[0010] In various implementations, the housing defines a central axis extending through a front portion and a rear portion of the housing, and the housing is configured to couple to an outer shell of a safety headgear, the housing comprising a body, an arm extending from the body, and a tongue extending from the arm toward each other. The tongue is configured to engage with the safety headgear to couple the housing to the safety headgear, and each of the tongue extends from the arm toward the central axis. In various implementations, the safety device engages with a protrusion extending from the safety headgear to bias the safety device, preventing the safety device from being removed from the safety headgear.

[0011] In various implementations, the controller is configured to switch the target directional range from a first directional range to a second directional range in response to receiving an input, wherein the second directional range is different than the first directional range. In various implementations, the second directional range is different than the first directional range.

[0012] In various implementations, the plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a safety device, the safety device comprising: a housing configured to couple to an outer shell of a safety headgear; a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing; a controller coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a notification device coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The plurality of electrodes are configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to detecting a nearby object having an electrical current. The controller is configured to receive the one or more detection signals, analyze the one or more detection signals to determine an estimated voltage of the electrical current, compare the estimated voltage to a threshold level of voltage, and generate a controller signal in response to the comparison of the estimated voltage to the threshold level of voltage. The notification device is configured to generate an alert in response to the notification device receiving the controller signal from the controller.

[0014] In various embodiments, the housing is configured to couple to an outer shell of a safety headgear, and the housing includes a body, an arm extending from the body, and a tongue extending from the arm toward one another. The tongue is configured to engage with the safety headgear to couple the housing to the safety headgear, and each of the tongues defines a recess between the tongue and the body. In various embodiments, wherein each of the recesses defined by the tongues is configured to receive a rib extending from the safety headgear.

[0015] In various embodiments, the plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes.

[0016] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a safety device, the safety device comprising: a housing configured to couple to an outer shell of a safety headgear; a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing; a controller coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a notification device coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The plurality of electrodes are configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to detecting a nearby object having an electrical current. The controller is configured to receive the one or more detection signals, analyze the one or more detection signals to determine an estimated voltage of the electrical current, compare the estimated voltage to a threshold level of voltage, and generate a controller signal in response to the comparison of the estimated voltage to the threshold level of voltage. The notification device is configured to generate an alert in response to the notification device receiving the controller signal from the controller.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the alert indicates one or more of a distance to the nearby object relative to the housing or a direction to the nearby object.

[0018] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a safety system including a safety headgear and a safety device. The safety headgear includes a shell formed of a rigid material and a pair of ribs extending away from each other from the shell at a front portion of the safety headgear. The safety device includes a housing, a plurality of electrodes, a controller, and a notification device. The housing includes a pair of tongues extending toward each other that engage with the pair of ribs to slidably and detachably couple the housing and the shell. The plurality of electrodes are coupled to the housing and are configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to detecting a nearby object having a high voltage. The controller is coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes. The controller is configured to receive and analyze the one or more detection signals to detect the nearby object having the high voltage. The controller is configured to generate a controller signal in response to the analysis of the one or more detection signals. The notification device is coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The notification device is configured to generate an alert in response to the notification device receiving the controller signal from the controller.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the safety headgear includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the shell between the pair of ribs and the safety device includes a locking platform slidably engaged with the housing. The locking platform is slidably actuated between a locked position in which the locking platform engages with the protrusion to bias the pair of tongues against disengaging from the pair of ribs and an unlocked position in which the locking platform does not bias the pair of tongues to disengage from the pair of ribs.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the safety headgear includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the shell between the pair of ribs and the safety device includes a locking platform rotatably engaged with the housing. The locking platform is rotatably actuated between a locked position in which the locking platform engages with the protrusion to bias the pair of tongues against disengaging from the pair of ribs and an unlocked position in which the locking platform does not bias the pair of tongues to disengage from the pair of ribs.

[0021] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who practice the embodiments as described in the written description and illustrated in the drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more implementation(s) and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various implementations. Additionally, alternative example implementations relate to other features and combinations of features as can be generally recited in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below, and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A safety device coupled to a safety headgear is depicted in accordance with an example implementation.

[0025] Figure 2 A portion of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 1

[0026] Figure 3 An example detection range of one or more of the electrodes of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 1

[0027] An example detection range of one or more of the electrodes of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 4 Figure 1 An example detection range of one or more of the electrodes of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted.

[0028] Figure 5 Figure 1 An example detection range of one or more of the electrodes of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted.

[0029] Figure 6 A top view of a range of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 1

[0030] A top view of a range of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 7 Figure 1 A side view of a range of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted.

[0031] Figure 8 Figure 1 A side view of a range of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted.

[0032] Figure 9 A portion of another safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted.

[0033] Figure 10 A top view of a range of a safety device in accordance with an example implementation is depicted. Figure 9 ​​​​​A side view of the range of the safety device.

[0034] Figure 11 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 9 A side view of the range of the safety device.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a top view of another safety device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 A three-dimensional diagram of the safety device.

[0037] Figure 14 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 A side view of the safety device.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of another safety device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A three-dimensional diagram of the safety device.

[0040] Figure 17 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A top view of the safety device.

[0041] Figure 18 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the safety device.

[0042] Figure 19 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A three-dimensional diagram of the safety device.

[0043] Figure 20 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A top view of the safety device.

[0044] Figure 21 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of a part of the safety device.

[0045] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of another safety device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 23 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 A three-dimensional diagram of the safety device.

[0047] Figure 24 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22top view of the safety device of

[0048] Figure 25 perspective view of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 22 cross-sectional view of the safety device of

[0049] Figure 26 perspective view of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 22 perspective view of the safety device of

[0050] Figure 27 perspective view of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 22 top view of the safety device of

[0051] Figure 28 perspective view of a portion of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 22 perspective view of a portion of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments

[0052] Figure 29 cross-sectional view of the safety device of Figure 22

[0053] Figure 30 cross-sectional view of another safety device according to exemplary embodiments

[0054] Figure 31 perspective view of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 30 perspective view of the safety device of

[0055] Figure 32 top view of the safety device of Figure 30

[0056] Figure 33 cross-sectional view of the safety device of Figure 30

[0057] perspective view of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 34 perspective view of the safety device of Figure 30

[0058] top view of the safety device of Figure 35 Figure 30 perspective view of a portion of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments

[0059] perspective view of a portion of the safety device according to exemplary embodiments Figure 36 Figure 30 front view of a portion of another safety device according to exemplary embodiments

[0060] Figure 37

[0061] Figure 38 ​​​​is a front view of a safety device 110 according to an example embodiment viewed from above. Figure 37

[0062] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of a safety device 110 according to an example embodiment taken along line 39-39 in Figure 38 Figure 38 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of voltage detection devices and related safety systems are provided. One or more of the systems and devices described herein are intended to improve safety in a work environment, such as by detecting objects having a voltage, such as a high voltage. Various embodiments described herein are combined with other objects worn by a worker, such as a safety hat, to provide warnings and / or signals indicating when a worker is in proximity to an object including a high voltage.

[0064] Applicants have developed safety devices that are coupled to safety hats. In example embodiments, the safety devices are removably coupled to a front portion of a safety hat and detect a distance to and / or a direction to an object including a high voltage. The safety devices include one or more notification devices that notify a user of the object, such as by detecting a presence, direction, location, and / or intensity of a threat and notifying the user of the presence, direction, location, and / or intensity of the threat.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 2 , various aspects of a safety device 110 are shown. The safety device 110 includes a housing, electrodes 130, a controller 122, and a notification device 124. The housing is configured to couple the safety device 110 to an outer shell of a safety hat. In various embodiments, the housing of the safety device 110 is the same as or similar to the housing of other safety devices described herein, such as the housing 212 of the safety device 210.

[0066] In various embodiments, the safety device 110 includes a plurality of electrodes 130 coupled to the housing. The electrodes 130 are coupled to the housing and are configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to detecting a nearby object having a voltage, such as a high voltage. In various embodiments, the electrodes 130 include one or more of a left electrode 132, a center electrode 134, and a right electrode 136. In various embodiments, the plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode (e.g., the left electrode 132) and a second electrode (e.g., the right electrode 136). The first electrode is configured to generate a first detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having a current, and the second electrode is configured to generate a second detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having a current.

[0067] ​​​In various embodiments, the plurality of electrodes 130 includes at least three electrodes (e.g., left electrode 132, central electrode 134, and right electrode 136), each of the at least three electrodes being configured to generate a detection signal in response to the detection of a nearby object having an electric current. In various embodiments, the first electrode (e.g., left electrode 132) and the second electrode (e.g., right electrode 136) are circumferentially spaced in front of a person wearing a safety helmet (e.g., safety helmet 190).

[0068] The controller 122 is coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the electrode 130. The controller 122 is configured to receive one or more detection signals (e.g., a first detection signal and a second detection signal) from the electrode 130, analyze one or more detection signals (e.g., a first detection signal and a second detection signal) to determine at least one of the distance to a nearby object or the direction to a nearby object relative to the housing, and generate a controller signal in response to the analysis of one or more detection signals (e.g., a first detection signal and a second detection signal).

[0069] In various embodiments, controller 122 is configured to analyze one or more detection signals to determine the direction relative to the housing to a nearby object, and to range that direction relative to a target direction (e.g., Figure 5 The range is 142. Figure 5 The range is 140. Figure 6 Scope 144, jointly in Figure 6 The ranges 144 and 146 in the specified range are compared, and a controller signal is generated in response to the comparison between this range and the target range. As an example, if the target range is... Figure 6 If the target direction range is 144, then controller 122 determines whether the orientation of a nearby object is within range 144, and if the orientation of a nearby object is within range 144, it generates a controller signal. As another example, if the target orientation range is... Figure 6 If the combination of ranges 144 and 146 is used, the controller 122 determines whether the orientation of a nearby object is within range 144 or range 146, and if the orientation of a nearby object is within range 144 or range 146, a controller signal is generated.

[0070] In various embodiments, controller 122 is configured to switch the target direction range from a first direction range (e.g., range 144) to a second direction range (e.g., range 144 plus range 146 plus range 148) in response to receiving an input, wherein the second direction range is different from the first direction range. In various embodiments, the second direction range is different from the first direction range (e.g., the second range is range 144 and the first range is range 148, and range 144 is different from range 148).

[0071] The notification device 124 is coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller 122. The notification device 124 is configured to generate an alert in response to the notification device 124 receiving a controller signal from the controller 122. The alert is indicative of one or more of a distance to a nearby object relative to the housing or a direction to the nearby object. In various embodiments, the direction to the nearby object is determined by identifying which of the ranges described in more detail below includes the nearby object. In various embodiments, the alert is selected from a group including a visual alert (e.g., via a screen, or via emitted light), a notification device 124 that produces sound, and a haptic (e.g., a vibration). In various embodiments, the safety device 110 detects ambient light and / or sound around the safety device 110 to determine an appropriate brightness and / or volume of the alert so that the user will notice the alert (e.g., if the area is loud, then any audio alert is very loud; or if the area is bright, then any visual alert is very bright).

[0072] In various embodiments, the alert generated by the notification device 124 is selected from a group including a visual alert, an audio alert, and a haptic alert. In various embodiments, the alert generated by the notification device 124 is adjusted in response to at least one of ambient light and ambient sound, such as by increasing brightness in response to detecting a relatively large amount of ambient light and / or increasing volume in response to detecting a relatively large amount of ambient sound. In various embodiments, the alert is indicative of at least one of a distance to a nearby object and a direction to the nearby object. In various embodiments, the alert is indicative of a distance to a nearby object.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3 to 5 various aspects of a safety device 110 that detects nearby high voltage are shown. Figure 3 An exemplary detection range 126 is depicted in which the safety device 110 uses only the central electrode 134. As will be observed, Figure 3 The range 126 shown in FIG. 1 1 extends generally forward (e.g., toward the "0" direction) and backward (e.g., toward the "180" direction) from the user. Figure 4 An exemplary detection range 127 is depicted in which the safety device 110 uses only the left electrode 132 and the right electrode 136. As will be observed, Figure 4 The range 127 shown in FIG. 12 extends generally left (e.g., toward the "270" direction) and right (e.g., toward the "90" direction) from the user. Figure 5 An exemplary detection range 128 is depicted in which the safety device 110 uses the central electrode 134 as well as the left electrode 132 and the right electrode 136. As will be observed, Figure 5The range 128 shown in the middle extends circumferentially around the user from the user, thereby providing a detection range that is approximately equally good in all directions.

[0074] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 various aspects of a safety device 110 that detects nearby high voltage are shown. Referring to Figure 6 In various embodiments, the safety device 110 utilizes one or more electrodes 130 to detect the presence of an object having high voltage in a range 140, and the safety device 110 utilizes one or more electrodes 130 to detect an object in a range 142. Thus, a user can switch between using the safety device 110 to provide a warning about the presence of an object having high voltage (e.g., using the range 140) and / or using the safety device 110 to identify the location of an object having high voltage using a narrow sensitivity beam (e.g., using the range 142).

[0075] In various embodiments, the controller 122 is configured to analyze one or more detection signals to determine an estimated voltage of the current, compare the estimated voltage to a threshold level of voltage, and generate a controller signal in response to the comparison of the estimated voltage to the threshold level of voltage.

[0076] Referring to Figure 7 In various embodiments, the safety device 110 utilizes one or more electrodes 130, such as a large electrode, to detect the presence of an object having high voltage in a range 144 other than the ranges 146, 148.

[0077] Referring to Figure 8 In various embodiments, the safety device 110 utilizes one or more electrodes 130 to detect the presence of an object having high voltage in an upper range 150 and / or a lower range 152. In use, a user can switch the safety device 110 to provide only an alarm when an object having high voltage is in (1) the upper range 150, (2) the lower range 152, and / or (3) both the upper range 150 and the lower range 152. In this manner, a user can configure the safety device 110 to send an alarm only for a fallen power line (e.g., a line within the lower range 152) and ignore power lines in the upper range 150 above the user, thereby facilitating the user finding a fallen power line without having to ignore alarms for lines (e.g., power lines that are not fallen) that are not of concern to the user.

[0078] Referring to Figures 9 to 11 A safety device 160 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 160 is substantially identical to the safety device 110 except for the differences discussed herein.

[0079] In particular, the safety device 160 includes a front electrode 162 and a rear electrode 164. A processor 166 receives signals from the front electrode 162 and the rear electrode 164 and analyzes the signals to determine the strength of the detected high voltage. Based on the analysis, the processor 166 determines whether to send a signal to a notification device 168 to warn the user.

[0080] Referring to Figures 10 to 11 various aspects of the strength 184 of the electromagnetic signals emitted by the low voltage 180 and the high voltage 182 are shown. Referring to Figure 10 If the front electrode 162 and the rear electrode 164 detect the same or similar strength 184, the safety device 160 can determine that the detected voltage is the low voltage 180. Referring to Figure 11 If the front electrode 162 and the rear electrode 164 detect different strengths 184 (e.g., a difference above a predetermined threshold), the safety device 160 can determine that the detected voltage is the high voltage 182 and, therefore, warn the user of the danger.

[0081] Referring to Figures 12 to 14 A safety system 208 including a safety device 210 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 210 is substantially identical to the safety device 110 or the safety device 160, except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, the safety device 210 includes a housing 212 configured to be coupled to an outer shell of a safety helmet, the housing 212 including a body 218, an arm 214 extending from the body 218 toward a person wearing the safety helmet to which the safety device 210 is coupled, such as rearward, and a tongue 216 extending from the arm 214 toward each other, the tongue 216 being configured to engage with the safety helmet (e.g., the safety helmet 190) to couple the housing 212 to the safety helmet, each of the tongue 216 defining a recess 220 between the tongue 216 and the body 218. In various embodiments, each of the recesses 220 defined by the tongue 216 is configured to receive the rib 198 extending from the safety helmet 190.

[0082] In various embodiments, the housing 212 defines a central axis 222 extending through a front portion 226 and a rear portion 228 of the housing 212, and each of the tongue 216 extends from the arm 214 toward the central axis 222. In various embodiments, the safety device defines an aperture 224 that receives the protrusion 197 extending from the safety helmet 190, and the engagement between the aperture 224 and the protrusion 197 biases the safety device 210, preventing the safety device 210 from being removed from the safety helmet 190.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the safety system 208 includes a safety headgear 190 and a safety device 210. The safety headgear 190 includes a shell 192 formed of a rigid material and a pair of ribs 198 extending away from one another from the shell 192 at a front portion 194 of the safety headgear 190. In various embodiments, the ribs 198 extend upward away from a brim 196 of the safety headgear 190, thereby defining a channel 199 between the ribs 198 and the front portion 194 of the safety headgear 190. The safety device 210 includes a housing 212 including a pair of tongues 216 extending toward one another that engage the pair of ribs 198 to slidably and detachably couple the housing 212 and the shell 192.

[0084] Referring to Figures 15 to 21 , a safety device 260 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 260 is substantially identical to the safety device 110, the safety device 160, or the safety device 210, except for the differences discussed herein.

[0085] In various embodiments, the safety headgear 190 includes a protrusion 197 extending outward (e.g., forward) from the shell 192 between the pair of ribs 198. The safety device 260 includes a housing 270 and a locking platform 272 slidably engaged with the housing 270. The locking platform 272 includes an interface protrusion 274 extending upward and configured to facilitate a user engaging the locking platform 272 to slide the locking platform 272 relative to the housing 212 and a locking protrusion 276 selectively engaged with the protrusion 197 to bias the pair of tongues 280 against sliding upward out of engagement with the pair of ribs 198.

[0086] The locking platform 272 is slidably actuated relative to the housing 270 along an axis 278 between a locked position in which the locking platform 272 (e.g., the locking protrusion 276 of the locking platform 272) is engaged with the protrusion 197 to bias the pair of tongues 280 against disengaging from the pair of ribs 198 and an unlocked position in which the locking platform 272 is not engaged with the protrusion 197 to bias the pair of tongues 280 such that the pair of tongues 280 slide upward out of engagement with the pair of ribs 198. Figures 18 to 20 Figures 15 to 17 When the locking platform 272 is in the locked position, in various embodiments, the locking platform 272 is seamlessly aligned with the housing 270 such that the locking platform 272 does not extend outside of the housing 270. Figures 18 to 20 Figure 19

[0087] Referring to Figures 22 to 29 ​​​A safety device 310 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 310 is substantially identical to the safety device 110, the safety device 160, the safety device 210, or the safety device 260, except for the differences discussed herein.

[0088] The locking platform 320 slides along the axis 318 relative to the housing 312. The locking platform 320 includes an upper plate 322 and a lower plate 330 coupled to the upper plate 322, such as in a pivoting manner.

[0089] The locking platform 320 includes an interface protrusion 324 that extends upward and is configured to facilitate a user engaging the locking platform 320 to slide the locking platform 320 relative to the housing 312, and a locking protrusion 334 that selectively engages the protrusion 197 to bias a pair of tabs 340 against sliding upward out of engagement with the pair of ribs 198. Figures 25 to 27 The locking platform 320 is shown in a locked position, and Figures 22 to 24 The locking platform 320 is shown in an unlocked position.

[0090] Referring to Figures 28 to 29 The locking platform 320 includes a protrusion 332 extending upward from the lower plate 330. In various embodiments, the locking platform 320 includes a first recess 314 and a second recess 316 each receiving the protrusion 332. When the locking platform 320 is in an unlocked position ( Figures 22 to 24 ), the first recess 314 receives the protrusion 332, and when the locking platform 320 is in a locked position ( Figures 25 to 27 ), the second recess 316 receives the protrusion 332. The engagement between the protrusion 332 and the first recess 314 biases the locking platform 320 against sliding out of the unlocked position, and the engagement between the protrusion 332 and the second recess 316 biases the locking platform 320 against sliding out of the locked position.

[0091] Referring to Figures 30 to 36 A safety device 410 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 410 is substantially identical to the safety device 110, the safety device 160, the safety device 210, the safety device 260, or the safety device 310, except for the differences discussed herein.

[0092] The locking platform 420 rotates about an axis 418 relative to the housing 412. The locking platform 420 includes an upper plate 422 and a lower plate 430 coupled to the upper plate 322.

[0093] The locking platform 420 includes an upper plate 422 that facilitates user engagement of the locking platform 420 to rotate the locking platform 420 relative to the housing 412, and a locking protrusion 434 that selectively engages with the protrusion 197 to bias a pair of tongues 440 against sliding upwardly out of engagement with the pair of ribs 198. Figures 33 to 35 The locking platform 420 is depicted in a locked position, and Figures 30 to 32 The locking platform is depicted in an unlocked position.

[0094] Referring to Figures 37 to 39 A safety device 510 is shown in accordance with an example embodiment. The safety device 510 is substantially identical to the safety device 110, the safety device 160, the safety device 210, the safety device 260, the safety device 310, or the safety device 410, except for the differences discussed herein.

[0095] The safety device 510 includes a housing 520, one or more light emitting units 522, such as LEDs, a light pipe 524 that provides visual communication for light passing through the light pipe 524, a control board 526, and one or more light sensors 528. In use, the light pipe 524 propagates light in at least two directions. In particular, the light pipe 524 propagates received light 540 through the light pipe 524 to the light sensors 528, and the light pipe 524 propagates light emitted by the light emitting units 522 out of the housing 520.

[0096] It should be understood that the drawings depict example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the application, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the example embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[0097] Given this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be interpreted as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of various elements, values ​​of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0098] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended to interpret any method described herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no particular order is intended to be inferred where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or where the claims or description do not otherwise specify that the steps are limited to a particular order. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

[0099] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" refers to the direct or indirect engagement of two components with each other. This engagement can be inherently static or inherently movable. It can be achieved by integrally forming a single, monolithic body with the two components and any additional intermediate components, or by attaching the two components to each other or by attaching the two components and any additional components to each other. This engagement can be inherently permanent, or alternatively inherently removable or releasable. As used herein, a "rigid connection" refers to the connection of two components in such a manner that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0100] While the present application describes particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the present application relate to any combination of any of the features described herein, whether or not that combination is claimed in the present application, and any such combination of features can be claimed in the present application or in a future application. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the example embodiments discussed above can be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0101] In various example embodiments, relative dimensions including angles, lengths and radii as shown in the drawings are drawn to scale. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of various example embodiments. Various example embodiments extend to various ranges of absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that can be determined from the drawings. Various example embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly set forth in this description can be determined from the dimensions measured from the drawings, using the proportions drawn in the drawings.

Claims

1. A safety device, characterized in that, The safety device includes: A housing, the housing being configured to be attached to the outer shell of a safety helmet; A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the housing, the plurality of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being configured to generate a first detection signal in response to detecting a nearby object having a current, and the second electrode being configured to generate a second detection signal in response to detecting the nearby object having the current. A controller, connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes, is configured to: Receive the first detection signal and the second detection signal; Analyze the first detection signal and the second detection signal to determine at least one of the distance to the nearby object or the direction to the nearby object; and A controller signal is generated in response to the analysis of the first detection signal and the second detection signal; and A notification device is coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the notification device being configured to generate an alarm in response to receiving a controller signal from the controller.

2. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is configured as an outer shell connected to the safety helmet, the housing comprising: ontology; An arm, extending from the body toward the person wearing the safety helmet; and A tongue-shaped portion extending from the arm toward each other, the tongue-shaped portion being configured to engage with the safety cap to attach the housing to the safety cap.

3. The safety device according to claim 2, wherein the housing defines a central axis extending through the front and rear portions of the housing, characterized in that, Each of the tongue-shaped portions extends from the arm toward the central axis.

4. The safety device according to claim 3, wherein the safety device defines an opening receiving a protrusion extending from the safety helmet, characterized in that, The engagement between the opening and the protrusion biases the safety device, preventing it from being removed from the safety cap.

5. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes, each of the at least three electrodes being configured to generate a detection signal in response to the detection of a nearby object having an electric current.

6. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are circumferentially spaced apart in front of the person wearing the safety helmet.

7. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm generated by the notification device is selected from a group consisting of visual alarms, sound alarms, and tactile alarms.

8. The safety device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The alarm generated by the notification device is adjusted in response to at least one of ambient light and ambient sound.

9. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm indicates at least one of the distance to the nearby object and the direction to the nearby object.

10. The safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm indicates the distance to the nearby object.

11. A safety device, characterized in that, The safety device includes: A housing, the housing being configured to be attached to the outer shell of a safety helmet; A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the housing, the plurality of electrodes being configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to the detection of a nearby object having an electric current; A controller, connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes, is configured to: Receive one or more detection signals; Analyze one or more detection signals to determine the orientation relative to the housing to the nearby object; Compare the stated direction with the target direction range; and A controller signal is generated in response to a comparison of the direction with the target direction range; and A notification device is connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the notification device being configured to generate an alarm in response to receiving a controller signal from the controller.

12. The safety device of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a central axis extending through the front and rear portions of the housing, the housing being configured to be coupled to the outer shell of the safety helmet, the housing comprising: ontology; An arm that extends from the body; as well as The tongue-shaped portions extend from the arms toward each other and are configured to engage with the safety helmet to connect the housing to the safety helmet, characterized in that each of the tongue-shaped portions extends from the arms toward the central axis.

13. The safety device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The safety device engages with a protrusion extending from the safety helmet to bias the safety device and prevent it from being removed from the safety helmet.

14. The safety device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to switch the target direction range from a first direction range to a second direction range in response to receiving an input, characterized in that, The second directional range is different from the first directional range.

15. The safety device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second directional range is different from the first directional range.

16. The safety device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes.

17. A safety device, characterized in that, The safety device includes: A housing, the housing being configured to be attached to the outer shell of a safety helmet; A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the housing, the plurality of electrodes being configured to generate one or more detection signals in response to the detection of a nearby object having an electric current; A controller, connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the plurality of electrodes, is configured to: Receive one or more detection signals; Analyze one or more of the detected signals to determine the estimated voltage of the current; The estimated voltage is compared with a voltage threshold level; and A controller signal is generated in response to a comparison of the estimated voltage with the threshold level of the voltage; and A notification device is connected to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the notification device being configured to generate an alarm in response to receiving a controller signal from the controller.

18. The safety device of claim 17, wherein the housing is configured as an outer shell connected to the safety helmet, the housing comprising: ontology; An arm that extends from the body; as well as The tongues extend from the arms toward each other and are configured to engage with the safety helmet to attach the housing to the safety helmet, characterized in that each of the tongues defines a recess between the tongue and the body.

19. The safety device according to claim 18, characterized in that, Each of the recesses defined by the tongue portion is configured to receive a rib extending from the safety helmet.

20. The safety device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The plurality of electrodes includes at least three electrodes.

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