Protective helmet with flush pivoting ear cups

Abstract

A helmet includes a shell with an impact resistant exterior surface formed by an upper shell and a rear shell. The upper shell is shaped to protect a top portion of a wearer's head, the rear shell shaped to protect an occipital portion of the wearer's head. A headset assembly, attached to the shell, includes dual ear cups rotatable about an axis that is above the wearer's ears when the helmet is worn. The ear cups have at least the following positions: an extended position to cover the wearer's ears, and a retracted position substantially abutting both upper and rear shell to the rear of the wearer's ears. The ear cups are shaped so that they form a surface substantially flush with the exterior surface while the ear cups are in the retracted position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to safety helmets. More particularly, the invention concerns a helmet with ear cups that pivot into a position that is flush with the helmet, generally above and behind the wearer's ears. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Today, there is a vast array of safety equipment available to workers. Steel-toed boots protect the feet from heavy weights or impact. Fire and heat resistant clothing helps protect the body against flame. Eye goggles and face shields ward off debris and bright lights to protect the eyes. [0005] Probably one of the most common items of safety equipment is a helmet or “hard hat.” These are frequently used by construction workers, building inspectors, shipbuilders, factory workers, and others. However, conventional hard hats typically leave the wearer's ears exposed and vulnerable to impact damage. Of course, some people use ear plugs to protect their heari...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional hard hats typically leave the wearer's ears exposed and vulnerable to impact damage.

Of course, some people use ear plugs to protect their hearing, but this still leaves their ears unprotected from possible impact.

However, aftermarket ear muffs can be difficult to wear with a conventional hard hat.

There are some products with integrated hard hat and ear muffs, but these typically protrude from the helmet in some direction, and necessitate an irregular outer surface of the helmet.

Therefore, they are vulnerable to snagging on wiring, insulation, vehicle interior, brush, and other features of the wearer's work environment.

Further complicating this, certain users might wish to listen to audio signals while using a safety helmet.

Yet, finding an audio system that is compatible with the helmet and ear protection can be difficult or impossible.

Consequently, known safety helmets are not completely adequate for some applications due to certain unsolved problems.

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