Helmet Clip

Abstract

A helmet clip captures a goggle loop and lanyard and provides a mounting mechanism for a helmet accessory. The helmet clip uses a snap mechanism to selectively capture and release the lanyard or goggle loop without removing the accessory.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional application 61 / 221,833 filed Jun. 30, 2009. The 61 / 221,833 application is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety, for all purposes.GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0002]This invention was made with Government support under contract U.S. Navy Contract N68335-08-C-0292 awarded by the Department of the Navy. The Government has certain rights in this invention. The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided by the terms of contract N68335-08-C-0292 awarded by the Department of the Navy.BACKGROUND[0003]While wearing a helmet in a variety of occupations, it may be necessary to also wear goggles or eyeglasses having a retaining strap or loop of fabric intended to keep the goggles or glasses on the wearer. However, the loop often needs to fit around and on top of the helme...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Embodiments herein provide a multi-functional helmet or hardhat clip that may integrate with a variety of different helmet designs and provide multiple functions including prevention of foreign object debris (FOD), component attachment, goggle loop retainer, and lanyard retainer. Embodiments also provide means by which various accessories may be attached to a helmet with minimal modification.

[0005]In an embodiment, a helmet clip is shaped to optimally mate with the curvature of a particular helmet design. The clip is also shaped to mate with the back surface of the helmet in a way that also permits retention of a strap, such as straps used to retain eye protectors (goggles, glasses, etc.) without interfering with the fitment of the helmet, hearing protection devices, or other helmet accessories.

[0006]In another embodiment, a helmet clip positions a strap on top of the helmet while being retained on the helmet. A snap closure mechanism provides a semi-permanent means by which the strap cannot become separated from the helmet, even if the eye protection is removed from the face.

[0007]In another embodiment, a feature of the helmet clip permits attachment of an extra component or accessory to the clip without interfering with or being interfered by a strap. By way of illustration and not by way of limitation, components may include a radio, a control box for hearing protection, or a battery pack that supports some other electronic component that is worn on the body, or on the front of the helmet. In such a scenario it may be required to place the accessory (e.g. battery pack), on the back of the helmet in order to provide a weight balance for the entire helmet on the head.

Problems solved by technology

Finally, there is often a need for attaching accessories to a helmet that may have a smooth surface and that may be functionally compromised if penetrated by drilling a large number of holes.

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