Safety headgear and accessories

Abstract

A coupling system for a safety headgear is provided. Various embodiments of safety headgear accessories, such as a brim protector, are adjustable to couple to safety headgear of various configurations. The brim protector includes a mechanism to detachably couple an accessory, such as a face shield, to the safety headgear.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 217,589, filed July 1, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 066,561, filed August 17, 2020, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of safety equipment. More specifically, it relates to safety headgear accessories that provide ear protection, face protection, and / or lighting assistance. Workers can attach these accessories to safety headgear (e.g., hard hats or helmets). Safety headgear may include coupling mechanisms, such as coupling slots, at different positions relative to each other. Furthermore, a lamp or flashlight may be attached to the safety headgear to assist vision in poor lighting or low visibility environments. In some cases, a face shield provides useful protection, but in others, it may be unnecessary. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a helmet system including a helmet, a visor, and a face shield. The helmet includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material and a mounting element extending from the front of the helmet. The visor includes a visor positioned at the front of the helmet, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall. The first lateral wall extends upward from the visor and includes a first inner surface. The second lateral wall is opposite to the first lateral wall and extends upward from the visor. The second lateral wall includes a second inner surface, and the second inner surface and the first inner surface face each other. The first and second lateral walls are slidably engaged with opposing portions of the mounting element to attach the visor to the helmet. The face shield is attached to the visor. The face shield is movable between a lowered position and an raised position. When the face shield is in the lowered position, it is positioned below the visor, and when the face shield is in the raised position, it is positioned above the visor.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a visor protection device for a safety helmet, the visor protection device including a body and a mounting bracket coupled to the body. The body is configured to be coupled to the safety helmet such that the front portion of the body is positioned at the front portion of the safety helmet. The mounting bracket includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel extends vertically above the body and includes a first lateral opening. The second channel extends vertically above the body and includes a second lateral opening. The second lateral opening and the first lateral opening face each other. The first channel and the second channel slidably engage with opposing portions of a mounting element of the safety helmet.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a hard hat system including a hard hat, a brim guard, and a face shield. The hard hat includes a shell formed of a rigid material and a mounting element extending from a front of the hard hat. The brim guard is coupled to the mounting element of the hard hat. The face shield is pivotally coupled to the brim guard. The face shield is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. When the face shield is in the lowered position, the face shield is positioned below the brim guard, and when the face shield is in the raised position, the face shield is positioned above the brim guard. The brim guard extends between the hard hat and an upper end of the face shield when the face shield is in the lowered position.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a hard hat system including a hard hat, a brim guard, a face shield, a first adapter receiver, and a first adapter. The hard hat includes a shell formed of a rigid material. The brim guard is configured to be coupled to the hard hat such that a front of the brim guard is positioned at a front of the hard hat. The face shield is reversibly coupled to the brim guard. The face shield is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. When the face shield is in the lowered position, the face shield is positioned below the brim guard, and when the face shield is in the raised position, the face shield is above the brim guard. The first adapter receiver is coupled to the brim guard. The first adapter is received in the first adapter receiver. The first adapter includes an arm extending along a primary longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The first adapter is positionable in the first adapter receiver in a first orientation in which the first end of the arm extends downward from the first adapter receiver and a second orientation in which the second end of the arm extends downward from the first adapter receiver. The arm of the first adapter is a first distance from the front of the brim guard when the first adapter is in the first orientation, and the arm of the first adapter is a second distance from the front of the brim guard when the first adapter is in the second orientation, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat system comprising: a brim guard; a first adapter receiver coupled to the brim guard; and a first adapter received in the first adapter receiver. The brim guard is configured to couple to a hard hat such that a front portion of the brim guard is positioned at a front portion of the hard hat. The brim guard is configured to reversibly couple with a face shield that is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. When the face shield is in the lowered position, the face shield is positioned below the front portion of the hard hat. The first adapter is received in the first adapter receiver. The first adapter is positionable in the first adapter receiver in a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation. The first adapter includes a first tab and a second tab. The first tab includes a first coupling surface that faces upward when the first adapter is in the first orientation. The first coupling surface defines a first distance from a bottom of the first adapter receiver when the first adapter is in the first orientation. The second tab includes a second coupling surface that faces upward when the first adapter is in the second orientation. The second coupling surface defines a second distance from the bottom of the first adapter receiver when the first adapter is in the second orientation, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat system comprising: a brim guard; a first adapter receiver coupled to the brim guard; and a first adapter received in the first adapter receiver. The brim guard is configured to couple to a first hard hat and a second hard hat. The brim guard is configured to mechanically and reversibly couple with a face shield that is positionable below the brim guard. The first adapter is positionable in the first adapter receiver in a first orientation and a second orientation. When the first adapter is positioned in the first orientation, the first adapter is configured to couple to the first hard hat and the first adapter is configured not to couple to the second hard hat. When the first adapter is positioned in the second orientation, the first adapter is configured not to couple to the first hard hat and the first adapter is configured to couple to the second hard hat.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat having front and rear mounting locations and two auxiliary spines. The front and rear mounting locations have side spines on either side of the mounting locations. Each auxiliary spine has three ports located on opposite sides of the hard hat. A first port is at the front of the auxiliary spine, a second port is in the middle, and a third port is at the rear. The third port is also associated with an axial axis at the center of the operator's neck.

[0011] A hard hat includes a brim guard removably mounted to a front mounting location of the hard hat. The brim guard includes a second mounting location, a mounting bracket, and an extension ridge. The mounting location of the brim guard has a side ridge on either side of the second mounting location. The mounting bracket has a side clip on either side of the mounting bracket. The side clips are configured to couple to the side ridges at the first mounting location of the hard hat. The extension ridge protrudes radially outward from the mounting location.

[0012] Various additional embodiments of the invention relate to four-bar mechanisms, pivot and slide mechanisms, and locking mechanisms for coupling a visor of a face shield to a brim guard. The various mechanisms ensure that the visor is coupled to and abuts against the extension ridge, for example, to form a water-tight seal. The brim guard enables various accessories (e.g., headlamps) to be coupled to the mounting location of the hard hat. The brim guard also makes a port available for accessories coupled to the auxiliary ridge of the hard hat. In this way, the brim guard enables the face shield to be rotated from an operational position to a stowed position without adjusting or removing accessories attached at the mounting location of the auxiliary ridge and / or the port.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a guard system for a headgear including a brim guard, a face shield, and a cover. The brim guard is configured to couple to a front portion of the guard headgear. The brim guard extends circumferentially (e.g., from left front to right front) partially around the guard headgear. The face shield is positionable in front of a face of a person wearing the guard headgear. The cover is detachably coupled to the brim guard. The cover pivots about a first axis between a fixed position and an unfixed position relative to the brim guard. The face shield is coupled to the brim guard when the cover is in the fixed position and the face shield is detachable from the brim guard when the cover is in the unfixed position.

[0014] In particular embodiments, the cover includes a curved guide that interfaces with a curved ledge of the brim guard when the cover is in the fixed position. In particular embodiments, the curved guide of the cover and the curved ledge of the brim guard are each radially centered about the first axis.

[0015] In various embodiments, the guard system includes an adapter and an adapter housing extending from the brim guard. The adapter includes an arm having a first end and an opposite second end. The adapter is positionable in the adapter housing in a first orientation in which the first end of the arm extends downward and a second orientation in which the second end of the arm extends downward.

[0016] In particular embodiments, the arm of the adapter is closer to the front of the brim guard when the adapter is in the first orientation than when the adapter is in the second orientation. In various embodiments, the adapter rotates 180 degrees when the adapter is repositioned from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a brim guard, a face shield, a cover, a first adapter housing, and a first adapter. The brim guard is configured to couple to a front portion of a protective headwear. The brim guard extends partially around the protective headwear from left front to right front circumferentially. The cover secures the face shield to the brim guard. The first adapter housing extends from the brim guard. The first adapter is received in the first adapter housing. The first adapter includes an arm extending from a first end to an opposite second end. The first adapter is positionable in the first adapter housing in a first orientation in which the first end of the arm extends downward and in a second orientation in which the second end of the arm extends downward. The arm of the first adapter is closer to the front of the brim guard when the first adapter is in the first orientation than when the first adapter is in the second orientation.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the protective system includes a second adapter housing extending from the brim guard and a second adapter received in the second adapter housing. The second adapter includes an arm extending from a first end to an opposite second end. The second adapter is positionable in the second adapter housing in a first orientation in which the first end of the arm extends downward and in a second orientation in which the second end of the arm extends downward. The arm of the second adapter is closer to the front of the brim guard when the second adapter is in the first orientation than when the second adapter is in the second orientation.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the arm of the first adapter and the arm of the second adapter each include a first tab and a second tab. The first tab extends inward from the first end of the arm toward a center of the protective headwear. The first tab includes a first coupling surface that faces upward when the first end of the arm extends downward. The second tab extends inward from the second end of the arm toward the center of the protective headwear. The second tab includes a second coupling surface that faces upward when the second end of the arm extends downward.

[0020] In various embodiments, the first adapter housing includes a first coupling component that prevents the second adapter from being fully received within the first adapter housing and the second adapter housing includes a second coupling component that prevents the first adapter from being fully received within the second adapter housing.

[0021] Alternative example embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as generally can be recited in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, as shown in the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 It is a safety helmet with a front-mounted accessory mounting position and the brim facing forward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 2 It is a safety helmet with a rear accessory mounting position and the brim facing backward, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 3 This is a detailed view of a disconnected lamp accessory according to an exemplary embodiment, the lamp accessory being connected to a rigid bracket in a forward mounting position.

[0026] FIG. 4 This is a comparison of a brim-style safety helmet with earmuffs and a brim-style safety helmet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 5 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 A comparison of the cross-sections of helmets with brim styles and helmets with brims.

[0028] FIG. 6 The illustration shows a mounting position of a helmet according to an exemplary embodiment for mounting hardware (e.g., earmuffs) on the bottom of the neck.

[0029] FIG. 7A This is a perspective view of a hat brim protection device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7B This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7A A three-dimensional diagram of the brim protection device.

[0031] FIG. 7C According to exemplary embodiments, in FIG. 7A Identified in FIG. 7A A detailed perspective view of a part of the hat brim protection device.

[0032] FIG. 7D According to exemplary embodiments FIG. 7B Identified in FIG. 7A A detailed perspective view of a part of the hat brim protection device.

[0033] FIG. 8 An exemplary embodiment is shown. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D How to connect the brim protection device to both brim-style helmets and brimmed helmets.

[0034] FIG. 9 Use or operating position and stowed position of the face shield according to exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0035] FIG. 10 Various perspective views of a safety hat according to exemplary embodiments are shown with a face shield mounted via a four bar brim guard in an operating position.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a safety hat according to exemplary embodiments with a face shield mounted via a four bar brim guard in a stowed position.

[0037] FIG. 12 Various perspective views of a safety hat according to exemplary embodiments are shown with a face shield mounted via a four bar brim guard in a stowed position.

[0038] FIG. 13 is an isolated view of a sliding beam face shield showing a sliding mechanism according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 14 are front and rear views of a brim guard coupled to a face shield in an abutting position according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 15 Perspective views of a locking pivot and sliding mechanism interconnecting a face shield to a brim guard according to exemplary embodiments are shown.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an operator using a locking pivot and sliding mechanism of FIG. 15 in a locked operating position and stowed position according to exemplary embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a locking pivot mechanism of FIG. 15 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 18 Combination use of a brim guard to support a face shield and a headlamp according to exemplary embodiments is shown such that the secondary ridge of the safety hat supports the ear cover.

[0044] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a guard system coupled to a safety headgear according to exemplary embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of a cross section of a guard system and safety headgear of FIG. 19 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a guard system of FIG. 19 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 22 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 19 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0048] FIG. 23 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 19 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0049] FIG. 24 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 19 Rear view of the protective system's covering and a phantom image of the brim protection device.

[0050] FIG. 25 This is a perspective view of a protection system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 26 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0052] FIG. 27 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0053] FIG. 28 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0054] FIG. 29 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0055] FIG. 30 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the protection system.

[0056] FIG. 31 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 25 A three-dimensional diagram of the brim protection device of the protective system.

[0057] FIG. 32 These are two top views of the grooves of the safety helmet and helmet according to an exemplary embodiment, superimposed on each other.

[0058] FIG. 33A This is a perspective view of a protection system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 33B This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 33A A top view of the protection system.

[0060] FIG. 33C This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 33A A top view of the protection system.

[0061] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a second adapter of the guard system of FIG. 33 and a cutout of the second adapter, according to an example embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 35 is a front view of a second adapter housing of the guard system of FIG. 33, according to an example embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a second adapter of the guard system of FIG. 33, according to an example embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 37 is a front view of a first adapter housing of the guard system of FIG. 33, according to an example embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a first adapter of the guard system of FIG. 33, according to an example embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a guard system, according to an example embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 40 is a top view of a guard system of FIG. 39 , according to an example embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 41 is a top view of a guard system of FIG. 39 , according to an example embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a first adapter of the guard system of FIG. 39 , according to an example embodiment.

[0070] FIG. 43 is a front view of a first adapter of the guard system of FIG. 39 , according to an example embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 44 is a top view of a first adapter of the guard system of FIG. 39 , according to an example embodiment.

[0072] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a guard system, according to an example embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a guard system of FIG. 45 , according to an example embodiment.

[0074] FIG. 47 is a side view of a brim guard of the guard system of FIG. 45 , according to an example embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 50 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 49

[0078] FIG. 51 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 49

[0079] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment. FIG. 49

[0080] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 54 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 55 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0084] FIG. 57 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 58 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 60 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 61 is a side view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear in accordance with an example embodiment.​​​

[0090] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0091] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 65 is a side view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0093] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0094] FIG. 67 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0095] FIG. 68 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 69 is a side view of a face shield according to an example embodiment.

[0097] FIG. 70 is a front view of a face shield according to an example embodiment.

[0098] FIG. 71 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 74 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 75 is an exploded view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0103] FIG. 76 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 77 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0105] FIG. 78 This is a perspective view of a part of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0106] FIG. 79 This is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0107] FIG. 80 This is a silhouette side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] FIG. 81 This is a perspective view of a part of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] FIG. 82 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 81 A three-dimensional diagram of part of the protection system.

[0110] FIG. 83 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 81 A three-dimensional diagram of part of the protection system.

[0111] FIG. 84 This is a perspective view of a part of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] FIG. 85 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 84 An exploded 3D view of the protection system.

[0113] FIG. 86 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 84 A cross-sectional view of a part of the protection system.

[0114] FIG. 87 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 84 Front view of the protection system.

[0115] FIG. 88 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 84 A side view of the protection system.

[0116] FIG. 89 This is a cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0117] FIG. 90 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 89 Detailed cross-sectional view of the protection system.

[0118] FIG. 91 This is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 92 and FIG. 93 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0120] FIG. 94 to FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0121] FIG. 97 is a rear view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0122] FIG. 98 to FIG. 99 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0123] FIG. 100 to FIG. 103 is a perspective view with cutaway of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0124] FIG. 104 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0125] FIG. 105 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. FIG. 100

[0126] FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. FIG. 100

[0127] FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0128] FIG. 108 to FIG. 109 is a perspective view of a protective visor according to an example embodiment.

[0129] FIG. 110 to FIG. 111 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0130] FIG. 112 to FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0131] FIG. 114 is a front view of a protective visor according to an example embodiment.

[0132] FIG. 115 to FIG. 116 is a perspective view of a protective visor according to an example embodiment. FIG. 114

[0133] FIG. 117 is a rear view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. ​​​

[0134] FIG. 118 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0135] FIG. 119 is a schematic view of a cross-section of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0136] FIG. 120 is a schematic view of a cross-section of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0137] FIG. 121 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0138] FIG. 122 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0139] FIG. 123 to FIG. 124 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0140] FIG. 125 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0141] FIG. 126 to FIG. 129 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 130 to FIG. 132 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0143] FIG. 133 is a perspective view of a portion of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0144] FIG. 134 to FIG. 136 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0145] FIG. 137 is a top view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0146] FIG. 138 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. FIG. 137

[0147] FIG. 139 are various views of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0148] FIG. 140 is a side view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. ​

[0149] FIG. 141 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0150] FIG. 142 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0151] FIG. 143 is a perspective view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0152] FIG. 144 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0153] FIG. 145 is a front view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. FIG. 143

[0154] FIG. 146 to FIG. 150 is a plurality of different views of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment.

[0155] FIG. 151 is a schematic view of a protective system for a safety headgear according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0156] Referring generally to the drawings, safety hat accessory systems are shown and described. Various safety hats include various mounting locations and side accessory support ridges or auxiliary ridges to mount various accessories. The accessories typically include lights, visors, and ear muffs, but can also include mirrors, magnetic tool carriers, hand / electric power tools, and / or eyeglass holders.

[0157] Applicants have found that attaching visors to safety hats of different sizes often results in a gap or poor fit between the bill of the visor and the brim of the safety hat. Using a bridge or brim protector attached to the mounting locations ensures proper fit (where the bill reliably abuts the safety hat) regardless of the size or configuration of the safety hat. Various embodiments of the brim protector described herein include an adjustable coupling mechanism configured to couple to safety headgear of different configurations. The coupling mechanism can be adjustable in a plurality of orientations, each configured to couple to safety headgear of a different configuration. For example, the coupling slots in safety headgear (e.g., safety hats, helmets) can be at different positions relative to each other. Providing a brim protector with an adjustable coupling mechanism permits the brim protector to couple to different embodiments of safety headgear that include coupling slots at different positions.

[0158] ​Also provided are detachable coupling mechanisms that permit detachable coupling of accessories, such as face shields, to safety headwear. For example, a face shield can be coupled to a brim guard via a detachable cover. When the detachable cover is coupled to the brim guard, the face shield is secured to the brim guard in front of the user's face. When the detachable cover is decoupled from the brim guard, the face shield can be removed and optionally replaced with a different face shield.

[0159] FIG. 1 An operator wearing a safety hat 10 is shown. FIG. 1 The safety hat 10 is shown in a forward facing orientation with a forward mounting location 16 above the brim, ridge, brow, or brim 12 of the forward portion 14 of the safety hat 10. In this configuration, the forward brim 12 is at the forward portion 14 of the safety hat 10, shielding the operator's eyes from, for example, the sun. In the shown position, the rear portion 15 of the safety hat 10 is behind the user's head and provides a smaller brim 12 to shield the user's neck from the sun.

[0160] FIG. 2 An inverted safety hat 10 is shown with the forward portion 14 behind the user's head and the rear portion 15 above the eyes. The rear mounting location 16 is inverted from, or similar to, the forward portion 14 mounting location 16. In other words, the rear portion 15 mounting location 16 is above the user's eyes and can be used to attach accessories 18 (such as a headlamp and / or face visor) to the safety hat 10. FIG. 3 And FIG. 9 For example, a light 20 or a face shield 22) to the safety hat 10. In both FIG. 1 And FIG. 2 Each attached accessory 18 (such as a headlamp and / or face visor) includes a mounting bracket 24 that is securely attached to a ridge 25 on the forward portion 14 or rear portion 15 mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10. FIG. 3

[0161] FIG. 3 The attachment of a lighting element (shown as a headlamp or light 20) at the mounting location 16 on the safety hat 10 is shown. In some embodiments, the attachment system includes the mounting bracket 24, the light 20, and a strap 28. The bracket 24 includes a clamp or receiving slot 30 that interfaces with the ridge 25 on the forward or rear mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10. The bracket 24 provides structural support to the light 20 and provides a rigid attachment location to secure the light 20 to the safety hat 10. The strap 28 interconnects the light 20 to the bracket 24 and provides a mechanism to attach various lights 20, including aftermarket lights with straps 28 at the receiving or mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10.

[0162] ​A strap or band 32 is wrapped around the circumference of the hard hat 10 without interfering with the mounting locations 16 or the auxiliary ridge 26. For example, the band 32 passes through an opening beneath the auxiliary ridge 26. The band 32 supports hand tools and / or other equipment suitable for stowage along the brim 12 or the auxiliary ridge 26 of the hard hat 10. Similarly, various accessories 18 are attached or coupled to the ports 34 in the auxiliary ridge 26 of the hard hat 10. In some embodiments, the tools and / or other accessories 18 include fasteners or receiving slots 30 that couple with one or more of the ports 34.

[0163] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 Different sized ports 34 are shown. Smaller ports 34 accommodate smaller accessories 18 (e.g., tools or eyewear carriers). Similarly, larger ports 34 are used for larger accessories 18 (e.g., ear muffs 38). In some embodiments, the front, middle, and / or rear ports 34 are interchangeable to receive and / or support various accessories 18. For example, the rear port 34 is positioned along an axial axis 40 that is at the centerline of the operator's neck. When the accessory 18 is coupled to the rear port 34, the accessory 18 is aligned with the axial axis 40 to reduce the moment or load on the user's neck.

[0164] FIG. 4 is a comparison of a left side white brim 42 style hard hat 10 and a middle green brim 12 style hard hat 10. The brim 42 style hard hat 10 has a brim 42 at the front 14 (e.g., above the user's eyes), but no brim 12 that encircles the sides (e.g., ears) and / or the back 15 (e.g., neck) of the hard hat 10. In contrast, the brim 12 style hard hat 10 has a brim 12 that at least partially encircles and extends around the front 14, back 15, and / or sides of the hard hat 10. For example, FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 A brim 12 style hard hat 10 is shown. Applicants have found that users prefer different styles of hard hats 10. For example, the brim 12 style can be symmetrical / balanced from the front 14 to the back 15, while the brim 42 style enables the user to further rotate the ear muffs upward without interference from the surrounding brim 12. As will be discussed in greater detail below, different styles of hard hats 10 can have different geometries, but can have the same or similar mounting locations 16 to support the same accessories 18.

[0165] Composite images of the brim 42 and brim 12 style hard hats 10 are shown in FIG. 4The left side of the composite image shows the white brim 42 style safety hat 10. In this composite image, the white brim 42 (e.g., of the hat 10 in the brim 42 style) is shown extending further in the front 14, and the extended brim 12 is shown extending further from the sides and back 15 of the hat 10. Both the brim 42 style and the brim 12 style hat 10 are shown supporting the ear cover 38 in the rear port 34. As shown, the white brim 42 style hat 10 on the left does not interfere with the ear cover 38 rotating into position over and / or behind the user's ear. The middle image shows the ear cover 38 stowed behind the operator's ear, but below the brim 12, to minimize interference of the ear cover 38 with the rear brim 12 of the hat 10.

[0166] Often, users attach various accessories 18 at different locations (e.g., mounting locations 16 and / or ports 34) to maximize utility (e.g., to accommodate more accessories 18) and / or comfort. The right side of the composite image shows the ear cover 38 in the rear port 34. In this position, the ear cover 38 extends substantially parallel to the axial axis 40 and over the user's ear when the ear cover 38 is in the illustrated operating position. For example, the user places the ear cover 38 in the third or rear port 34 because this attachment location of the ear cover 38 is closer to the centerline or axial axis 40 of the operator's neck (e.g., base of the user's head). Alternative locations of the accessories 18 can facilitate sun shading and / or muscle comfort, for example, by keeping the mass or CG as close to the axial axis 40 at the centerline as possible.

[0167] In other words, the accessories 18 fit differently on different styles and / or geometries of the hat 10. However, where the mounting locations 16 and / or secondary ridges 26 are the same or similar, they interchangeably receive various accessories 18 having complementary mounting brackets 24 for different hats 10.

[0168] FIG. 5 is FIG. 4 A cross-sectional comparison of the brim 42 style and the brim 12 style hat 10. As shown, in various embodiments, the hat 10 has a full brim 12 (e.g., the brim 12 style) or a large brim 42 without a surrounding brim 12 (e.g., the brim 42 style). The mounting locations 16 of the brim 42 and brim 12 style hats 10 are different. For example, a hat 10 of comparable size has an offset between the mounting locations 16 on the short brim 12 (brim 12 style) and the long brim 42 (brim 42 style) hat 10.

[0169] FIG. 5 to FIG. 6The mounting locations 16 and auxiliary ridges 26 of the safety hat 10 are shown accessible to interchangeably mount hardware and / or accessories 18. Applicant has found that attaching the accessories 18 above the bottom 44 of the user's neck (e.g., at a central structural location of the user's neck) minimizes the effort to don the safety hat 10 and the donning user experience. As shown in the middle image of FIG. 6 The bottom 44 is the location of the user's neck that is centrally supported. Applicant has found that the bottom 44 is anatomically located to optimally support the weight of the accessories 18 and / or the safety hat 10 for extended use.

[0170] In some embodiments, the accessories 18 are symmetrically oriented about the bottom 44 of the user's neck, as shown in the right image. Each component has an equal and opposite center of gravity (or CG) location that balances its CG. In other words, each portion is balanced to the same portion symmetrically supported on opposite sides of the neck. For example, the safety hat 10 symmetrically positions and secures the attachment points or receiving slots 30 of each ear muff 38, the extension arms, and the sleeves relative to an axial axis 40. The axial axis 40 extends through the bottom 44 of the operator's neck to the crown 46 of the safety hat 10 on the user's head.

[0171] By organizing the accessories 18 to align with the bottom 44 of the operator's neck, Applicant has found that the safety hat 10 and accessories 18 are more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and enhance the user's compliance with proper donning. In some embodiments, the weight of the front accessories 18 is balanced with the rear accessories 18. For example, when the ear muffs 38 are attached in the rear ports 34, they balance the face shield 22 mounted at the front. Mounting the ear muffs 38 in the rear ports 34 also provides additional space for the face shield 22 at the front 14 of the safety hat 10 (e.g., in a stowed position).

[0172] FIG. 6 An extendable chin strap attachment 48 is also shown, similar to the strap 32, that encircles and couples to the auxiliary ridges 26 and / or mounting locations 16 of the safety hat 10. The chin strap attachment 48 is coupled beneath the mounting locations 16 and / or auxiliary ridges 26 in such a way as to make the ports 34 and mounting locations 16 available for additional accessories 18. The chin strap attachment 48 is made of a flexible material, such as a polymer or plastic. In one embodiment, the chin strap attachment 48 includes a front portion 50 and a rear portion 52 interconnected by an elastic section 54. The elastic section 54 enables the user to stretch the chin strap attachment 48 around the auxiliary ridges 26 and mounting locations 16.

[0173] The visor attachment 48 is coupled beneath the mounting location 16 and the auxiliary ridge 26 of the safety hat 10 and rotates to move the ear cover 38 from beneath the visor attachment 48 in the operational position 56 to a stowed position 58 to have the ear cover 38 above the visor attachment 48. Additionally, the resilient section 54 enables the visor attachment 48 to provide slack as the ear cover 38 is moved from the operational position 56 to the stowed position 58 above the visor attachment 48. In this manner, the flexible nature of the visor attachment 48 and / or the resilient section 54 facilitates movement from the use or operational position 56 to the stowed position 58 and back.

[0174] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D A brim protector 60 is shown with a mounting bracket 24 attached to the mounting location 16 on the safety hat 10. The brim protector 60 behaves like a bridge for the face shield 22. The brim protector 60 enhances the compatibility of the face shield 22 with different styles and sizes of safety hats 10, such as the brim 12 and the crown 42 styles.

[0175] The brim protector 60 includes a visor (shown as a ridge extension 62), a first lateral wall 59 extending upwardly from the ridge extension 62, and a second lateral wall 63 opposite the first lateral wall 59 extending upwardly from the ridge extension 62. The first lateral wall 59 includes a first inner surface 61 and the second lateral wall 63 includes a second inner surface 65, the second inner surface 65 and the first inner surface 61 facing toward one another. The first lateral wall 59 and the second lateral wall 63 slidably engage with opposite portions (shown as ridges 25) of the mounting element 17 of the safety hat 10, thereby coupling the brim protector 60 to the safety hat 10. In various embodiments, the ridges 25 extend away from one another and each of the first lateral wall 59 and the second lateral wall 63 of the mounting bracket 24 includes a rib 67, 71 that engages between the opposite ridges 25 and the shell 11. In various embodiments, each of the opposite ridges 25 defines a major longitudinal axis 27 FIG. 3 ) In various embodiments, the safety hat 10 includes a mounting element 17 at the front 14 of the safety hat 10 and a mounting element 19 at the rear 15 of the safety hat 10. The mounting element 17 and the mounting element 19 are each configured to slidably engage with the brim protector 60.

[0176] In various embodiments, the brim guard 60, such as the mounting bracket 24 of the brim guard 60, includes a mounting location 29 on the exterior 31 of the brim guard 60 opposite the first lateral wall 59 and the second lateral wall 63 and / or the first channel 47 and the second channel 51. In other words, in various embodiments, the mounting bracket 24 of the brim guard 60 includes a mounting location 29 on the exterior 31 of the brim guard 60 opposite the first lateral wall 59 and the second lateral wall 63, and the mounting location 29 includes opposing ridges 33 extending away from each other. The mounting location 29 includes opposing ridges 33 extending away from each other. In various embodiments, each of the opposing ridges 33 of the brim guard 60 defines a longitudinal axis 35 extending vertically FIG. 7C ) In various embodiments, the light 20( FIG. 3 ) is slidably engaged with the opposing ridges 33 of the brim guard 60.

[0177] In various embodiments, the brim guard 60 includes a mounting bracket 24 from which each of the first lateral wall 59 and the second lateral wall 63 extends. In various embodiments, the brim guard 60 is coupled to the mounting element 17 and / or the mounting element 19 of the safety hat 10 via the mounting bracket 24. In various embodiments, the brim guard 60 includes a depending member 68 extending radially inward from the mounting bracket toward the center 9 of the safety hat 10. In various embodiments, the depending member 68 includes a generally horizontal structure FIG. 7D ) extending from the mounting bracket.

[0178] In various embodiments, the brim guard 60 includes a body 57 configured to be coupled to the safety hat 10 such that the front portion 55 of the body 57 is positioned at the front portion 14 of the safety hat 10. In various embodiments, the brim guard 60 includes a mounting bracket 24 coupled to the body 57. The mounting bracket 24 includes a first channel 47 extending vertically above the body 57, and a second channel 51 extending vertically above the body 57. The first channel 47 includes a first lateral opening 49, and the second channel 51 includes a second lateral opening 53, the second lateral opening 53 and the first lateral opening 49 being toward each other. The first channel 47 is at least partially defined by a first lateral wall 59 and a rib 67, and the second channel 51 is at least partially defined by a second lateral wall 63 and a rib 71. The first channel 47 and the second channel 51 are slidably engaged with opposing portions of the mounting element 17 of the safety hat 10, such as the ridges 25. In various embodiments, the body 57 includes a flat and generally flat and horizontal structure defining a bill, shown as a ridge extension 62, the ridge extension 62 extending radially away from the safety hat 10 (Figures 7 to FIG. 8 ).

[0179] The mounting location 16 on the brim guard 60 supports the accessory 18 on the safety hat 10, and the crown or visor (shown as the ridge extension 62) protrudes radially outward between the mounting location 16 and the edge of the brim guard 60. Thus, the brim guard 60 provides cross-compatibility between different safety hats 10 of different sizes and styles, including the brim 42 style and the brim 12 style.

[0180] When the operator moves the face shield 22 from the operating position 56 to the storage position 58 and back, the brim guard 60 provides space or a bridge for the accessory 18, such as the light 20, to remain attached to the safety hat 10. Also, the brim guard 60 provides a reliable abutment or seal between the face shield 22 and any style of safety hat 10 having a mounting location 16 configured for the holder 24 on the brim guard 60.

[0181] In other words, the brim guard 60 provides a structural and spatial bridge between the safety hat 10 and the face shield 22. The brim guard 60 provides support for the attached accessory 18 at the mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10. Also, the ridge extension 62 provides a structural offset or bridge from the safety hat 10 to the face shield 64.

[0182] The brim guard 60 also has duplicate mounting locations 16 on the exterior of the brim guard 60 to accommodate mounted accessories 18. For example, on one side (e.g., the inner surface) of the brim guard 60 is a mounting holder 24 having a ridge 25 similar to the light 20. When this holder 24 of the brim guard 60 is coupled to the mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10, the opposite exposed side (e.g., the outer surface) of the brim guard 60 forms a usable exterior mounting location 16 to receive and support an additional mounted accessory 18 on the safety hat 10, such as the light 20.

[0183] To support the accessory 18 and / or the brim guard 60, each mounting location 16 has a side ridge 25 on both sides of the mounting location 16. The mounting holder 24 has complementary side receiving slots 30 on both sides of the mounting holder 24. The side receiving slots 30 are configured to couple to the ridge 25 at the mounting location 16. For example, the coupling of the receiving slots 30 to the ridge 25 mounts the brim guard 60 to the safety hat 10 and similarly mounts the light 20 to the brim guard 60. FIG. 18 In this way, the brim guard 60 acts as a bridge between the accessory 18 and the mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10 of different sizes and styles.

[0184] The applicant has discovered that having the same or similar spine extension 62 dimensions at the mounting position 16 of the face shield 22 ensures that the face shield 22 correctly abuts the face guard 64 in the operating position 56 to protect the user's eyes and / or face. The spine extension 62 structurally interconnects the face shield 22 above the brim 12 of the helmet 10. In other words, when the face shield 22 ( FIG. 9 When in the lowered position, the visor extension 60 extends from the helmet 10 and the upper end 23 of the face shield. In one embodiment, the spine extension 62 and the face shield 22 abut to form a seal, such as a waterproof or airtight seal. This seal protects the user from intrusion or splashes of liquid.

[0185] Different users prefer different cap rim 42, cap brim 12, and / or helmet 10 geometries. Different geometries also benefit various workplaces and / or jobs. For example, the same user may have a helmet 10 with a large cap brim 42 for outdoor workplaces and a second helmet 10 with a smaller surrounding cap brim 12 for indoor work sites to support the light 20.

[0186] The applicant has discovered that the use of the intermediate visor 60 allows a user to attach a face shield 22 that reliably abuts and / or seals against the visor 12 of various safety helmets 10. The visor 60 forms a reliable fit regardless of the style, size, or geometry of the visor 12 or brim 42 on the safety helmet 10. In this way, an operator with two safety helmets 10 can attach, abut, and / or seal the face shield 22 to the visor 60, and then interchangeably attach and detach the visor 60 and face shield 22 to the operator's preferred safety helmet 10 for a specific environment or job. Alternatively, the same user can attach a welding face shield 22 for welding work and protective eyewear for woodworking. In other words, the visor 60 bridges various safety helmets 10 (or face shields 22) of different sizes and shapes, and allows the use of a single face shield 22 to fit various sizes of safety helmets 10 with complementary mounting positions 16.

[0187] In one embodiment, the visor 60 includes an elongated elliptical locking protrusion 66 in the mounting position 16. A pendant 68 on the bracket 24 engages the protrusion 69 to lock the visor 60 in the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10. When the visor 60 is attached to the helmet 10, the engaged protrusion 69 and pendant 68 prevent the attachment 18 from being accidentally bumped or pushed.

[0188] FIG. 8Perspective, top, and bottom views of a helmet system 8 including a brim protector 60 are shown. The helmet 10 includes a shell 11 formed of a rigid material and a mounting element 17 extending from the front 14 of the helmet 10. The connection between the brim protector 60 and the helmet 10 forms a ridge extension 62 that covers both the brim 42 and the brim 12 of the helmet 10. The top row shows a top perspective view of the brim protector 60 attached to both the brim 42 (left) and the brim 12 (right) of the helmet 10. The brim protector 60 is attached to both styles and forms a uniform ridge extension 62 with a consistent brim width W. The brim width W extends from the mounting position 16 of the helmet 10 to the edge of the ridge extension 62 on the brim protector 60. As shown, the brim width W is larger than either the brim 42 or the brim 12. The middle row shows how the brim protector 60 forms a uniformly sized attachment for the accessory 18 or the face shield 22. The bottom row shows how the brim width W is longer than any extension of the safety helmet 10 of the brim 42 or brim 12 style. Specifically, the black brim protection device 60 is longer than the brim 42 (left) or brim 12 (right) of any safety helmet 10.

[0189] In a specific embodiment, the helmet system 8 includes a helmet 10, a brim protection device 60, and a face shield (e.g., connected to the brim protection device 60) FIG. 9 The face shield 22 shown is movable between a lowered position and an raised position, such that when the face shield is in the lowered position, it is positioned below the brim protector 60 and / or the visor of the brim protector 60 (e.g., most of the face shield is below the visor), and when the face shield is in the raised position, it is positioned above the brim protector 60 and / or the visor of the brim protector 60 (e.g., most of the face shield is above the visor) (see...). FIG. 9 In various embodiments, the face shield is pivotally connected to the brim protection device 60.

[0190] In a specific embodiment, the helmet system 8 includes: a helmet 10 comprising a shell 11 formed of a rigid material, the helmet 10 including a mounting element 17 extending from the front portion 14 of the helmet 10; a visor 60 coupled to the helmet 10; and a face shield (e.g., FIG. 9 The face shield 22 shown is pivotally connected to the brim protection device 60.

[0191] FIG. 9The operating position 56 and the storage position 58 of the face shield 22 were compared. In the operating position 56, the face shield 22 is securely abutted against and / or sealed against the visor guard 60. When the face shield 22 is rotated to the storage position 58, the face shield 22 rotates about the helmet 10 in such a way that it does not interfere with other accessories 18 mounted at the mounting position 16 and / or port 34. The face shield 22 partially surrounds the crown 46 to reduce storage space and prevent interference with the attached accessories 18. As shown, the tip or end 70 of the face shield 22 is located above the crown 46 of the helmet 10. For example, when in the storage position 58, the line from the end 70 along the face guard 64 will form an obtuse angle with the axial axis 40. In some embodiments, the end 70 is lowered such that the face guard 64 extends in a direction orthogonal to the axial axis 40. In other words, the face guard 64 extends in the storage position 58 in a direction perpendicular to the axial axis 40 of the user's neck.

[0192] FIG. 10 Various perspective views of a safety helmet 10 are shown, which has a four-bar attached brim protector 60 and a mounted face shield 22 (shown in the operating position 56). A face shield 64 is connected to the brim protector 60 via a mechanism having a four-bar linkage 72. The four-bar linkage 72 interconnects the face shield 64 to the brim protector 60 and defines the position or location of the face shield 64 relative to the brim protector 60 between and within the operating position 56 and the storage position 58. FIG. 10 The four-bar linkage 72 shown illustrates a double rocker mechanism that causes the face shield 22 to rotate suddenly around the spine extension 62 of the brim protection device 60 in a discontinuous motion.

[0193] FIG. 11 This is a top-down perspective view of the safety helmet 10, in which the four-bar linkage 72 and the brim protection device 60 install the face shield 22 in the storage position 58. FIG. 12 Various perspective views of the safety helmet 10 are shown, in which the four-bar linkage 72 and the brim protection device 60 install the face shield 22 in the storage position 58. FIG. 12 and FIG. 9 The comparison shows FIG. 12 The four-bar linkage 72 and the brim protection device 60 lower the face shield 64 to the storage position 58. FIG. 12 The end 70 of the face shield 64 is not rotated above the crown 46. In other words, when worn in the storage position 58, the line along the face shield 64 from the end 70 toward the crown 46 is perpendicular to the axial axis 40 of the user's neck. The applicant has found that this configuration prevents the end 70 from unintentionally getting stuck on the fixation device above the head and also provides sufficient space so that the face shield 64 does not interfere with the attachment 18 connected at the middle and / or rear port 34 of the mounting position 16 or auxiliary ridge 26.

[0194] The four-bar linkage 72 can provide either smooth continuous motion or non-continuous motion, such as a rocker motion. The four-bar linkage 72 limits the position and rotation of the visor 64 between and among the operating position 56 and the stowed position 58. For example, a drag link and crank rocker four-bar linkage 72 provides continuous rotation of the visor 22 so that a user rotates the visor 22 from the operating position 56 to the stowed position 58 in one sweeping motion. In contrast, a double rocker four-bar linkage 72 mechanism does not have continuous motion. Rather, it is used to slide the visor upward (e.g., vertically) to a rotation point at which the visor 22 rotates and / or linearly slides (e.g., 90 degrees) into the stowed position 58 above the crown 46 of the safety hat 10. In various embodiments, the four-bar linkage 72 includes a continuous motion parallelogram linkage, a drag link continuous motion linkage, a crank rocker continuous motion mechanism, and / or a double rocker non-continuous motion mechanism.

[0195] FIG. 13 to FIG. 14 is an isolated view of the sliding beam 74 visor 22. The right side shows a detailed cutaway view that enlarges the sliding mechanism or beam 74 between the visor 22 and the brim guard 60. The brim guard 60 includes a socket 76 that is coupled to a slider 78 by a protruding pivot 75 that passes through the socket 76. The slider 78 follows a track 80 on the visor 22 assembly to raise and lower the visor 22 relative to the socket 76 on the brim guard 60. The slider 78 and / or the track 80 pivot about the protruding pivot 75 within the socket 76 to move the visor 22 away from the operator's face. In one embodiment, the slider 78 and the socket 76 are continuous parts, and the protruding pivot 75 is captured within the track 80.

[0196] The protruding pivot 75 rotates within the socket 76 of the brim guard 60 to rotate the visor 22 between the operating position 56 and the stowed position 58. The combined slider 78 sliding action and the protruding pivot 75 pivoting / rotating motion within the socket 76 enables the operator to stow the visor 22 at any position along the track 80 and / or rotated about the socket 76. This prevents interference with the mounted accessory 18 and facilitates quick switching between the operating position 56 and the stowed position 58.

[0197] FIG. 14 shows the inner shelf 24 and the outer mounting position 16 of the brim guard 60. The ridge 25 is coupled to the mounting position 16 on the safety hat 10. The overhang 68 is coupled to the protrusion 69 and locks the visor 22 in, for example, the abutting or operating position 56 when in use. The brim guard 60 also includes an outer mounting position 16 so that the light 20 or another accessory 18 can be attached to the outside of the brim guard 60. The slider 78 and the socket 76 enable the visor 22 to be rotated, for example, from the operating position 56 to the stowed position 58.

[0198] FIG. 15 A perspective view of another embodiment of a locking face shield 22 is shown having a locking pivot 84 and a locking slide mechanism 86. The locking face shield 22 interconnects the face guard 64 to the brim guard 60 to mount the locking face shield 22 on the safety hat 10.

[0199] FIG. 16 An operator is shown unlocking the locking pivot 84 and the locking slide mechanism 86 to rotate and slide the face guard 64 from the locked operating position 56 to the safe stowed position 58. The clasp or receiving slot 30 style locking face shield 22 secures and / or locks the face guard 64 in the downward orientation in the operating position. The locking slide mechanism 86 prevents inadvertent displacement of the face guard 64 during use of the locking face shield 22. Similar receiving slots 30 capture and / or lock the locking slide mechanism 86 in the stowed position 58. For example, the receiving slots 30 lock the face shield 22 in a direction perpendicular to the axial axis 40 such that the end 70 of the face guard 64 is in line with the crown 46 of the safety hat 10 and extends perpendicular to the axial axis 40.

[0200] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the locking pivot 84 mechanism. As shown, the locking pivot 84 has a partially circular hole 88 and an oblong locking protrusion 66. The locking pivot 84 requires the oblong locking protrusion 66 to rotate through the slot or partially circular hole 88 before the locking slide mechanism 86 is linearly displaced by the guide rails 90 on the face guard 64. Thus, the locking pivot 84 mechanism is able to lock the face guard 64 in the operating position 56 (in which the face guard 64 abuts the brim guard 60) or the stowed position (in which the face guard 64 is rotated and pulled back over the crown 46 of the user’s head). In one embodiment, a pin 92 on the face shield 22 is configured to fit within an aperture 94 of the face guard 64 to further lock the face guard 64 in the operating position 56 or the stowed position 58.

[0201] In one embodiment, the shape of the partially circular hole 88 constrains the user’s motion to first be a rotational action followed by a linear sliding motion from the operating position 56 to the stowed position 58. In other words, this restraint locks the operating position 56 and prevents inadvertent bumping or pushing of the face shield 22 during use. For example, the locking slide mechanism 86 on the track 80 or the slider 78 prevents linear displacement of the face guard 64 in the operating position 56. Similarly, the partially circular hole 88 provides the locking pivot 84 in the operating position 56 to prevent inadvertent movement of the face shield 22 from the operating position 56.

[0202] FIG. 18The use of the brim guard 60 in combination with the rotation into the operating position 56 or the storage position 58 is shown. The brim guard 60 is coupled to the front 14 mounting location 16 and forms a new or replacement mounting location 16 for the light 20 so that the operator can attach the light 20 to the brim guard 60 of the face shield 22 on the same mounting location 16 of the safety hat 10.

[0203] As shown, the brim guard 60 supports the face shield 22 and the light 20. The port 34 supports additional accessories 18 (e.g., ear muffs 38) on either side of the safety hat 10. FIG. 18 The rotation of the face shield 22 is shown to rotate / slide between the operating position and the storage position 58 without interfering with other mounted accessories 18. For example, the operator is free to open the face shield 22 from the operating position 56 to the storage position 58 without removing or adjusting the light 20 coupled to the mounting location 16 of the brim guard 60 or the ear muffs coupled to the secondary ridge 26 on either side of the safety hat 10. Similarly, the operator can close the face shield 22 from the storage position 58 to the operating position 56 without adjusting the accessories at the mounting location 16 or the secondary ridge 26 of the safety hat 10.

[0204] Reference FIG. 19 to FIG. 24 Aspects of a protective system 110 for a safety headgear 102 are shown. The protective system 110 includes a brim guard 120. The brim guard 120 is configured to couple to a front portion 104 of the safety headgear 102 such that the brim guard 220 extends partially around the safety headgear 102 circumferentially from left front to right front. A front 122 of the brim guard 120 is adjacent to the front portion 104 of the safety headgear 102 when the brim guard 120 is coupled to the safety headgear. A slot 134 of the brim guard 120 is coupled to the bracket 106 of the safety headgear 102.

[0205] A cover 170 is pivotally and detachably coupled to the brim guard 120. The cover 170 is pivoted about an axis 182 between a secured position and an unsecured position relative to the brim guard 120. The face shield 160 is coupled to the brim guard 120 when the cover 170 is in the secured position and the face shield 160 is detachable from the brim guard 120 when the cover 170 is in the unsecured position.

[0206] Cover 170 couples visor (shown as face shield 160) to coupling structure 124 of brim guard 120 and to head protection 102. Face shield 160 includes a main panel 162 that can be positioned in front of the face of a person wearing head protection 102. In particular embodiments, face shield 160 includes an upper tab 164 that extends over the front brim of head protection 102 and / or the horizontal portion of brim guard 120. In another embodiment, face shield 160 is formed of a webbing structure (e.g., wire and / or other elongated material).

[0207] Referring to FIG. 20 , cover 170 is rotated about axis 182 relative to brim guard 120. In particular embodiments, coupler 190 extends within cylinder 126 defined by brim guard 120. Coupling elements (shown as screws 192 and washers 194) couple coupler 190 to brim guard 120. Biasing elements (shown as spring 196 and detent 198) bias cover 170 to remain in a fixed position.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 21 to FIG. 22 , the process of disengaging cover 170 to remove face shield 160 from brim guard 120 is shown. Cover 170 interfaces with curved tab 168 to secure face shield 160 to brim guard 120. First, protrusion 166 is disengaged from cover 170 and then cover 170 is rotated in direction 187, thereby exposing coupling elements (shown as protrusion 166) and curved tab 168 of face shield 160. Face shield 160 is then pulled out of brim guard 120 FIG. 22 .

[0209] Referring to FIG. 23 to FIG. 24 , an exploded view of various aspects of brim guard 120, cover 170, and face shield 160 is shown. Coupling structure 124 of brim guard 120 includes one or more coupling elements (shown as protrusions 132). In particular embodiments, protrusions 132 are arranged circumferentially around cylinder 126 and interface with cover 170. Protrusion 189 extends from cover 170 into cylinder 126 to couple cover 170 and brim guard 120.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 24The diagram illustrates various aspects of the cover 170 and the brim protector 120. A protrusion 189 of the cover 170 extends within the cylinder 126 of the brim protector 120. The cover 170 includes a curved guide 184 that abuts against a curved protrusion 136 of the brim protector 120. In a specific embodiment, the curved guide 184 of the cover 170 and the curved protrusion 136 of the brim protector 120 are centered about an axis 182. A connecting element (shown as a hook 186 of the cover 170) engages with a protrusion 166 of the face shield 160 to secure the face shield 160 to the cover 170. The cover 170 includes a ribbed guide surface 188 facing the axis 182. When the cover 170 is in a fixed position, the ribbed guide surface 188 abuts against the face shield 160 to secure the face shield 160.

[0211] refer to FIG. 25 to FIG. 31 The diagram illustrates a protective system 210 according to an exemplary embodiment. Apart from the differences discussed herein, the protective system 210 is substantially the same as the protective system 110. In particular, the protective system 210 includes an innovative system for connecting the brim protector 220, the face shield 260, and the covering 270.

[0212] Pivot 290 is inserted into cap guard 220. Pivot 290 includes a connecting element (shown as hourglass-shaped protrusion 292). Cover 270 includes a connecting element (shown as hourglass-shaped opening 284) shaped to receive hourglass-shaped protrusion 292. Face shield 260 includes a connecting element (shown as hourglass-shaped opening 264) shaped to receive hourglass-shaped protrusion 292.

[0213] refer to FIG. 26 to FIG. 30 An exemplary process for removing the face shield 260 from the brim protector 220 is shown. FIG. 26 Starting from the point where the cover 270 secures the face shield 260 to the brim protection device 220. The hourglass-shaped protrusion 292 of the pivot 290 restrains the face shield 260 and the cover 270 to the brim protection device 220.

[0214] To remove the face shield 260, the cover 270 is rotated about axis 282 relative to the brim protector 220 (e.g., from...). FIG. 27 The angle shown is clockwise, until the hourglass-shaped opening 284 of the cover 270 is aligned with the hourglass-shaped protrusion 292 of the pivot 290. FIG. 27 Then, remove the cover 270 from the pivot 290 and the brim protection device 220. FIG. 28 ).

[0215] In a specific embodiment, when the face shield 260 is positioned in front of the brim protection device 220, the hourglass-shaped opening 264 of the face shield 260 is aligned with the hourglass-shaped protrusion 292 of the pivot 290.FIG. 29 ). Thus, the face shield 260 can be slidably removed from the pivot 290 and the brim guard 220 after the cover 270 is removed FIG. 29 to FIG. 30 ) after the cover 270 is removed.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 31 , the brim guard 220 includes a first adapter housing 240 and a second adapter housing 241, each extending from the brim guard 220. As will be explained, the first adapter housing 240 and the second adapter housing 241 each receive an adapter configured to couple the guard system 210 to various embodiments of safety headwear.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 32 to FIG. 36 , a guard system 310 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The guard system 310 is substantially identical to the guard system 110 or the guard system 210, except for the differences discussed herein. In various embodiments, the guard system 310 is incorporated with a safety hat system as described herein.

[0218] In particular embodiments, the safety hat system includes a safety hat (such as the safety hat 10), a brim guard (such as the brim guard 320), and a face shield (e.g., the face shield 22) reversibly coupled to the brim guard, and the face shield is positionable in front of a person. In various embodiments, the brim guard 320 is configured to be coupled to the safety hat such that a front portion 322 of the brim guard 320 is positioned at a front portion of the safety hat.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 32 , various embodiments of safety headwear include coupling slots at different locations relative to each other. For example, the coupling slots for the first safety hat 306 are at different locations than the coupling slots for the second safety hat 308. Coupling mechanisms are provided for the brim guard, where an adapter (e.g., the first adapter 341) is received in an adapter receiver (e.g., the first adapter housing 340), and the adapter is positionable in the adapter receiver in a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the first adapter 341 is configured to be coupled to the first safety hat 306 and the first adapter 341 is configured not to be coupled to the second safety hat 308. In the second orientation, the first adapter 341 is configured not to be coupled to the first safety hat 306 and the first adapter 341 is configured to be coupled to the second safety hat 308.

[0220] In FIG. 32In the present example, the coupling slots for the example helmet are at different locations than the coupling slots for the example safety hat. As will be explained, the adapter coupled to the brim guard can be rotated to adjust the position of the arms, thereby enabling the guard system 310 to be coupled to safety headgear of different configurations (e.g., having different locations of the coupling slots).

[0221] Each of the first adapter receiver (shown as first adapter housing 340) and the second adapter receiver (shown as second adapter housing 380) is coupled to (e.g., extends from) the brim guard 320, such as at opposite ends of the brim guard 320. The first adapter housing 340 is configured to receive the first adapter 341 in at least two different orientations. Referring to FIG. 33A , the first adapter housing 340 is configured to receive the first adapter in a first orientation (shown as the orientation of the first adapter 341). The first adapter housing 340 is also configured to receive the first adapter in a second orientation (shown as the orientation of the ghost image 356 of the first adapter). It will be understood that the ghost image 356 of the first adapter is identical to the original image of the first adapter 341 except that the ghost image 356 of the first adapter has been rotated 180 degrees about the axis 339. The second adapter housing 380 is similarly configured to receive the second adapter in a first orientation (e.g., the orientation of the second adapter 381) and a second orientation (e.g., the orientation of the ghost image 396 of the second adapter). The first adapter 341 can be positioned in the first adapter housing 340 in the first orientation, in which the first end 343 of the arm 342 extends downward from the first adapter housing 340, and in the second orientation, in which the second end 344 of the arm 342 extends downward from the first adapter housing 340.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 33B and FIG. 33C , adjusting the orientations of the first adapter 341 and the second adapter 381 changes the distance from the respective arms of the adapters to the front of the brim guard 320. In particular, when the first adapter 341 is in the first orientation FIG. 33C , the arm 342 of the first adapter 341 is a first distance 357 to the front 322 of the brim guard 320, and when the second adapter 381 is in the first orientation FIG. 33C , the arm 382 of the second adapter 381 is the first distance 397 to the front 322 of the brim guard 320. Referring to FIG. 33B , when the first adapter 341 is in the second orientation, the arm 342 of the first adapter 341 is a second distance 358 to the front 322 of the brim guard 320, and when the second adapter 381 is in the second orientation FIG. 33B), the arm 382 of the second adapter 381 to the front 322 of the brim guard 320 is a second distance 398. In various embodiments, the second distance 358 is different than the first distance 357, and more particularly, the second distance 358 is greater than the first distance 357. In various embodiments, the first distance 357 is equal to the first distance 397, and the second distance 358 is equal to the second distance 398.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 34 various aspects of the second adapter 381 are shown. Depending on the configuration of the safety headgear that the second adapter 381 is being coupled to, the second adapter 381 is positioned in either a first orientation or a second orientation. The second adapter 381 includes an arm 382 that extends along a primary longitudinal axis 391 that extends from a first end 383 to an opposing second end 384. The second adapter 381 includes a first tab 386 proximate the first end 383, and the first tab 386 defines a first coupling surface 387. The second adapter 381 includes a second tab 388 proximate the second end 384, and the second tab 388 defines a second coupling surface 389. In use, the tab (e.g., the first tab 386 or the second tab 388) that extends downward from the second adapter housing is coupled within a slot of the safety headgear that the guard system 310 is being coupled to.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 35 to FIG. 36 In various embodiments, the second adapter housing 380 includes a coupling component that permits the second adapter 381 to be received within the second adapter housing 380 but prevents the first adapter 341 from being fully received within the second adapter housing 380. This helps to ensure that the correct adapter is inserted into a given adapter housing. In particular embodiments, the second adapter housing 380 includes one or more protrusions, shown as ribs 392 that are aligned at a decentered position along a vertical axis 394 of the second adapter housing 380. The second adapter 381 includes a recess 390 that is configured to receive the ribs 392, thereby permitting the second adapter 381 to be fully received within the second adapter housing 380. As will be seen, the first adapter 341 does not include the recess 390 at the same position as the second adapter 381. Thus, the ribs 392 prevent the first adapter 341 from being fully received within the second adapter housing 380.

[0225] In various embodiments, the second adapter 381 includes a body 377 that is fully received within the second adapter housing 380 when the second adapter 381 (e.g., in the first orientation and / or the second orientation), and the first adapter housing 340 includes a first coupling component that prevents the body of the second adapter 381 from being fully received within the first adapter housing 341.

[0226] Referring to FIG. 35When the first adapter 341 is in the first orientation, the first coupling surface 347 defines a first distance 338 from the bottom 359 of the first adapter housing 340, and when the first adapter 341 is in the second orientation, the second coupling surface 349 defines a second distance 336 from the bottom 359 of the first adapter housing 340, and the second distance 336 is different than the first distance 338, and more specifically, the second distance 336 is greater than the first distance 338.

[0227] It will be recognized that all descriptions of the first adapter 341 and the first adapter housing 340 apply equally to the second adapter 381 and the second adapter housing 380, and vice versa. For example, when the second adapter 381 is positioned in the second adapter housing 380 in a different orientation, the second adapter 381 defines similar first and second distances under the bottom of the second adapter housing 380.

[0228] Reference is made to FIG. 37 to FIG. 38 In various embodiments, the first adapter housing 340 includes a coupling component that permits the first adapter 341 to be received within the first adapter housing 340 but prevents the second adapter 381 from being fully received within the second adapter housing 380. In particular embodiments, the first adapter housing 340 includes one or more protrusions, shown as ribs 352 that are aligned at a different location than the ribs 392 of the second adapter housing 380 (e.g., at a centralized location along the vertical axis 354 of the first adapter housing 340). The first adapter 341 includes a recess 350 configured to receive the ribs 352, thereby permitting the first adapter 341 to be fully received within the first adapter housing 340. As can be seen in FIG. 35 to FIG. 36 The second adapter 381 does not include a recess 390 at the same location as the first adapter 341, as can be seen in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the ribs 352 prevent the second adapter 381 from being fully received within the first adapter housing 340.

[0229] Reference is made to FIG. 38Various aspects of the first adapter 341 are shown. The first adapter 341 includes an arm 342 extending along a main longitudinal axis 351 from a first end 343 to an opposing second end 344. The first adapter 341 can be positioned in the housing in a first orientation and a second orientation, in which the first end 343 extends downward and in which the second end 344 extends downward. As will be explained and shown, the arm 342 of the first adapter 341 is closer to the front of the visor when the adapter is in the first orientation compared to when the first adapter 341 is in the second orientation. In various embodiments, when the first adapter 341 is repositioned from the first orientation to the second orientation (e.g., when the first adapter 341 and / or the second adapter 381 change from the first orientation to the second orientation), the first adapter 341 rotates 180 degrees.

[0230] The first adapter 341 includes a first protrusion 346 near a first end 343, and the first protrusion 346 defines a first engagement surface 347. The first adapter 341 includes a second protrusion 348 near a second end 344, and the second protrusion 348 defines a second engagement surface 349. The first protrusion 346 includes the first engagement surface 347, which faces upward when the first adapter 341 is in a first orientation, and the second protrusion 348 includes the second engagement surface 349, which faces upward when the first adapter 341 is in a second orientation. In use, a protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion 346 or the second protrusion 348) on a portion of the arm extending downward from the first adapter housing engages with a slot in a safety helmet to which the protective system 310 is directly engaged. In particular, the engagement surface of the protrusion engages with the safety helmet.

[0231] refer to FIG. 39 to FIG. 44 The diagram illustrates a protection system 410 according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, protection system 410 is substantially the same as protection system 110, protection system 210, or protection system 310.

[0232] Cover 470 connects face shield 460 to brim protection device 420. Similar to one or more protective systems described herein, first adapter 440 and second adapter 480 can be rotated to adjust the position of their arms (442, 482) relative to brim protection device 420.

[0233] refer to FIG. 40 to FIG. 41 This demonstrates how the protective system 410 can be coupled to various aspects of safety headgear with different configurations. Specifically, in FIG. 40 In the first orientation, the first adapter 441 and the second adapter 481 are each connected to the brim protection device 420 in the first orientation. As can be seen, with the second orientation ( FIG. 41In contrast, the arms 442 of the first adapter 441 and the arms 482 of the second adapter 481 are further from the front portion 422 of the brim guard 420.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 41 , the first adapter 441 and the second adapter 481 have been rotated 180 degrees to a second orientation. As can be seen, in this orientation, the arms 442 of the first adapter 441 and the arms 482 of the second adapter 481 are closer to the front portion 422 of the brim guard 420 than FIG. 40

[0235] Referring to FIG. 42 to FIG. 44 , aspects of the first adapter 441 are shown. In use, the first adapter 441 is actuated between a first orientation and a second orientation to facilitate coupling to safety headgear of different configurations. In various embodiments, the opposing ends of the arms 442 extend different distances from the body 458.

[0236] In the first orientation FIG. 43 , the second tab 450 extends a distance 454 below the body 458 of the first adapter 441. When the first adapter 441 is rotated 180 degrees about the axis 439 to the second orientation, the first tab 448 extends a distance 453 below the body 458. These different depths of the tabs extending downward from the adapter permit the guard system 410 to couple to safety headgear of different configurations (e.g., having receiving slots of different depths underneath the brim guard).

[0237] Referring to FIG. 44 , a top view of the first adapter 441 is shown, in which the arms 442 of the first adapter 441 are laterally displaced from the body 458 of the first adapter 441. In particular, in the first orientation, the arms 442 of the first adapter 441 are laterally displaced a distance 455 from the body 458 of the first adapter 441. When the first adapter 441 is rotated 180 degrees about the axis 439 to the second orientation, the arms 442 are displaced in the opposite direction (compare FIG. 41 and FIG. 42 ).

[0238] Referring to FIG. 45 to FIG. 47 , a guard system 510 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The guard system 510 is substantially identical to the guard system 110, the guard system 210, the guard system 310, or the guard system 410, except for the differences discussed herein.

[0239] ​Cover 570 couples visor 560 to pivot 590 and brim guard 520. Pivot 590 includes a protrusion (shown as an hourglass protrusion 592). Second adapter housing 580 includes one or more protrusions (shown as ribs 582) to prevent incorrect adapters (e.g., first adapter 540) from being inserted into second adapter housing 580.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 48 , aspects of a guard system for a safety headgear are shown. The guard system includes a locking slider on a brim guard that secures the guard system to the headgear. The guard system includes a sealing mechanism (shown as a gasket) at the top of a visor. The guard system includes a soft material on a nose-shaped recess in the visor, providing a more comfortable fit for the wearer. The guard system includes a pivoting mechanism between an arm coupling to a brim guard (top right). Various embodiments of the guard system include mechanisms to secure lenses, such as a C-clip from the front, a C-clip with a rear pop button, a C-clip retainer in the lens, a lens rear side lock, a lens front cam lock, and / or a screw boss between the frame and the lens. The guard system includes a lens visor, such as a smoked lens.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 49 to FIG. 52 , aspects of a guard system for a safety headgear are shown. The guard system includes a slider that locks a brim guard to a safety headgear. The slider actuates between a locked position ( FIG. 50 ) and an unlocked position ( FIG. 51 ). The slider interfaces with a protrusion that extends from the safety headgear ( FIG. 52 ).

[0242] In various embodiments, a safety hat system includes a safety hat, a brim guard 610, a visor, and a locking mechanism. In addition to what is described herein, brim guard 610 is similar in function to brim guard 60.

[0243] Locking mechanism 620 is coupled to brim guard 610, such as slidably coupled. Locking mechanism 620 is configured to actuate between a locked position ( FIG. 49 to FIG. 50 ) and an unlocked position ( FIG. 51 ). When locking mechanism 620 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism prevents brim guard 610 from sliding vertically relative to the safety hat. When transitioning from the locked position to the unlocked position, locking mechanism 620 slides along a horizontal axis 622.

[0244] In particular embodiments, the safety hat 602 includes a protrusion 603 at the front 604 of the safety hat 602. When the locking mechanism 620 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism 620 interfaces with a lower surface 605 of the protrusion 603. In particular embodiments, the locking mechanism 620 interfaces the protrusion 603 that extends from a mounting element 606 of the safety hat 602.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 53 to FIG. 151 , it is contemplated that one or more aspects of the protective system in FIG. 53 to FIG. 151 may be incorporated into the protective system and safety hat system described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 52 .

[0246] Referring to FIG. 53 , various aspects of a protective system 702 for a safety headgear are shown. The protective system 702 includes a clip that interfaces with a slot in the safety headgear. In various embodiments, the protective system 702 clips into the front slot and side slots for a more secure connection to the safety hat compared to other coupling arrangements between the protective system and the safety hat that include fewer coupling locations. The visor is pivotally coupled to the safety hat to view other elements of the protective system.

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 54-56 , various aspects of a protective system 704 for a safety headgear are shown. In various embodiments, the protective system 704 does not include a gasket such that the lens (e.g., of the visor) is held between the outer shell and the suspension.

[0248] Referring to FIGS. 57-63 , various aspects of a protective system 706 for a safety headgear are shown. The protective system 706 includes a gasket between the lens and the safety headgear (such as a safety hat). A benefit of this approach is that there is more coverage and protection of the forehead compared to other designs. In particular embodiments, the gasket is formed of a relatively soft and flexible material. In various embodiments, the gasket is coupled to the lens via a mechanical attachment method, an adhesive, and / or a two-shot molding method. In various embodiments, there is a seal between the safety hat and the lens (e.g., over the finger end in FIG. 59 ).

[0249] Referring to FIGS. 64-65 , various aspects of a protective system 708 for a safety headgear are shown. The protective system 708 includes a nose region geometry 709 that is tailored to be comfortable even with additional parts or materials (e.g., a cushion pad). In particular, the peripheral edge of the visor that encircles the nose of the wearer is slightly wider than the rest of the visor. In various embodiments, the nose region geometry does not distort the vision of the wearer.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 66-68The diagram illustrates various aspects of a protective system 710 for a safety headgear. The protective system includes a support (shown as a pad 711) for eyeglasses (e.g., safety glasses). In a specific embodiment, the pad 711 is identical to the pad for the nose section of the safety glasses. In another embodiment, the eyeglass support is shaped to conform to the shape of the lens, such as the geometry of the nose region of the lens. The pad 711 is attached to the bottom of the face shield (at the nose resting area) and extends in a curved manner to a higher point on the wearer's nose. The advantage of this approach is that it provides greater comfort in interaction with the wearer's nose compared to other designs.

[0251] refer to FIGS. 69-71 The diagram illustrates various aspects of a protective system 712 for a safety headgear. The protective system includes a softer, wet-soft material (shown as a shock absorber 713) that is attached to the nose area of ​​the lens and abuts against the wearer's nose.

[0252] refer to FIGS. 72-74 The diagram illustrates various aspects of a protective system 714 for a safety headgear. The protective system 714 includes a cushioning pad 715 that is attached to the bottom of a face shield and abuts against the wearer's nose. In a specific embodiment, the cushioning pad 715 is the same padding used in the nose section of safety glasses.

[0253] refer to FIGS. 75-76 This illustrates various aspects of a protective system 716 for a safety headgear. In various embodiments, FIG. 75 All components shown are made of plastic. (Reference) FIG. 76 The tether pin 717 is slidably engaged with the brim protection device, and the brim protection device is connected to the arm (on the right side) via a connecting part (shown as a pivot snap plug) (the part in the center).

[0254] refer to FIGS. 77-80 The diagram illustrates various aspects of a protective system 718 for a safety headgear. The protective system 718 includes a wave spring 719, a washer 720, and a coupling mechanism shown as a screw 721 that connects the arm to a visor guard. (Reference) FIGS. 78-80 In various embodiments, when the brim ( FIG. 78 ) and arm ( FIG. 79 When rotated relative to each other, the triangular protrusion 722 on the arm rides along the surface of the brim protection device.

[0255] refer to FIGS. 81-83 This illustrates various aspects of the protective system 724 for a safety headgear. The protective system includes push tabs 725 that engage and disengage from the frame. FIG. 81 The tab 725 is pressed down to remove the lens.

[0256] Reference FIGS. 84-88 Various aspects of a protection system 726 for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system 726 includes a C-clip 727 from the front. FIG. 85 The C-clip 727 is depicted before attachment, and FIG. 84 The C-clip is depicted at the time of attachment. Reference is made to FIG. 86 The C-clip 727 is secured in place by a protrusion extending from the lens, and the lock 728 is secured in place by a recess 729. In various embodiments, the C-clip 727 fills the gap left by the arm snap feature.

[0257] Reference FIGS. 89-90 Various aspects of a protection system for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system includes a C-clip 730 from the back. The C-clip 730 prevents the tab on the lens from being depressed and sliding out of the frame. To remove the C-clip 730, the C-clip 730 is pushed from the front in direction 731.

[0258] Reference FIGS. 91-93 Various aspects of a protection system for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system includes a C-clip retainer in the lens. In particular embodiments, a hook 732 is attached by a slot in the lens ( FIG. 91 ).

[0259] Reference FIGS. 94-99 Various aspects of a protection system for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system includes a side lock in the back of the lens. FIG. 94 The side lock 734 is depicted in the locked position, and FIG. 95 The side lock 734 is depicted in the unlocked position. In various embodiments, the side lock 734 biases the lens snap from flexed to released ( FIG. 96 ).

[0260] Reference FIGS. 100-106 Various aspects of a protection system 736 for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system 736 includes a lens front cam lock. The cam lock actuates between a locked position ( FIG. 101 ) and an unlocked position ( FIG. 103 ).

[0261] Reference FIG. 107 Various aspects of a protection system for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system includes a screw boss 739 between the frame and the lens. In particular embodiments, a screw 740 engages with the screw boss 739 on the frame, which engages with a screw boss 738 on the lens.

[0262] Reference FIGS. 108-111 Various aspects of a protection system for a safety headgear are shown. The protection system includes a clear lens 742 or a smoked lens 743 (e.g., slightly opaque).

[0263] Referring to FIGS. 112-113 various aspects of a shield system for a safety headgear are shown. The shield system includes dark lenses, such as smoked dark lenses 744. The lenses 744 nest into the opening on the front side of the snap feature between the side frame and the lens.

[0264] Referring to FIGS. 114-116 various aspects of a shield system for a safety headgear are shown. The shield system includes lenses 746 with snap 747 features, original clear lenses 748 coupled to one side of the lenses 746, a disposable smoked lens 750 for scratch protection and / or a fogging lens for the sun, one or more snaps 749 extending from the bottom of the lenses.

[0265] Referring to FIGS. 117-118 various aspects of a shield system for a safety headgear are shown. The shield system includes a tab 752 that can be depressed to remove the lenses FIG. 117 ). Alternatively, the tab 753 can be pushed to release the lenses from the brim shield and / or arms. This option to release the lenses permits easier lens replacement when wearing the visor near the face compared to other coupling systems. In various embodiments, the lenses are replaceable.

[0266] Referring to FIGS. 119-120 various aspects of a shield system for a safety headgear are shown. The shield system includes a tether button 754 that forces the snaps 756 from the arms to exit the hole and allow replacement of the lenses 755. Against the left side of the tether button is the snap 756 from the arms. The lenses 755 are the objects underneath the button 754 and the snaps 756. The snaps 756 extend between the elements of the shield 757.

[0267] Referring to FIGS. 121-124 various aspects of a shield system 758 for a safety headgear are shown. The shield system 758 includes a close-tether pin button that holds the shield elements. Referring to FIG. 122 the locked configuration 759 is shown in the upper right and the unlocked configuration 760 is shown in the lower right. In use, a force is applied to the spring 802 in the direction 804. The shield 806 is positioned closest to the arms 808. A force is applied on the system in the direction 810 to transition the system from the locked configuration 759 to the unlocked configuration 760.

[0268] Referring to FIGS. 125-129 various aspects of a shield system for a safety headgear are shown. For example, a rotating pin can be used with a shield 822 and arms 824 (as shown in FIG. 126 ), one or more magnets 820 can be used (as shown in FIG. 127As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIG. 128 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIG. 129 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0269] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 130-132 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 131-132 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0270] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 133-136 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 134-136 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0271] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 137-138 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0272] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 139-145 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIG. 142 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0273] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIGS. 146-150 As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2).

[0274] As shown in FIG. 1 1 1, the system can initially be configured with tension to hold the lens via friction (as shown in FIG. 1 1 1 ) and / or to hold the lens via a magnetic force (as shown in FIG. 1 1 2). FIG. 151FIG. 7, shows various aspects of a protective system for a safety headgear. The protective system includes a gimbal arm that holds its position and allows the user to place the face shield in various positions (e.g., in front of the face, in a stowed position). The down position of the face shield is shown by 780, the up position is shown by 781, the protective system includes a pin and slot area 782, the protective system includes a pulley 783, a spring 784, and a gravity counteracting spring 784.

[0275] It is to be understood that the drawings show only example embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the application as described and claimed. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments only and is not to be considered as limiting.

[0276] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the application. It is to be understood that the forms of the application shown and described are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials can be substituted for one another as

[0277] For the purposes of this disclosure the term "coupled" means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining can be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining can be achieved with the two components and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0278] In various example embodiments, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, are shown on the drawings as being in proportion. Actual measurements from the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of various example embodiments. Various example embodiments extend to 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. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in the description can be determined by using the dimensional ratios measured in the drawings in conjunction with explicit dimensions stated in the description. Additionally, in various embodiments, the disclosure extends to various ranges around any absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or determinable from the drawings (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%).

Claims

1. A hard hat system, comprising: a hard hat including an outer shell formed of a rigid material and a mounting element extending from a front portion of the hard hat; a brim guard including: a bill positioned at the front portion of the hard hat; a first lateral wall extending upwardly from the bill, the first lateral wall including a first inner surface; and a second lateral wall opposite the first lateral wall and extending upwardly from the bill, the second lateral wall including a second inner surface, the second inner surface and the first inner surface facing one another, the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall slidably engaged with opposing portions of the mounting element, thereby coupling the brim guard to the hard hat; and a face shield coupled to the brim guard, the face shield movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the face shield positioned below the bill when the face shield is in the lowered position, and the face shield above the bill when the face shield is in the raised position.

2. The hard hat system of claim 1, the opposing portions of the mounting element including opposing ridges extending away from one another, and each of the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall including a rib engaged between the opposing ridges and the outer shell.

3. The hard hat system of claim 2, each of the opposing ridges defining a primary longitudinal axis extending vertically.

4. The hard hat system of claim 1, the hard hat comprising a second mounting element extending from a rear portion of the hard hat, wherein, the second mounting element configured to slidably engage with the brim guard.

5. The hard hat system of claim 1, the brim guard including a mounting location on an exterior of the brim guard opposite the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall, the mounting location including opposing ridges extending away from one another.

6. The hard hat system of claim 5, each of the opposing ridges of the brim guard defining a primary longitudinal axis extending vertically.

7. The hard hat system of claim 6, the hard hat system including a lighting element slidably engaged with the opposing ridges of the brim guard.

8. The hard hat system of claim 1, the brim guard including: a mounting bracket, each of the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall extending from the mounting bracket; and a pendant extending radially inwardly from the mounting bracket toward a center of the hard hat.

9. The hard hat system of claim 8, the pendant including a generally horizontal structure.

10. The hard hat system of claim 8, the face shield pivotally coupled to the brim guard.

11. A brim guard for a hard hat, the brim guard comprising: a bill configured to be coupled to a hard hat such that a front portion of the bill is positioned at a front portion of the hard hat; a mounting bracket coupled to the bill, the mounting bracket including: a first channel defined by a first lateral wall extending vertically above the bill, the first channel including a first lateral opening; and a second channel defined by a second lateral wall extending vertically above the bill, the second channel including a second lateral opening. a second channel defined by a second lateral wall extending vertically above the brim, the second channel including a second lateral opening, the second lateral opening and the first lateral opening facing one another, the first channel and the second channel slidably engaged with opposing portions of the mounting element of the safety hat.

12. The brim guard of claim 11, the brim including a generally flat and horizontal structure, the brim extending radially away from the safety hat.

13. The brim guard of claim 11, including a depending tab extending radially inward from the mounting bracket toward a center of the safety hat.

14. The brim guard of claim 11, the mounting bracket including a mounting location on an exterior of the mounting bracket opposite the first channel and the second channel, the mounting location including opposing ridges extending away from one another.

15. A safety hat system, comprising: a safety hat including an outer shell formed of a rigid material and a mounting element extending from a front portion of the safety hat; a brim guard coupled to the mounting element of the safety hat, the brim guard including: a brim positioned at the front portion of the safety hat; a first lateral wall extending upward from the brim; a second lateral wall opposite the first lateral wall and extending upward from the brim, the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall slidably engaged with the mounting element; and a face shield pivotally coupled to the brim guard, the face shield movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the face shield positioned below the brim guard when the face shield is in the lowered position and the face shield positioned above the brim guard when the face shield is in the raised position, the brim guard extending between the safety hat and an upper end of the face shield when the face shield is in the lowered position.

16. The safety hat system of claim 15, including a lighting element slidably engaged with the brim guard.

17. The hard hat system of claim 15, the brim protector comprising a mounting bracket, wherein, the brim guard coupled to the mounting element of the safety hat via the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket including a mounting location on an exterior of the mounting bracket opposite the first channel and the second channel, the mounting location including opposing ridges extending away from one another.

18. The safety hat system of claim 17, including a lighting element slidably engaged with the mounting location of the brim guard.

19. The safety hat system of claim 17, including a depending tab extending radially inward from the mounting bracket toward a center of the safety hat.

20. The safety hat system of claim 17, the mounting element of the safety hat having opposing ridges extending away from one another, and the mounting bracket engaged between the opposing ridges and the outer shell.

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