Earmuff mounting device, earmuff assembly and headband

Abstract

This invention provides an earmuff mounting device, earmuff assembly, and headwear for mounting earmuffs onto a headwear (such as a safety helmet). The mounting device includes an adapter for attaching to the headwear around its periphery, positioned above the wearer's ears. A housing is rotatably mounted to the adapter. A socket has an inner end mounted within the housing and an outer end extending from the housing. The socket is pivotable about an axis in a plane of rotation of the housing and biased to a first position or a second position, in which the socket extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and in the second position, the socket extends at an angle between the axis of rotation and the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The mounting device also includes a mounting frame comprising a shaft for engaging an open end of the socket and a pair of elongated arms extending from the shaft. Each arm has an extension with a mounting structure for engaging an external mounting structure on the housing. Each extension is axially adjustable on its arm such that, when the earmuffs are positioned between the arms, the external mounting structures on the sides of the housing can engage with the mounting structures on the extensions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for mounting earmuffs to a headwear (such as a safety helmet). This invention also relates to earmuffs for mounting on a headwear, and a headwear with earmuffs. Background Technology

[0002] People working in hazardous environments typically need to wear protective headgear (such as safety helmets) to prevent impact injuries, as well as earmuffs and other ear protection devices to prevent hearing damage from loud noise. Safety helmets with earmuffs are well-known for their purpose. However, one problem is that earmuffs sometimes need to be removed from the wearer's ears temporarily or for extended periods when not needed, and leaving them on can be restrictive.

[0003] There have been many proposals to mount earmuffs on pivot mounts so that when not needed, the earmuffs can be swung upwards to rest against the helmet.

[0004] The remaining problem is that the earcups need to be positioned correctly on the wearer's head, and therefore need to be adjustable. This invention aims to solve this problem. Utility Model Content

[0005] The first aspect of this utility model includes an earmuff mounting device for mounting earmuffs to a headwear, wherein the earmuff includes a shell for positioning on the wearer's ear, and the shell has an external mounting structure on opposite sides; the earmuff mounting device includes:

[0006] An adapter for attaching to the headwear at a location around the periphery of the headwear, the adapter being positioned above the wearer's ears during use;

[0007] The housing is rotatably mounted on the adapter;

[0008] A socket has an inner end mounted within a housing and an open outer end extending from the housing, wherein the socket is pivotable about an axis in a plane of rotation of the housing and biased to a first position or a second position, in the first position the socket extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, and in the second position the socket extends at an angle between the axis of rotation of the housing and the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and

[0009] The mounting frame includes a shaft for engaging in the open end of a socket and a pair of elongated arms extending from the shaft, wherein each arm has an extension with a mounting structure engageable with an external mounting structure on the housing, and each extension is axially adjustable on its respective arm such that when the earcups are positioned between the arms, the external mounting structure on the opposite side of the housing can engage with the mounting structure on the respective extension.

[0010] The external mounting structure on the opposite side of the outer shell can be rotated relative to the mounting structure on the extension. In this way, the angle of the earcups relative to the wearer's head can be adjusted.

[0011] Each extension and its corresponding arm may have interlocking structures for limiting axial adjustment to one of a predetermined number of axial positions. For example, the interlocking structure may include a peg in the arm that engages with a ribbed slot in the extension, or the interlocking structure may include a ribbed slot in the arm that engages with a peg in the extension.

[0012] The end of the shaft may include a latch that engages with a lip in the socket to prevent the shaft from being removed from the socket.

[0013] The receptacle may include a pair of protrusions at its inner end, which engage with a seat structure within the housing to restrict pivoting movement of the receptacle between a first position and a second position. A spring may be provided within the housing, acting on the inner end of the receptacle to retain the protrusions within the seat structure.

[0014] The housing may include a base and a cover, wherein the inner end of the socket is held between the base and the cover.

[0015] The adapter may include a tongue portion configured to engage with a corresponding slot in the headwear. This allows the adapter to be secured in the desired position on the headwear.

[0016] The adapter may also include a slot for mounting a retainer for securing additional items to the headgear. Such items may be writing instruments and / or a flashlight removably attached to the retainer.

[0017] A second aspect of this invention provides an earmuff assembly for mounting on a headwear, the earmuff assembly including the aforementioned earmuff mounting device and an earmuff, the earmuff including a shell for positioning on a wearer's ear, the shell having an external mounting structure on an opposite side, wherein the earmuff is positioned between arms, and the external mounting structure on the opposite side of the shell engages with a mounting structure on a corresponding extension.

[0018] A third aspect of this invention provides a headwear comprising: a head cover portion adapted to be worn on the head of a wearer during use; and an earmuff assembly connected to the headwear at a periphery of the head cover portion, wherein the earmuff assembly is positioned above the wearer's ears during use.

[0019] Other aspects of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A safety helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 More details about the adapter shown.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 More details of the casing shown.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 More details of the socket shown.

[0024] Figure 5 It shows the relationship with Figure 3 A cover used together with the shell.

[0025] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 More details on the mounting frame 20.

[0026] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The mounting device used in the helmet shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A mounting device with accessory retainers is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The components of the accessory retainer shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A headgear including a safety helmet is shown. The helmet includes a protective hood portion 10. A pair of earmuffs 12 (only one shown) are mounted such that one earmuff is on either side of the helmet, typically located in the peripheral area of ​​the wearer's ear when in use. The earmuffs 12 are mounted to the helmet 10 via an adapter 14 carrying a housing 16. A socket 18 is mounted in the housing 16 such that one end of the socket protrudes from the housing. A mounting frame 20 is mounted in the socket 18, and the earmuffs 12 are connected to the mounting frame 20 via protrusions 22 extending from opposite sides of the earmuffs 12.

[0030] Figure 2 The adapter 14 is shown in more detail. The adapter 14 includes a generally circular base segment 24 and a tongue segment 26. As described below, the base segment 24 is configured to position the housing 16. The tongue segment 26 is configured to fit into a slot provided on the helmet 10 and lock onto the side of the slot, thereby securely fixing the adapter 14 to the helmet 10 while allowing the adapter 14 to be removed when needed. A series of positioning tabs 28 are positioned around the periphery of the base segment 24.

[0031] The housing 16 is mounted on the adapter 14. Figure 3 Further details of the housing are shown. The housing includes a generally circular base 30 with sidewalls 32 that enclose a space, and a radial flange 34 projecting from the base 30. The base 30 is concentrically located on the base section 24 of the adapter 14, such that the flange 34 is fitted behind the positioning tab 28. The housing 16 is rotatable relative to the adapter 14. The sidewall 32 has a cutout 36 and a seat structure 38 located on either side of the cutout for mounting a socket 18. A spring support 40 is provided within this space for positioning an annular spring (not shown) acting on the socket 18.

[0032] Figure 4 The socket 18 is shown in more detail, comprising a tubular body 42 having an external open end 44. The opposite inner end 46 has a profiled protrusion 48 extending from the opposite side and a recess 50 spanning the end. The protrusion 48 is located within a seat structure 38 within the housing 16, such that the tubular body 42 protrudes through the cutout 36. An annular spring is located between a spring support 40 and the recess 50 to retain the protrusion 48 within the seat structure 38.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover 52 is fitted above the housing 16 to enclose the space within the sidewall 32. The cover 52 is held to the sidewall by a flexible tab 54 that engages within a slot 56 in the sidewall 32.

[0034] Figure 6 A mounting frame 20 is shown, comprising a forked or Y-shaped structure having a shaft 58 with a pair of arms 60, 62 extending from one end of the shaft 58. The shaft 58 is shaped to fit within the tubular body 42 of the socket 18. The other end of the shaft 58 has a latch 64 that engages with a lip in the inner end 46 of the socket 18 when the shaft 58 is fully inserted into the tubular body 42. This prevents the mounting frame 20 from accidentally disengaging.

[0035] Arms 60 and 62 are at a certain angle relative to axis 58, such that when socket 18 extends vertically downward from housing 16 (e.g. Figure 1 As shown), arms 60 and 62 extend inward toward the wearer's head.

[0036] The ends 66 and 68 of arms 60 and 62 are straight and parallel. Each end 66 and 68 has a laterally projecting lug 70 and 72. Tubular extensions 74 and 76 with notches or ribbed slots 78 and 80 are fitted onto the corresponding ends 66 and 68, such that the lugs 70 and 72 are located in the slots 78 and 80. Mounting brackets 82 and 84 extend from the sides of the lugs 70 and 72, such that the brackets 82 and 84 both extend on the same side of the mounting frame 20, so that in use, the protrusions 22 on the earcups 12 can be clamped into the brackets 82 and 84 to secure the earcups to the mounting frame 20, while allowing the earcups 20 to pivot about the axis between the protrusions 22.

[0037] The positions of the extensions 74 and 76 can be axially adjusted at the ends 66 and 68, allowing the lugs 70 and 72 to engage from one rib to another or from one recess to another. The ribs or recesses define the predetermined positions of the extensions 74 and 76. This, in turn, allows adjustment of the earcups 12 relative to the helmet for a perfect fit to the wearer.

[0038] In use, the spring in the housing 16 pushes the socket 18 towards the bottom of the cutout 36, positioning the tubular body 42 in a plane parallel to the housing base 30. As described above, the angles of the arms 60 and 62 mean that the earmuffs 12 are pressed under the helmet 10 (this is...). Figure 1 (as shown in the diagram). The wearer's head will push the earcups away from this position, but the earcups 12 will still be held in place by the springs in the housing 16. The positions of the extensions 74 and 76 are adjustable so that the earcups 12 fit comfortably on the wearer's ears.

[0039] If the wearer wishes to temporarily remove the earcups 12 from their ears, they can overcome the springs in the housing 16 and push them outward from the head. The engagement of the protrusion 48 with the seat structure 38 means that the socket 18, the mounting frame 20, and the earcups 12 will pivot about the protrusion 48. Figure 1 (See arrow A in the diagram). The shape of the protrusion and seat structure 38 is designed to define a stable limit position in which the socket 18 protrudes from the base 30 at an angle and is held in this limit position by means of a spring in the housing 16. To bring the earcup 12 back into contact with the head, the wearer pulls down on the earcup 12, causing the protrusion 48 to move out of the stable limit position, and the spring pushes the earcup 12 back onto the wearer's head, just as before.

[0040] If the wearer wishes to remove the earcups 12 for an extended period, they can repeat the steps described above to remove the earcups 12 from their head. Once this position is reached, the housing 16 can be rotated on the adapter 14, causing the socket 18, mounting frame 20, and earcups 12 to swing upwards. Figure 1 (See arrow B in the diagram) until the earcups 12 are positioned above the adapter 14. At this point, the earcups 12 can be moved inward toward the helmet 10, and the springs in the housing 16 hold the earcups on the helmet 10 until they are needed again. Reversing the operation allows the earcups 12 to be put back into use.

[0041] Figure 7 As shown Figure 1 The mounting device shown in its usage configuration includes an adapter, housing, socket, and mounting frame, but excludes the helmet 10 and earmuffs 12. As described below, the upper portion of the base segment 24 has a slot 86 for mounting accessories.

[0042] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 The mounting device includes an accessory holder 88 fitted into a slot 86. The accessory holder 88 has a clip section 90 for holding a writing instrument (e.g., a pen or pencil) (not shown), and a flashlight holder section 92. Figure 9 As shown, the accessory holder consists of two parts. A frame member 94 has a tongue section 96 at one end, configured to fit into a slot 86. The other end of the frame member 94 has a spring clip 98 between which a pencil (not shown) can be held. The middle of the frame member 94 defines a flashlight holder mount 100. The flashlight holder mount 102 includes a base 104 with a flange 106 and opposing arms 108 between which a flashlight can be mounted. In use, the flashlight holder mount 102 is secured to the frame member by engaging the flange 106 under a lug 110 on either side of the flashlight holder mount 100. The flashlight holder mount 102 can rotate relative to the frame member to ensure that the flashlight is pointing in the correct direction when mounted on a helmet. Different accessory holder configurations can be used depending on the type of accessory used.

[0043] Further modifications can be made within the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An earmuff mounting device for mounting earmuffs onto a headwear, characterized in that, The earmuff includes a shell for positioning on the wearer's ear, the shell having an external mounting structure on opposite sides, and the earmuff mounting device including: An adapter for connecting to the headwear at a location on the periphery of the headwear, the adapter being positioned above the wearer's ears during use; The housing is rotatably mounted on the adapter; A socket having an inner end mounted within the housing and an open outer end extending from the housing, wherein the socket is pivotable about an axis in a plane of rotation of the housing and biased to a first position or a second position, in the first position the socket extends along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, and in the second position the socket extends at an angle between the axis of rotation of the housing and a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and The mounting frame includes a shaft for engaging in the open end of the socket and a pair of elongated arms extending from the shaft, wherein each arm has an extension with a mounting structure engageable with an external mounting structure on the housing, wherein each extension is axially adjustable on its respective arm such that, when the earcups are positioned between the arms, the external mounting structure on the opposite side of the housing can engage with the mounting structure on the respective extension.

2. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external mounting structure on the opposite side of the housing is rotatable relative to the mounting structure on the extension.

3. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each extension and its corresponding arm have an interlocking structure for limiting axial adjustment to one of a predetermined number of axial positions.

4. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The interlocking structure includes a pin located in the arm that engages with a ribbed slot in the extension, or the interlocking structure includes a ribbed slot located in the arm that engages with a pin in the extension.

5. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end of the shaft includes a latch that engages with a lip in the socket to prevent the shaft from being removed from the socket.

6. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket includes a pair of protrusions at its inner end, which engage with a seat structure in the housing to restrict pivoting movement of the socket between the first position and the second position.

7. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The earmuff mounting device also includes a spring located within the housing, the spring acting on the inner end of the socket to retain the protrusion in the seat structure.

8. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a base and a cover, wherein the inner end of the socket is held between the base and the cover.

9. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adapter includes a tongue portion configured to engage with a corresponding slot in the headgear.

10. The earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The adapter includes a slot for mounting a retainer for securing additional items to the headgear.

11. An earmuff assembly for mounting on a headwear, characterized in that, The earmuff assembly includes the earmuff mounting device according to claim 1 and the earmuff, the earmuff including a housing for positioning on the wearer's ear, the housing having an external mounting structure on opposite sides, wherein the earmuff is positioned between the arms, and the external mounting structure on the opposite side of the housing engages with a mounting structure on a corresponding extension.

12. A headpiece, characterized in that, The headwear includes: a head cover portion adapted to be worn on the head of a wearer in use; and an earmuff assembly according to claim 11, the earmuff assembly being connected to the headwear at a position around the periphery of the head cover portion, the earmuff assembly being positioned above the wearer's ears in use.

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