EP3193650B1

EP3193650B1 - Flexible headband with self-adaptive functions

Info

Publication number: EP3193650B1
Application number: EP15774773.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jex ZHANG; Jie Zhu
Original assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Current assignee: Honeywell International Inc
Priority date: 2014-09-16
Filing date: 2015-09-15
Publication date: 2018-11-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-15
Also published as: WO2016044350A1; EP3193650A1; US20170245577A1; CN106998841A

Description

Background

The present specification relates to a headband of the type used in a head safety product such as a face shield, hardhat or welding helmet. More particularly, the specification is directed to a flexible headband with a self-adaptive function to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headgear.
United States Patent Publication No 2763006 describes a face shield removably mounted on a helmet, attached by a head band. The head band comprises a horizontal section and a nape-belt section, which can pivot.

Summary of the Disclosure

An improved headband includes a horizontal section configured to encircle the head and a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a circumference of the horizontal section. A nape-belt section depends from the horizontal section and is configured to cup the occipital area of the head. A flexible area is connected between the horizontal section and the nape-belt section. The flexible area provides spring-like or spring-biased action to pivotal movement of the nape-belt section relative to the horizontal section. A second adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the nape-belt section.
More specifically, the exemplary embodiment of an improved headband includes a flexible, spring-like section connected to the nape-belt section and a horizontal section of the headband, to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headband. The flexible section provides a spring-like flexibility to the nape-belt section, which extends downwardly from the horizontal section and has a concave rear surface contoured to conform to the shape of the head. The flexible, spring-like area is coupled between the nape-belt section and the horizontal section to buffer the tension between the headband and the head and more equally distribute pressure across the head. In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated, the flexible section is located in the forward part of the nape-belt section and is preferably formed of a rubber layer through a double-injection molding process.
Accordingly, among the objectives of the improved headband are to provide a headband that improves fit, function, stability and comfort.
Another objective is to provide a flexible headband that can fit more head contours.
Yet another objective is to provide a flexible nape-belt of a head band that micro-adjusts to meet various kinds of head shapes on the rear part of head contours.
Still another objective is to provide a cradle that cups the head below the equatorial region to provide an improved fit.
Yet another objective is to provide dynamic and self-adaptive adjustment happening at the same time as head movement especially head extension, which can reduce most interferences and discomforts, and maintain stability in these extreme movements.
Still another objective is to provide a headband that reduces the discomfort caused by ill-fitting equipment, for a better wearing experience especially during long-term wearing.
Finally, it is yet another objective to provide a headband which is readily adaptable to both new headgear and headgear already deployed in the field, and in various industries and consumer endeavors.
Other objects, features and advantages shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

Description of the Drawings

An exemplary embodiment will now be described further by way of example with reference to the following examples and figures, which are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting upon the scope of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of the headband on a hard hat;
Fig. 2 is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of the headband in isolation;
Fig. 3 is a right side view thereof illustrating the mobility of the flexible nape-belt;
Fig. 4 is a rear isometric view thereof, omitting the adjustment mechanism on the rear portion of the nape-belt section;
Fig. 5 is a close up view of the flexible area;
Fig. 6a is a right side view of the headband in an initial state;
Fig. 6b is a right side view thereof illustrating the difference between the initial state and the fully deflected state;
Fig. 7a illustrates a person with a flat occipital area of the back of the head;
Fig. 7b illustrates the deflection of the nape-belt on the person of Fig. 7a;
Fig. 8a illustrates a person with a rounded or bulged occipital area of the back of the head;
Fig. 8b illustrates the deflection of the nape-belt on the person of Fig. 8a;
Fig. 9 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the headband, using a belt buckle style flexible area;
Fig. 10 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the headband, using a spring as the flexible area; and
Fig. 11 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of the headband, using an elastic rubber area as the flexible area.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiment

Generally, an improved headband as illustrated and described herein includes a flexible, spring-like section connected to the nape-belt section and a horizontal section of the headband to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headband. The flexible section provides a spring-like flexibility to the nape-belt section, which extends downwardly from the horizontal section and has a concave rear surface contoured to conform to the shape of the head. The flexible, spring-like area is coupled between the nape-belt section and the horizontal section to buffer the tension between the headband and the head and more equally distribute pressure across the head. In an exemplary embodiment as illustrated, the flexible section is located in the forward part of the nape-belt section and is preferably formed of a rubber layer through a double-injection molding process. However, as shown in the other exemplary embodiments, other configurations of the headband are also contemplated where a similar flexible, spring-like section could be located in the rearward part of the nape-belt section.
Referring to Fig. 1, the first exemplary embodiment of the headband 10 is embodied in a hard hat product indicated, to secure the hard hat 12 to a wearer's head. While the first exemplary embodiment is illustrated in conjunction with a hard hat product, it should also be understood that the exemplary headband 10 is contemplated for use in other head safety products, including but not limited to face shields, welding helmets, head lamps, medical head gear and products, wearable head equipment, and consumer headgear and products.
Referring to Figs. 2-6b, the headband 10 components are preferably molded from a resilient plastic material and generally comprise the horizontal section 14 that encircles the head, a nape-belt section 16 extending downwards and rearwards to cup the occipital area of the head, an adjustment mechanism 14a for sizing the horizontal section 14 to a desired circumference to achieve a desired fit on the user's head, and a rack and pinion adjusting mechanism 18 for sizing the nape-belt section 16 to a desired fit on the user's head. A flexible area 20 is located in the forward part of the nape-belt section 16 and connected to the horizontal section 14.
The horizontal section 14 includes a front portion 22 that extends across a forehead area. The front portion 22 of the headband 10 preferably includes a cushioned pad extending across the brow area for the wearer's comfort.
The adjusting mechanism 14a of the horizontal section 14 is located on the front portion 22 of the horizontal section 14 and includes overlapping portions, which can be adjusted and secured for a proper size and fit against the wearer's forehead and temples.
The rack and pinion adjusting mechanism 18 of the nape-belt section 16 is centrally located on a rear portion of the nape-belt section 16 and has a well-known construction for sizing the nape-belt section 16 to a desired fit. As is well known, opposing sides of the rear portion of the nape-belt section 16 overlap at the rear and are captured within the adjusting mechanism 18. Turning the adjustment knob 24 in one direction pulls the band ends closer while turning the knob 24 in the other direction forces them apart.
The horizontal section 14 and nape-belt section 16 of the headband 10 are preferably molded from plastic.
Referring to Figs. 5, 6a and 6b, connected between the horizontal section 14 and nape-belt section 16 and forward of the nape-belt section 16 is a flexible area 20. The flexible area 20 may be formed by over-molding or double molding a rubber layer onto the plastic horizontal and nape- belt sections 14, 16 of the headband 10. The flexible area 20 is resilient and functions as a spring. At rest, as shown in Fig. 6a, the flexible area 20 draws the nape-belt section 16 inwards. However, as shown in Fig. 6b, the flexible area 20 permits the nape-belt section 16 to be deflected outwardly to accommodate to fit various contours of the human head.
For instance, Fig. 7a shows a wearer having a head 24a with a relatively flat back occipital region 26a. As shown in Fig. 7b, when the headband 10 is placed on the head 24a, the flexible area 20 draws the nape-belt section 14 inwards, providing a more secure and comfortable fit to the wearer.
As shown in Fig. 8a, a wearer having a head 24b with a rounded or protruding occipital area 26b requires a different fit. Referring to Fig. 8b, when the headband 10 is placed on this wearer's head 24b, the flexible area 20 allows the nape-belt section 16 to deflect outwardly to accommodate the rounded or protruding occipital area 26b of the wearer's head 24b, providing a more secure and comfortable fit to the wearer.
Referring to Fig. 9, a second exemplary embodiment of a headband is shown generally at 100. The headband 100 includes a fixed distance adjustment section 102 connected to the nape-belt section 16 and a horizontal section 14 of the headband 100 to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headband 100. The nape-belt section 16 includes a narrowed portion 104, or neck, connecting the nape-belt section 16 to the horizontal section 14, forming a recess. Depending from a rear portion of the horizontal section 14 and into the recess is an adjustment structure 106 with a mating formation, such as a pin, extending inwardly therefrom. A receiving structure 108 extends from the nape-belt section and into the recess, towards the horizontal section and the depending support structure 104. The mating formation of the support structure 104 is received into one of a number of reciprocal mating formations, such as adjustment holes, on the receiving structure 106, whereby deflection of the nape-belt 16 relative to the horizontal section 14 is fixed at a desired fit for the wearer.
Referring to Fig. 10, a third exemplary embodiment of a headband is shown generally at 200. The headband 200 includes a spring 202 connected to the nape-belt section 16 and a horizontal section 14 of the headband 200 to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headband 200. The nape-belt section 16 includes a narrowed portion 204, or neck, connecting the nape-belt section 16 to the horizontal section 14, forming a recess. Because the neck 204 on the nape-belt section 16 is narrowed it provides flex to the nape-belt section 16. The spring 202 extends across the recess formed in the nape-belt section 16 to the horizontal section 14, connecting the two sections 14, 16 together. The spring 202 buffers the tension between the headband 200 and the head and more equally distributes pressure across the head.
Referring to Fig. 11, a fourth exemplary embodiment of a headband is shown generally at 300. The headband 300 includes an elastic rubber layer 302 connected to the nape-belt section 16 and a horizontal section 14 of the headband 300 to improve the fit, function, stability and comfort of the headband 300. The nape-belt section 16 includes a narrowed portion 304, or neck, connecting the nape-belt section 16 to the horizontal section 14, forming a recess. Because the neck 304 on the nape-belt section 16 is narrowed it provides flex to the nape-belt section 16. The elastic rubber layer 302 extends across the recess formed in the nape-belt section 16, bridging the nape-belt section 16 and the horizontal section 14. The spring-like action of the elastic rubber layer 302 buffers the tension between the headband 300 and the head and more equally distributes pressure across the head.
In summary, it can be appreciated from the foregoing description and illustrations that the shape and position of the nape-belt section 16 is such that it gently cups the head below the equatorial region of the head and gently grips around the mastoid bone area (occipital area) creating a more secure fit for various shaped heads. The nape-belt section 16 configuration is completely passive and requires no additional effort by the end user to use or adjust, once the adjustment mechanisms 14a, 18 are set to the appropriate width. The adjustment mechanisms 14a, 18 are the same as currently known by the user, who thus requires no additional training. In use, the nape-belt section 16 deflects the appropriate amount depending on the shape of the wearer's head. The nape-belt section 16 is self-adjusting and aligning allowing it to gently conform in shape to the user's head and seat itself in a manner that equally distributes contact and pressure on the rear of the user's head. Because the nape-belt section 16 works in a cupping manner securely below the equatorial region of the head, it provides a secure fit and feeling with far less tension and pressure than a standard headgear arrangement.
Accordingly, among the objectives of the improved headband are to provide a headband that improves fit, function, stability and comfort; to provide a flexible headband that can fit more head contours, to provide a flexible nape-belt of a headband that micro-adjusts to meet various kinds of head shapes on the rear part of head contours; to provide dynamic and self-adaptive adjustment happening at the same time as head movement, especially head extension, which can reduce most interferences and discomforts, and maintain stability in these extreme movements; to provide a headband that reduces the discomfort caused by ill-fitting equipment for an improved wearing experience especially during long-term wearing; and to provide a headband which is readily adaptable to both new headgear and headgear already deployed in the field and in various industries and consumer endeavors.
For these reasons, the present flexible headband with self-adaptive function is believed to represent significant advancements in the art, which have substantial commercial merit.
While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the flexible headband, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A headband (10) comprising:
a horizontal section (14) encircling the head;

a nape-belt section (16) depending from the horizontal section configured and arranged to cup the occipital area of the head and having a pivotal movement relative to the horizontal section;
characterised in that the headband further comprises:
a flexible section (20) connected between the horizontal section and the nape-belt section, said flexible section spring-biasing the pivotal movement of the nape-belt section relative to the horizontal section.
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexible section (20) is forward of the nape-belt section (16).
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexible section (20) is in the rearward part of the nape-belt section (16).
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexible section (20) is a rubber layer (302).
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the flexible section (20) is a spring (202).
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the nape-belt section (16) is connected to the horizontal section (14) through a narrowed section (104).
The headband (10) of claim 1, further comprising a first adjustment mechanism (14a) configured and arranged to adjust a circumference of said horizontal section (14).
The headband (10) of claim 7, wherein the first adjusting mechanism (14a) includes overlapping portions.
The headband (10) of claim 1, further comprising a second adjustment mechanism (18) configured and arranged to adjust the nape-belt section (16).
The headband (10) of claim 9, wherein the second adjustment mechanism (18) is a rack and pinion adjusting mechanism.
The headband (10) of claim 1, wherein the horizontal section (14) and nape-belt section (16) are molded from plastic.
The headband (10) of claim 11, wherein the flexible section (20) is a rubber layer (302) overmolded onto the horizontal section (14) and nape-belt section (16).
The headband (10) of claim 1, further comprising:
a first adjustment mechanism (14a) configured and arranged to adjust a circumference of said horizontal section (14); and

a second adjustment mechanism (18) configured and arranged to adjust the nape-belt section (16);

wherein the flexible section (20) is formed from an elastic material overmolded on the horizontal section (14) and the nape-belt section (16), forward of the nape-belt section; and

wherein the horizontal section and nape-belt section are molded from plastic.
The headband (10) of claim 13, wherein the first adjusting mechanism (14a) includes overlapping portions.
The headband (10) of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second adjustment mechanism (18) is a rack and pinion adjusting mechanism.