Headwear-mounted attachment device or kit comprising attachment device for supporting lighting device or other tool or accessory

Abstract

Embodiments of attachment devices or kits including the attachment devices for supporting lighting devices or other tools or accessories from hats or helmets are shown and described.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 340,340, filed on May 10, 2022, and entitled “Helmet-mounted attachment device or kit including an attachment device for supporting a lighting device or other tool or accessory.” Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of headwear-mounted attachment devices for attaching tools or accessories (e.g., lighting devices) to, for example, a hat or helmet, or to the field of kits comprising one or more straps and / or one or more clamps and / or one or more alternative fasteners that can be used to attach straps and / or lighting devices to various headwear types. Background Art

[0004] Headgear mounted lights, including various helmet mounted lights, are known in the art. Examples of these lights include the Vantage and Vantage II lights manufactured and sold by the applicant of the present application, Strealmallight, Inc. of Eagleville, Pennsylvania, USA. Existing helmet mounted lights are either clipped directly onto the helmet or supported by a strip stretched around the perimeter of the helmet so that the strip is routed approximately parallel to the lower edge or brim of the helmet. In addition, some existing hat mounted lights can be attached to the brim of the hat by a clamp. When mounted to a strip routed around the outside of the helmet, the light is typically attached to the strip on one side of the helmet (e.g., roughly above one ear) or directly in front of the helmet (e.g., roughly in front of the forehead). In these locations, the attached light causes an unbalanced weight on the helmet and may also hinder the attachment of additional tools or accessories to the helmet. For example, on a military, rescue or safety helmet, a front mounted light may interfere with the attachment of night-vision goggles (NVGs) on the front of the helmet and on a firefighter's helmet may interfere with the identification plaque typically located on the front of the firefighter's helmet. Additionally, side mounted lights may interfere with the use of headphones, earmuffs, goggles, radios and other accessories that may be located on the helmet or attached to the same general location on the helmet. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved attachment device including strap(s) and / or a kit including strap(s) and clamp(s) for a headwear-mounted mountable lighting device that overcomes the shortcomings present in related prior art devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The apparatus according to the present disclosure is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first helmet attachment apparatus according to the present disclosure, shown in an attached configuration relative to a first exemplary helmet and including a first embodiment of a lighting device attached thereto;

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view thereof in a disassembled configuration relative to a first exemplary helmet;

[0009] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first clamp for attaching a device according to the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a helmet attachment device according to the present disclosure, shown in an attached configuration relative to a first exemplary helmet and including a second embodiment of a lighting device attached to the helmet;

[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third helmet attachment device according to the present disclosure, shown in an attached configuration relative to a second exemplary helmet;

[0012] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a perspective view of a strap retainer component of a third helmet attachment device;

[0013] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a perspective view of a second clamp for attaching a device according to the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a fourth helmet attachment arrangement according to the present disclosure, shown in an attached configuration relative to a third exemplary helmet;

[0015] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a perspective view of a third clamp for an attachment device according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary helmet to which an attachment device according to the present disclosure may be attached;

[0017] Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a perspective view of a fourth clamp for an attachment device according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a perspective view of a first lighting device according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.19 is a first side view thereof;

[0020] Fig. 20 is its rear view;

[0021] Fig.21 is a second side view thereof;

[0022] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram of a kit for attaching to a helmet according to the present disclosure, the kit including a strap and a plurality of clips;

[0023] Fig.23 is a side view of a lighting device and a clamp for attachment to a helmet according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.24 This is its bottom view;

[0025] Fig.25 A front perspective view and a top perspective view of another embodiment of a lighting device according to the present disclosure are shown;

[0026] Fig.26 The rear view, top view, and partially exploded perspective view thereof are shown;

[0027] Fig. 27 A perspective view showing yet another embodiment of a lighting device according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.28 Another embodiment of an attachment device according to the present disclosure is shown attached to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary helmet of;

[0029] Fig.29 A front view showing another embodiment of a lighting device according to the present disclosure; and

[0030] Fig.30 This is its top view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Other aspects of the invention

[0032] Other aspects of the present invention include:

[0033] Item 1. A helmet attachment device suitable for mounting to a helmet, the helmet having a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of the helmet and a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of the helmet, the helmet also including an apex, the helmet attachment device comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; a first clamp attached to the first end of the strap, the first clamp being particularly suitable for attachment to the first attachment portion; and a second clamp attached to the second end of the strap, the second clamp being particularly suitable for attachment to the second attachment portion; wherein, when the first clamp is attached to the first attachment portion and the second clamp is attached to the second attachment portion, the strap is routed above or near the apex of the helmet.

[0034] Clause 2. The helmet attachment device of Clause 1, further comprising a lighting device attachable to the strap at or near the apex of the helmet.

[0035] Clause 3. The helmet attachment device of clause 2, wherein the lighting device further comprises a first slot and a second slot through which the strap can be routed.

[0036] Clause 4. The helmet attachment device of clause 3, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot has an arcuate curvature such that the lighting device is able to rotate relative to the strap when the strap is routed through the first slot and the second slot.

[0037] Clause 5. A helmet attachment device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising an adapter capable of being attached to either the first end or the second end of the strap, the adapter having a central portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending from the central portion along a first axis and the second arm extending from the central portion along a second axis, each of the first axis and the second axis not being aligned with the axis of the strap, each of the first arm and the second arm being suitable for attachment to either the first attachment portion or the second attachment portion.

[0038] Clause 6. The helmet attachment device of Clause 5, wherein the first arm comprises a first hook and the second arm comprises a second hook.

[0039] Clause 7. The helmet attachment device of any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have at least one hook portion.

[0040] Clause 8. The helmet attachment device of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage an accessory slot or rail located on the helmet.

[0041] Item 9. A kit comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; a first clamp removably attachable to the first end of the strap, the first clamp being particularly suitable for attaching to a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of a first type of helmet, the first type of helmet having an apex; a second clamp removably attachable to the second end of the strap, the second clamp being particularly suitable for attaching to a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of the first type of helmet; a third clamp removably attachable to the first end of the strap, the third clamp being particularly suitable for attaching to a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of a second type of helmet, the second type of helmet having an apex; and a fourth clamp removably attachable to the second end of the strap, The fourth clamp is particularly suitable for attaching to a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of the second type of helmet; wherein when the first clamp is attached to the first end of the strap, the second clamp is attached to the second end of the strap, the first clamp is attached to the first attachment portion of the first type of helmet, and the second clamp is attached to the second attachment portion of the first type of helmet, the strap routing is above or near the apex of the first type of helmet; and wherein when the third clamp is attached to the first end of the strap, the fourth clamp is attached to the second end of the strap, the third clamp is attached to the first attachment portion of the second type of helmet, and the fourth clamp is attached to the second attachment portion of the second type of helmet, the strap routing is above or near the apex of the second type of helmet.

[0042] Clause 10. The kit of clause 9, further comprising a lighting device attachable to the strap at or near the apex of the helmet.

[0043] Clause 11. The kit of clause 10, wherein the lighting device further comprises a first slot and a second slot through which the strip can be routed.

[0044] Clause 12. The kit of clause 11, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot has an arcuate curvature such that the lighting device can rotate relative to the strip when the strip passes through the first slot and the second slot.

[0045] Clause 13. A kit according to any one of clauses 9 to 12, further comprising an adapter capable of being attached to either the first end or the second end of the strip, the adapter having a central portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending from the central portion along a first axis, and the second arm extending from the central portion along a second axis, each of the first axis and the second axis being not aligned with the axis of the strip, and each of the first arm and the second arm being suitable for attachment to either the first attachment portion or the second attachment portion.

[0046] Clause 14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the first arm comprises a first hook and the second arm comprises a second hook.

[0047] Clause 15. The kit of any one of Clauses 9 to 14, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have at least one hook portion.

[0048] Clause 16. A kit according to any one of clauses 9 to 15, wherein the third clamp and the fourth clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage with an accessory slot or rail located on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the first type of helmet or the second type of helmet.

[0049] Clause 17. The kit of clause 15, wherein the third clamp and the fourth clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage an accessory slot or rail located on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the first type of helmet or the second type of helmet.

[0050] Item 18. A lighting device, comprising: a lamp body having a first slot and a second slot; and a strip comprising a pair of pins and a pair of pin covers, each pin cover being adapted to be mounted on a corresponding one of the pair of pins and to removably cover a corresponding one of the pair of pins, the strip being adapted to allow the lamp body to be mounted to an object capable of being pierced by the pair of pins by the following steps: placing the strip on one side of the object, piercing the pair of pins through the object, placing the lamp body on the opposite side of the object, guiding each pin through a corresponding one of the first slot and the second slot in the lamp body, and placing each of the corresponding one of the pair of pin covers on each of the corresponding one of the pair of pins.

[0051] Clause 19. The lighting device of Clause 18, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot has an arc curvature such that when the lamp body is attached to the strip via the first slot and the second slot, the lamp body is rotatable relative to the strip.

[0052] The subsequent detailed description provides only (one or more) exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of (one or more) embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the subsequent detailed description of (one or more) exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0053] To aid in describing the claimed disclosure and / or invention, directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the disclosure and / or invention (e.g., top, bottom, left, right, etc.). These directional definitions are intended only to aid in describing (one or more) embodiments and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the disclosure or claimed invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals introduced in the specification in association with a drawing may be repeated in one or more subsequent drawings without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.

[0054] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there can be intervening elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0055] In security, rescue, worksite, military or related applications, where a helmet is typically worn and it is desired or necessary to illuminate the scene while keeping the user's hands free, a light is typically attached to the helmet. Existing helmet-mounted lights clip directly to the helmet or are supported by a strap stretched around the perimeter of the helmet so that the strap is routed approximately parallel to the lower edge or brim of the helmet. When mounted to a strap routed around the outside of the helmet, the light is typically attached to the strap on one side of the helmet (e.g., approximately above one ear) or directly in front of the helmet (e.g., approximately in front of the forehead). In these locations, the attached light causes an unbalanced weight on the helmet and may also interfere with attaching additional tools or accessories to the helmet. For example, on a military, rescue or safety helmet, a front-mounted light may interfere with attaching night vision goggles (NVGs) on the front of the helmet and, on a firefighter's helmet, may interfere with the identification plaque typically located on the front of the firefighter's helmet. Furthermore, side mounted lights may interfere with the use of headphones, earmuffs, goggles, radios, and other accessories that may be located at or attached to the helmet in the same general location.

[0056] In addition, some existing hat-mounted lights can be attached to the brim of a hat by a clamp. However, even if the clamp is centered on the brim, a light attached in this location can obstruct the user's vision and cause an uncomfortable weight imbalance.

[0057] Therefore, there is a need for an improved attachment device including (multiple) strips and / or a kit including (multiple) strips and (multiple) clamps for helmet-mountable lighting devices that overcomes the shortcomings of related prior art devices. Therefore, the applicant has developed an embodiment of an attachment device that includes one or more strips and clamps that are attached to various helmet configurations so that the strips extend over the apex (i.e., crown, top or upper portion) of the helmet and the user's head, where the lighting device is supported. In this position, the lighting device will be placed roughly on the centerline of the user's body, with its weight distributed roughly centrally on the top of the user's head, and positioned so that it will not interfere with any other helmet attachments, tools or accessories (e.g., NVGs, headphones, earmuffs, goggles and radios) that the user may wish to employ. The applicant has also developed various attachment devices and methods for soft hats (e.g., baseball-type hats), as will be described below.

[0058] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, one or more straps may be attached to a pair of clamps that are sized and shaped to attach to a particular type of helmet, such as a safety helmet (e.g., a hard hat, see Figure 1-Figure 4 , or MSA Gallet rescue helmet, see Figure 14-16 ) in the accessory slot around the brim of the firefighter's helmet (see Figure 6-Figure 10 ) or attaches to a military helmet's tactical accessory slot (see Figure 11-13 ). The strip may then extend past the apex of the helmet to allow a lighting device to be attached to the strip at the apex of the helmet, or one or more lighting devices to be attached to the strip along the length of the strip (i.e., roughly in the direction between the temples, past the apex of the helmet) when a higher light output is desired. The strip may be adjustable or fixed length and may be made of fabric, elastic, or elasticized fabric material. One or more strips and an appropriate pair of clamps for a particular type of helmet may be sold together as a separate product, the clamps being either removable or fixed to the strip. In the alternative, the strip(s) may be sold as a kit with multiple pairs of clamps for different types of helmets. The strips may be provided with a silicone backing to help hold them in place on the helmet in which they are used.

[0059] View now Figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of a helmet attachment device 20 according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 20 includes a strap 22 and a pair of clamps 30a, 30b. In this embodiment, the strap 22 includes two fixing rings 24, 26 at its respective ends, so that the length of the strap 22 is not adjustable.

[0060] In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 20 is shown attached to a first type of helmet 10, which is a common type of workplace safety helmet also known as a hard hat. The helmet 10 has a first lateral side 13 including a first attachment portion 12 and a second lateral side 14 including a second attachment portion (not shown, but the same as the first attachment portion 12). The helmet 10 also includes a brim 16 and has an apex 15 that generally corresponds to the highest point of the user's head when the helmet 10 is worn. In this embodiment, the clamp 30a is releasably attached to the attachment portion 12, and the clamp 30b is releasably attached to the attachment portion located on the second lateral side 14 of the helmet 10. When both the clamps 30a, 30b are attached to the helmet 10 in this manner, the strip 22 passes over or near the apex 15 of the helmet 10, which allows the lighting device 132 to be attached to the strip 22 anywhere along the length of the strip 22, including at or near the apex 15 of the helmet 10.

[0061] Figure 3 and Figure 4 As best shown, the clamp 30a (which should be understood to be identical to the clamp 30b) includes an upper portion 32 having a strap slot 34 and a lower portion 36 having a depressible portion 38 and a stepped portion 40. In this embodiment, the strap slot 34 has open sides to allow either of the retaining rings 24, 26 of the strap 22 to slide therein so that the clamp 30a can be quickly installed on or removed from the strap 22, for example to allow different types of clamps to be installed on the strap 22, as will be discussed further below. In alternative embodiments, the clamps 30a, 30b can be permanently installed on the strap 22, not allowing the clamps 30a, 30b to be replaced with other types of clamps.

[0062] Return to see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the stepped portion 40 is sized and shaped to releasably engage with a slot (not labeled) present in the attachment portion 12 of the helmet 10. However, for ease of illustration, Figure 3The helmet 10 including the attachment portion 12 has been made transparent. The lower portion 36 of the clamp 30a is installed in the attachment portion 12 of the helmet 10 by pressing the clamp 30a down into the attachment portion 12 until the step portion 40 rides over the slot in the helmet 10 until it is located below the slot in the helmet 10, and then snapping into place. The lower portion 36 of the clamp 30a is allowed to partially deform through the gap (not numbered) around the depressible portion 38, and then the lower portion 36 of the clamp 30a can be released from the attachment portion 12 of the helmet 10 by pressing the depressible portion 38 of the clamp 30a from its inside until the step portion 40 leaves the slot in the helmet 10, and then pulling the clamp 30a upward and out of the attachment portion 12.

[0063] A first embodiment of a lighting device 132, which will be described in further detail below, is shown attached to Figure 1 On strip 22 in. Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 , the lighting device 132 includes a strip slot 134a having a gap 136a and a strip slot 134b having a gap 136b. The gaps 136a, 136b allow the strip 22 to be releasably secured within the strip slots 134a, 134b so that the strip 22 is routed on top of or below the lighting device 132 to hold the lighting device 132 in place on the strip 22. Figure 5 A second embodiment of a lighting device 50 is shown connected to the strap 22 of the helmet attachment device 20 by a clamp 52, it being understood that any number of mechanisms may be used to connect any lighting device to the helmet attachment device shown and discussed herein, including but not limited to various slots, clamps, clamps, brackets or fasteners. Once the lighting device 132 is attached to the helmet or other article, the arcuate curvature of the slots 134a, 134b allows the lighting device 132 to be partially rotated to aim the lighting device 132 as desired.

[0064] View now Figures 6 to 10 , another embodiment of a helmet attachment device 64 according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 64 includes a strap 66 and a pair of clamps 80a, 80b. In this embodiment, the strap 66 includes a fixed ring 70 at one end thereof and an adjustable ring 72 at the opposite end thereof. The length of the strap 66 can be adjusted in a known manner by a strap buckle 68.

[0065] In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 64 is shown attached to a second type of helmet 54, namely a firefighter's helmet. The helmet 54 has a first lateral side 56 including a first attachment portion 55 (in this case, a portion of the rim of the helmet that extends around the entire periphery of the helmet 54) and a second lateral side 57 including a second attachment portion (in this case, a separate portion of the rim 55).

[0066] The helmet 54 also includes an apex 58, an identification surface 62 on the front side thereof (where the fire company information is typically displayed), and a spine 60 extending forwardly between the apex 58 and the identification surface 62. In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 64 is also provided with a strap retainer 74. The strap retainer 74 has a spine support 76 that fits snugly onto the spine 60 of the helmet 54 and a pair of strap slots 78a, 78b through which the strap 66 passes. The strap retainer 74 retains the strap 66 in a desired position on the spine 60 of the helmet 54 near the apex 58 while minimizing potential damage to the strap 66, and the strap retainer 74 also helps to keep the clamps 80a, 80b relatively fixed in place along the brim 55, i.e., to minimize their forward and backward sliding.

[0067] In this embodiment, both clamps 80a, 80b can be releasably attached to the attachment portion (brim) 55 on the first lateral side 56 and the second lateral side 57 of the helmet 54, respectively. When both clamps 80a, 80b are attached to the helmet 54 in this manner, the strip 66 passes above or near the apex 58 of the helmet 54, which allows a lighting device (e.g., lighting device 132 or lighting device 50) to be attached to the strip 66 anywhere along the length of the strip 66 (including at a position at or near the apex 58 of the helmet 54).

[0068] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 80a (which should be understood to be the same as the clamp 80b) includes an upper portion 82 having a strap slot 84 and a lower portion 86 having a pair of hook portions 88a, 88b. In this embodiment, the strap slot 84 has an open side to allow either the fixed ring 70 or the adjustable ring 72 of the strap 66 to slide therein, so that the clamp 80a can be quickly installed on or removed from the strap 66, for example to allow different types of clamps to be installed on the strap 66, as will be discussed further below. In alternative embodiments, the clamps 80a, 80b can be permanently installed on the strap 66 in a manner that does not allow the clamps 80a, 80b to be replaced with other types of clamps.

[0069] Return to reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In this embodiment, the size and shape of the hook portions 88a, 88b are designed to releasably engage with the brim (attachment portion) 55 of the helmet 54 via the inner surface of the hook portions 88a, 88b, which hook around the brim 55 and apply pressure to the brim 55 via the elastic restoring force applied to the clamps 80a, 80b by the strip 66.

[0070] View now Figure 11 to Figure 13, another embodiment of the helmet attachment device 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 100 includes a strap 102 and a pair of clamps (only one clamp, clamp 106, is shown in the figure). In this embodiment, the strap 102 includes two fixing rings (only one fixing ring, i.e., fixing ring 104, is shown in the figure), so the length of the strap 102 is fixed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the helmet attachment device 100 is shown attached to a third type of helmet 92, i.e., a known type of military helmet. The helmet 92 has a first lateral side 94 including a first attachment portion 98 (in this case, the first attachment portion is an accessory slot) and a second lateral side 95 including a second attachment portion (i.e., a second accessory slot that is identical to the accessory slot on the first lateral side 94), the first attachment portion 98 (accessory slot) including an opening 99 positioned toward its front side. The helmet 92 also includes a vertex 93 and an accessory bracket 96 located on its front side for holding additional accessories (e.g., goggles or night vision goggles) therefrom.

[0072] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the clamp 106 includes an upper portion 108 having a strap slot 110 and a lower portion 112 having a slot engaging portion 114. In this embodiment, the clamp 106 is releasably attached to the attachment portion (attachment slot) 98 on the first lateral side 94 of the helmet 92 by placing the slot engaging portion 114 into the opening 99 and then sliding it further into the attachment slot 98, and removing the clamp 106 from the attachment slot 98 is performed in the opposite manner. When the clamp (including the clamp 106) is attached to the helmet 92 in this manner and the strap 102 is attached thereto, the strap 102 passes over or near the apex 93 of the helmet 92, which allows a lighting device (e.g., lighting device 132 or lighting device 50) to be attached to the strap 102 anywhere along the length of the strap 102, including in a position at or near the apex 93 of the helmet 92.

[0073] In this embodiment, the strap slot 110 has open sides to allow any of the retaining rings (e.g., retaining ring 104) to slide therein, so that the clamp 106 can be quickly installed on or removed from the strap 102, for example to allow different types of clamps to be installed on the strap 102, as will be discussed further below. In alternative embodiments, the clamps (including the clamp 106) can be permanently installed on the strap 102 in a manner that does not allow the clamps (including the clamp 106) to be replaced with other types of clamps.

[0074] Now refer to Fig.14, a fourth type of helmet 116 will be described in detail, namely, a rescue helmet of the known type sold by Hobrand BV of the Netherlands under the trademark MSAGallet. The helmet has a first lateral side 118 including a first attachment portion 120, which in this case is an accessory slot, and a second lateral side 119 including a second attachment portion, i.e., a second accessory slot that is identical to the accessory slot present on the first lateral side 118. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various accessories can be releasably secured in the first attachment portion (accessory slot) 120. The helmet 116 also includes a top end 117. For ease of discussion, in Fig.14 Only the first attachment portion / accessory slot 120 of the helmet 116 is shown in solid lines.

[0075] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, a clamp 122 may be provided as part of a helmet attachment device or kit according to the present invention, which will releasably engage with the attachment portion (accessory slot) 120 of the helmet 116. In this embodiment, the clamp 122 includes an upper portion 124 having a strap slot 126 and a lower portion 128 having a slot engaging portion 130. The clamp 122 is releasably attached to the attachment portion (accessory slot) 120 on the first lateral side 118 of the helmet 116 by pressing the slot engaging portion 130 downward into the attachment portion (accessory slot) 120. The clamp 122 is removed from the attachment portion (accessory slot) 120 by pressing a portion of the slot engaging portion 130 from the inside of the helmet 116 and then pulling the clamp 122 upward. When a clamp (including clamp 122) is attached to the helmet 116 in this manner and a strap (e.g., strap 22, strap 66, or strap 102) is attached thereto, the strap is routed above or near the top 117 of the helmet 116, which allows a lighting device (e.g., lighting device 132 or lighting device 50) to be attached to the strap anywhere along its length, including in a position at or near the top 117 of the helmet 116.

[0076] Figure 17-Figure 21 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2The various images of the lighting device 132 shown, in addition to the above-mentioned strip slots 134a, 134b, the lighting device 132 also includes a front PCB cover 138, which contains a printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the flood lens 140 and the spot lens 142 located on the front side of the lighting device 132, a battery cover 152 that contains and hides one or more batteries (e.g., lithium rechargeable batteries or one or more replaceable batteries) and is held in place by thumb screws 154, and a rear PCB cover 144 that contains a PCB that controls a button 146 and a pair of tail lights 148a, 148b. The button 146 can be used to switch between spot and flood modes (i.e., via alternation between the flood lens 140 and the spot lens 142), change the intensity of these lights, and / or turn the tail lights 148a, 148b on and off. In some embodiments, the taillights 148a, 148b are constantly on when either the spotlight lens 142 or the floodlight lens 140 is on, and in alternative embodiments, the user may have the option of whether to use the taillights 148a, 148b. In some embodiments, the taillights 148a, 148b emit blue light and are used to locate and identify the user from behind in low visibility (e.g., dark, smoky, and / or foggy) environments. Figure 19-21 As further shown in the schematic diagram of , a hinge pin 155 for opening and closing the battery cover 152 passes through the battery cover 152 and is held in place by the front PCB cover 138 and the rear PCB cover 144. Fasteners 150a, 150b are used to hold the rear PCB cover 144 in place, while fasteners 150c, 150d are used to hold the front PCB cover 138 in place.

[0077] Reference now Fig. 22 Schematic diagram, in some iterations, a helmet attachment device according to the present disclosure can be provided as a kit 156 including one or more straps and multiple pairs of clamps, for example: a pair of "on the edge" clamps 80a, 80b, such as Figure 6 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A pair of "subsidiary slot" fixtures 30a, 30b, such as Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown; a pair of Figure 11-13 and / or a pair of "accessory rail" clamps 122, such as Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, various clamp pairs can be selectively connected to the straps to allow connection to a variety of different types of helmets out of the box. Kit 156 can also include fixed length straps (e.g. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 Strip 22 or Fig.11 Strip 102), adjustable length strip (e.g. Figure 6 and Figure 7Strip 66 or Fig. 22 The invention can be a strip 158 of a fixed length, two fixed length strips of different lengths, or both a fixed length strip and an adjustable length strip. Fig. 22 As further shown, the strap 158 may be constructed of an elastic fabric material, with an uncoated (or covered with silicone material) outer side 160, and with an inner side 162 covered with silicone material to enhance grip on the helmet material. The strap 158 may also include a "triple slide" strap buckle 166 of a known type for length adjustment and two loops: an adjustable length loop 168 and a fixed loop 164, which in this embodiment are sewn. Kits according to the present disclosure may also be sold with one or more units of any of the lighting devices discussed herein, or with any other lighting device that may be attached to the strap.

[0078] Fig.23 and Fig.24 Schematically illustrated is another embodiment of a lighting device 170 according to the present invention, which may be sold with one or more straps and / or a pair of clamps, in which embodiment the lighting device 170 includes a body 172 (which in this embodiment may be made of extruded aluminum) connected to a clamp 182, which is suitable for connection to the strap or, alternatively, directly to a hat. In this embodiment, the body 172 is connected to the clamp 182 by a tilt hinge 180, which allows the user to make fine windage or angle adjustments to the body 172 to achieve a desired angle of light emitted therefrom. Such a hinge may also be provided on the Figure 5 In the lighting device 50, return to Fig.23 and Fig.24 The lighting device also includes a button 178 that serves as an on / off and mode selection switch, a battery cover with a latch 176 for concealing one or more rechargeable or replaceable batteries, and a tail light 174 (which, in this embodiment, may also be blue so that the user cannot see the light from the rear).

[0079] Reference now Fig.25 and Fig.26 , another embodiment of the lighting device 190 will be described in detail, wherein Fig.25 A front top perspective view thereof is shown, Fig.26190 is shown in a rear bottom exploded perspective view. In this embodiment, the lighting device 190 uses disposable batteries (e.g., 3×AAA-size batteries) and includes a main body 192 that conceals a PCB (not shown) and a battery cover 194 attached to the main body 192 via a hinge pin 196 to conceal a battery compartment (not shown) that accommodates the disposable batteries. The battery cover 194 is held closed by a thumb screw 198 that is threadedly engaged with a nut 200 that is rotationally fixed on the underside of the main body 192. Thus, the battery cover 194 can be opened by rotating the thumb screw 198 in the opposite direction until it disengages from the nut 200, so that the battery cover 194 can be lifted off the main body 192.

[0080] Similar to the other embodiments described above, the lighting device 190 includes a pair of slots 202a, 202b through which one or more straps can be passed to hold the lighting device 190 in a desired position on the headwear, and similarly includes a flood lens 204, a spot lens 206, and a button 208 for switching between flood and spot modes and switching the lighting device 190 between an on and off state. In this embodiment, the lighting device 190 also includes a hat strap 212, which is used as an alternative to using a connecting strap to connect the lighting device 190 to a soft hat (e.g., a baseball-style hat) or any other item (e.g., a piece of clothing or fabric) that can be pierced by the pins 214a, 214b located on the hat strap 212. Fig.26 As shown, the hat band 212 is installed under the soft hat, and the pins 214a, 214b pierce the hat, each pin passes through a corresponding slot 202a, 202b, and each pin is covered with a corresponding pin cover 216a, 216b, which keeps the lighting device 190 in the proper position of the desired position while protecting the user from accidental injury from the pins 214a, 214b. The underside of the body 192 also includes pads 210a, 210b to ensure the comfort of the user. In addition, once the lighting device 190 is attached to a hat or other article, the arcuate curvature of the slots 202a, 202 allows the lighting device 190 to be partially rotated to aim the lighting device 190 as needed.

[0081] refer to Fig. 27 , another embodiment of the lighting device 220 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the lighting device 220 uses a rechargeable battery and includes a body 222 that hides a PCB (not shown). In this embodiment, the lighting device 220 includes a charging port 224 (e.g., a USB-C port), a light 226 indicating a charging state, and a cover connected to the body 222 through a hole 228 (for convenience of discussion, the cover is not shown in FIG. 2 ). Fig. 27, the cover is omitted in the figure), which is used to cover the charging port 224 and protect it from, for example, dust, fluids and damage. Similar to the other embodiments described above, the lighting device 220 includes a pair of slots 230a, 230b, one or more strips can be passed through the slots to maintain the lighting device 220 in a desired position on the headwear, and similarly includes a floodlight lens 232, a focusing lens 234 and a button (not shown) located on the rear side thereof, the button being used to switch between a floodlight mode and a focusing mode and to switch the lighting device 220 between an on state and an off state. In this embodiment, the lighting device 220 also includes a cap strip 236 and pin covers 238a, 238b, which are structurally and functionally similar to the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.25 and Fig.26 The cap strip 212 used in the embodiment of FIG.

[0082] Applicants also have embodiments of the present disclosure in which any version of the lighting device may be reclosed by using a hook and loop or other reclosable type fastener such as the Dual Lock manufactured by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. TM An article that can be attached to headwear, clothing, or other items by reclosable fastener patches.

[0083] It should be understood that any lighting device according to the present disclosure can have product specifications such that it meets Class 1 Division (C1D1) standards under the National Electrical Code, meaning that it is safe for use in the continuous or frequent presence of flammable vapors or gases under normal operating conditions (i.e., is explosion-proof under these conditions).

[0084] Fig.28 Another embodiment of an accessory for an attachment device is shown, the accessory comprising a pair of adapters ( Fig.281 and 2 (only one adapter 240 is shown in the figure), each adapter includes a central portion 242 and a pair of arms 244a, 244b extending from the central portion 242 to form an overall "U" shape, so that the arms 244a, 244b are located in front of and behind the attachment portion 12. A respective hook 246a, 246b is located at the end of each arm 244a, 244b, and the hook 246a, 246b is suitable for clamping around the brim of a helmet (e.g., the brim 16 of the hard hat 10). The adapter 240 includes a pair of wire hoops to span around an ear defender (or other accessory) that can be attached to the helmet 10 via attachment portions 12 on one or both sides of the helmet 10. In this configuration, a strap (e.g., strap 250) extends over the apex 15 of the helmet 10 and is attached at both ends to a clamp (e.g., a clamp 252 having a hook portion 254), the hook portion 254 of the clamp 252 being adapted to attach to the center portion 242 of the adapter 240. When attached across the apex 15 of the helmet 10, the strap 250 has an axis 251, and the arms 244a, 244b also have corresponding axes 245a, 245b, and the axes 245a, 245b are not aligned with the axis 251 of the strap 250 to form an "offset" attachment position relative to the helmet 10 and its attachment portion 12. If ear protection (or other accessories) is not used at either or both of the attachment portions (e.g., the attachment portion 12), the adapter 240 can be omitted and the strap hook (e.g., the hook portion 254) can be attached directly to the brim 16 of the helmet 10. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, a pair of adapters 240 permanently attached to the strap can be provided.

[0085] Fig.29 and Fig.30 Another embodiment of a lighting device 260 according to the present invention is shown, which can be used with any of the strips, clamps or other accessories disclosed herein. It should be understood that this embodiment of the lighting device is substantially similar to Fig. 27 The embodiment of the lighting device 220 shown in FIG. Fig.29 and Fig.30 In addition, it should be understood that the following Fig.29 and Fig.30 The modifications shown in the embodiments of can be adapted for use in any embodiment of the lighting device shown and described herein.

[0086] In this embodiment, the lighting device 260 includes a body 262 and a pair of hinges 264a, 264b. Fig.29 and Fig.30264a, 264b. Each hinge rotatably attaches a corresponding one of a pair of side portions 268a, 268b to the body 262 about a corresponding one of a pair of axes 266a, 266b. It should be understood that any suitable type of hinge mechanism can be used for the hinges 264a, 264b. Each side portion 268a, 268b includes a corresponding slot 270a, 270b for passing a strap or other support mechanism, as described above. In this embodiment, the freedom to adjust the angle of the side portions 268a, 268b relative to the body 262 around the hinges 264a, 264b allows the lighting device 260 to better conform to the curvature of a helmet, a user's head, or another irregular surface to which the lighting device 260 may be attached.

[0087] Although exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods described herein have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many additional modifications may be made in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the systems and methods described herein. Therefore, these and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the systems and methods described herein. The systems and methods described herein may be better defined by the following exemplary claims.

Claims

1. A helmet attachment device adapted to be mounted to a helmet having a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of the helmet and a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of the helmet, the helmet further comprising an apex, the helmet attachment device comprising: a strip having a first end and a second end; a first clamp attached to said first end of said strap, said first clamp being particularly adapted to be attached to said first attachment portion; as well as a second clamp attached to said second end of said strap, said second clamp being particularly adapted to be attached to said second attachment portion; wherein, when the first clamp is attached to the first attachment portion and the second clamp is attached to the second attachment portion, the strap is routed above or near the apex of the helmet.

2. The helmet attachment device of claim 1 further comprising a lighting device attachable to the strap at or near the apex of the helmet.

3. The helmet attachment device of claim 2, wherein the lighting device further comprises a first slot and a second slot through which the strap can be routed.

4. The helmet attachment device of claim 3, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot has an arcuate curvature such that the lighting device can rotate relative to the strap when the strap is routed through the first slot and the second slot.

5. The helmet attachment device of claim 1 , further comprising an adapter capable of being attached to either the first end or the second end of the strap, the adapter having a central portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending from the central portion along a first axis and the second arm extending from the central portion along a second axis, each of the first axis and the second axis not being aligned with the axis of the strap, each of the first arm and the second arm being adapted to be attached to either the first attachment portion or the second attachment portion.

6. The helmet attachment device of claim 5, wherein the first arm comprises a first hook and the second arm comprises a second hook.

7. The helmet attachment device of claim 1, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have at least one hook portion.

8. The helmet attachment device of claim 1, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage an accessory slot or rail located on the helmet.

9. A kit comprising: a strip having a first end and a second end; a first clamp removably attachable to the first end of the strap, the first clamp being particularly adapted to attach to a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of a first type of helmet, the first type of helmet having an apex; a second clamp removably attachable to said second end of said strap, said second clamp being particularly adapted for attachment to a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of a helmet of said first type; a third clamp removably attachable to the first end of the strap, the third clamp being particularly adapted to attach to a first attachment portion located on a first lateral side of a second type of helmet, the second type of helmet having an apex; as well as a fourth clamp removably attachable to said second end of said strap, said fourth clamp being particularly adapted for attachment to a second attachment portion located on a second lateral side of a helmet of said second type; wherein the strap is routed above or near the apex of the first type of helmet when the first clamp is attached to the first end of the strap, the second clamp is attached to the second end of the strap, the first clamp is attached to the first attachment portion of the first type of helmet, and the second clamp is attached to the second attachment portion of the first type of helmet; and Wherein when the third clamp is attached to the first end of the strap, the fourth clamp is attached to the second end of the strap, the third clamp is attached to the first attachment portion of the second type of helmet, and the fourth clamp is attached to the second attachment portion of the second type of helmet, the strap is routed above or near the apex of the second type of helmet.

10. The kit according to claim 9, characterized in that Also included is a lighting device that can be attached to the strap at or near the apex of the helmet.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the lighting device further comprises a first slot and a second slot, the strip being routeable through the first slot and the second slot.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein each of the first slot and the second slot has an arcuate curvature such that the lighting device can rotate relative to the strip when the strip passes through the first slot and the second slot.

13. The kit of claim 9 further comprising an adapter capable of being attached to either the first end or the second end of the strap, the adapter having a central portion, a first arm and a second arm, the first arm extending from the central portion along a first axis, and the second arm extending from the central portion along a second axis, each of the first axis and the second axis being non-aligned with the axis of the strap, each of the first arm and the second arm being adapted to be attached to either the first attachment portion or the second attachment portion.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the first arm comprises a first hook and the second arm comprises a second hook.

15. The kit of claim 9, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp each have at least one hook portion.

16. The kit of claim 9, wherein the third clamp and the fourth clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage an accessory slot or rail located on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the first type of helmet or the second type of helmet.

17. The kit of claim 15, wherein the third clamp and the fourth clamp each have a portion adapted to releasably engage an accessory slot or rail located on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the first type of helmet or the second type of helmet.

18. A lighting device, comprising: a lamp body having a first groove and a second groove; as well as A strip comprising a pair of pins and a pair of pin covers, each pin cover being adapted to fit over and removably cover a corresponding one of the pair of pins, the strip being adapted to allow the light body to be mounted to an article capable of being pierced by the pair of pins by placing the strip on one side of the article, piercing the pair of pins through the article, placing the light body on an opposite side of the article, guiding each pin through a corresponding one of the first and second slots in the light body, and placing each of the corresponding ones of the pair of pin covers over each of the corresponding ones of the pair of pins.

19. The lighting device according to claim 18, wherein: Each of the first groove and the second groove has an arc curvature such that when the light body is attached to the strip through the first groove and the second groove, the light body can rotate relative to the strip.

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