Headgear components, mounting clips, and accessories

Abstract

A headgear article, mounting clip, and accessories, such as a safety helmet, include a housing (10) having an outer surface with at least one positioning recess (14, 16) defining an opening (22). The recess has a first end (24), a second end (26), a base, and sidewalls (30, 32) extending from the base to the outer surface to form a continuous surface with the outer surface of the housing. The width of the opening decreases from one end to the other. The depth of the sidewalls increases from one end to the other. The width of the base decreases from one end to the other and is wider at the other end than the width of the opening at the other end. The housing has a slot (20) in the outer surface aligned with one end of the recess. The mounting clip (40) includes a mounting plate (42) and a positioning tongue (48). One end is connected to one end of the mounting plate such that the tongue extends parallel to the mounting plate. The tongue includes a protrusion (54) and a wedge-shaped portion (56), the protrusion being located at one end on a side opposite to the mounting plate, and the wedge-shaped portion being defined at the other end on a side opposite to the mounting plate, the wedge-shaped portion narrowing towards the second end. One end of the mounting plate extends beyond one end of the positioning tongue and bends towards the positioning tongue. The positioning tongue is fitted into a positioning recess such that the wedge-shaped portion is positioned in the recess at one end, the protrusion is fitted into a slot, and one end of the mounting plate abuts against the outer surface of the housing below one end of the recess to push the protrusion into the slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to headgear articles with rigid shells, such as safety helmets. The invention includes a headgear article having a positioning notch for mounting accessories, a positioning clip for mounting in the notch, and an accessory for mounting the positioning clip onto the headgear article. Background Technology

[0002] There are numerous cases where external accessories such as lights, identification badges, and ear protectors are fitted onto safety helmets. If these accessories are permanently attached to the helmet, they cannot be reconfigured for different uses. Similarly, puncturing the helmet shell to attach accessories can also cause problems. Even if accessories are attached to the outside of the helmet, using adhesives or welding can compromise the helmet's strength and make the accessories difficult to replace.

[0003] GB2576815 describes an example of mounting accessories on a safety helmet, in which an ID card retainer is attached to the outer surface of a rigid shell by ultrasonic welding.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a convenient way to attach accessories to headwear such as safety helmets, which allows for the attachment and possible removal of different accessories without damaging the headwear or affecting its ability to protect the wearer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention provides a head-mounted equipment article, such as a safety helmet, the head-mounted equipment article comprising:

[0006] A rigid housing having an outer surface, the outer surface having at least one positioning notch defining an opening therein, wherein...

[0007] The notch has a first end, a second end, a base, and a sidewall. The sidewall extends from the base to the outer surface of the opening, defines the notch behind the opening, and forms a continuous surface with the outer surface of the rigid shell.

[0008] in:

[0009] The width of the opening decreases from the first end toward the second end;

[0010] The depth of the sidewall increases from the first end toward the second end; and

[0011] The width of the base decreases from the first end toward the second end, and is wider at the second end than the width of the opening at the second end; and

[0012] The rigid housing has a slot defined in the outer surface, which is aligned with the first end of the notch.

[0013] By providing a notch with a shaped form and a surface that is continuous with the outer surface of the housing, an installation that resists accidental disconnection or rotation while maintaining the structural and protective integrity of the housing can be provided.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention provides a mounting clip for use with head-mounted equipment articles, the mounting clip comprising:

[0015] Mounting plate, the mounting plate having a first end and a second end; and

[0016] The positioning tongue has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first end of the mounting plate, such that the positioning tongue extends parallel to the mounting plate.

[0017] The positioning tongue includes:

[0018] A tab, at the first end, protruding from the side opposite to the mounting plate; and

[0019] The wedge-shaped portion is defined in the second end on the side opposite to the mounting plate, and the wedge-shaped section narrows toward the second end;

[0020] The second end of the mounting plate extends beyond the second end of the positioning tongue and bends toward the positioning tongue; and

[0021] The positioning tongue is sized to fit into the positioning recess in the headgear, such that the wedge-shaped section is positioned in the recess at the second end, the protrusion is fitted into the slot, and the second end of the mounting plate abuts against the outer surface of the housing below the second end of the recess to push the protrusion into the slot.

[0022] The base of the notch may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from a first end of the notch and the second portion extending from the end of the first portion to a second end of the notch at the outer surface of the rigid housing.

[0023] A rigid housing may have more than one locating notch. For example, a rigid housing may have a pair of spaced notches at the front of the outer surface; a notch on either side of the rear of the outer surface; and / or a notch on opposite sides of the outer surface.

[0024] An accessory can be mounted on a rigid housing by a mounting clip, which fits into a positioning recess, wherein the accessory is connected to a mounting plate.

[0025] The accessories can be mounted on the rigid housing by a pair of mounting clips positioned in a corresponding pair of positioning recesses.

[0026] The present invention also provides an accessory for mounting on a head-mounted equipment article, wherein the accessory is connected to a mounting plate of at least one positioning clip.

[0027] Further aspects and embodiments will become clear from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention, including a safety helmet, is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A detailed view of part of the helmet shown.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows the use of with Figure 1 Rear and end views of the mounting clip used with the helmet.

[0031] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It shows the installation Figure 1 The helmet Figure 4 and Figure 5 The installation clip.

[0032] Figure 8 The helmet is shown, with one mounting clip already installed and the other positioned prior to installation.

[0033] Figure 9 The rear of another embodiment of the helmet is shown.

[0034] Figure 10 A pair of light clips located on the helmet are shown.

[0035] Figure 11 The badge holder is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 The helmet shown includes a shell 10 formed from molded plastic material. The outer surface of the shell 10 can have any suitable color and can bear any suitable markings. The shell 10 is substantially rigid, meaning it is indeed easily deformable during normal use and thus maintains its basic shape and dimensions. The shell 10 can deform temporarily or permanently under impact to provide its safety function. The helmet includes an adjustable liner and a chin strap (not shown). The front portion 12 of the shell 10 has a relatively flat area for mounting accessories.

[0037] A pair of positioning notches 14 and 16 are spaced apart on the front portion 12. Corresponding slots 18 and 20 are positioned above each notch 16 and 18. The notches 14 and 16 and the slots 18 and 20 are identical.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Details of the notch 16 and slot 20 are shown. The notch 16 defines an opening 22 in the outer surface of the front portion 12. The notch 16 has a first upper end 24 and a second lower end 26. The opening 22 is wider at the first upper end 24 and tapers towards the narrower second lower end 26.

[0039] The recess 16 has a base 28 behind the opening 22 and sidewalls 30, 32 extending between the base and the outer surface of the front portion 12. The base 28 is inclined relative to the outer surface of the front portion 12 such that the depth of the sidewalls 30, 32 increases from the first end 24 toward the second end 26, wherein the base is connected to the outer surface at the first end 24. The opening 22, the base 28, and the sidewalls 30, 32 define the recess. The base includes a first portion 34 and a second portion 36, the first portion 34 being substantially flat and extending away from the outer surface from the first end 24, and the second portion 36 curving upward from one end of the first portion to extend to the second end of the recess 16 at the outer surface of the front portion 12.

[0040] The base 28 and sidewalls 30, 32 define a surface that is continuous with the outer surface of the front portion 12. The width of the base 28 decreases from its first end 34 toward its second end 36, and is wider at its second end 36 than the width of the opening at the second end 26.

[0041] The slot 20 is defined in the outer surface of the front portion 12. The slot 38 extends in a direction aligned with the width of the first end 24 of the recess 16. Like the recess 16, the slot 20 forms a surface continuous with the outer surface of the front portion 12.

[0042] By providing continuous surfaces in the notches 14, 16 and slots 18, 20, the integrity of the shell can be maintained. This helps to prevent water ingress and maintain the helmet's electrical safety performance.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A mounting clip 40 is shown, which can be used with notches 14, 16 to mount accessories onto the helmet 10.

[0044] The mounting clip 40 includes: a mounting plate 42 having an upper first end 44 and a lower second end 46; and a positioning tongue 48 having an upper first end 50 and a lower second end 52. The upper first end 50 of the positioning tongue 48 is connected to the upper first end 44 of the mounting plate 42, such that the positioning tongue 48 is substantially parallel to the mounting plate 42 and extends behind the mounting plate 42.

[0045] The positioning tongue 48 includes a protrusion 54 and a wedge-shaped portion 56. The protrusion 54 protrudes from the side opposite to the mounting plate 42 at a first end 50, and the wedge-shaped portion 56 is defined in a second end 52 on the side opposite to the mounting plate 42. The wedge-shaped portion 56 narrows toward the second end 52. The front face 58 of the positioning tongue (i.e., the side facing the mounting plate 42) has a substantially constant width toward the second end 52. Each portion of the front face 58 adjacent to the wedge-shaped portion 56 defines flaps 60, 62, which laterally protrude on either side of the wedge-shaped portion 56.

[0046] The second end 46 of the mounting plate 42 extends beyond the second end 52 of the positioning tongue 48 and bends toward the positioning tongue 48.

[0047] In use, by assembling the positioning tongue 48 into the positioning recess 14, the mounting clip 40 is fixed to the helmet 10, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. The second end 52 of the positioning tongue 48 is inserted into the top of the recess 14, and the clamp 40 is pushed downward to push the positioning tongue 48 into the recess 14 until the wedge-shaped section 56 is positioned in the recess at the second end 26, and the flaps 60, 62 are located on the outer surface 12. Figure 6 Then, the tab 54 can be fitted into the slot 18. Figure 7 The second end 46 of the mounting plate 42 abuts against the outer surface 12 below the second end 26 of the recess 14 to push the tab 54 into the slot 18 and prevent the clamp 40 from moving upward and causing the positioning tongue 48 to disengage from the recess 14. The base 28 of the recess 14 prevents the positioning tongue 48 from falling, and the wedge-shaped portion 56 and the flaps 60, 62 engage in the lower end 26 of the recess 14 to prevent the positioning tongue 48 from disengaging through the front of the opening 22.

[0048] The clamp 40 is made of a material that is flexible enough to force the lower ends 46, 52 of the mounting plate 42 and the locating tongue 48 apart, thereby forcing the locating tongue into the notch and having sufficient elasticity to push the tab 54 into the slot 18. In some embodiments, the clamp may be made of a rubber-like material, allowing it to be manually installed and removed by simply twisting the clamp sufficiently to engage or disengage the relevant parts. In other embodiments, a more rigid material may be used, which requires the use of assembly tools to ensure the correct degree of twist for installation or removal. In a further embodiment, the material is so hard that the clamp cannot be twisted for removal without damaging its structure. This achieves a more permanent installation.

[0049] Figure 8A helmet is shown, with one mounting clip 64 already installed and another mounting clip 66 positioned prior to installation. Each clip 64, 66 has a mounting plate with a positioning hole 68 through which the clip can be connected to an accessory for mounting on the helmet.

[0050] The notch can be positioned anywhere suitable on the helmet. Figure 9 Another embodiment of the helmet is shown, wherein a notch 70 (only one notch is shown) is positioned on either side of the rear portion 72 of the helmet 10. Notches (not shown) may also be provided on each side 74 of the helmet above the position where the wearer's ears will be in use. Any number and combination of positions can be provided as needed.

[0051] Figure 10 A pair of lamp clips 76, 78 are shown positioned on the helmet 10 by engaging mounting clips in a notch. Lamp clips 76, 78 allow a lamp (not shown) to be mounted on the front of the helmet 10 so that it can be easily removed when not in use. Figure 10 An ID badge holder 80 is shown mounted on the front of the helmet 10, which is installed by a mounting clip (not shown) attached to the rear surface of the holder 80.

[0052] Various modifications can be made within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A headgear article, characterized by, include: A rigid housing having an outer surface having at least one positioning recess defining an opening therein, wherein, The notch has a first end, a second end, a base, and a sidewall, the sidewall extending from the base to the outer surface of the opening, defining the notch behind the opening and forming a continuous surface with the outer surface of the rigid housing; in: The width of the opening decreases from the first end toward the second end; The depth of the sidewall increases from the first end toward the second end; and The width of the base decreases from the first end toward the second end, and is wider at the second end than the width of the opening at the second end; and The rigid housing has a slot defined in the outer surface, the slot being aligned with the first end of the notch.

2. The headgear article of claim 1, wherein The base of the notch includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from a first end, and the second portion extending from the end of the first portion to a second end of the notch at the outer surface of the rigid housing.

3. The headgear article of claim 1, wherein The rigid housing has one or more positioning notches.

4. The headgear article of claim 3, wherein The rigid housing has a pair of recesses that are separated at the front of the outer surface.

5. The head-mounted equipment article according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rigid housing has a notch on either side of the rear portion of the outer surface.

6. The head-mounted equipment article according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rigid housing has a notch on the opposite side of the outer surface.

7. A mounting clip for use with a head-mounted equipment article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, include: A mounting plate having a first end and a second end; and A positioning tongue having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first end of the mounting plate, such that the positioning tongue extends parallel to the mounting plate; The positioning tongue includes: A tab, wherein the tab protrudes from the side opposite to the mounting plate at the first end; and A wedge-shaped portion, defined in the second end on a side opposite to the mounting plate, the wedge-shaped segment narrowing toward the second end; Wherein, the second end of the mounting plate extends beyond the second end of the positioning tongue and bends toward the positioning tongue; and The positioning tongue is sized to fit into the positioning recess in the headgear, such that the wedge-shaped portion is positioned in the recess at the second end, the protrusion is fitted into the slot, and the second end of the mounting plate abuts against the outer surface of the housing below the second end of the recess to push the protrusion into the slot.

8. The head-mounted equipment article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Includes a fitting mounted on the rigid housing by a mounting clip according to claim 7, the mounting clip being fitted into the positioning recess, wherein the fitting is connected to the mounting plate.

9. The head-mounted equipment article according to claim 8, characterized in that, The accessory is mounted on the rigid housing by a pair of mounting clips positioned in a corresponding pair of positioning recesses.

10. An accessory for mounting on a head-mounted equipment article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The accessory is connected to at least one mounting plate of the mounting clip according to claim 7.

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