Safety Helmet

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Indian Application No. 202411031037, filed Apr. 18, 2024, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An example embodiment relates generally to a helmet, and more particularly, to a safety helmet having an attachment for a face shield.

In various industrial applications, a safety helmet is an important component of personal protective equipment (PPE). The safety helmet is provided to workers in various industrial arenas such as production facilities, utilities, and industrial settings. Some of the present safety helmets are provided with face shields. The face shields are employed to protect the worker's face while performing one or more operations that may require protection to the worker's face. However, current face shields have complex attachment for opening or closing the face shields. In addition, the complexity in the attachment may present challenges to maintain the face shield in either a used position or a stowed position. Also, the complexity may involve potential risks, as there are chances of the face shield unexpectedly falling from the stowed position to the used position, thereby creating multiple consequences.

Applicant has identified numerous areas of improvement in the existing technologies and processes, which are the subjects of embodiments described herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein.

The following presents a summary of some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. It will also be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described in the detailed description that is presented later.

In an exemplary embodiment, a safety helmet is disclosed. The safety helmet comprises an outer shell, a snap plug attached to or monolithic with a first side of the outer shell. Further, the snap plug comprises a first aperture and a cam profile, a screw element comprising a first portion and a second portion. Further, the first portion comprises a plurality of threads and the second portion comprises a protrusion, a crown comprising a face shield and coupled to the snap plug via the screw element. Further, the crown comprises a second aperture, and a knob comprising a cavity, the knob comprising inner threads within the cavity. Further, the first portion of the screw element is positioned within the first aperture of the snap plug, the second aperture of the crown, and the cavity of the knob. Further, the protrusion is configured to engage with the cam profile of the snap plug such that upon rotation of the face shield, the protrusion moves from a first position to a second position of the cam profile to change a position of the face shield.

In some embodiment, the cam profile comprises one or more grooves configured to provide resistive movement to the protrusion of the screw element. In some embodiments, the second portion of the screw element further comprises a block element. Further, the block element is positioned within the second aperture of the crown. In some embodiments, the block element has a shape that corresponds to a shape of the second aperture of the crown. In some embodiment, when the protrusion is positioned in the first position of the cam profile, the face shield is in a stowed position. Further, when the protrusion is positioned in the second position of the cam profile, the face shield is in a deployed position.

In some embodiment the crown further comprises a first end and a second end. Further, the first end is attached to the first side of the outer shell and the second end is attached to a second side of the outer shell. In some embodiment, at least one of the first end and the second end of the crown are detachably positioned between the snap plug and the knob.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the screw element defines a diameter (D) of 6.35 mm and the inner threads of the knob defines a diameter (D) of 8 mm. Further, the diameter Dis smaller than the diameter D. In some embodiments, the first aperture and the second aperture defines a diameter (D) of 10.5 mm and (D) of 10.5 mm, respectively. In some embodiments, the diameter Dis smaller than the diameter Dof the first aperture and diameter Dof the second aperture.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method comprises steps of receiving, via a first aperture of a snap plug and a second aperture of a crown, a plurality of threads of a screw element within inner threads of a knob. The method further comprises steps of engaging, a protrusion of the screw element with a cam profile of the snap plug. Further, the method comprises steps of moving, via a face shield installed with the crown, the protrusion from a first position to a second position of the cam profile to change a position of the face shield.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.

Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.

The phrases “in various embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments or it may be excluded.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a safety helmet. Embodiments may comprise an outer shell, a snap plug may be attached to or may be monolithic with a first side of the outer shell. Embodiments may further comprise a first aperture and a cam profile. Embodiments may comprise a screw element that may further comprise a first portion and a second portion. Embodiments may further comprise a plurality of threads and a protrusion. Embodiments may comprise a crown having a face shield and may be configured to couple to the snap plug, via the screw element. Embodiments may further comprise a second aperture. Embodiments may comprise a knob having a cavity. Embodiments may comprise inner threads within the cavity. Embodiments may be configured to position the first portion of the screw element within the first aperture of the snap plug, the second aperture of the crown, and the cavity of the knob. Embodiments may be configured to engage the protrusion with the cam profile of the snap plug such that upon rotation of the face shield, the protrusion may be configured to move from a first portion to a second portion of the cap profile to change a position of the face shield.

illustrates a side view of a safety helmet, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the safety helmetmay comprise an outer shell, a crowncomprising a face shield, and a knob.

In some embodiments, the safety helmetmay be configured to be worn by a user over a head of the user. Further, the outer shellof the safety helmetmay be configured to protect the user's head from various hazards. Further, the hazards may include but not limited to falling of objects and other external impacts. In some embodiments, the outer shellmay be composed of one or more materials. The materials may be selected from a group of materials such as, but not limited to metals, plastic, alloys and alike. In some embodiments, the outer shellmay be crafted with a shape that may include but not limited to a hemi-spherical shape or any other shape known in the art. In some embodiments, the shape of the outer shellmay be selected such that the safety helmetperfectly fits on the user's head.

In some embodiments, the safety helmetmay further comprise a first sideand a second side (not shown) i.e., right side of the safety helmetand left side of the safety helmet. In at least one example, the first sideof the safety helmetmay be installed with at least one strap (not shown) and may be connected towards the second side. Further, the at least one strap may be accessed by the user to secure the safety helmetwith the user's head by securing the at least one strap with the second side of the safety helmetvia at least one latch (not shown). Further, the at least one strap may be composed of one or more materials that may provide comfort to the user while wearing the safety helmet.

In at least another example, the safety helmetmay comprise a padding (not shown), a peakand a posterior shield (not shown). Further, the padding may be configured to provide comfort to the user while wearing the safety helmetover the user's head. In some embodiments, the padding may be composed of a material that may include but not limited to foam, one or more air bladders etc. Further, the peakmay be configured to extend a surface area of the safety helmetwhile protecting the user's head from the hazards or from sunlight. In some embodiments, the posterior shield may be configured to protect the user's head from the hazards present behind the user's head.

As illustrated in, the safety helmetmay further comprise the crown. Further, the crownmay be configured to be attached with the outer shellof the safety helmet. In some embodiments, the crownmay further comprise a first endand a second end (not shown). In some embodiments, the first endof the crownmay be configured to be attached with the first sideof the outer shell. Further, the second end (not shown) of the crownmay be configured to be attached with the second side of the outer shell.

In some embodiments, the crownmay further comprise the face shield. In some embodiments, the face shieldmay be configured to protect a user's face from various hazards. In some embodiments, the various hazards may comprise emission of heat from various industrial processes, exposure to objects having sharp edges and a collision with objects. In some embodiments, the face shieldmay be attached with the first sideand the second side of the outer shell. Further, the face shieldmay be configured to attach to the outer shell, via the crown. In at least one example, the face shieldmay be configured to cover the user's face while performing one or more tasks, such as machining operations, operations involving chemicals, etc. that may require protection to the user's face.

In some embodiments, the face shieldmay be constructed with a material that may be selected from a group of materials such as, but is not limited to, polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene, and any other material known in the art. It may be noted that the materials for making the face shieldmay be selected carefully as the face shieldmay demand durability and rigidity as the user may be exposed to various external factors that may physically damage the face shield. Further, the various external factors may include scratches from sharp objects or dropping from a particular height, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the crownmay be attached with the outer shellthrough an attachment mechanism. Further, the attachment mechanismmay be configured to couple the first endof the crownat the first sideof the outer shell. Further, the attachment mechanismmay be configured to enable rotational movement of the crownrelative to the outer shell. In some embodiments, during the rotational movement of the crown, the face shieldmay be configured to position at a first positionand a second position. Further, the first positionand the second positionof the face shieldmay correspond to a stowed position and a used position, respectively.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismmay comprise the knob. Further, the knobmay be configured to fasten the first endof the crownwith the first sideof the outer shell. In some embodiments, the knobmay further comprise one or more protruded regions. Further, the one or more protruded regionsmay be configured to provide a grip to enable positioning of the knobin proximity to the first endof the crown. In some embodiments, the knobmay be composed of a material that may comprise at least one of a polycarbonate, or any other engineering plastics known in the art.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismmay further comprise a snap plug. In some embodiments, the snap plug, such as a proximal end of the snap plug, may be attached to or monolithic with the first sideof the outer shell. In some embodiments, the snap plug, such as a distal end of the snap plug, may comprise a first apertureand a cam profile().

illustrates an exploded view of the attachment mechanism, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates another exploded view of the attachment mechanism, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.are described in conjunction with.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismmay further comprise the snap plug. Further, in at least one example, the snap plugmay be configured to attach with the first sideof the outer shell. In another example, the snap plugmay be monolithic with the first sideof the safety helmet. Further, the snap plugmay be molded with the outer shellby using one or more molding processes (i.e., injection molding, heat molding, etc.). In some embodiments, the snap plugmay be crafted with a material that may include but not limited to polycarbonate or other engineering plastics. In at least one example, the second side of the outer shellmay also be attached or monolithic with the snap plug.

In some embodiments, the snap plugmay be attached to the outer shellvia a slot. In some embodiments, the slotmay be crafted with a shape that may include but not limited to a rectangular shape, square shape or like. In some embodiments, the slotmay further define a length (L) of 30 mm, a width (W) of 3.5 mm and a thickness of 13 mm. In some embodiments, the slotmay be configured to receive the snap plug.

In some embodiments, the snap plugmay further comprise a first apertureand the cam profile. In some embodiments, the first apertureand the cam profilemay be crafted on the snap plugby one or more processes (i.e., machining, molding, etc.). In some embodiments, the first aperturemay be crafted with a shape that may include but not limited to a circular shape, oval shape, chamfered shape or like. Further, the first apertureprovided on the snap plugmay define a diameter (D) of 10.5 mm. In some embodiments, the cam profilemay define a thickness (T) of 3 mm and a radius of curvature (R) of 9.3 mm.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanismmay further comprise a screw element. In some embodiments, the first apertureof the snap plugmay be configured to receive the screw element. Further, the screw elementmay be configured to engage with the snap plug. Further, the screw elementmay comprise a first portionand a second portion. In some embodiments, the first portionof the screw elementmay be configured to pass through the first apertureto engage the screw elementwith the snap plugand the knob. In some embodiments, the first portionof the screw elementmay define a diameter (D) of 6.35 mm. Further the first portionof the screw elementmay further comprise a plurality of threads. Further, the plurality of threadsof the first portionof the screw elementmay correspond to a plurality of external threads. Further, the plurality of threadsmay be machined on the first portionof the screw elementby using one or more machining tools.

In some embodiments, the second portionof the screw elementmay comprise a protrusionas shown in. In some embodiments, the protrusionmay be imposed on an extended partof the second portionof the screw element. Further, the protrusionmay be crafted with a shape that may include but not limited to a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, or like. The protrusionmay extend in a direction that is parallel to an axis defined by the first portionof the screw element. Further, the protrusionof the screw elementmay be configured to engage with the cam profileof the snap plug, when the first portionof the screw elementis positioned within the first aperture. In some embodiments, the protrusionmay be crafted with dimensions such that the protrusionsnugly fits into the cam profile.

In some embodiments, the cam profilemay further comprise a first position(as illustrated in) and a second position. In some embodiments, the protrusionmay be configured to move from the first positionof the cam profileto the second positionof the cam profileand from the second positionof the cam profileto the first positionof the cam profile, when applied with an external force. In some embodiments, the cam profilemay further comprise one or more grooves. In some embodiments, the one or more groovesmay be configured to resist movement of the protrusionwhile moving from the first positionof the cam profileto the second positionof the cam profileand from the second positionof the cam profileto the first positionof the cam profile.

As illustrated in, the crownmay further comprise a second aperture. Further, the second aperturemay be crafted on the first endof the crown by one or more processes (i.e., machining, molding, etc.). In some embodiments, the second aperturemay be crafted with a shape that may include but not limited to a rectangular shape, a circular shape, oval shape, chamfered shape or like. Further, the second apertureprovided on the crownmay define a diameter (D) of 10.5 mm. Further, the diameter Dmay be smaller than the diameter Dof the first apertureand diameter Dof the second aperture.

In some embodiments, the second portionof the screw elementmay further comprise a block element. In some embodiments, the block elementof the second portionof the screw elementmay be configured to be positioned within the second apertureof the crown, when the plurality of threadsof the screw elementis positioned within the first apertureof the snap plugand the second apertureof the crown. Further, the block elementmay be composed of one or more shapes. Further, the one or more shapes may comprise at least one of a rectangular shape, a circular shape, oval shape, chamfered shape or like. In some embodiments, the block elementmay have a shape the may correspond to the shape of the second aperture.

As illustrated in, the attachment mechanismmay further comprise the knob. Further, the knobmay be configured to be engaged with the screw element. In some embodiments, the knobmay further comprise a cavity. Further, the cavitymay be configured to receive the first portionof the screw element. In some embodiments, the cavitymay be machined on the knobby one or more machining tools. Further, the cavitymay be crafted with a shape the may include but not limited to a cylindrical shape, a circular shape, etc. In some embodiments, the knobmay further comprise inner threads. Further, the inner threadsmay be machined inside the cavity. In some embodiments, the knobmay be configured to be fastened with the second portionof the screw element.

In some embodiments, the inner threadsmay be fastened with the plurality of threadsof the second portionof the screw element, upon application of a rotational force on the knob. In some embodiments, the inner threadsmay define a diameter (D) of 8 mm. Further, the diameter Dmay be smaller than the diameter D, such that the plurality of threadsare coupled with the inner threads. In some embodiments, the inner threadsmay be crafted inside the cavityby using one or more tools such as but not limited to a taping tool, or like. In some embodiments, upon fastening of the knobwith the second portionof the screw element, the crownmay get attached with the snap plug.

In some embodiments, upon fastening of the knobwith the first portionof the screw element, the block elementof the screw elementgets positioned within the second apertureof the crown. Further, the face shieldmay be positioned at a first position or a second position, upon application of an external force by the user. In some embodiments, the first position may correspond to a stowed position. Further, the second position may correspond to a used position as shown in.

illustrates a side view of the safety helmetwhen the face shieldis at the first position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates a side view of the snap plugwhen the protrusionis at the first positionof the cam profile, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the face shieldmay be rotated by the user at the first positionto the second position. Further, when the face shieldmay be positioned at the first position, the crownmay be positioned at a predefined threshold angle (approximately 90 degrees relative to a rim of the safety helmet, such as at least 75 degrees and up to 105 degrees relative to a rim of the safety helmet). In some embodiments, the first positionmay correspond to the stowed position (as illustrated in). In at least one example, the face shieldmay be positioned by the user at the first positionthat is used while performing one or more tasks that may not require protection to the user's face, such as lifting objects, moving from one zone to another or packaging manufactured goods.

In some embodiments, when the face shieldmay be positioned at the stowed position, the protrusionof the screw elementmay be configured to be positioned at the first positionwithin the cam profile. Further, the protrusionmay be configured to lock at the first positionwhen the face shieldmay be positioned at the stowed-out position. In some embodiments, the first positionof the protrusionmay correspond to a right-most position within the cam profile(as illustrated in). In some embodiments, the one or more groovesmay be configured to provide resistance to the protrusionwhile positioned at the first positionwithin the cam profile.

illustrates a side view of the safety helmetwhen the face shieldis at the second position, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.illustrates a side view of the snap plugwhen the protrusionis at the second positionof the cam profile, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the face shieldmay be rotated by the user from the first positionto the second position. Further, when the face shieldmay be rotated at the second position, the crownmay be positioned at a predefined threshold angle (approximately 10-degrees) relative to the safety helmet. In some embodiments, the second positionmay correspond to the used position. In at least one example, the face shieldmay be positioned by the user at the used position while performing one or more tasks that may require protection to the user's face, such as machining operations, operations involving chemicals, etc. that may require protection to the user's face.

In some embodiments, when the face shieldmay be positioned at the used position, the protrusionof the screw elementmay be configured to move from the first positionto the second positionwithin the cam profile. Further, the protrusionmay be configured to get locked at the second positionwhen the face shieldmay be positioned at the used position. In some embodiments, the second positionof the protrusionmay correspond to a left-most position within the cam profile(as illustrated in). In some embodiments, the one or more groovesmay be configured to provide resistance to the protrusionwhile positioned at the second positionwithin the cam profileto avoid accidental movement of the face shield.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed. Further, the method may comprise one or more operations. At first operation, the plurality of threadsof the screw elementmay be received within the inner threadsof the knob, by the first apertureof the snap plugand the second apertureof the crown. Further, the screw elementmay be engaged with the first apertureof the snap plug. Further, the first endof the crownmay be machined with the second aperturethat may be configured to be coupled with the first portionof the screw element. Further, the first portionof the screw elementmay be provided with the plurality of threads.

In some embodiments, the knobmay comprise the cavityand may be configured to be fastened with the first portionof the screw element. Further, the cavitymay comprise the inner threadsthat may be configured to be fastened with the plurality of threadsto attach the knobwith the screw element. For example, a safety helmetconfigured to be worn by a construction worker. Further, the first sideof the safety helmetis installed with a snap plughaving the first aperture. Further, the first apertureis positioned with the screw elementhaving plurality of threads. Further, when the screw elementis positioned inside the first aperture, a crownhaving the second apertureis configured to engage with the screw element.