Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2022/016040
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HARD HAT WITH STRAP SYSTEM
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
100011 The present application claims the benefit of and priority to
U.S. Provisional
Application No. 63/053,289, filed on July 17, 2020, which is incorporated
herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
100021 The present invention relates generally to the field of protective
equipment. The
present invention relates specifically to various hard hat designs with
coupling, suspensions and
adjustment mechanisms.
100031 Hard hats are often used in construction or other
environments/worksites where head
protection is warranted. For example, hard hats are used in environments where
there is a risk
for head injury and act to provide added protection to a worker's head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
100041 One embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat including an
outer shell and a
coupling system. The outer shell is formed from a rigid material. The coupling
system is
coupled to the outer shell. The coupling system includes a suspension system,
a strap system, a
clip, and a receiver. The strap system is configured to couple to the outer
shell and is configured
to couple the suspension system to a head of a person. The strap system
includes a first strap.
The clip is coupled to the first strap. The receiver is configured to
mechanically and reversibly
couple and decouple to the clip. The receiver is configured to rotatably
couple to the clip such
that the receiver is rotatable relative to the clip about a first axis when
the receiver is coupled to
the clip.
100051 Another embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat including an
outer shell
formed from a rigid material, and a coupling system coupled to the outer
shell. The coupling
system includes a strap system configured to couple a safety headwear to a
head of a person.
The strap system includes a first strap, a clip coupled to the first strap,
and a receiver coupled to
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the outer shell. The clip includes a button. The receiver is configured to
mechanically and
reversibly couple to the clip to position the first strap below a chin of a
user of the hard hat. The
receiver includes a housing defining an opening. The button extends through
the opening such
that the housing peripherally surrounds the button of the clip when the
receiver is coupled to the
clip. The button actuates to decouple the clip from the receiver.
100061 Another embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat including an
outer shell
formed from a rigid material and a coupling system coupled to the outer shell.
The coupling
system includes a receiver coupled to the safety headwear, and a clip coupled
to a first strap.
The receiver defines a first longitudinal axis. The clip defines a second
longitudinal axis. The
clip is configured to mechanically and reversibly couple and decouple to the
receiver. The clip
includes a button that actuates along an axis perpendicular to the first and
second longitudinal
axes to decouple the clip from the receiver.
100071 One embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet or hard hat. The
hard hat includes
an outer shell formed from a rigid material that includes an external surface
and an internal
surface that defines a cavity sized to receive the head of a wearer, an impact
protection layer
located within the cavity and coupled to the outer shell, the impact
protection layer including an
external surface that faces towards the shell and an opposing internal surface
that faces away
from the outer shell, an upper band coupled to the outer shell, a middle frame
coupled to the
upper band, and a lower band pivotably coupled to the middle frame. The lower
band is
adjustable to a plurality of lengths. In a specific embodiment, the upper
band, the middle frame
and the lower band collectively circumferentially surround a user's head, and
the lower band is
adjustable to accommodate a plurality of user head sizes. In a specific
embodiment the middle
frame is pivotably coupled to the upper band. In a specific embodiment a strap
system is
coupled to the outer shell at a plurality of connection points, at least two
of which are pivotable
with respect to the outer shell, hi a specific embodiment the strap system
includes a back strap
that extends through a cavity defined by the adjustable lower ring.
100081 One embodiment of the invention relates to a helmet or hard
hat. The hard hat
includes an outer shell formed from a rigid material and that includes an
external surface and an
internal surface that defines a cavity sized to receive the head of a wearer,
a plurality of ribs
extending from the internal surface of the outer shell into the cavity, the
plurality of ribs defining
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a channel between at least two ribs of the plurality of ribs, and an impact
protection layer located
within the cavity and coupled to the outer shell. The impact protection layer
includes an external
surface that faces towards the shell and an opposing internal surface that
faces away from the
outer shell, and a protrusion extending from the external surface of the
impact protection layer.
The protrusion of the impact protection layer extends within the channel.
100091 In a specific embodiment, the impact protection layer defines a
plurality of recesses
that receive the plurality of ribs of the outer shell. In a specific
embodiment, the outer shell
defines a first plurality of apertures that extend between the internal
surface and the external
surface of the outer shell, and the impact protection layer defines a second
plurality of apertures
that extend between the internal surface and the external surface of the
impact protection layer,
the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures
collectively providing fluid
communication between the head of the wearer and the external surface of the
outer shell. In a
specific embodiment, the outer shell and the impact protection layer
collectively define a
plurality of lateral channels that provide fluid communication between at
least two apertures of
the second plurality of apertures of the impact protection layer.
100101 Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed
description which
follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the description or
recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written
description and claims
hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the
foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
100111 The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding
and are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings
illustrate one or more
embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and
operation of the
various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100121 FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a hard hat on the
head of a wearer,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
100131 FIG. 2 is a perspective view from below of the outer shell
and impact protection layer
of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
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[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the outer shell and impact
protection layer of FIG. 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the outer shell and impact
protection layer of FIG.
1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the impact
protection layer of FIG. 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of the outer shell and impact
protection layer of FIG. 1,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the outer shell and impact
protection layer of FIG. 1
taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded cross-section view of the outer shell
and impact protection
layer of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A in FIG. 6, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
100201 FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below of the outer shell of
FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the outer shell of FIG. 9,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a hard hat, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the
hard hat of FIG. 11,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a portion of the hard
hat of FIG. 11, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a series of silhouette images of user's heads upon
which the hard hat of
FIG. 1 can be worn.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a crown of the hard hat of
FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the crown of FIG. 15,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
100281 FIG. 17 is a top view of the crown of FIG. 15, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
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[0029] FIG. 18 is a detailed ghost view of a portion of the hard hat
of FIG. 1, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a portion of a first arm of
the crown of FIG. 15,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the crown of FIG. 15 shown
in a different
configuration compared to FIG. 15, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the crown of FIG. 15 shown
in a different
configuration compared to FIG. 15, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the crown of FIG. 15 shown
in a different
configuration compared to FIG. 15, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
100351 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
23, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
23, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a detailed front view of the coupling system of
FIG. 23, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 27,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 27,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 30,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 30,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
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[0044] FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 33,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 35,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 35,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 35,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
100501 FIG. 39 is a front view of a coupling system, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
39, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
100521 FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
39, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 42 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 43,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 43,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 43,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 46 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
100581 FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 46,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
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[0059] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 46,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 46,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 50 is a front view of a coupling system, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 51 is a side view of the coupling system of FIG. 50,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 52 is a detailed perspective view from the front of a
portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 50, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 53 is a schematic side view of a coupling system,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 54 is a top view of a coupling system, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
100661 FIG. 55 is a schematic view of the coupling system of FIG.
54, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 56 is a schematic view of the coupling system of FIG.
54, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 57 is a side view of the coupling system of FIG. 54,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 58 is a side view of the coupling system of FIG. 54,
according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0070] FIG. 59 is a ghost side view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0071] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 59,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0072] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 59,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0073] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
62, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
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[0075] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
62, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
100761 FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
62, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
100771 FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
62, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0078] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0079] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0080] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
100811 FIG. 70 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
coupling system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
67, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0083] FIG. 72 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
coupling system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 73 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
coupling system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0085] FIG. 74 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
coupling system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 75 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the
coupling system of FIG. 67,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0087] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0088] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a coupling system, according
to an exemplary
embodiment.
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[0090] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
78, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
78 shown in a different
configuration than FIG. 79, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the coupling system of FIG.
78 shown in a different
configuration than FIG. 79, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0093] FIG. 82 is a side view of a coupling system, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0094] FIG. 83 is a detailed top view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 82,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0095] FIG. 84 is a detailed top view of a portion of the coupling
system of FIG. 82,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 85 is a perspective view from behind of the coupling
system of FIG. 82,
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a hard hat, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0098] FIG. 87 is a perspective view of a hard hat, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
100991 FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a hard hat, according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[00100] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[00101] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[00102] FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[00103] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[00104] FIG. 93 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
[00105] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
1001061 FIG. 95 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 88, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
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1001071 FIG. 96 is a perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 1, according to
an exemplary
embodiment.
1001081 FIG. 97 is a detailed perspective view of the hard hat of FIG. 1
depicting the portion
identified in FIG. 96, according to an exemplary embodiment.
1001091 FIG. 98 is a top view of a strap system, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
1001101 FIG. 99 is a top view of a clip of the strap system of FIG. 98,
according to an
exemplary embodiment.
1001111 FIG. 100 is a top view of a clip receiver of the strap system of FIG.
98, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
1001121 FIG. 101 is a top view of a clip receiver of the strap system of FIG.
98, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
1001131 FIG. 102 is a coupling system, according to an exemplary embodiment.
1001141 FIG. 103 is a suspension system, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1001151 Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a hard hat
are shown. As
will be understood, hard hats are worn by users during activities where the
user is frequently
moving. Applicant has developed various mechanisms to securely and comfortably
couple hard
hats to the user's head even while the user works, moves around and speaks.
1001161 Applicant has developed hard hat securing mechanisms provide several
that provide
several advantages and improvements compared to previous designs. First, the
hard hat securing
mechanisms permit various aspects of the securing mechanisms, such as the back
strap behind
the user's head, to pivot towards more comfortable positions without requiring
manual
adjustment from the user. Second, the hard hat securing mechanisms provide
improved coupling
mechanism location between various straps to provide increased stability and
comfort for the
user. Third, the hard hat securing mechanisms are adjustable to a wide range
of head sizes.
1001171 Applicant has developed hard hat systems configured to be comfortably
worn by
people with varying head sizes. For example, the hard hat includes a strap
system with receivers
and clips that are configured to rotate with respect to each other when the
strap system is coupled
to a hard hat on a user. Applicant has observed that allowing the straps to
rotate at the location
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of coupling permits a more comfortable repositioning of the straps relative to
the head of the user
as compared to hard hat systems in which the straps are coupled via receivers
and clips that do
not rotate with respect to each other.
[00118] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a perspective view of a hard hat 10 is shown
according to an
exemplary embodiment. As will be described, in various embodiments the hard
hat 10 includes
an outer shell, a suspension system, a strap system, a clip, and a receiver to
couple the strap
system to the coupling system and/or the hard hat. Hard hat 10 includes an
outer shell 20 formed
from a rigid material, such as a rigid polymer material. Hard hat 10 includes
an impact
protection layer 40 supported within outer shell 20. Details of the various
embodiments of
impact protection layer 40 and support within outer shell 20 are discussed in
more detail below.
Hard hat 10 includes a suspension system, shown as crown 12, and a strap
system 14 to support
and secure hard hat 10 to a user's head.
1001191 Outer shell 20 includes an external surface 21 and an opposing
internal surface 23
that defines a cavity 25 of outer shell 20. Outer shell 20 defines a plurality
of venting apertures
22 and impact protection layer 40 defines a plurality of corresponding
apertures 42. Apertures
22 and 42 collectively provide fluid communication between cavity 25 and
ambient air
proximate to external surface 21 of outer shell 20. Front brim 24 of outer
shell 20 projects
outwardly from a front 16 of outer shell 20.
[00120] Outer shell 20 includes recess 26 positioned between front 16 and rear
18 of outer
shell 20, proximate the ears of a user wearing hard hat 10. In a specific
embodiment recess 26
extends height 28 above lower surface outer shell 20 in front of recess 26.
[00121] Outer shell includes coupling components 36 that couple outer
shell 20 to crown 12.
Outer shell 20 includes apertures 30 proximate recess 26. Apertures 30 are
configured to receive
coupling mechanisms, such as clips, which may be used to couple objects to
outer shell 20.
Outer shell 20 includes apertures 32 to which strap system 14 can be coupled.
As will be
described in more detail below, strap system 14 secures outer shell 20 to a
user's head.
[00122] Turning to FIGS. 5-8, various aspects of impact protection layer 40
and outer shell 20
are shown. Impact protection layer 40 is coupled to internal surface 23 of
outer shell 20. Outer
shell 20 includes a plurality of protrusions, shown as ribs 34, that extend
towards cavity 25. A
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plurality of channels 38 are defined between ribs 34, such that one or more
channels 38 are
defined by at least two ribs 34.
[00123] Impact protection layer 40 includes apertures 42 that provide fluid
communication
between cavity 25 and outer shell 20. Impact protection layer 40 includes a
plurality of recesses
44 that receive ribs 34 of outer shell 20. When impact protection layer 40 is
coupled to outer
shell 20, protrusions 46 project into channels 38 of outer shell 20. In a
specific embodiment an
adhesive is applied between protrusions 46 and channels 38 to couple impact
protection layer 40
to outer shell 20. Ribs 34 retain the adhesive within channel 38, reducing the
chances of
adhesive extruding out of channel 38 and becoming visible and/or interfering
with the fluid
communication provided by apertures 42 and apertures 22. This method of
securing impact
protection layer 40 to outer shell 20 permits an easier method of manufacture
compared to over
molding the outer shell 20 around the impact protection layer 40.
1001241 In a specific embodiment the adhesive is a liquid adhesive. In a
specific embodiment
the impact protection layer 40 includes an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.
[00125] Impact protection layer 40 includes a plurality of recesses 50. When
impact
protection layer 40 is coupled to outer shell 20, recesses 50 provide fluid
communication
between one or more apertures 42 of impact protection layer 40.
[00126] Turning to FIGS. 9-10, outer shell 20 includes coupling mechanisms,
shown as front
clips 52 and back clips 54. Front clips 52 and back clips 54 couple outer
shell 20 to strap system
14, as described in more detail below.
[00127] Turning to FIGS. 11-13, various aspects of outer shell 80 are
shown. Outer shell 80
is functionally similar to outer shell 20 except for the differences described
herein. Outer shell
80 includes various connection points to adjustably couple strap system 14 to
outer shell 80.
Front clips 52 couple strap system 14 to a front-side portion of outer shell
80 proximate the
user's temple. Back clips 54 couple strap system 14 to a rear portion of outer
shell 80.
[00128] Outer shell 80 includes multiple connection points 56 and 58
to couple to back clips
54. Upper connection points 58 are height 60 higher than lower connection
points 56. In a
specific embodiment, height 60 is between 0.5 inches and 3 inches, and more
specifically
between 0.75 inches and 2 inches, and more specifically height 60 is 1 inch.
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1001291 When back clips 54 are coupled to upper connection points 58, back
straps of strap
system 14 are pulled tighter against a user's head. This provides a more
secure fit for users,
which can be more comfortable for users with smaller heads. When back clips 54
are coupled to
lower connection points 56, back straps of strap system 14 are permitted more
slack. A
silhouette of back strap 59 is depicted in FIG. 12 when back clip 54 is
coupled to upper
connection point 58. This provides a looser fit for users, which can be more
comfortable for
users with larger heads. In a specific embodiment upper connection points 58
are
circumferentially closer to each other than lower connection points 56 (e.g.,
upper connection
points 58 are inboard compared lower connection points 56).
1001301 Turning to FIG. 14, various aspects of a suspension system, shown as
crown 100, are
shown. Hard hat 10 is configured to accommodate various sizes of users' heads.
For exemplary
purposes only, hard hat 10 is configurable to securely couple to a head
diameter 64 of 6.63-
(20.8" circumference), a head diameter 66 of 7.48" (23.5" circumference), and
a head diameter
68 of 8.5" (26.69" circumference), which is approximately the diameter of a
head with diameter
66 with a surrounding piece of head gear, such as a hat, hoodie, or bandana.
1001311 Turning to FIGS. 15-22, various aspects of crown 100 are shown. Crown
100 is
functionally similar to crown 12 except for the differences described and
depicted herein. Crown
100 is configured to couple to safety headwear and a head of a person wearing
the safety
headwear. Arms 104 of crown 100 couple crown 100 to outer shell, such as at
coupling
components 36 of outer shell 20. Upper band 106 of crown 100 is fixedly
coupled to outer shell
20 via arms 104. Front band 118 of upper band 106 circumferentially surrounds
a front a user's
head, thereby helping secure crown 100 to the user's head.
1001321 Middle frame 108 is pivotably coupled to upper band 106 and pivots
with respect
upper band 106 around axis 110. The positioning of axis 110 between middle
frame 108 and
upper band 106 closer to the back of the user's head (compared to other
designs) permits easier
rotation of crown 100 with respect to the user's head as the user's head
moves.
1001331 Middle frame 108 defines apertures 114, which couple to securing
component, shown
as ratchets 112. Ratchets 112 can be loosened with respect to middle frame 108
to permit middle
frame 108 to be adjusted to the shape of a user's head. When the adjustment
has been made to
conform to the user's head, ratchets 112 can be tightened to fixedly couple
upper band 106 to
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middle frame 108 such that upper band 106 no longer pivots with respect to
middle frame 108.
If further adjustments need to be made, then ratchets 112 can once again be
selectively loosened
and tightened.
[00134] Adjustable band 120 is coupled to middle frame 108 and pivots
with respect to
middle frame 108 about axis 116. The pivotable coupling between adjustable
band 120 and
middle frame 108 contributes to user comfort by permitting adjustable band 120
to more easily
alter its position and/or configuration as the user is moving around. For
example, if the user
pivots his head back to look straight up, the back of the user's neck will
correspondingly arch
backwards. When the user's neck is in that configuration, adjustable band 120
pivots
downwards with respect to middle frame 108 to match the contours of the user's
neck, thereby
avoiding and/or mitigating the adjustable band 120 digging into the user's
neck and negatively
affecting the user's comfort.
1001351 Adjustable band 120 includes first arm 122, which is coupled to middle
frame 108,
and second arm 124, which is also coupled to middle frame 108. First arm 122
and second arm
124 can be adjusted with respect to body 146 of adjustable band 120, thereby
extending or
retracting the overall length of adjustable band 120 along arcuate axis 154. A
user can adjust the
positioning of first arm 122 and second arm 124 with respect to body 146 by
actuating an
interface, shown as button 140. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, crown 100 is at
or near a
minimum adjustable circumference 152 and/or diameter 150. To adjust
circumference 152
and/or diameter 150 of crown 100, a user presses button 140. When button 140
is pressed, first
arm 122 and second arm 124 can be either extended or retracted along arcuate
axis 154 with
respect to body 146, thereby lengthening or shortening adjustable band 120.
[00136] Turning to FIGS. 18-19 in particular, first arm 122 includes
aperture 126, which
includes teeth 128. Teeth 128 of first arm 122 interface with a protrusion,
such as teeth, of body
146. First end 130 of first arm 122 is coupled to middle frame 108. Second end
134 of first arin
122 is opposite first arm 122. First end 130 defines aperture 132, at the
center of which is axis
116. When first arm 122 is extended distance 136, teeth of body 146 engage at
or near the left-
most tooth in FIG. 19. When first arm 122 is retracted to distance 138, teeth
of body 146 engage
at or near the right-most tooth in FIG. 19. In a specific embodiment, distance
136 is 145 mm and
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distance 138 is 65 mm. In various embodiment second arm 124 has a similar and
symmetrical
configuration and functionality as first arm 122.
1001371 Turning to FIGS. 20-22, depicted is crown 100 in a slightly extended
configuration
with respect to FIGS. 15-17. In the configuration in FIGS. 20-22, button 140
has been actuated
and first arm 122 has been slightly extended with respect to body 146.
1001381 Turning to FIGS. 23-85, various designs for strap systems are shown.
In various
embodiments the strap systems designed are sized for users with larger heads
and/or users with
headgear, and functionality is provided to shorten the length of strap systems
by users with
smaller heads as necessary.
1001391 Turning to FIGS. 23-26, various aspects of strap system 200 are shown.
Strap system
200 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. In various embodiments, strap system 200 is
configured to
couple a suspension system, such as crown 100, to a head of a person, and thus
also couple
safety headwear to the head of a person. In various embodiments, strap system
200 is configured
to couple safety headwear to a head of a person. Strap system 200 includes
side straps 202,
which couple to outer shell 20 via side clips 210 at or near a front-side of a
user, such as near the
user's temple. Back straps 204 couple to outer shell 20 via back clips 212 at
or near a back of
the user's head. In use, as a user pulls down on chin strap 206, ratchet 166
of adjustable band
160 rotates with respect to the user's head to the configuration shown in FIG.
23. In a specific
embodiment, strap system 200 includes a first strap, such as side strap 202 or
a back strap 204,
that couples to a clip (e.g., clip 546 shown in FIGS. 78-81). In a specific
embodiment, side strap
202 is positionable below a chin of a user of a hard hat when a clip coupled
to the strap and a
receiver coupled to the hard hat are coupled together.
1001401 Chin strap 206 extends underneath a front portion of user's face, such
as underneath
the user's chin. Side straps 202, back straps 204, and chin strap 206, are
coupled together via
coupler 208. In a specific embodiment, chin strap 206 includes adjustor 218,
which can be
actuated by a user to extend or retract a total distance of chin strap 206,
thereby adjusting the
position of coupler 208 with respect to outer shell 20 and the user's face. In
a specific
embodiment, coupler 208 permits chin strap 206 to rotate with respect to
coupler 208 (similar to
the functionality of clip 546, shown in FIGS. 78-81 and described below),
thereby facilitating the
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chin strap 206 maintaining a more flush and therefore more comfortable
configuration with
respect to the user's neck.
1001411 In various embodiments back straps 204 extend through cavity 164 of
adjustable band
160. Adjustable band 160 is substantially similar to adjustable band 120,
except as shown and
depicted herein. Ratchet 166 of adjustable band 160 permits the user to adjust
the position of
first and second arms of adjustable band 160 with respect to the body, thereby
extending or
retracting the length of adjustable band 160.
1001421 Extending back straps 204 through cavity 164 of adjustable band 160
provides several
advantages. First, extending back straps 204 through cavity 164 facilitates
managing the strap
system 200 while donning or removing the helmet (e.g., the straps are less
likely to be tangled or
knotted because the straps are biased towards a perimeter of the hard hat).
Second, extending
back straps 204 through cavity 164 secures pad 162 against the user's head
while the hard hat is
being worn. Third, extending back straps 204 through cavity 164 routs the
straps further from
the user's ears compared to other designs, thereby increasing the user's
comfort.
1001431 Adjustable band 160 includes pad 162, which interfaces against the
back of the user's
head and neck area. In a specific embodiment, pad 162 is a single piece,
rather than a series of
different pads.
1001441 Turning to FIGS. 27-29, various aspects of strap system 220 are shown.
Strap system
220 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Ladder lock clip 222 couples back strap 204
to a rear portion
of outer shell 20. Ladder lock clip 222 includes aperture 224, which is
bisected by bar 226. In
use, end 205 of back strap 204 is inserted in direction 228 through aperture
224 above bar 226,
and then inserted through aperture 224 in direction 230. This interface
between back strap 204
and ladder lock clip 222 permits back strap 204 to be extended or retracted,
thereby lengthening
or shortening the distance of back strap 204 between coupler 208 and outer
shell 20. An
advantage of the design of strap systems 220 is that there is a larger range
of lengths that strap
system 220 can be adjusted to, compared to some other designs.
1001451 Turning to FIGS. 30-32, various aspects of strap system 240 are shown.
Strap system
240 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Ladder lock clip 242 is substantially
similar to ladder lock
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clip 222 except as otherwise described and depicted herein. Side strap 202 is
coupled to ladder
lock clip 242, and subsequently end 203 of side strap 202 is extended through
band 244. Band
244 positions side strap 202 against itself, thereby securing side strap 202
from being
inadvertently adjusted with respect to ladder lock clip 242. Advantages of the
design of strap
systems 240 are that there is a larger range of lengths that strap system 220
can be adjusted to,
compared to some other designs, and that the user can relatively easily adjust
the length side
strap 202.
1001461 Turning to FIGS. 33-34, various aspects of strap system 260 are shown.
Strap system
260 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Back clip 262 secures supplemental back
strap 264 to outer
shell 20. Back strap 266, which extends from coupler 208, is coupled at
aperture 268 to a
coupling mechanism, shown as cam 270. By actuating cam 270, a user can either
extend or
retract the total distance of back strap 266 and supplemental back strap 264
between outer shell
20 and coupler 208.
1001471 Turning to FIGS. 35-38, various aspects of strap system 280 are shown.
Strap system
280 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Back clip 294 couples back strap 282 to at
or near a rear
portion of outer shell 20. Back strap 282 includes a first aperture 286,
proximate end 284, and a
second aperture 290, which is distance 292 from end 284. To extend or retract
the distance of
back strap 282, a user selectively couples back clip 294 to either first
aperture 286 or second
aperture 290. In use, a user extends coupling mechanism, shown as removable
rod 288 through
aperture 296 of back clip 294. Removable rod 288 is also extended through at
least one of first
aperture 286 or second aperture 290. If the user desires a longer length of
back strap 282, the
user extends rod 288 through first aperture 286 (best shown FIG. 37). If the
user desires making
the length of back strap 282 shorter, the user extends rod 288 through second
aperture 290 (best
shown FIG. 238). An advantage of the design of strap systems 280 is that the
straps will not
creep or slide because the selectable adjustment lengths are fixed.
1001481 Turning to FIGS. 39-41, various aspects of strap system 300 are shown.
Strap system
300 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Back clip 302 is substantially similar to
back clip 294, except
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for the differences described and depicted herein. Back clip 302 includes
pivotable arm 306,
which together with body 304 of back clip 302 selectively enclose cavity 308.
Aperture 312 of
back strap 310 is positioned within cavity 308. A user adjusts a usable length
of back strap 310
by selecting which aperture 312 of back strap to couple to back clip 302.
1001491 Turning to FIGS. 42-45, various aspects of strap system 320 are shown.
Strap system
320 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Back clip 322 couples supplemental back
strap 324 to a rear
portion of outer shell 20. Coupling mechanism, shown as clip 328, couples
supplemental back
strap 324 to back strap 326. Back strap 326 is substantially similar to back
strap 282. Clip 328
includes a cavity 330 into which a portion of back strap 326 is inserted. In
use, lower arm 332 of
clip 328 is inserted into one or more apertures of back strap 326. To adjust
the total distance of
supplemental back strap 324 and back strap 326 between outer shell 20 and
coupler 208, the user
changes which aperture of back strap 326 is coupled to clip 328.
1001501 Turning to FIGS. 46-49, various aspects of strap system 340 are shown.
Strap system
340 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 342 couples back strap 344 to outer
shell 20. Back strap
344 is substantially similar to back strap 282, except for the differences
described and depicted
herein. Clip 342 includes at least one arm 346, into which an aperture of back
strap 344 is
inserted. In a specific embodiment clip 342 includes two arms 346, which
define a gap 348
between them. Back strap 344 is inserted through gap 348 into cavity 350, and
one or more of
apertures of back strap 344 is extended around arms 346, thereby securing
strap 344 to arms 346.
1001511 Turning to FIGS. 50-52, various aspects of strap system 360 are shown.
Strap system
360 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Side strap 362 extends through the clip
coupled to outer shell
20, thereby defining loop 364. An end of side strap 362 is coupled to a
coupling mechanism,
shown as sliding clip 366. To adjust a distance of side strap 362 between
coupler 208 and outer
shell 20, sliding clip 366 is actuated either closer or further from outer
shell 20, thereby
decreasing or increasing the size of loop 364, respectively.
1001521 Turning to FIG. 53, various aspects of strap system 380 are shown.
Strap system 380
is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems described
herein, except as
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otherwise described and depicted. Side straps 382 include gradations at
periodic locations to
facilitate symmetrical and/or consistent user adjustments of side straps 182.
In use, a user can
look at the positioning of the side strap 382 on the left side of his face
with respect to the
gradations, and configure the other side strap 382 to the same or a similar
positioning. This
provides the user an efficient way to symmetrically configure the outer shell
on the user's head.
Back straps 384 also include gradations providing a similar mechanism to
facilitate user
adjustments.
1001531 Turning to FIGS. 54-58, various aspects of strap system 400 are shown.
Strap system
400 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Strap system 400 is coupled to shell 20 via
front clip 402 and
rear clip 406. Front clip 402 has a diameter that is different than diameter
408 of rear clip 406.
The different diameters/shapes of front clip 402 and rear clip 406 help the
user quickly identify if
the user is attempting to insert front clip 402 or rear clip 406 into an
incorrect location on outer
shell 20 (e.g., by trying to insert front clip 402 into the location where
rear clip 406 is inserted).
1001541 Chin strap 206 of strap system 400 includes a buckle 410 that is
configured at or near
coupler 208 on one side of user's face (shown in FIG. 58). This positioning of
buckle 410
improves the user experience by reducing the chaffing of the buckle 410
against the user's head
when the user is talking and/or moving (e.g., as compared to if the buckle 410
is proximate the
user's throat). Additionally, the side positioning of buckle (shown in FIG.
58) improves the
ability of the user to see the buckle and confirm they are orienting the
buckle as desired, it is
easier for the user to access a buckle on the side as compared to locating the
buckle under the
user's chin, and the side-positioning of buckle 410 permits increased length
adjustments of the
chin strap 206 compared to other designs.
1001551 Turning to FIGS. 59-61, various aspects of strap system 420 are shown.
Strap system
420 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 422 permits the adjustment of side
strap 430 by
wrapping side strap 430 around clip 422 before inserting clip into outer shell
20. Clip 422
includes side arms 424, which couple clip 422 to outer shell 20. In a first
configuration, side
strap 430 extends from clip 422 without wrapping around center arm 426,
thereby providing a
relatively longer length of side strap (shown in FIG. 60). In a second
configuration, side strap
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430 is wrapped around center arm 426, thereby shortening the length of side
strap 430 by two
times height 428 of center arm 426 (shown in FIG. 61) ("two times" because
side strap 430
needs to both extend up to the top of center arm 426 and transit that same
distance down to the
bottom of clip 422). In use, users shorten side strap 430 by wrapping side
strap 430 around
center arm 426. Alternatively, users lengthen side strap 430 by unwrapping
side strap 430 from
center arm 426. An advantage of the design of strap systems 420 is that the
straps will not slide
because the strap length adjustment is a fixed length. Another advantage is
that no special
tooling or dexterity is required to adjust the strap length.
[00156] Turning to FIGS. 62-66, various aspects of strap system 440 are shown.
Strap system
440 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 442 is substantially similar to clip
422 except for the
differences described and depicted herein. Clip 442 is coupled to a receiver
in shell 20, either
with the strap wrapped around the center arm (FIG. 65), or without the strap
wrapped around the
center arm (FIG. 63).
[00157] Turning to FIGS. 67-75, various aspects of strap system 460 are shown.
Strap system
460 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 462 includes side arms 464, which
selectively couple
with apertures 472 of receiver 470. Protrusions, shown as vertical ribs 466,
extend from side
arms 464. When clip 462 is coupled to receiver 470, teeth 468 engage with
receiver to maintain
the position of clip 462. FIGS. 71-75 depict clip 462 being manipulated to
couple and decouple
clip 462 with receiver 470.
[00158] Turning to FIG. 76, various aspects of strap system 500 are shown.
Strap system 500
is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems described
herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 504 couples with receiver 502. In
various embodiments,
receiver 502 is molded into the outer shell of the hard hat.
[00159] Turning to FIG. 77, various aspects of strap system 520 are shown.
Strap system 520
is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems described
herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 522 is substantially similar to clip
422, except as
otherwise described and depicted herein. A user can selectively wrap or unwrap
strap 524
around center arm of clip 522 to shorten or length the length of strap 524.
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1001601 Turning to FIGS. 78-81, various aspects of strap system 540 are shown.
Strap system
540 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Strap system 540 includes clip 546 and
receiver 542 Clip 546
couples with receiver 542. Receiver 542 is configured to mechanically and
reversibly couple
and decouple to clip 546. Clip 546 is released by receiver 542 as a result of
a user actuating
coupling mechanism, such as a circular element, shown as release button 552.
Button 552 of clip
546 interfaces with receiver 542 when clip 546 rotates with respect to
receiver 542. In a specific
embodiment, housing 545 of receiver 542 peripherally surrounds button 552 when
clip 546 is
coupled to receiver 542. In a specific embodiment, housing 545 of receiver 542
includes an
opening 531, and the button 552 extends through opening 531 such that housing
545 peripherally
surrounds button 552. Receiver 542 couples to a strap or other object (e.g.,
safety headwear,
such as being rigidly coupled to safety headwear) via coupler 544, and clip
546 couples to a strap
or other object via coupler 548. When clip 546 and receiver 542 are coupled
together, clip 546
rotates with respect to receiver 542 about axis 550. In a specific embodiment,
release button 552
faces towards the user's head. In various embodiments, button 552 actuates to
decouple clip 546
from receiver 542. In various embodiments, strap 557 extends from clip 546 and
button 552
actuates along axis 550, which is perpendicular to strap-receiving element
559.
1001611 Clip 546 rotates with respect to receiver 542 over range 554.
In a specific
embodiment, range 554 is between 60 degrees and 150 degrees, and more
specifically between
90 degrees and 135 degrees, and more specifically is 120 degrees. In a
specific embodiment,
range 554 is at least 60 degrees, and more specifically is at least 90
degrees, and more
specifically is at least 120 degrees. The pivotable range 554 of clip 546 with
respect to receiver
542 improves the ability of straps to reposition as needed while the user is
moving and working.
1001621 Receiver 542 defines a longitudinal axis 543, and clip 546
defines a longitudinal axis
547. In various embodiments, receiver 542 rotates over range 555 (e.g., at
least 30 degrees, at
least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees) with respect to clip 546 in a first
rotational direction from a
starting position of the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal
axis being aligned (see
FIG. 80). In various embodiments, receiver 542 rotates over range 556 (e.g.,
at least 30 degrees,
at least 45 degrees, at least 60 degrees) with respect to clip 546 in a second
rotational direction,
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opposite the first rotational direction, from a starting position of the first
longitudinal axis and the
second longitudinal axis being aligned (see FIG. 80).
1001631 In various embodiments, receiver 542 is rotatably coupled to clip 546
allowing
rotation in a first rotational direction 533 such that longitudinal axis 547
of clip 546 is able to
form at least a 30 degree angle relative to longitudinal axis 543 of receiver
542, and more
specifically at least a 45 degree angle, and more specifically at least a 60
degree angle, and more
specifically at least a 90 degree angle. In various embodiments, receiver 542
is rotatably coupled
to clip 546 allowing rotation in a second rotational direction 535 opposite
the first rotational
direction 533 such that the longitudinal axis 547 of clip 546 is able to form
at least a 30 degree
angle relative to the longitudinal axis 543 of receiver 542, and more
specifically at least a 45
degree angle, and more specifically at least a 60 degree angle. In various
embodiments, receiver
542 is rotatably coupled to clip 546 restricting rotation in a second
rotational direction 535
opposite the first rotational direction 533 such that the longitudinal axis
547 of clip 546 forms an
angle no more than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 543 of receiver
542.
1001641 In various embodiments, receiver 542 has a more limited rotational
range with respect
to clip 546. In particular, receiver 542 rotates over range 556 (e.g., less
than 5 degrees, less than
1 degree) with respect to clip 546 in the second rotational direction,
opposite the first rotational
direction, from a starting position of the first longitudinal axis and the
second longitudinal axis
being aligned (see FIG. 80).
1001651 In a specific embodiment, receiver 542 defines a longitudinal
axis 543, clip 546
defines a longitudinal axis 547, and button 552 actuates along an axis 543
perpendicular to the
first and second longitudinal axes 543, 547 to decouple the clip 546 from the
receiver 542
1001661 Turning to FIGS. 82-85, various aspects of strap system 560 are shown.
Strap system
560 is substantially similar to strap system 14 and other strap systems
described herein, except as
otherwise described and depicted. Clip 562 and receiver 566 are substantially
similar to clip 546
and receiver 542, except for the differences described and depicted herein.
Clip 562 includes
coupler 564, to which a strap or other object is coupled. Clip 562 rotates
with respect to receiver
566 about axis 568 over range 570. In one embodiment, range 570 is between 30
and 60
degrees, and more specifically between 40 and 50 degrees, and more
specifically range 570 is 45
degrees. In use, back strap 572 is coupled to clip 562, and receiver 566 is
coupled to shell 20.
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The ability of clip 562 to rotate with respect to receiver 566 permits back
strap 572 to maintain a
flat interface or nearly flat interface against the back of the user's neck.
As a result, back strap
572 is less likely to be uncomfortable for the user (e.g.by chaffing and/or
digging into the user's
skin).
1001671 Referring back to FIGS. 23-85, it is contemplated herein that the
strap systems
described above for which the side straps are adjustable may be reconfigured
so that the back
straps are similarly adjustable. Similarly, it is contemplated herein that the
strap systems
described above for which the back straps are adjustable may be reconfigured
so that the side
straps are similarly adjustable.
1001681 Turning to FIGS. 86-87, various aspects of coupling and decoupling the
strap system
82 and crown 84 are shown. Strap system 82 is substantially similar to the
other strap systems
described herein except for the differences described and depicted herein.
Crown 84 is
substantially similar to the other crowns described herein except for the
differences described
and depicted herein. Crown 84 includes one or more recesses or apertures to
facilitate a user
accessing front clip 52 (FIG. 86) and back clip 54 (FIG. 87).
1001691 Turning to FIGS. 88-95, various aspects of clips that couple
to an exterior surface of
outer shell 90 are shown. Outer shell 90 is substantially the same as outer
shell 20 except for the
differences described and depicted herein. Clip 900 is secured to an aperture
30 on a side portion
of outer shell 90. Clip 900 includes a base 902 and actuating arm 904. Arm 904
is biased
towards base 902. Arm 904 and base 902 collectively define aperture 906, into
which objects
(e.g., pencils, safety glasses) can be secured to clip 900.
1001701 Turning to FIGS. 89-90, various aspects of clips 920 and 940 are
shown. Clip 920
and clip 940 are substantially similar to clip 900 except for the differences
described and
depicted herein.
1001711 Turning to FIGS. 91-95, various aspects of clip 960 are
shown. Clip 960 is
substantially similar to clip 900, clip 920 and clip 940 except for the
differences described and
depicted herein. Clip 960 includes lower arm 962, which is biased towards base
970. Lower
arm 962 and base 970 collectively define lower aperture 964. Clip 960 also
includes upper arm
966, which is biased towards base 970. Upper arm 966 and base 970 collectively
define upper
aperture 968.
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1001721 In use, lower aperture 964 receives a pen (best shown FIG. 92). Pen
can be inserted
into lower aperture 964 via pushing the pen against the bottom of lower arm
962 until lower arm
962 is biased away from base 970 and pen is inserted. Alternatively, pen can
be inserted into
lower aperture 964 by sliding the pen longitudinally into the lower aperture
964. Similarly, a
carpenter's pencil can also be inserted into lower aperture (FIG. 93), as can
safety glasses (FIG.
95). Similarly, a small diameter pencil may be inserted into upper aperture
968 (FIG. 95).
1001731 Turning to FIGS. 96-97, various aspects of crown 170 are shown. Crown
170 is
substantially similar to crown 100 except for the differences described and
depicted herein.
Lower portion 178 of middle frame 172 extends distance 174 further from the
user's head than
upper portion 176 of middle frame 172. Described another way, middle frame 172
defines a
recess 180, into which objects can be inserted without being biased against
the user's head,
thereby reducing discomfort to the user. For example, arms of safety glasses
can be inserted
within recess above the user's ears, the safety glass arms are not biased by
middle frame 172
against the user's head (although the safety glass arms themselves may bias
towards the user's
head to secure the safety glasses to the user's head).
1001741 Referring to FIGS. 98-103, various aspects of a system for coupling
safety headwear,
shown as coupling system 600, are shown. In various embodiments, coupling
system 600
includes strap system 610, clip 612, receiver 614, receiver 616, helmet 620,
cushion 630, and
suspension system 640. In various embodiments coupling system 600 is coupled
to the outer
shell of a hard hat. Strap system 610 is similar to the other strap systems
described herein except
as shown and described. Suspension system 640 is similar to the other
suspension systems
described herein except as shown and described.
1001751 In a specific embodiment, coupling system 600 for safety headwear
includes a
suspension system (e.g., suspension system 640), a strap system (e.g., strap
system 610 or strap
system 200 in FIG. 23), a clip (e.g., clip 546 in FIG. 78), and a receiver
(e.g., receiver 542 in
FIG. 78). The suspension system 640 is configured to couple to safety
headwear, such as helmet
620.
1001761 The strap system is configured to couple the suspension system to a
head of a person.
Strap system 200 includes a first strap (e.g., back strap 204). A clip, such
as clip 546, is coupled
to the first strap.
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1001771 In a specific embodiment, coupling system 600 includes a strap system,
a clip, and a
receiver. The strap system is configured to couple the suspension system to a
head of a person.
1001781 It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary
embodiments in
detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not
limited to the details or
methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It
should also be understood
that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be
regarded as limiting.
1001791 Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects
of the invention
will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description.
Accordingly, this
description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and
arrangements, shown in
the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments
have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations
in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various
elements, values of
parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject
matter described
herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of
multiple parts or
elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and
the nature or number
of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or
sequence of any process,
logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative
embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may
also be made in
the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary
embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
1001801 Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any
method set forth
herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific
order. Accordingly,
where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its
steps or it is not
otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are
to be limited to a
specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be
inferred. In addition, as used
herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more component or
element, and is not
intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly
coupled" refers to two
components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in
a fixed
positional relationship when acted upon by a force.
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WO 2022/016040
PCT/US2021/041941
1001811 Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any
of the features,
and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future
applications. Any of the
features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed
above may be
utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or
components of any of the
other embodiments discussed above.
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