Adjustable headwear suspension and headwear having adjustable headwear suspension

Abstract

A headwear includes an outer covering and an adjustable suspension configured to adjust between a plurality of fit positions. The outer covering sits at a different height on a head of a user in either an upward direction and / or a downward direction for each of the plurality of fit positions when the headwear is worn by the user. The adjustable suspension includes a plurality of straps that each include at least one engagement feature of a first type and at least one engagement feature of a second type. The engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to one of the engagement features of the second type.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 635,907, filed Apr. 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to headwear and adjustable headwear suspensions and, more particularly, adjustable headwear suspensions for fire helmets.BACKGROUND

[0003] Headwear suspensions are used to provide a comfortable fit for a user wearing headwear. In the case that the headwear is a hard hat type, the suspension serves to provide a gap between the covering of the headwear (e.g. helmet covering) and the head of the user. The suspension may serve to absorb shocks caused by impacts with the headwear and redirect forces associated with the shocks in a manner that mitigates damage to the head and / or spine of the user.SUMMARY

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable headwear suspension includes a plurality of straps fixed together at intermediate points of each strap. Each strap includes a pair of engagement features of a first type arranged at opposing ends of each respective strap. Each strap further includes a pair of engagement features of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between one of the engagement features of the first type and the intermediate point of the respective strap. Further, each of the engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to one of the engagement features of the second type.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure a headwear includes an outer covering and an adjustable suspension. The adjustable suspension is configured to adjust between a plurality of fit positions, and the outer covering sits at a different height on a head of a user in either an upward direction and / or a downward direction for each of the plurality of fit positions when the headwear is worn by the user.

[0006] In some embodiments, an adjustable headwear suspension includes a central part and a plurality of straps connected to the central part. Each strap includes an engagement feature of a first type and an engagement feature of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between the respective engagement feature of the first type and the central part. The engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to the respective engagement feature of the second type.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of an adjustable headwear suspension in an unfastened state according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in an unfastened state;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in a fastened state;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in fastened state;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in an unfastened state;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of an adjustable headwear suspension in an unfastened state according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 7A is a side view of a headwear with an adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state at a first fit position;

[0014] FIG. 7B is a side view of the headwear of FIG. 7A with the adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state at a second fit position; and

[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear view of an adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before the various embodiments are described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0017] In the drawings, although certain descriptions may refer only to certain figures and reference numerals, it should be understood that such descriptions might be equally applicable to like reference numerals in other figures. Additionally, although various features have been shown in different figures for simplicity, it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the various features may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 100 includes three straps 102A, 102B, 102C (collectively “102”) fixed together at intermediate points 104 of each strap such that each strap 102 has two opposing ends 106A, 106B, 106C (collectively “106”) extending from each side of the respective intermediate points 104.

[0019] At or substantially near each opposing end 106, each strap 102 includes an engagement feature 108A, 108B, 108C (collectively “108”) of a first type. Between each engagement feature 108 of the first type and each respective center point 104 of each strap 102, the strap 102 includes an engagement feature 110A, 110B, 110C (collectively “110”) of a second type. The engagement features 108 of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to the engagement features 110 of the second type when brought together as is described in greater detail later herein.

[0020] For example and without limitation, the engagement features 108, 110 may be of a hook and loop type fastening construction (e.g. Velcro®) that fasten together when pressed together. In some embodiments, the engagement features 108 of the first type are hook type fasteners and the engagement features 110 of the second type are loop type fasteners. And vice-versa, in some embodiments the engagement features 108 of the first type are loop type fasteners and the engagement features 110 of the second type are hook type fasteners.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the engagement features 108, 110 may be arranged on each strap 102 such that there is a gap between the engagement features 108, 110 comprising purely strap 102 material (i.e. “blank” strap 102). In some embodiments, the engagement features 108, 110 may be sized and shaped such that there is no blank strap portion between the engagement features 108, 110. In other words, the ends of the engagement features 108, 110 are substantially adjacent to one another.

[0022] The engagement features 108, 110 are arranged on the same side of the suspension 100. Referring to FIG. 2, which shows the suspension 100 of FIG. 1 from a rear view, the engagement features 108, 110 are not visible.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the suspension 100 of FIG. 1 is shown from a front view in a fastened state. The suspension 100 being in a fastened state means that the opposing ends of the straps 102 are folded in such that the engagement features 108 of the first type are brought together with the engagement features 110 of the second type to detachably fasten the engagement features 108, 110 together. Advantageously, a user can adjust the straps 102 as desired to achieve a desired fit of a headwear the suspension 100 is arranged with, which is discussed in greater detail later herein.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the suspension of FIG. 1 is shown from a rear view in a fastened state.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, an enlarged view of the portion of the strap 106C within the enlargement bubble 112 of FIG. 2 is shown. Each strap 102 may optionally include a double stitch reinforcement 114 for securing each engagement feature 108, 110 to the strap 102. Each strap 102 may also optionally include one or more pointed ends 116 at a terminal end of the strap 102.

[0026] While the suspension 100 has been shown and described with straps 102 having opposing ends 106 with the intermediate point 104, suspensions in accordance with the present disclosure may have straps that extend from an intermediate point or central point and have only one end. Referring to FIG. 6, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 200 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 200 includes four straps 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D (collectively “202”) fixed to a central part 203 such that each strap 202 has one free end 206A, 206B, 206C, 206D (collectively “206”) extending from the central part 203.

[0027] While the number of straps 202 of the suspension 200 is shown as having four straps 202, any number of straps is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example and without limitation, the suspension 200 may have five, six, seven or eight straps 202 arranged about the central part 203. The central part 203 may be made of the same material as the straps 202, or made of a different material.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a side view of an exemplary embodiment of headwear 300 being worn by a user is shown with an adjustable headwear suspension, e.g. the adjustable headwear suspension 100, 200 of FIG. 1 or 5. The suspension 100, 200 is installed within an outer covering 302 so that suspension 100, 200 rests on the head of the user while the headwear 300 is worn.

[0029] In this embodiment, the headwear 300 is a fire helmet. However, any headwear is within the scope of the present disclosure, including other types of hard hat headwear. Hard hat headwear is a rigid protective helmet often worn by factory workers, construction workers, firemen, etc. to protect the head from impact, falling objects and / or electrical shocks and burns. In some embodiments, the outer covering is made of plastic (e.g. thermoplastic) and / or fiberglass materials (e.g. mixture of thermoset resins and glass fiber).

[0030] In operation, the engagement features 208, 210 of the suspension 100, 200 may be detached from the fastened state into an unfastened state where the user can adjust the relative securement positions of the straps 102, 202 such that the outer covering 302 is adjusted higher in an upward direction 318 or lower in a downward direction 320 on the user's head. For instance, in FIG. 7A the headwear is shown at a first fit position on the user's head. In FIG. 7B the suspension 100, 200 has been adjusted by detaching the detachably fastened engagement features 108, 110, 208, 210 and then refastened at a second fit position so that the outer covering 302 sits at a lower position in the downward direction 320 on the user's head while the headwear 300 is worn by the user.

[0031] While FIGS. 7A and 7B show the difference in fit between two different fit positions, it should be understood that there are a plurality of different fit positions possible based on the different combinations of where the engagement features 108, 110, 208, 210 are chosen to be secured to. Accordingly, there are many different fit positions.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 is shown in

[0033] accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 100 includes a single strap 102A, i.e. no other straps are included as part of the adjustable suspension of the headwear. The suspension 100 functions and operates similar to the suspensions described above and, thus, will not be repeated again here.

[0034] Advantageously, the headwear 300 and adjustable headwear suspensions 100, 200 of the present disclosure allow a user to customize headwear so that the outer covering 302 sits at a desired position on the user's head while worn by the user. This is particularly advantageous when the headwear 300 is a fire helmet.

[0035] As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described are to be taken as merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the adjustable head suspensions of the present disclosure may be utilized in any type of hard hat headwear, such as construction helmets.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Before the various embodiments are described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0017]In the drawings, although certain descriptions may refer only to certain figures and reference numerals, it should be understood that such descriptions might be equally applicable to like reference numerals in other figures. Additionally, although various features have been shown in different figures for simplicity, it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the various features may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018]Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is sho...

CROSS-REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 635,907, filed Apr. 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to headwear and adjustable headwear suspensions and, more particularly, adjustable headwear suspensions for fire helmets.BACKGROUND

[0003] Headwear suspensions are used to provide a comfortable fit for a user wearing headwear. In the case that the headwear is a hard hat type, the suspension serves to provide a gap between the covering of the headwear (e.g. helmet covering) and the head of the user. The suspension may serve to absorb shocks caused by impacts with the headwear and redirect forces associated with the shocks in a manner that mitigates damage to the head and / or spine of the user.SUMMARY

[0004] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable headwear suspension includes a plurality of straps fixed together at intermediate points of each strap. Each strap includes a pair of engagement features of a first type arranged at opposing ends of each respective strap. Each strap further includes a pair of engagement features of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between one of the engagement features of the first type and the intermediate point of the respective strap. Further, each of the engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to one of the engagement features of the second type.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure a headwear includes an outer covering and an adjustable suspension. The adjustable suspension is configured to adjust between a plurality of fit positions, and the outer covering sits at a different height on a head of a user in either an upward direction and / or a downward direction for each of the plurality of fit positions when the headwear is worn by the user.

[0006] In some embodiments, an adjustable headwear suspension includes a central part and a plurality of straps connected to the central part. Each strap includes an engagement feature of a first type and an engagement feature of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between the respective engagement feature of the first type and the central part. The engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to the respective engagement feature of the second type.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of an adjustable headwear suspension in an unfastened state according to the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in an unfastened state;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in a fastened state;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in fastened state;

[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the adjustable headwear suspension of FIG. 1 in an unfastened state;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of an adjustable headwear suspension in an unfastened state according to the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 7A is a side view of a headwear with an adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state at a first fit position;

[0014] FIG. 7B is a side view of the headwear of FIG. 7A with the adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state at a second fit position; and

[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear view of an adjustable headwear suspension in a fastened state according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before the various embodiments are described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0017] In the drawings, although certain descriptions may refer only to certain figures and reference numerals, it should be understood that such descriptions might be equally applicable to like reference numerals in other figures. Additionally, although various features have been shown in different figures for simplicity, it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the various features may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 100 includes three straps 102A, 102B, 102C (collectively “102”) fixed together at intermediate points 104 of each strap such that each strap 102 has two opposing ends 106A, 106B, 106C (collectively “106”) extending from each side of the respective intermediate points 104.

[0019] At or substantially near each opposing end 106, each strap 102 includes an engagement feature 108A, 108B, 108C (collectively “108”) of a first type. Between each engagement feature 108 of the first type and each respective center point 104 of each strap 102, the strap 102 includes an engagement feature 110A, 110B, 110C (collectively “110”) of a second type. The engagement features 108 of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to the engagement features 110 of the second type when brought together as is described in greater detail later herein.

[0020] For example and without limitation, the engagement features 108, 110 may be of a hook and loop type fastening construction (e.g. Velcro®) that fasten together when pressed together. In some embodiments, the engagement features 108 of the first type are hook type fasteners and the engagement features 110 of the second type are loop type fasteners. And vice-versa, in some embodiments the engagement features 108 of the first type are loop type fasteners and the engagement features 110 of the second type are hook type fasteners.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the engagement features 108, 110 may be arranged on each strap 102 such that there is a gap between the engagement features 108, 110 comprising purely strap 102 material (i.e. “blank” strap 102). In some embodiments, the engagement features 108, 110 may be sized and shaped such that there is no blank strap portion between the engagement features 108, 110. In other words, the ends of the engagement features 108, 110 are substantially adjacent to one another.

[0022] The engagement features 108, 110 are arranged on the same side of the suspension 100. Referring to FIG. 2, which shows the suspension 100 of FIG. 1 from a rear view, the engagement features 108, 110 are not visible.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the suspension 100 of FIG. 1 is shown from a front view in a fastened state. The suspension 100 being in a fastened state means that the opposing ends of the straps 102 are folded in such that the engagement features 108 of the first type are brought together with the engagement features 110 of the second type to detachably fasten the engagement features 108, 110 together. Advantageously, a user can adjust the straps 102 as desired to achieve a desired fit of a headwear the suspension 100 is arranged with, which is discussed in greater detail later herein.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the suspension of FIG. 1 is shown from a rear view in a fastened state.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, an enlarged view of the portion of the strap 106C within the enlargement bubble 112 of FIG. 2 is shown. Each strap 102 may optionally include a double stitch reinforcement 114 for securing each engagement feature 108, 110 to the strap 102. Each strap 102 may also optionally include one or more pointed ends 116 at a terminal end of the strap 102.

[0026] While the suspension 100 has been shown and described with straps 102 having opposing ends 106 with the intermediate point 104, suspensions in accordance with the present disclosure may have straps that extend from an intermediate point or central point and have only one end. Referring to FIG. 6, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 200 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 200 includes four straps 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D (collectively “202”) fixed to a central part 203 such that each strap 202 has one free end 206A, 206B, 206C, 206D (collectively “206”) extending from the central part 203.

[0027] While the number of straps 202 of the suspension 200 is shown as having four straps 202, any number of straps is within the scope of the present disclosure. For example and without limitation, the suspension 200 may have five, six, seven or eight straps 202 arranged about the central part 203. The central part 203 may be made of the same material as the straps 202, or made of a different material.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a side view of an exemplary embodiment of headwear 300 being worn by a user is shown with an adjustable headwear suspension, e.g. the adjustable headwear suspension 100, 200 of FIG. 1 or 5. The suspension 100, 200 is installed within an outer covering 302 so that suspension 100, 200 rests on the head of the user while the headwear 300 is worn.

[0029] In this embodiment, the headwear 300 is a fire helmet. However, any headwear is within the scope of the present disclosure, including other types of hard hat headwear. Hard hat headwear is a rigid protective helmet often worn by factory workers, construction workers, firemen, etc. to protect the head from impact, falling objects and / or electrical shocks and burns. In some embodiments, the outer covering is made of plastic (e.g. thermoplastic) and / or fiberglass materials (e.g. mixture of thermoset resins and glass fiber).

[0030] In operation, the engagement features 208, 210 of the suspension 100, 200 may be detached from the fastened state into an unfastened state where the user can adjust the relative securement positions of the straps 102, 202 such that the outer covering 302 is adjusted higher in an upward direction 318 or lower in a downward direction 320 on the user's head. For instance, in FIG. 7A the headwear is shown at a first fit position on the user's head. In FIG. 7B the suspension 100, 200 has been adjusted by detaching the detachably fastened engagement features 108, 110, 208, 210 and then refastened at a second fit position so that the outer covering 302 sits at a lower position in the downward direction 320 on the user's head while the headwear 300 is worn by the user.

[0031] While FIGS. 7A and 7B show the difference in fit between two different fit positions, it should be understood that there are a plurality of different fit positions possible based on the different combinations of where the engagement features 108, 110, 208, 210 are chosen to be secured to. Accordingly, there are many different fit positions.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 is shown in

[0033] accordance with the present disclosure. The suspension 100 includes a single strap 102A, i.e. no other straps are included as part of the adjustable suspension of the headwear. The suspension 100 functions and operates similar to the suspensions described above and, thus, will not be repeated again here.

[0034] Advantageously, the headwear 300 and adjustable headwear suspensions 100, 200 of the present disclosure allow a user to customize headwear so that the outer covering 302 sits at a desired position on the user's head while worn by the user. This is particularly advantageous when the headwear 300 is a fire helmet.

[0035] As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the particular embodiments described are to be taken as merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the adjustable head suspensions of the present disclosure may be utilized in any type of hard hat headwear, such as construction helmets.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Before the various embodiments are described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0017]In the drawings, although certain descriptions may refer only to certain figures and reference numerals, it should be understood that such descriptions might be equally applicable to like reference numerals in other figures. Additionally, although various features have been shown in different figures for simplicity, it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the various features may be combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018]Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an exemplary adjustable headwear suspension 100 (or sometimes referred herein as simply “suspension”) is sho...

Claims

1. An adjustable headwear suspension comprising:a plurality of straps;wherein the plurality of straps are fixed together at intermediate points of each strap;wherein each strap includes a pair of engagement features of a first type arranged at opposing ends of each respective strap;wherein each strap includes a pair of engagement features of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between one of the engagement features of the first type and the intermediate point of the respective strap; andwherein each of the engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to one of the engagement features of the second type.

2. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate points of each strap is at a center of each respective strap.

3. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein each engagement feature of the first type comprises a plurality of hooks, and wherein each engagement feature of the second type comprises a plurality of loops.

4. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein each engagement feature of the first type comprises a plurality of loops, and wherein each engagement feature of the second type comprises a plurality of hooks.

5. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps comprises two straps.

6. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps comprises three straps.

7. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps comprises four straps.

8. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein at least one engagement feature of each strap is fixed to the respective strap with a double stitch reinforcement.

9. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 1, wherein terminal ends of each strap have one or more pointed ends.

10. A headwear comprising:an outer covering; andan adjustable suspension;wherein the adjustable suspension is configured to adjust between a plurality of fit positions; andwherein the outer covering sits at a different height on a head of a user in either an upward direction and / or a downward direction for each of the plurality of fit positions when the headwear is worn by the user.

11. The headwear according to claim 10, wherein the outer covering is a hard hat.

12. The headwear according to claim 10, wherein the headwear is a fire helmet.

13. The headwear according to claim 10, wherein the adjustable suspension includes at least one engagement feature comprising a plurality of hooks, and wherein the adjustable suspension includes at least one engagement feature of a second type comprising a plurality of loops.

14. The headwear according to claim 13, wherein the at least one engagement feature of the first type and the at least one engagement feature of a second type are configured to detachably fasten at a plurality of different positions in order to achieve the plurality of different fit positions of the adjustable suspension.

15. The headwear according to claim 10, wherein the adjustable suspension comprises a single strap.

16. An adjustable headwear suspension comprising:a central part; anda plurality of straps connected to the central part;wherein each strap includes an engagement feature of a first type;wherein each strap includes an engagement feature of a second type, each of the engagement features of the second type being arranged between the respective engagement feature of the first type and the central part; andwherein each of the engagement features of the first type are configured to detachably fasten to the respective engagement feature of the second type.

17. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 16, wherein each engagement feature of the first type comprises a plurality of hooks, and wherein each engagement feature of the second type comprises a plurality of loops.

18. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 16, wherein each engagement feature of the first type comprises a plurality of loops, and wherein each engagement feature of the second type comprises a plurality of hooks.

19. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of straps comprises four straps.

20. The adjustable headwear suspension according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of straps comprises four straps.

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