Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPACT ABSORBING SAFETY HELMET FOR MINING
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
61/292,599, filed January 6th, 2010.
Industrial and construction workplaces present potential hazards to persons
working nearby. Hazards may include falling objects, moving machinery, and
exposure.
Often, industrial and construction industrial workplaces exposes workers to
other
impacts beyond those to the crown of the head. For example, an industrial
worker may
be exposed to impacts proximate to the ear and temple areas. Many types of
protective
headgear are worn by individuals to help protect against head injuries. Safety
helmets
may provide protection from top impacts, lateral impacts, and penetrating
impacts.
However, these safety helmets fail to provide protection to the wearer's ear
and temple
area.
Safety helmets are subjected to stringent testing requirements. Most safety
helmets are tested under Impact Standards CAN/CSA-Z94.1 and ANSI Z89.1. To
satisfy
such penetration and shock resistance tests, manufacturers of safety helmets
typically
fabricate the outer shell of the safety helmet from a layer of a high-impact
strength
material. The thicker the layer, the heavier the helmet, which makes the
helmet
uncomfortable for the wearer. This discomfort can result in fatigue and/or a
reluctance to
use the safety helmet, either of which can result in safety lapses. Further
adding to the
wearer's discomfort is the use of a suspension system that retains the helmet
in a certain
position on the wearer's head with a series of interconnected webbing strips.
The
suspension system may result in uncomfortable compression, rubbing, and
pressure on
the wearer's head; and may add unnecessary weight to the helmet.
It is desirable, therefore, to develop a safety helmet that provides top and
side
impact protection, as well as penetration protection to a wearer's head, and
provide
temple and ear protection, while still being comfortable and light-weight.
In accordance with one embodiment, an industrial safety helmet that provides
both impact and penetration resistance is disclosed. The helmet includes a
dome-shaped
outer shell, an impact absorbing layer, and an at least one ear-temple guard.
The outer
shell has a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and includes a
plurality of
ventilation ports. The surface area of the plurality of ventilation ports is
less than about
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5% of the surface area of the outer shell. The impact absorbing layer is
disposed
substantially within and adjacent to the outer shell and has a thickness
ranging from
about 1 cm to about 3 cm. The ear-temple guard is sized to substantially cover
a wearer's
ear and temple area, and the front of the at least one ear-temple guard is
positioned at a
distance from the front of the outer shell ranging from about 5 cm to about 12
cm, and
the rear of the ear-temple guard is positioned at a distance from the rear of
the outer shell
ranging from about 5 cm to about 12 cm.
In accordance with another embodiment, an industrial safety helmet that
provides
both impact and penetration resistance is disclosed. The helmet includes a
dome-shaped
outer shell, an impact absorbing layer, a chin strap, and an at least one ear-
temple guard.
The outer shell has a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm and the
outer
shell includes a plurality of ventilation ports. The chin strap attaches to
the outer shell,
the impact absorbing layer, or both. The surface area of the plurality of
ventilation ports
is less than about 5% of the surface area of the outer shell. The impact
absorbing layer is
disposed substantially within and adjacent to the outer shell and has a
thickness ranging
from about 1 cm to about 3 cm. The the ear-temple guard is sized to
substantially cover a
wearer's ear and temple area, and includes a communication device.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, an industrial safety helmet that
provides both impact and penetration resistance is disclosed. The helmet
includes a
dome-shaped outer shell, an impact absorbing layer, and an at least one ear-
temple guard.
The outer shell has a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and
includes a
plurality of ventilation ports. Each ventilation port has a tapered shape,
having an outer
end provided within the outer shell, and an inner end provided within the
impact
absorbing layer. The area of the outer end is greater than the area of the
inner end. The
plurality of ventilation ports are provided both on a crown portion of the
helmet and the
side portions of the helmet. The longitudinal axis of the plurality of the
ventilation ports
are provided at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis of the center of
the outer shell,
wherein a ranges from about 20 to about 70 . The surface area of the
plurality of
ventilation ports is less than about 5% of the surface area of the outer
shell. The impact
absorbing layer is disposed substantially within and adjacent to the outer
shell and has a
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thickness ranging from about 1 cm to about 3 cm. The ear-temple guard is sized
to
substantially cover a wearer's ear and temple area.
These and additional advantages and features provided by the various
embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood in view of
the
following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings
The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present
disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following
drawings,
where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates the side view of a safety helmet in accordance with one
embodiment;
Fig. 2 illustrates the front view of a safety helmet in accordance with
another
embodiment; and
Fig. 3 illustrates the rear view of a safety helmet in accordance with yet
another
embodiment.
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not
intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover,
individual
features of the drawings and invention will be more fully apparent and
understood in
view of the detailed description.
Skilled artisans appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated
for
simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For
example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative
to other
elements, as well as conventional parts removed, to help improve understanding
of the
various embodiments of the present invention.
In one embodiment, an industrial safety helmet 10 is provided, the helmet
10comprising an outer shell 12, an impact absorbing layer, and an ear-temple
guard. The
outer shell has a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, and
comprises a
plurality of ventilation ports. The ear-temple guard is designed and
configured to
substantially cover a wearer's ear and temple area.
The present inventors have surprisingly discovered a safety helmet that is
lightweight and comfortable to wear, while still providing adequate impact and
penetration resistance equal to an amount sufficient to satisfy the rigorous
standards of
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ANSI Z89.1. In one embodiment, the present safety helmet includes a plurality
of
ventilation ports that provide complete ventilation around the entire surface
of the
wearer's head. Instead of just providing ventilation to the top of users head,
the inventors
have included ventilation ports around the top and side portions of the
helmet.
Furthermore, in order to reach type II certification, the inventors have
oriented the
ventilation ports in a way to provide ventilation, while still maintaining the
requisite
protection resistance. In addition, the ventilation ports are provided in a
tapered shape,
thus preventing the ingress of objects that may cause harm to a wearer. Many
traditional
helmet designs have failed to simultaneously achieve the above mentioned
advantages.
Some helmets fail to provide sufficient ventilation to a wearers head. Others
may provide
ventilation, but fail to achieve the necessary penetration resistance.
Referring initially to Fig. 1, the safety helmet 10 may include an outer shell
12
fabricated from a rigid material. The outer shell may provide both impact and
penetration
resistance to the safety helmet 10. The outer shell may be comprised of a
series of layers.
In one configuration, the outer shell may comprise two layers. In another
configuration,
the outer shell may comprise more than two layers. The outer shell 12 may
comprise a
material selected from the group consisting of: acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene,
polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. However, it is
also
contemplated that the outer shell may be formed from other suitable materials
that can
provide sufficient penetration and impact resistance for the wearer. The
materials of the
outer shell may provide flame resistance and non-conductivity. The materials
of the outer
shell may be selected to provide resistance to damage by ultraviolet rays. The
outer shell
may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 1 mm
to
about 3 mm or from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm. Other thicknesses are also
contemplated.
The outer shell 12 may be shaped to provide protection to a substantial
portion of
the wearer's head. Particularly, the outer shell 12 is designed to extend
longitudinally
beyond a wearer's forehead, to an area adjacent the wearer's eyebrows. The
bottom edge
of the helmet 10 may be designed to be substantially level. Alternatively, the
bottom
edge of the helmet may be shaped and contoured to provided protection of all
of the
wearer's head (exclusive of the face, but not the forehead). The rear portion
16 is
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designed to extend downward beyond the level of the bottom edge of the front
portion
14, and cover a majority of the back of a wearer's head.
In one configuration, the front portion 14 is designed and configured to
extend to
an area above the ear, and the rear portion 16 is designed to extend below the
bottom of
the ear. In another configuration, the helmet may be shaped like a cap,
further including a
rear portion 16 that is designed to extend significantly beyond the base of
the cap, to the
area of the head adjacent to the neck. Alternatively, it is also contemplated
that the outer
shell 12 may be shaped in other ways suitable to provide protection to a
wearer's head,
where the rear portion 16 extends to a level above the user's ear.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the outer shell 12 may comprise at least one
reinforcing
ridge 18, disposed horizontally along the top of the outer shell 12, extending
from the
front to the back of the helmet 10. In one configuration, a ridge 18 may be
provided
centrally along the center line of the outer shell, and two additional ridges
may be
oriented parallel to the central ridge. However, it is also contemplated that
the ridges 18
may also be oriented and arranged in other manners suitable to provide
reinforcement to
the helmet 10. Furthermore, additional ridges may be provided in the outer
shell to
provide additional reinforcement and strength to the helmet 12. The ends of
the ridges 18
may be flattened at the front and rear of the helmet 10 such that they blend
seamlessly
into the rest of the outer shell 12. The ridges 18 may rise from the remainder
of the outer
shell 12, having a height ranging from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, or from
about 5 mm
to about 15 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The width of the ridges may
vary
along the length of the helmet. The width of the ridge may range from about 20
mm to
about 150 mm, or from about 50 mm to about 120 mm, or from about 50 mm to
about
100 mm.
Referring again to Fig. 1, in one embodiment, the safety helmet 10 may include
a
visor 20 that extends horizontally from the front portion 14 and is designed
and
configured to provide protection to a wearer's face. The visor 20 may also be
designed
and configured to protect the wearer's eyes from ultraviolet light. The visor
20 may have
a width substantially similar to the width of the front portion 14 of the
helmet. The visor
20 may be sized to extend from the front portion 14 ranging from about 1 cm to
about 8
cm, or from about 2 cm to about 5 cm, or from about 3 cm to about 4 cm. It
should be
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noted that the visor 20 may be formed integrally with the outer shell 12 and
impact
absorbing layer as a unitary construction, or the visor 20 may be removably
attachable to
the outer shell 12 through various attachment means. Alternatively, it is also
contemplated that the safety helmet 10 may be provided without a visor.
In one embodiment, the outer shell 12 may include a brim (not shown). The brim
may wrap around the bottom of the outer shell 12 to provide additional
protection to a
wearer. Alternatively, the brim may extend only partially around the outside
of the
helmet, such as the area of the helmet adjacent the front portion. However, it
should be
noted that the safety helmet described herein may also be made in a variety of
styles of
hard hats, such as a cap-style hard hat, or any other style of hard hat that
has a body
portion and a brim or visor portion of unitary construction with a continuous
exterior
surface.
The safety helmet 10 includes an impact absorbing layer 22 disposed along the
interior of the outer shell 12. The impact absorbing layer 22 may provide
further impact
and penetration resistance to the helmet. The impact absorbing layer 22 is
designed and
configured to break upon substantial impact to the helmet, redistributing the
force of the
impact throughout the impact absorbing layer 22, rather than the wearer's
head. The
impact absorbing layer 22 is designed and configured to absorb energy through
deformation, and redistribute the load over a greater portion of the helmet
than the force
is actually applied to. The impact absorbing layer 22 may be formed using
conventional
in-molding techniques as understood by one skilled in the art. Alternatively,
the impact
absorbing layer 22 may be formed separately from the outer shell 12, and later
attached
using methods understood by one of ordinary skill, such as snaps, adhesive,
locking
devices, and combinations thereof.
The impact absorbing layer may have a thickness ranging from about 1 cm to
about 3 cm. Alternatively, the impact absorbing layer may have a thickness
ranging from
about 1.5 to about 2.5 cm, or about 2 cm. It is also contemplated that the
thickness of the
impact absorbing layer 22 may vary within the outer shell 12 depending on the
desired
comfort and impact resistance desired in the helmet. In one configuration, the
impact
absorbing layer 22 may have a greater thickness where the ridges are aligned
on the outer
shell 12.
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The impact absorbing layer 22 may comprise a collapsible material, such as a
polymeric foam, suitable to absorb the impact of a lateral, angular, or top
impact on the
helmet 10. In one configuration, the impact absorbing layer 22 may comprise a
material
selected from the group consisting of: polyphenylene ether, polyethylene,
expanded
polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, other materials may also
be used to
form the impact absorbing layer. In one configuration, the outer shell and
impact
absorbing layer are selected to provide a maximum deceleration of less than 85
g for a
crown impact of 55 J. The outer shell and impact absorbing layer are selected
to provide
a maximum deceleration of less than 150 g for any 30 J impact. The outer shell
and
impact absorbing layer may also be selected to provide a penetration
resistance
compliant with Impact Standard CAN/CSA-Z94.1.
The impact absorbing layer may have a radial diameter which is selected not
greater than about 20 mm than the radial diameter of the user's head.
Alternatively, the
impact absorbing layer may have a radial diameter which is selected not to be
greater
than about 5 mm, or about 10 mm, or about 15 mm, or about 25 mm. The impact
absorbing layer may be designed and configured to rest directly on a user's
head. The
helmet may include a plurality of sizing pads that may placed inside the
impact
absorbing layer to assist in fitting the impact absorbing layer tightly on a
user's head.
Referring again to Fig. 1, the helmet may be designed to be retained on the
head
of a wearer in a variety of fashions. In one embodiment, the helmet 10 rests
directly on
the head of a wearer, such that the impact absorbing layer 22 contacts the top
of a
wearer's head directly. In one aspect, the helmet may also comprise a liner
(not shown)
provided on the inside of the impact absorbing layer 22 to enhance a wearer's
comfort
level.
In one embodiment, the safety helmet 10 may comprise a chin strap 24. The chin
strap 24 may attach to the helmet 10 in multiple ways. In one embodiment, the
outer
shell 12 may comprise three anchors (not shown). One of the anchors may be
located in
the back of the helmet, whereas the other two anchors may be located on the
front
portion of the helmet, on opposite sides from one another. Webbing may be
provided
through the anchors to provide a strap that is designed and configured to loop
around the
wearer's chin. In another configuration, the chin strap 24 may be threaded
through the
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impact absorbing layer 22. In yet another configuration, the chin strap 24 is
looped
through both the impact absorbing layer 22, and the outer shell 12. In
addition, other
manners of connecting the chin strap 24 to the helmet are also contemplated.
The chin strap may include a buckle (not shown), suitable to adjust the strap
length of the chin strap 24, and ensure that the chin strap rests firmly on
the chin of
wearer with a sufficient tension to retain the helmet on the head of the user.
The chin
strap 24 may comprise a nylon strap. The chin strap 24 may also comprise a
chin pad
(not shown) located in the center of the chin strap that is designed to
interact comfortably
with a wearer's chin. Furthermore, other conventional means of retaining the
helmet on
the head of a wearer are also contemplated.
Referring to Fig. 1, in another embodiment, a suspension 26 may be provided
inside the helmet 10, operable to retain the helmet on a wearer's head. The
suspension 26
may include strips of webbing material, arranged to form a network, and attach
at four or
more points around the circumference of the outer shell 12 and impact
absorbing layer
22. Alternatively, the suspension 26 may comprise a headband that is
adjustable to
accommodate various headsizes. The headband 30 may be attached to the impact
absorbing layer 22. The circumference of the headband 30 may be adjustable to
fit the
head size of the wearer. In one configuration, the headband 30 may include a
ratchet
mechanism 32 to allow adjustment of the size of the headband 30. The headband
30 may
be provided adjacent to the impact absorbing layer that keeps the helmet
securely on the
wearer's head. The headband is configured and designed to rest slightly below
the bump
on the back of a person's head. In one configuration, the headband is not
designed to
absorb the impact on the helmet.
Referring to Fig. 2, the safety helmet 10 may comprise a plurality of
ventilation
ports 34. These ventilation ports 34 are designed to direct air flow into the
interior of the
safety helmet 10, where it may cool the head of the wearer. The ventilation
ports 34 may
be aligned substantially with the lower edges of the outer ridges 18 provided
in the outer
shell 12, thus the wearer's head still remains substantially protected from
the penetration
and impact of foreign objects by the ridges 18. The ventilation ports 34
extend through
the impact absorbing layer 22, aligned with the ventilation ports provided in
the outer
shell 12. A plurality of ventilation ports 34 may be similarly oriented along
the other
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ridges 18 provided in the outer shell 12. In one embodiment, about 8
ventilation ports
may be provided. The number of ventilation ports 34 may range from about 2 to
about
20, from about 4 to about 12, or from about 6 to about 10. However, it is also
contemplated that ventilation ports 34 may be arranged in other orientations
suitable to
provide cooling to a wearer's head, without compromising a wearer's safety.
In another embodiment, the plurality of ventilation ports are provided both on
a
crown portion of the helmet and the side portions of the helmet. Any number of
ventilation ports may be provided within each the crown portion and the side
portion of
the helmet. The meaning of crown portion and side portions will be apparent to
one of
ordinary skill.
The ventilation ports may vary in shape. In one configuration, the ventilation
ports 34 comprise thin oval slits along the edges of the ridges 18.
Alternatively, the
ventilation ports may take other shapes suitable to provide cooling to a
wearer's head.
The longitudinal axis of the ventilation ports 34 may be provided at an angle
a relative to
the longitudinal axis of the helmet 10. Orienting the ventilation ports 34 at
an angle
relative to the axis of the helmet ensures that foreign objects falling
directly on the
helmet will not penetrate the ventilation ports. The angle a may be greater
than about
, or the angle a may be greater than about 30 . In one configuration, the
longitudinal
axis of the plurality of the ventilation ports are provided at an angle a
relative to the
20 longitudinal axis of the center of the outer shell, wherein a ranges from
about 20 to
about 70 , or from about 25 to about 45 .
The ventilation ports 34 may have a length ranging from about 1 cm to about 5
cm, or from about 2 cm to about 4 cm. The ventilation ports 34 may have a
width
ranging from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, or from about 3 mm to about 8 mm.
However,
it is also contemplated that the ventilation ports 34 may comprise other sizes
suitable to
provide ventilation to a wearer's head. In another aspect, the area of the
ventilation ports
34 may range from about 150 mm2 to about 250 mm2, or about 175 mm2 to about
225
mm2, or about 200 mm2. The surface area of the ventilation ports may comprise
less than
about 10% of the surface area of the outer shell, or less than about 8%, or
less than about
5%, or less than about 3% of the surface area of the outer shell.
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In another embodiment, each ventilation port comprises a tapered shape. The
ventilation ports may have an outer end provided within the outer shell, and
an inner end
provided within the impact absorbing layer. The area of the outer end is
greater than the
area of the inner end. The area of the outer end in relation to the area of
the inner end
may vary, such that the area of the outer end is more than 80%, more than 50%,
more
than 30% or more than 20% of the area of the inner end. For example, in one
embodiment, the size of the ventilation ports at the surface of the outer
shell has a
dimension of about 0.875" x 0.125", tapered down to 0.125" x 0.125", or
tapered down
to 0.25" x 0.125".
The ventilation ports 34 may include a mesh (not shown) configured to prevent
large particles and debris from entering and potentially clogging the
ventilation port 34.
The mesh may be manufactured from conventional materials, and sized according
to the
needs of the particular application. In particular embodiments of the present
invention,
the ventilation ports 34 may be formed at the same time as the outer shell and
impact
absorbing layer 22. In such an embodiment, the ventilation ports 34 may simply
be
defined by the mold used to form the impact absorbing layer. In other
embodiments, the
ventilation ports 34 may be formed through the outer shell, and impact
absorbing layer
by machining or other suitable means.
Referring to Fig. 1, the safety helmet 10 may include an ear-temple guard 36.
The
ear-temple guard 36 is designed and configured to substantially cover the ear
and temple
area of the wearer's head. As used herein, "temple area" refers to the area
proximate the
wearer's temple area. The "ear area" includes the wearer's ear and the areas
of a head
immediately surrounding the ear. The ear-temple guard 36 may comprise a rigid,
impact
resistant insert sufficient to protect the ear and temple area from the impact
and
penetration of foreign objects. The ear-temple guard 36 is designed to extend
from the
bottom of the outer shell 12 to beyond the bottom of a wearer's ear. The ear-
temple guard
36 may also be designed to cover an area extending forward from behind a
wearer's ear
to the wearers' temple area. In one configuration, the ear-temple guard 36 may
be
designed to come down behind the ear, cover the ear including the bottom of
the lobe,
and gradually return to the side of the head covering the cheek and temple
area of the
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wearer. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the ear-temple guard 36
may provide
coverage to other areas of the wearer's head.
In one possible configuration, the front of the ear-temple guard 36 may be
located
from about 50 mm to about 100 mm, or about 60 mm to about 90 mm, or from about
70
mm to about 90 mm, or about 77 mm, from the front of the brim. The front of
the ear-
temple guard 36 may be located from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, or about 25 mm
to
about 35 mm, or about 30 mm from the front of the helmet. The rear of the ear-
temple
guard 36 may be located from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, or from about 25 mm
to
about 35 mm, or about 30 mm from the back of the helmet.
In one aspect, the ear-temple guard 36 may be sized to protect the ear and
temple
areas, but not limit the vision of the wearer. In one aspect, the ear-temple
guard may be
sized according to the size of the helmet. In one configuration, the ear-
temple guard 36
may extend from the base of the helmet from about 7 cm to about 14 cm, or from
about 9
cm to about 11 cm, or from about 9.5 cm to about 10.25 cm. The ear temple
guard 36
may have a horizontal dimension ranging from about 10 cm to about 16 cm, or
from
about 12 cm to about 15 cm, or from about 13.25 cm to about 14.5 cm. The
thickness of
the ear-temple guard may range from about 0.5 mm to about 8 mm, or from about
1 mm
to about 3 mm, or about 2 mm. Other thicknesses are also contemplated. In
another
aspect, the area of the ear-temple guard may range from about 13,000 mm2 to
about
17,000mm2, or from about 14,000 mm2 to about 16,000mm2, from about 14,500 mm2
to
about 15,500mm2, or about 15,000 mm2.
The ear-temple guard 36 may be manufactured from a variety of materials
suitable to provide adequate protection to the ear and temple area of a
wearer. In one
potential configuration, the ear-temple guard 36 comprises acrylonitrile
butadiene
styrene. In another configuration, the ear-temple guard 36 may comprise high-
density
polyethylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, or poly-vinyl chloride, or
combinations
thereof. However, other rigid materials are also contemplated for use in ear-
temple
guards.
The ear-temple guard 36 may define a hearing channel 38 sufficient to allow a
wearer to hear adequately, but small enough to maintain substantial protection
to a
wearer's ear and temple areas. The hearing channel 38 may comprise a hole in
the ear-
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temple guard 36. The shape of the hearing channel 38 may be substantially
similar to the
outline of inner portion of a human ear. The hearing channel 38 may also be
substantially
rectangular, or similarly polygonal. In one aspect, the hearing channel is
designed to
align with the center of the wearer's ear. The size of the hearing channel may
range
depending on the size of the helmet and the particular application. In one
aspect, the total
area of the hearing channel 38 may range from about 800 mm2 to about 1200 mm2,
or
from about 900 mm2 to about 1100 mm2, or from about 1000 mm2 to about 1100
mm2. In
another aspect, the length of the hearing channel 38 may be from about 40 to
about 70
mm, or from about 50 to about 60 mm, or about 55 mm. The width of the hearing
channel 38 may range from about 15 mm to about 35 mm, or from about 20 mm to
about
30 mm, or about 24 mm. The top edge of the hearing channel may be located
about 30
mm from the top of the ear-temple guard. The bottom edge of the hearing
channel 38
may be located about 37 mm from the bottom of the ear temple guard 36. The
back edge
of the hearing channel 38 may be located about 56 mm from the back of the
helmet. The
front edge of the hearing channel 38 may be located about 83 mm from the front
of the
helmet. The measurements are in respect to the closest edge of the hearing
channel,
rather than the centroid. It is also contemplated that the hearing channel 38
may be sized
and shaped in other fashions to provide protection, while ensure the wearer's
ability to
hear.
The ear-temple guard 36 may also have a hearing door (not shown) that may
open or close the hearing channel 38 depending on the circumstances. In one
embodiment, the hearing door may slide from an open position where the hearing
channel remains unblocked to a closed position, where the hearing door
completely
obstructs the hearing channel 38. The hearing door may be manufactured from
the same
or different material as the ear-temple guard 36. Alternatively, the hearing
door may
slide about two fixed points to transition from an open to a closed position.
The ear-temple guard 36 may also comprise an ear filter (not shown) that is
operable to limit the dust, dirt, and other material that enters the hearing
channel. The ear
filter does not substantially impact the ability of a user to hear. The ear
filter may
comprise a permeable mesh, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art.
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In one configuration, the ear-temple guard 36 may be attached to an insert
(not
shown) provided in the impact absorbing layer 22, to attach the ear-temple
guard 36 to
the helmet. The insert may be integrally molded into the impact absorbing
layer 22, and
connect to the ear-temple guard 36 using conventional attachment means such as
a snap,
or locking device. In one aspect, the insert will allow the impact absorbing
layer 22 to
clip in, but not be removed from the helmet. The ear-temple guard 36 may be
attached to
the outer shell 12, using a similar insert mechanism. The insert may attach
the ear-temple
guard 36 to the impact absorbing layer. In one configuration, the ear-temple
guard slides
into the foam, and is securely fastened by the insert. The insert may comprise
a clip.
However, it is also contemplated that the insert may comprise other devices
suitable to
retain the ear-temple guard 36 to the helmet.
In yet another configuration, the ear-temple guard 36 may be integrally molded
in
conjunction with either the impact absorbing layer 22, or the outer shell 12.
Alternatively, the ear-temple guard may be attached to the helmet using
rivets. However,
it is also contemplated that the ear-temple guard may be attached to the
helmet with other
means that will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill. In addition, it is
contemplated
that the ear-temple guard 36 is configured and designed to be removable. It
may
releasably attach to the helmet 10, and may be removed easily by a wearer in
situations
where the additional protection is not necessary.
The ear-temple guard 36 may be mounted to the helmet 10 such that a distance
is
provided between the surface of the ear-temple guard 36 and the wearer's ear
and temple
area. The amount of distance provided between the wearer's temple and ear
areas, and
the ear-temple guard 36 may be configured and designed to vary depending on
the
wearer's unique head shape, but generally, at least 2 cm of distance is
provided.
Alternatively, at least 1 cm of space is provided between the ear-temple guard
36 and the
wearer's ear and temple area. However, it is also contemplated that the ear-
temple guard
36 may be provided at other distances from the wearer's head.
The helmet 10 may also comprise a padded liner (not shown) provided along the
interior of the ear-temple guard 36. The padded liner may be formed from a
variety of
materials, suitable to provide additional comfort to a wearer. The thickness
of the padded
liner may range from about 1 cm to about 4 cm, or from about 1 to about 2.5
mm, or
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from about 1.5 cm to about 2 cm. Alternatively, it is also contemplated that
no padded
liner may be used in conjunction with the ear-temple guard 36.
The safety helmet 10 may be designed and configured to have a weight ranging
from about 13 ounces to about 18 ounces, or from about 13.5 ounces to about 16
ounces,
or from about 13.5 ounces to about 15 ounces. Alternatively, the safety helmet
10 may
have a weight of about 13.4 ounces without an ear-temple guard 36. In
contrast, the
Bullard-Advent Hat may have a weight of about 27 ounces, more than twice the
weight
of the helmet as presently disclosed, while both meeting the ANSI Z89.1 TYPE
II
standards.
The safety helmet 10 may also include a communication device (not shown)
suitable to allow wearer's to communicate. The communication device may be
mounted
within the impact absorbing layer 22, or may be mounted adjacent to the ear-
temple
guard 36. A range of communication devices are contemplated for use, as will
be
recognized by those skilled in the art. The communication device may be used
without
the use of the wearer's hands. For example, the communication device may
comprise
blue tooth technology, a cellular phone system, or a radio communication
system.
Referring to Fig. 3, the safety helmet 10 may include lighting mount 44
configured to removably retain a lighting device. The lighting mount 44 may
comprise a
vertically disposed flat portion of the outer shell 12, configured to provide
a lighting
device substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the helmet. The
lighting mount
44 may be located on the front portion of the helmet 10 as known by those with
ordinary
skill. The lighting mount 44 may be provided on the front of the helmet 10.
The lighting
mount 44 may be integrally molded into the outer shell of the helmet. A range
of
mounting systems are contemplated for use with the lighting mount 44, as well
as a
range of lighting devices, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The safety helmet may also comprise a face shield attached to the helmet to
provide ventilation and protection to the wearer in hazardous conditions. The
face shield
may comprise types appreciated by one of ordinary skill.
Examples
Testing of the helmet was conducted in accordance with CSA standard
CAN/CSA Z94.1-05.
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An impact test was conducted in accordance with Z94.1-05; Clause 10 Type 2.
Trial # Test Period w/ Peak
relation to Series Acceleration 'g'
of Test
Conducted
1 Prior to 346.5
2 Prior to 346.5
3 Prior to 346.5 PASS
1 Post 341.6
2 Post 348.4
3 Post 347.4
Impact # Peak Acceleration Velocity IN Energy Drop Height Friction
(G) (m/s) (Joules) (cm) (%)
1 346.5 4.3561 46.7 100 1.6
2 346 4.3457 46.5 100 1.9
3 345.5 4.3443 46.4 100 1.8
A penetration resistance test was also conducted as per CSA standard Z.94.1-
05,
Clause 10.0, Type 2.
Sample Conditioning Sample Mass Impact Actual Results
# (kg) Site Impact
Energy (J)
1 20 C 0.39 Crown 30.9 Pass
2 -30 C 0.39 Crown 31.2 Pass
3 50 C 0.39 Crown 31.2 Pass
4 Solvent +20 C 0.39 Crown 30.6 Pass
5 Water Immersion 0.39 Crown 30.5 Pass
For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it is noted
that
reference herein to a variable being a "function" of a parameter or another
variable is not
intended to denote that the variable is exclusively a function of the listed
parameter or
variable. Rather, reference herein to a variable that is a "function" of a
listed parameter is
intended to be open ended such that the variable may be a function of a single
parameter
or a plurality of parameters.
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It is also noted that recitations herein of "at least one" component, element,
etc.,
should not be used to create an inference that the alternative use of the
articles "a" or
"an" should be limited to a single component, element, etc.
It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present disclosure
being
"programmed" in a particular way, "configured" or "programmed" to embody a
particular property, or function in a particular manner, are structural
recitations, as
opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references
herein to the
manner in which a component is "programmed" or "configured" denotes an
existing
physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite
recitation of
the structural characteristics of the component.
For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted
that
the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are utilized herein to represent
the
inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative
comparison,
value, measurement, or other representation.
The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also utilized herein to
represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a
stated
reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject
matter at
issue.
Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that the various
details disclosed
herein should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that
are essential
components of the various embodiments described herein, even in cases where a
particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the
present
description. Rather, the claims appended hereto should be taken as the sole
representation of the breadth of the present disclosure and the corresponding
scope of the
various inventions described herein. Further, it will be apparent that
modifications and
variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention
defined in the
appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present
disclosure are
identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is
contemplated that the
present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects.
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It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term
"wherein" as
a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present invention, it
is noted that
this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase
that is used to
introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and
should be
interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term
"comprising."
