U.S. patent application number 13/423802 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for protective headgear assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sellstrom Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to Kenneth P. Lemke, Mark Edward Miller, James A. Piper, Daniel Ryan Somen.
Application Number | 20120174287 13/423802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39674370 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120174287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lemke; Kenneth P. ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR ASSEMBLY
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to protective headgear
worn by a user to protect his eyes, head, and face. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to a protective
headgear assembly used by welders and the like wherein a headgear
strap can be tightened or loosened upon the ratcheting of a knob
connected to the headgear strap. The headgear strap can also be
automatically disengaged for removal of the headgear by pulling the
knob away from the user's head.
Inventors: |
Lemke; Kenneth P.;
(Algonquin, IL) ; Piper; James A.; (St. Charles,
IL) ; Miller; Mark Edward; (Oswego, IL) ;
Somen; Daniel Ryan; (Chicago, IL) |
Assignee: |
Sellstrom Manufacturing
Company
Palatine
IL
|
Family ID: |
39674370 |
Appl. No.: |
13/423802 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11670024 |
Feb 1, 2007 |
8161576 |
|
|
13423802 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/145 20130101;
A61F 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/209.11 |
International
Class: |
A42B 1/22 20060101
A42B001/22 |
Claims
1. A quick-release system for changing the circumference of a
headgear strap comprising: a gear system rotatable about a central
axis comprising a drive gear and a lock gear, said lock gear
interacting with said drive gear whereby said gear system operates
in a first state and in a second state, said gear system configured
such that in said first state said lock gear is engaged with said
drive gear and in said second state said lock gear is disengaged
from said drive gear; a knob capable of movement along said central
axis and operably connected to said lock gear; and a spring biasing
said knob such that said gear system is biased to said first state
but allows said gear system to be moved to said second state
through movement of said knob along said central axis.
2. The quick-release system of claim 1 wherein said movement of
said knob along said central axis is substantially linear and away
from said drive gear.
3. The quick release system of claim 1 further comprising a ratchet
assembly operably connected to and fixed relative to said drive
gear and provides resistance to rotation of said knob about said
central axis and fixed substantially concentrically about said
central axis.
4. The quick release system of claim 1 wherein rotation of said
drive gear about said central axis changes the circumference of the
headgear strap.
5. The quick release system of claim 1 wherein the spring is
located between the lock gear and the ratchet system.
6. The quick release system of claim 1 further comprising a
cylindrical portion of an outer housing, said cylindrical portion
having walls and a top defining a cavity in which said gear system
resides, said walls and top restricting movement of said lock gear
between the first state and the second state.
7. The quick release system of claim 1 wherein said drive gear,
said lock gear rotate about said central axis in response to
rotation of said knob when said system in the first state.
8. A device for varying a circumference of a headgear strap, said
device comprising: an adjustment knob; and a housing comprising an
inner housing section, an outer housing section, and a gear
mechanism, said outer housing section defining a cavity containing
said gear mechanism and capable of connection to said inner housing
section to surround a portion of said headgear strap; wherein said
gear mechanism is operable to repeatedly engage and disengage from
said headgear strap to vary and maintain the circumference of the
headgear strap.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the adjustment knob is attached to
said gear mechanism through an opening in said outer housing
section.
10. The device of claim 8 wherein the cavity of said outer housing
section is defined by a cylindrical portion extending away from
said inner housing section.
11. A headgear strap attachment for fastening a piece of protective
headgear to a strap, said attachment comprising: a pivot post and
handle, said pivot post extending through an opening in said piece
of headgear and removably coupling with said handle to retain said
piece of headgear to said strap; and a side pivot device comprising
a first adjustment portion and a second adjustment portion; said
first adjustment portion including a plurality of holes that
interact with a first pin on said piece of headgear; and said
second adjustment portion including a pair of spring arms that
interact with a second pin on said strap to restrain the piece of
headgear in an open or closed position.
12. The headgear strap of claim 11 further comprising a plurality
of mounting holes for further adjustment of the piece of
headgear.
13. A head strap for use in conjunction with a piece of protective
headgear comprising: a quick release mechanism comprising: a gear
system rotatable about a central axis comprising a drive gear and a
lock gear, said lock gear interacting with said drive gear whereby
said gear system operates in a first state and in a second state,
said gear system configured such that in said first state said lock
gear is engaged with said drive gear and in said second state said
lock gear is disengaged from said drive gear; a knob capable of
movement along said central axis and operably connected to said
lock gear; and a spring biasing said knob such that said gear
system is biased to said first state but allows said gear system to
be moved to said second state through movement of said knob along
said central axis; and a strap attachment comprising: a pivot post
and handle, said pivot post extending through an opening in said
piece of headgear and removably coupling with said handle to retain
said piece of headgear to said strap; and a side pivot device
comprising a first adjustment portion and a second adjustment
portion; said first adjustment portion including a plurality of
holes that interact with a first pin on said piece of headgear; and
said second adjustment portion including a pair of spring arms that
interact with a second pin on said strap to restrain the piece of
headgear in an open or closed position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/670,024 filed Feb. 1, 2007, entitled "Protective
Headgear Assembly".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to protective
headgear worn by a user to protect his eyes, head, and face. More
particularly, the present invention is directed to a protective
headgear assembly used by welders wherein a headgear strap can be
tightened or loosened upon the ratcheting of a knob connected to
the headgear strap. The headgear strap can also be automatically
loosened for removal of the headgear by pulling the knob away from
the user's head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It has become commonplace for protective headgear to be worn
while a user is undertaking a number of different activities.
Frequently, there are safety-related laws or standards that require
certain types of protective headgear to be worn, depending on the
occupation or activity a user performs. Different types of
protective headgear are generally known in the art. Certain
activities, such as welding, require the wearing of protective
headgear, i.e., a welding helmet, to protect the user's head, neck,
face, and eyes. Other examples of protective headgear include
bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets, or helmets used during
sporting activities.
[0004] Protective headgear used for different purposes can differ
greatly in their design. Generally though, protective headgear will
include: (1) a protective body, i.e., a helmet, to cover the user's
head, (2) a type of headgear strap attached to the helmet to enable
the headgear to remain on the user's head during use, and (3) a
suspension system to separate the user's head from the helmet.
Specifically with regard to welding, the user must also protect his
eyes from dangerous sparks, heat, infrared and ultraviolet rays
emitted when welding, while still remaining able to see in front of
him. Accordingly, the protective headgear worn while welding
further includes a face portion that acts to shield a user's face
while allowing the user to see through the face portion to view his
work. In addition, protective headgear worn while welding should
enable the user to pivot the helmet portion of the headgear while
the suspension system and headgear strap remain on the user's
head.
[0005] The headgear strap is typically adjustable to enable the
user to change the length of the strap to conform to the
circumference of the user's head. An adjustable headgear strap
allows the protective headgear to fit comfortably and securely
during use, which is imperative during dangerous practices such as
welding. The strap can be of closed loop formation, or utilize a
type of ratchet mechanism that enables the length of the strap to
be adjusted manually.
[0006] While ratchet mechanisms are generally known in the art and
allow a user to manually loosen or tighten the headgear strap, none
utilize a single mechanism that can allow for both adjustment of
the size and fit of the headgear strap, and the ability to
disengage the entire mechanism for automatic loosening of the
headgear strap so that the protective headgear can be pulled off
the user's head. Without a single quick-release mechanism, it can
often be awkward and take needless time to ratchet the mechanism to
loosen the headgear strap. Moreover, in the event of a need to
remove the protective headgear quickly, such as in the event of an
accident or other emergency, users, such as welders, should have a
simple mechanism to free themselves of the oftentimes heavy and
restrictive headgear.
[0007] There is a need to provide a protective headgear assembly
with a headgear strap that can be easily adjusted for length to
enable a user to be able to wear the protective headgear assembly
securely.
[0008] There is also a need for a protective headgear assembly that
can be removed in a simple, quick and efficient manner.
[0009] There is also a need for a protective headgear assembly
wherein the helmet can pivot from a closed position (during use) to
an open position (when not in use) while the headgear strap and
suspension system remain in place on the user's head.
[0010] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a protective
headgear assembly wherein the headgear strap can be both adjusted
for length and disengaged utilizing a single mechanism. By use of a
single mechanism, a user can perform both actions in an easy and
straightforward way.
[0011] It is also desirable to provide a protective headgear
assembly wherein the helmet is capable of pivoting from a closed
position (during use) to an open position (when not in use) while
the headgear strap and suspension system remain in place on the
user's head.
[0012] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a
protective headgear assembly which effectively addresses the
aforementioned shortcomings associated with prior apparatuses of
this general type, as well as to provide the above-mentioned
desirable features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be
set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as
well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional
advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by
methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written
description and claims thereof, as well as from the appended
drawings.
[0014] The present invention is generally embodied in a protective
headgear assembly. The protective headgear assembly may be utilized
for any application wherein a user desires to protect his eyes,
head and face. In particular, the present invention is directed to
a protective headgear assembly used to protect a user's eyes, head
and face during work procedures. For example, the protective
headgear assembly can be used by welders to protect the welders'
eyes, head and face during welding procedures.
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the protective headgear assembly comprises a protective body, a
headgear strap, and a quick-release ratchet mechanism. In the
preferred embodiment, the protective body is a helmet. It will be
appreciated that the protective body can also be a face shield.
[0016] The quick-release mechanism of the present invention
comprises a gear system and an adjusting knob. The headgear strap
fits around the circumference of a user's head in order to retain
the protective headgear apparatus securely on the user's head. The
quick-release mechanism is attached to the headgear strap and
allows the user to: (1) manually adjust the length of the headgear
strap, and (2) disengage the gear system in order for the user to
automatically loosen the headgear strap and quickly take the
protective headgear assembly off of his head. Specifically, the
knob can be ratcheted clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the
length of the headgear strap to ensure a secure fit on the user's
head. Turning the adjusting knob clockwise tightens the headgear
strap and locks it to a selected size. Turning the knob
counterclockwise loosens the headgear strap. In order for the user
to disengage the gear system to unlock the selected size and allow
for immediate headgear removal, the knob can be pulled away from
the user's head. The same pulling action away from the user's head
also can loosen the headgear strap to a selected size.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
protective headgear assembly further comprises an attaching
assembly. In this embodiment, the helmet is attached to the
headgear strap by means of attaching assemblies well known in the
art, such as, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,738, the
entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the helmet
can be attached to the headgear strap by means of a side-pivot
device. The side-pivot device allows for the helmet to pivot from a
closed position (during use) to an open position (when not in use)
while the headgear strap remains in place on the operator's head.
The side-pivot device limits the range of motion through which the
helmet can pivot and also provides a positive dented stop at either
end of the pivot path. The positive dented stops allow the helmet
to rest in an open or closed position until adjusted by the user.
The side-pivot device is distinctively a single piece that
interacts with both the headgear strap and a pivot post that holds
the device, strap and helmet together. It eliminates the need for a
separate locking bolt. In addition, the headgear strap is able to
accommodate the pivot device in two different positions. The
positions move the helmet closer or farther from the front of the
operator's head. The functionality of the pivot remains the same in
either position.
[0019] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
helmet can be attached to the headgear strap by means of a
multi-position stop construction on a first side of the helmet and
a detent cap construction on a second side of the helmet. In this
embodiment, a five-position stop pivots with the helmet. The
five-position stop limits travel of the helmet in both directions
as it interacts with the headgear strap. The closed position
(during use) of the helmet is determined by the interaction between
the five-position stop and a pin located on the helmet. In the
detent cap construction of this embodiment of the present
invention, a washer key and detent cap interact and lock together
to keep the helmet locked in an open (not in use) position. The
washer key and detent cap are unlocked when the helmet is in the
closed position.
[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Further features and
objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent in
the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the
appended claims.
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the
invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made
to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like
reference numerals, and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the protective headgear
assembly during use in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a quick-release
mechanism made in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the quick-release mechanism
of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the quick-release mechanism of
FIG. 2, illustrating lateral movement of the overlapping ends of
the headgear strap caused by rotation of the adjusting knob;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the quick-release mechanism of
FIG. 2, illustrating movement of the overlapping ends caused by
counterclockwise rotation of the adjusting knob;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the quick-release mechanism
of FIG. 2, illustrating movement of the adjusting knob and
disengagement of the gear system caused by the pulling of the
adjusting knob;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the adjusting knob
of the quick-release mechanism of FIG. 2 when the adjusting knob is
pulled, illustrating the disengagement of the gear system;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-position
stop construction made in accordance with the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the protective headgear
assembly illustrating the five-position stop engaged with the pin
affixed to the helmet;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a detent cap
construction made in accordance with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the detent cap construction
of FIG. 10, illustrating the washer key and the detent cap in a
locked position;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of detent cap construction of
FIG. 10, illustrating the washer key and the detent cap in an
unlocked position;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a side-pivot device made in
accordance with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the side-pivot device of
FIG. 13 connected to the headgear strap of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the side-pivot device of FIG.
13 in an open (not in use) position;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a detailed view of the side-pivot device of FIG.
13 in a closed (during use) position;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the side-pivot device of
FIG. 13 utilizing the front mounting hole of the headgear strap;
and
[0040] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the side-pivot device of
FIG. 13 utilizing the back mounting hole of the headgear strap.
[0041] It should be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the preferred embodiments illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-18, and upon review of this
description, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the
present invention generally may be embodied within numerous
configurations.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the protective headgear
assembly 10 during use on a user's head. As shown in the preferred
embodiment, the protective headgear assembly 10 generally includes:
a helmet 15 to protect the user's head and eyes; a suspension
system 12 to separate the user's head from the helmet; a headgear
strap 20; and a quick-release mechanism 25. It will be appreciated
that the helmet 15 can be any type of protective body that protects
a user's head and eyes, including, e.g., a face shield. It will
also be appreciated that the helmet 15 of the protective headgear
assembly 10 can be made of any hard material that resists impact.
For example, among other hard materials, the helmet 15 can be made
of metal, plastic, or resin fiber. The headgear strap 20 extends
around the circumference of the user's head and provides for a
secure and comfortable fit depending on the user's manual
adjustments. The quick-release mechanism 25 preferably is integral
to the headgear strap 20 and lies at the back of the user's head
during use.
[0044] Referring now to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 3, the quick-release mechanism 25 comprises: (1) an adjusting
knob 28 that enables a user to adjust the length of the headgear
strap 20; (2) a housing 30 to define an internal cavity for
receiving the headgear strap 20; and (3) a gear system 32 for
manipulation of the length of the headgear strap 20. In this
exemplary embodiment, the adjusting knob 28 has a first end 28a and
a second end 28b. The first end 28a provides a component that the
user can manipulate to adjust the length of the headgear strap 20.
The second end 28b includes a cylindrical opening that receives a
cylindrical covering 29 of the gear system 32. The cylindrical
covering 29 is positioned on the exterior side of an outer housing
section 30a. The second end 28b also comprises ratchet teeth (not
shown) that engage ratchet teeth 29a of the cylindrical covering
29. The outer housing section 30a and an inner housing section 30b
join to form the housing 30, as shown in FIG. 3, and collectively
define the internal cavity for receiving the headgear strap 20. It
will be appreciated that the housing 30 can be arc-shaped to fit
securely around the user's head. The quick-release mechanism 25 is
preferably held together by means of a rivet pin 26 that enters
through the first end 28a of the adjusting knob 28. The pin 26
holds the knob 28 adjacent to a lock gear 34 with a spring 31
interspersed between.
[0045] In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
gear system 32 of the quick-release mechanism 25 is comprised of a
drive gear 33 and the lock gear 34. The drive gear 33 comprises two
integral sides 33a and 33b. A first side 33a of the drive gear 33
preferably has radially inward projecting teeth which cooperate
with radially outward projecting teeth of the lock gear 34. A
second side 33b of the drive gear 33 preferably is a cog that
engages two overlapping ends 20a and 20b of the headgear strap 20.
The first end 20a and second end 20b of the headgear strap each
include lateral slots 21, 22 that have gripping teeth formed along
the periphery of each slot. The quick-release mechanism 25 further
preferably comprises the spring 31 positioned within the
cylindrical covering 29 which abuts a flange disposed on the
cylindrical covering 29 on one end, and the lock gear 34 at the
other end. The spring 31 biases the lock gear 34 into engagement
with the inward projecting teeth of the first side 33a of the drive
gear 33
[0046] The ratchet teeth 29a of the cylindrical covering 29 engaged
with the ratchet teeth of the second side of the adjusting knob 28b
restrict movement of the adjusting knob 28 by means of the spring
31. The lock gear 34 is rigidly connected to the adjusting knob 28.
Accordingly, manual turning of the adjusting knob 28 by a user (see
FIG. 3) causes the gear system 32 to turn and engage the gripping
teeth of the two lateral slots 21, 22 of the headgear strap 20, as
shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, when the user turns the adjusting
knob 28 clockwise, the first overlapping end 20a and the second
overlapping end 20b of the headgear strap 20 move toward one
another laterally to decrease the circumference of the headgear
strap 20. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user turns the
adjusting knob 28 counterclockwise, the first overlapping end 20a
and the second overlapping end 20b move away from one another
laterally to increase the circumference of the headgear strap 20.
The user must overcome sufficient torque provided by the spring 31
on the adjusting knob 28 in order to once again change the selected
size of the headgear strap 20. The gripping teeth of the two
lateral slots 21, 22 of the headgear strap 20 allow for incremental
tightening of the headgear strap 20. The user is accordingly able
to adjust the headgear strap 20 so as to have a secure fit around
his head. Once the user stops turning the adjusting knob 28 in
either direction, the ratchet teeth 29a of the cylindrical covering
29 engaged with the ratchet teeth of the second side of the
adjusting knob 28b prevents lateral movement of the overlapping
ends 20a, 20b of the headgear strap 20 and therefore locks the
headgear strap 20 into a selected size and fit around the user's
head.
[0047] Referring now to a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7,
the adjusting knob 28 of the quick-release mechanism 25 can further
be manually pulled in a direction away from the housing 30 to
disengage the gear system 32. When a user pulls the adjusting knob
28 in a direction away from the user's head, the lock gear 34 is
forced to separate from the drive gear 33, causing the drive gear
33 to be able to freely rotate and unlock the headgear strap 20
from the selected size. As a result, the first overlapping end 20a
and the second overlapping end 20b of the headgear strap 20 are
able to move away from one another without any ratcheting of the
adjusting knob 28. The user can simply pull the protective headgear
assembly 10 off of his head.
[0048] It will be appreciated that various attachment means can be
employed to affix the headgear strap 20 to the helmet 15. Referring
now to a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 8-10, the protective
headgear assembly 10 comprises a multi-position stop construction
40 on a first side of the helmet 15, and a detent cap construction
50 on a second side of the helmet 15. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,
the multi-position stop construction 40 comprises a knob 41, a
washer 42, a washer key 43, and a five-position stop 44, all
connected to the headgear strap 20 by means of a pivot post 45. The
five-pivot stop 44 comprises five adjustment holes 44a and pivots
with the helmet 15. It will be appreciated that any number of
adjustment holes 44a can be used in accordance with the present
invention. The adjustment holes 44a determine the position of the
helmet 15 with respect to the suspension system 12 and headgear
strap 20. A pin 46 is affixed to the helmet in order to receive an
adjustment hole 44a. The helmet 15 can be positioned closer or
farther from the face of the user depending on the placement of the
pin 46 into an adjustment hole 44a.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the detent cap construction 50 on the
second side of the helmet 15 comprises a knob 51, a washer 52, a
washer key 53, and a detent cap 54, all connected to the headgear
strap 20 by means of a pivot post 55. The detent cap 54 is
preferably comprised of at least one notch that matches and
interacts with at least one notch on the washer key 53. The washer
key 53 and the detent cap 54 rotate relative to each other. In
order to lock the helmet 15 into an open position, the user lifts
the helmet 15 until the washer key 53 and the detent cap 54 lock
together, as shown in FIG. 11. The user must overcome the force
necessary to unlock the washer key 53 and the detent cap 54 by
pulling the helmet 15 down into a closed position, see FIG. 12.
[0050] Referring now to an alternative embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 13-18, it will be appreciated that the helmet 15 of the
present invention can also be attached to the headgear strap 20 by
means of a side-pivot device 60, a pivot post 64, and a knob 65. As
shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the side-pivot device 60 comprises a pair
of spring arms 60a, 60b that interact with a series of pins 61 on
the headgear strap 20 to provide a dented stop at either end of the
pivot path. The spring arms 60a, 60b restrain the helmet 15 in
either an open (not in use) position (see FIG. 15), or a closed (in
use) position (see FIG. 16) until adjusted by the user. Further, as
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in this alternative embodiment, the
headgear strap 20 can accommodate the side-pivot device 60 in two
different positions by means of a pair of mounting holes 62, 63.
The mounting holes 62, 63 are provided on the headgear strap 20 so
that the helmet 15 may be selectively positioned closer or farther
from the front of the user's face. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates
the side-pivot device 60 attached to the headgear strap 20 by means
of the pivot post 64 received through the front mounting hole 62 of
the headgear strap 20, thereby positioning the helmet 15 farther in
front of the operator's head than if the side-pivot device 60 was
affixed to the back mounting hole 63 (see FIG. 18). The
functionality of the side-pivot device 60 remains the same in
either position.
[0051] It should be appreciated that merely preferred embodiments
of the invention have been described above. However, many
modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art, which will be within the
spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should
not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full
scope of the invention, the following claims should be
referenced.
* * * * *