Ratchet assembly for protective helmet

Abstract

The present invention provides a ratchet assembly for a head protection device. The ratchet assembly includes a first cover and a ratchet gear. The first cover defines a hole and has a locking element arranged along the hole. The ratchet gear includes a plurality of ratchet gear teeth, and the locking element engages with one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear to limit the rotation of the ratchet gear in one direction. The ratchet assembly also includes a knob and a second cover. The knob includes a plurality of knob gears arranged on an interior of the knob, and the second cover has a protrusion. The knob is coupled to the protrusion of the second cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to head protection devices or protective helmets, and more particularly, to a ratchet assembly for a head protection device. Background Art

[0002] Protective helmets and safety caps are typically worn by users in industrial settings to protect the user from head injuries caused by falling objects or collisions with fixed objects at the site. The safety cap is provided with a strap or band that is adjustable and used by the user to wear the safety cap. Such a strap is equipped with a buckle or ratchet mechanism to secure the strap around the user's head. In many cases, due to the impact of a falling object, a collision with an object, or long-term use of the strap, the buckle or ratchet mechanism becomes ineffective and tends to accidentally loosen.

[0003] The applicant has identified several technical challenges associated with ratchet systems for safety caps. Through the efforts, ingenuity, and innovation, including the development of solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, many of these identified challenges have been overcome, and many examples of these solutions are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a ratchet assembly for a head protection device. The ratchet assembly includes a first cover and a ratchet gear. The first cover defines a hole therein and has at least one locking element disposed along the hole. The at least one locking element is capable of moving from a first position to a second position in a radially outward direction based on an externally applied force. The ratchet gear includes a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed on an outer surface of the ratchet gear. The ratchet gear is disposed within the hole of the first cover, and at least one locking element of the first cover engages at least one ratchet gear tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth. The at least one locking element engages at least one ratchet gear tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth such that the at least one locking element restricts rotation of the ratchet gear in at least one direction and allows rotation of the ratchet gear in another direction. When moving from the first position to the second position, the at least one locking element disengages from at least one ratchet gear tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth.

[0005] In some embodiments, the ratchet assembly includes a second cover having a protrusion, and the first cover is disposed on the protrusion. The first cover and the second cover in a coupled state define a cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cavity is configured to receive a toothed strap including a plurality of teeth.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ratchet gear includes a plurality of pinion teeth. Each of the plurality of pinion teeth engages with at least one of the plurality of belt teeth of the belt such that rotation of the ratchet gear tightens or loosens the belt during operation.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the ratchet assembly includes a knob, wherein the knob includes a plurality of knob gears disposed on the interior of the knob.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one locking element includes a ratchet lock and an unlocking rib, wherein the ratchet lock includes an inclined surface and engages with at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear. The unlocking rib projects outwardly from the first cover.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, a ratchet assembly for a head protection device is provided. The ratchet assembly includes a first cover, a ratchet gear, and a knob. The first cover defines a hole and includes at least two locking elements disposed along the hole. The at least two locking elements are positioned diametrically opposite each other. Each of the at least two locking elements includes a ratchet lock and an unlocking rib. The ratchet gear includes a plurality of ratchet gear teeth, and the ratchet gear is disposed within the hole of the first cover. The ratchet lock of each of the at least two locking elements engages with at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear. The knob is disposed on the ratchet gear. The knob includes a plurality of knob gears. The unlocking rib of each of the at least two locking elements engages with at least one of the plurality of knob gears.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the unlocking rib of each of the at least two locking elements is capable of moving from a first position to a second position in a radially outward direction based on an externally applied force. The externally applied force can be applied by at least one of the plurality of knob gears in response to a user rotating the knob in one direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the ratchet cover further includes a second cover having a protrusion, and the first cover is disposed on the protrusion of the second cover.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the first cover and the second cover define a cavity for receiving a belt. In one exemplary embodiment, the belt includes a plurality of belt teeth.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the ratchet gear includes a plurality of pinion teeth, and each of the plurality of pinion teeth is configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of belt teeth of the belt.

[0015] In some embodiments, the knob includes a plurality of engagement protrusions for a user to grip.

[0016] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth includes an inclined surface such that the lower portion of the inclined surface of the ratchet gear tooth abuts the upper portion of the inclined surface of a subsequent ratchet gear tooth.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, a head protection device is provided. The head protection device includes a first cover, a ratchet gear, and a knob. The first cover defines a hole and has at least one locking element along the hole. The at least one locking element is movable from a first position to a second position in a radially outward direction based on an externally applied force. The ratchet gear includes a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed on an outer surface of the ratchet gear, wherein the ratchet gear is disposed within the hole of the first cover. The knob includes a plurality of knob gears disposed on an interior of the knob. In one example, the knob is disposed on the ratchet gear. At least one locking element of the first cover engages at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear and at least one of the plurality of knob gears of the knob.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the head protection device includes a second cover having a protrusion, wherein the first cover is disposed on the protrusion.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one locking element includes a ratchet lock and an unlocking rib. The ratchet lock includes an inclined surface and engages at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear, and the unlocking rib projects outward from the first cover.

[0020] In some embodiments, the unlocking rib engages at least one of the plurality of knob gears of the knob.

[0021] In some embodiments, the unlocking rib engages at least one of the plurality of knob gears such that rotation of the knob in one direction causes the unlocking rib to move from a first position to a second position in a radially outward direction.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth includes an inclined surface such that the lower portion of the inclined surface of the ratchet gear tooth abuts the upper portion of the inclined surface of a subsequent ratchet gear tooth.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, the knob includes a plurality of engagement protrusions for a user to grasp the knob.

[0024] The above Summary of the Invention is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as in any way narrowing the scope or essence of the present disclosure. It should be understood that, in addition to those summarized herein, the scope of the present disclosure also encompasses many possible embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description of the exemplary embodiments may be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figures 1A to 1C various external views of a ratchet assembly of a head protection device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0027] Figure 2A is an exploded view of a ratchet assembly for use with a headband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2B shows the arrangement of a second cover on a headband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2C is a sectional side view of a ratchet assembly mounted on a headband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3A shows a knob used in a ratchet assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3B shows a ratchet gear used in a ratchet assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3C shows the engagement between the knob and the ratchet gear of a ratchet assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4A shows a first cover with a housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4B and Figure 4C shows the engagement between the ratchet gear and the locking element of the first cover of a ratchet assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5A shows a plurality of teeth of a strap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5B 、 Figure 5C and Figure 5D shows the interaction between the pinion of the ratchet gear and the teeth of the strap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figures 6A to 6D Shows various views of a second cover for a ratchet assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for assembling a housing with a cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. In fact, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "or" and "optionally" are used herein in an alternative and conjunctive sense. The terms "exemplary" and "exemplification" are used for examples without indication of a quality level. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0040] The components shown in the drawings represent components that may or may not be present in various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described herein, such that an embodiment may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Turning now to the drawings, the detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended to describe various exemplary configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts, and like numbers represent like components in several views. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the present disclosure that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details.

[0042] In many exemplary industrial work environments, such as mining, tunneling, quarrying, shipbuilding, construction, pharmaceutical environments, heavy engineering industries, power industries, and forestry, there is a constant risk of head injury to workers. In some cases, head injuries are the result of the impact of falling objects or collisions with fixed objects in the workplace. Therefore, it is preferably necessary to have safety helmets to help ensure the safety of workers in hazardous conditions. To this end, in some examples, but not limited to during emergency events, for various reasons, including improper arrangement, loosening or slackening of the chin strap, loosening of the head strap, etc., some existing safety helmets may not fit the user correctly or consistently. In addition, even when properly mounted on the user, current safety helmets may involve the use of ineffective ratchet devices. For example, the ratchet device may loosen during operation due to mechanical failure, resulting in a safety risk. In some examples, such failures may be based on defects, wear, etc.

[0043] The various exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure relate to a headband and a ratchet mechanism of the headband to allow a user to easily tighten the ratchet mechanism during operation while also resisting loosening of the strap of the headband.

[0044] Figures 1A to 1C Various external views of a ratchet assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. As shown, the ratchet assembly 100 may include a knob 110 and a strap housing (e.g., a first cover 120 snapped onto a second cover 130). In various embodiments, the knob 110 may be configured to allow a user to tighten or loosen the ratchet assembly 100. Thus, the knob 110 may be shaped such that a user can easily operate the knob 110. In various exemplary embodiments, the knob 110 may have a plurality of engagement protrusions 140 to allow a user to grip the knob 110. For example, as shown, the knob 110 may have five engagement protrusions 140.

[0045] In various embodiments, the knob 110 is operatively coupled to a ratchet gear 170 (shown Figures 3A to 3C in), as discussed in more detail below. In various embodiments, the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 are configured to engage with each other (e.g., via snap-fit) to form a strap housing. In some embodiments, the strap housing may define a unitary piece (e.g., the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 may be formed from a single piece of material). In various embodiments, the strap housing (e.g., the first cover 120 and the second cover 130) may define a strap cavity therein (e.g., between the first cover 120 and the second cover 130). In various embodiments, the strap cavity may be configured to receive a strap (e.g., a headband 150), as discussed in more detail (shown in Figure 2A ). For example, two ends of the strap 150 may be placed in the strap cavity such that the ratchet assembly 100 is configured to loosen and / or tighten the strap 150 such that the strap 150 can closely conform to heads of various shapes.

[0046] Now refer to Figure 2A which provides an exploded view of the ratchet assembly 100. In some embodiments, the ratchet assembly 100 may be mounted on the strap 150. As Figure 2B shown, the second cover 130 may define a protrusion 210. The protrusion 210 extends outwardly through a plurality of teeth 220 of the strap 150 (e.g., through both the strap end 150A and the headband end 150B). As shown in the exploded view of Figure 2A and Figure 2CAs shown in the cross-sectional view, the first cover 120 can be coupled to the second cover 130 such that the belt 150 can be clamped therebetween. In other words, the belt 150 can pass through a belt cavity defined between the first cover 120 and the second cover 130. Additionally, a ratchet gear 170 can be disposed on the protrusion 210. In various embodiments, a knob 110 can also be disposed on the protrusion 210 and configured to engage with the ratchet gear 170. In various embodiments, the engagement of the knob 110 with the protrusion 210 can fix the knob 110 to the ratchet assembly 100 and hold the ratchet assembly 100 as an integral piece.

[0047] In various embodiments, the ratchet gear 170 can define one or more ratchet gear teeth 320 that are configured to be received by the belt teeth 220 of the belt 150. In various embodiments, the belt 150 can define two ends 150A, 150B that are configured to be received between belt housings (e.g., the first cover 120 and the second cover 130). Thus, when the ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170 rotate, the two ends 150A, 150B of the head belt 150 can be configured to expand or decrease the circumference of the belt 150. For example, in the case where the ratchet gear 170 rotates clockwise, the amount of overlap between the two ends 150A, 150B can increase. The increase in overlap causes the belt circumference to decrease (e.g., the head belt 150 is tightened). In another case where the ratchet gear 170 rotates counterclockwise, the overlap of the two ends 150A, 150B of the belt 150 can be reduced. Accordingly, the belt circumference can increase (e.g., the head belt 150 is loosened).

[0048] In various embodiments, the first cover 120 can define at least one locking element (e.g., locking elements 410A, 410B) that is configured to engage with one or more ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170 of the first cover 120, as discussed below with reference to Figure 4A In various embodiments, the rotational movement of the ratchet gear 170 can be restricted in one direction via the engagement of the locking elements 410A, 410B of the first cover 120 with the ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170. In various embodiments, and as discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 3A to 3C the ratchet gear teeth 320 can be disengaged from the locking elements 410A, 410B of the first cover 120 based on the rotation of the knob 110 due to the interaction between the plurality of knob gears 310 and at least one unlocking rib (e.g., unlocking ribs 440A, 440B) of the locking elements 410A, 410B, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C

[0049] Figure 3A ​Shows the knob 110 of the ratchet assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the knob 110 includes a plurality of knob gears 310. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of knob gears 310 can be equally spaced from each other. In some embodiments, the same number of knob gears 310 as the number of ratchet gear teeth 320 provided on the ratchet gear 170 can be provided, as Figure 3B shown. In various embodiments, the knob 110 can include a knob hole 330 configured to engage with the protrusion 210 of the second cover 130. In various embodiments, the knob 110 can be configured for a user to rotate via the engagement protrusion 140, as Figure 1A shown. In various embodiments, the number of engagement protrusions 140 provided can be based on the desired gripping characteristics. For example, as Figure 1A shown, the knob 110 can have five engagement protrusions 140.

[0050] In various embodiments, the knob 110 is configured to have one or more keys 340. For example, in Figure 3A , the knob 110 is configured to have three keys 340A, 340B, and 340C that are equally spaced from each other. The keys 340 of the knob 110 interact with the spaces 350 (as Figure 3B shown) to couple the knob 110 to the ratchet gear 170. For example, in the assembled state, the key 340A is disposed within the space 350A, the key 340B is disposed within the space 350B, and the key 340C is disposed within the space 350C. As Figure 3B shown, at the center, the ratchet gear 170 is configured to have a ratchet hole 360. The ratchet hole 360 allows the protrusion 210 to be received. The ratchet gear 170 also has a plurality of pinion teeth 370. The plurality of pinion teeth 370 are aligned along the ratchet hole 360 and are configured to cooperate with the plurality of belt teeth 220 on the belt 150. The plurality of pinion teeth 370 engage with the plurality of belt teeth 220 such that rotation of the ratchet gear 170 allows movement of the belt 150 for tightening or loosening the belt 150. Each of the plurality of pinion teeth 370 are equally spaced from each other.

[0051] Figure 3C Shows the knob 110 according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3A and Figure 3Bengagement between the ratchet gear 170. As shown, the ratchet gear 170 may be disposed below the knob 110. As described above, in various embodiments, the knob 110 may have one or more keys 340A - 340C configured to engage with the ratchet gear 170. In various embodiments, the ratchet gear 170 may be configured to engage with a housing (e.g., the first cover 120 and the second cover 130). In various embodiments, the ratchet gear 170 may be configured to have a plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320 and a plurality of pinion teeth 370.

[0052] Figure 4A The first cover 120 having locking elements 410A, 410B is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The first cover 120 has a hole 420 to receive the ratchet gear 170 during the assembly of the ratchet assembly 100. The locking elements 410A and 410B are aligned along the hole 420. In a plurality of embodiments, the first cover 120 may have more than two locking elements 410A, 410B. The locking elements 410A and 410B are positioned at diametrically opposite positions along the hole 420. The locking elements 410A and 410B are configured to engage with at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170.

[0053] Each of the locking elements 410A and 410B includes a ratchet lock and an unlocking rib. For example, the locking element 410A includes a ratchet lock 430A and an unlocking rib 440A, and the locking element 410B includes a ratchet lock 430B and an unlocking rib 440B. The ratchet locks 430A and 430B include an inclined surface 450 having one lower end and another upper end. The unlocking ribs 440A and 440B project outwardly from the first cover 120 and are configured to engage with one of the plurality of knob gears 310 of the knob 110.

[0054] Figures 4B to 4C is shown Figure 4A the interaction between the first cover 120 of and the ratchet gear 170 of the ratchet assembly 100. Each of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320 includes an inclined surface 450 such that the lower portion of the inclined surface 450 of the ratchet gear tooth abuts the upper portion of the inclined surface 450 of the ratchet gear tooth. The ratchet locks 430A, 430B and the ratchet gear teeth are engaged in such a way that the upper portions of the inclined surfaces 450 of the ratchet locks 430A, 430B engage with the upper portions of the inclined surfaces 450 of the subsequent ratchet gear teeth. In various embodiments, when the ratchet locks 430A and 430B engage with the ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170, the ratchet gear 170 is configured to be rotatable in one direction, e.g., clockwise, and is restricted from moving in the opposite direction, e.g., counterclockwise. As Figure 4BAs shown, the upper portion of the inclined surface of the ratchet lock 430A abuts against the upper portion of the inclined surface of the subsequent ratchet gear tooth to limit movement in the counterclockwise direction.

[0055] As described above, the restriction of the ratchet gear 170 due to the interaction between the ratchet gear teeth 320 and the ratchet locks 430A and 430B can limit the movement of the ratchet gear teeth 320 and the plurality of teeth 220 on the belt 150. For example, in a case where the counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet gear 170 is restricted, the counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet gear teeth 320 can also be restricted, such that the belt 150 cannot be loosened until the tooth projections of the ratchet gear teeth 320 disengage from the locking elements 410A, 410B (e.g., via the user rotating the knob 110).

[0056] In various embodiments, the ratchet assembly 100 can be configured such that the direction of rotation of the knob 110 and the ratchet gear 170 in which the tooth projections of the ratchet gear teeth 320 engage the locking elements 410A, 410B (e.g., the counterclockwise direction) can be the direction of rotation for loosening the belt 150. In various embodiments, the engagement of the tooth projections of the ratchet gear teeth 320 and the locking elements 410A, 410B can be configured to be overcome with a sufficient rotational force. For example, a user may be able to rotate the knob 110 in the loosening direction (e.g., the counterclockwise direction) with a force sufficient to overcome the engagement force between the tooth projections of the ratchet gear teeth 320 and the ratchet locks 430A and 430B of the locking elements 410A and 410B, such that the ratchet gear teeth 320 can disengage from the ratchet locks 430A and 430B and rotate to allow the ratchet assembly 100 to loosen the belt 150. In various embodiments, the unlocking ribs 440A and 440B interact with the plurality of knob gears 310 such that when the knob 110 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction with sufficient force, then the plurality of knob gears 310 apply a force to the unlocking ribs 440A and 440B to cause the unlocking ribs 440A, 440B to bend in the radially outward direction. The bending of the unlocking ribs 440A and 440B in the outward direction disengages the ratchet locks 430A and 430B from the tooth projections of the ratchet gear teeth 320.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the locking elements 410A and 410B is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the locking elements 410A, 410B, the ratchet locks 430A, 430B engage one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320 such that the ratchet locks 430A, 430B allow the ratchet gear 170 to rotate in one direction and restrict rotation in the other direction. In one case, when the user applies sufficient force to rotate the knob 110 in the counterclockwise direction, the knob gear 310 applies a force on the unlocking ribs 440A, 440B in a radially outward direction to move to the second position. In the second position, the ratchet locks 430A, 430B disengage from at least one of the ratchet gear teeth 320 to allow the ratchet gear 170 to rotate counterclockwise and loosen the belt 150.

[0058] Figure 5A Shown are a plurality of belt teeth 220 on the belt 150 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As Figure 5A shown, the belt 150 includes two belts, 510A and 510B. Each belt includes a plurality of belt teeth 220. Each of the belt teeth 220 of the belts 510A and 510B is configured to engage one of the plurality of pinion teeth 370 of the ratchet gear 170 during rotation of the ratchet gear 170 to loosen or tighten the belt 150. The belt 150 is inserted within a belt housing (e.g., a first cover 120 and a second cover 130). The belts 510A and 510B interact with each other such that when the belt 150 is tightened, the overlap between the belts 510A and 510B increases, and when the belt 150 is loosened, the degree of overlap between the belts 510A and 510B decreases. Figures 5B to 5D Shown is the interaction of the pinion teeth 370 of the ratchet gear 170 with the plurality of belt teeth 220 on the belt 150 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown, when the ratchet gear 170 rotates in one direction, each pinion tooth of the ratchet gear 170 mates with each of the plurality of belt teeth 220. In various embodiments, when the knob 110 is rotated in the clockwise direction such that the ratchet gear 170 also rotates in the clockwise direction, the belts 510A and 510B move towards each other and the overlap increases, thereby tightening the belt 150. When the ratchet gear 170 rotates counterclockwise, the belts 510A and 510B move away from each other in opposite directions to loosen the belt 150.

[0059] Figures 6A to 6DShows various views of a second cover 130 for a ratchet assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the second cover 130 may be configured to have a curved shape, such as to more effectively and / or comfortably engage a user's head. In various embodiments, the second cover 130 may include a plurality of fasteners 600 configured to operably couple the first cover 120 to the second cover 130. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second cover 130 may include a plurality of grip protrusions 610 that extend toward the first cover 120 and are configured to engage the strap 150 during operation (e.g., to help limit any accidental movement of the strap during operation). In various embodiments, the second cover 130 may include a protrusion 210, the knob engaging protrusion being configured to extend through the ratchet hole 360, receive the ratchet gear 170, and also secure the knob 110. In various embodiments, the knob 110 may be configured to snap onto the knob engaging protrusion 210 such that non-rotational movement of the knob 110 is restricted. In various embodiments, the strap 150 may be configured to receive the protrusion 210 such that the strap is held in the strap cavity in part due to the protrusion 210. In various embodiments, the second cover 130 may define a surface ( Figure 6C ) to engage a user's head during operation.

[0060] Figure 7 Is a flowchart showing a method 700 of assembling a ratchet mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Now referring to Figure 7 Block 710, the method 700 of assembling the strap housing may include providing a first cover. The first cover 120 includes a hole 420 and at least one locking element 410A, 410B. The at least one locking element 410A, 410B is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320 of the ratchet gear 170 to limit rotation of the ratchet gear 170 in at least one direction and allow rotation of the ratchet gear 170 in another direction. In one example, the at least one locking element 410A, 410B is configured to move from a first position to a second position to disengage the at least one locking element 410A, 410B from at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth 320.

[0061] Now referring to Figure 7 Block 720, the method includes coupling a second cover to the first cover. For example, the second cover 130 may be coupled to the first cover 120. The second cover 130 has a protrusion 210, with the first cover 120 disposed on the protrusion 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cover 120 and the second cover 130 define a cavity for receiving a strap. The strap includes a plurality of strap teeth 220 configured to engage a plurality of pinion teeth 370 of the ratchet gear 170.

[0062] During operation, the knob 110 and the button 340 of the knob 110 are rotated in a clockwise direction, causing the ratchet gear 170 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The pinion teeth 370 of the ratchet gear 170 tension the belt 150, at which time the ratchet gear teeth 320 can engage with the locking elements 410A, 410B, preventing unintended counterclockwise rotation under sufficient force and preventing the belt 150 from accidentally loosening during operation. Thus, in the case where the knob 110 is rotated counterclockwise under sufficient force, the knob gear 310 causes the unlocking ribs 440A, 440B to bend radially outward in the outward direction, and the ratchet gear teeth 320 disengage from the ratchet locks 430A, 430B to allow the belt 150 to loosen. For example, in the case where the user intends to loosen the belt 150, the user can rotate the knob 110 counterclockwise until the knob gear 310 engages with the ratchet locks 440A, 440B and applies the ratchet locks 440A, 440B to move to the second position, causing the ratchet gear 170 to rotate counterclockwise and the belt 150 to loosen.

[0063] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0064] References in this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "multiple embodiments", or "one or more embodiments" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Such phrases appearing in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are they separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be presented by some embodiments and not by other embodiments. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements of some embodiments and not of other embodiments.

[0065] It should be noted that when used in the present disclosure, the terms "comprising", "including", and other derivative words from the root term "comprising" are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated feature, element, integer, step, or component, and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0066] As needed, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and can be embodied in various forms. Thus, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present disclosure in substantially any appropriate detailed structure differently.

[0067] Although it is obvious that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein achieve the above objectives, it should be understood that many modifications and other embodiments can be designed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A ratchet assembly for a head protection device, the ratchet assembly comprising: a first cover, the first cover defining an aperture, wherein the first cover includes at least one locking element disposed along the aperture, and the at least one locking element is movable in a radially outward direction from a first position to a second position based on an externally applied force, wherein the at least one locking element includes an unlocking rib and a ratchet lock, wherein the unlocking rib protrudes outwardly from the first cover; a ratchet gear, the ratchet gear comprising a plurality of ratchet gear teeth disposed on an outer surface of the ratchet gear, wherein the ratchet gear is disposed within the aperture of the first cover and the ratchet lock is engaged with at least one ratchet gear tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear, wherein the ratchet gear is configured to be rotatable in a clockwise direction, wherein the ratchet gear is restricted from moving in a counterclockwise direction; a knob disposed on the ratchet gear, the knob comprising a plurality of knob gears disposed on an interior of the knob, wherein the unlocking rib of the at least one locking element engages with at least one of the plurality of knob gears, and wherein rotation of the knob in a counterclockwise direction applies a force to the unlocking rib via the plurality of knob gears to bend the unlocking rib in a radially outward direction and thereby disengage the ratchet lock from the at least one of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth; and a second cover having a protrusion, wherein the first cover is disposed on the protrusion, and wherein the first cover and the second cover define a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a belt, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of belt teeth and the ratchet gear comprises a plurality of pinion teeth, and Wherein each of the plurality of pinion teeth engages with at least one belt tooth of the plurality of belt teeth such that rotation of the ratchet gear tightens or loosens the belt during operation. 2 . The ratchet assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ratchet lock comprises an inclined surface and engages with the at least one ratchet gear tooth of the plurality of ratchet gear teeth of the ratchet gear.

Images