US20200383416A1

US20200383416A1 - Adjustment Mechanism and Headband Arrangement for Flexible Helmet Headband

Info

Publication number: US20200383416A1
Application number: US16/434,279
Authority: US
Inventors: Matt C. Miller; Kevin R. Ketterer
Original assignee: MSA Technology LLC
Current assignee: MSA Technology LLC
Priority date: 2019-06-07
Filing date: 2019-06-07
Publication date: 2020-12-10
Also published as: WO2020247737A1

Abstract

An adjustment mechanism and headband arrangement are disclosed herein, the adjustment mechanism including an elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the elongated cord and configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to safety helmets for use in a variety of applications where head protection is desired, and in particular to an adjustment mechanism for an adjustable headband used in connection with such a safety helmet.

Description of the Related Art

As is known in the art, a variety of activities, workplace functions, and emergency situations require certain safety measures and equipment. Such activities, functions, and situations may include, for example, industrial or manufacturing activities, construction activities, rescue situations, and other instances where protection of the user's head via a safety helmet is of the utmost importance.
Safety helmets exist in a variety of shapes and configurations. In order to comfortably position the protective helmet body (or dome) of the safety helmet with respect to the user's head, each safety helmet is equipped with a suspension system. Existing suspension systems typically include: (1) a headband arrangement having a headband member that fits around the periphery of the user's head (normally just above the forehead area) and an adjustment mechanism for tightening and loosening the headband member with respect to a user's head; (2) multiple tabs, connected or connectable to the headband member, which are removably attachable in headband slots positioned on the inner surface of the helmet body; and (3) multiple straps connected between the tabs and extending across the headband member for contact with the top of the user's head.
There are various drawbacks and deficiencies with existing adjustment mechanisms. Many such existing mechanisms exhibit “slop” or “play” in the adjustment process. These existing adjustment mechanisms are often not effective in preventing inadvertent loosening of the headband member, whether during the adjustment process or while the safety helmet is worn. Other known headband arrangements involve a notched track configuration wherein an adjustment mechanism having a rotatable knob and a gear portion causes the headband member to tighten or loosen by traversing the track from one notch to another. Although such configurations eliminate the “slop” or “play” prevalent in the previously discussed “tab” and “slot” configuration, the user's ability to adjust the headband is limited by the geometrical configuration of the notched track and gear. Thus, existing adjustment mechanisms lack the ability to prevent inadvertent loosening, while enabling continuous (i.e., non-incremental) adjustability.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved adjustable headbands, and adjustment mechanisms for use with such adjustable headbands.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement, the adjustment mechanism including an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member and an unlocked state permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of length of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the adjustment mechanism further includes a lug having an opening configured to receive the elongated cord, the lug configured to prevent removal of the elongated cord from the locking member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the adjustment mechanism further includes a retention member configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the first end and second end of the elongated cord are connected and further configured to be received by the retention member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the adjustment mechanism further includes at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around a perimeter of the headband arrangement.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the locking member further includes a moveable element configured move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the locking member further includes an elastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element in the first position.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the moveable element.
According to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, provided is a headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the adjustment mechanism including: a headband element comprising a perimeter configured to be lengthened or shortened by an adjustment mechanism including: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured to extend around the perimeter of the headband element; at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around the perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member and an unlocked state permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the locking member further includes a moveable element configured to move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member in at least one longitudinal direction, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the locking member further includes an elastically deformable member configured to bias the compressible button in the second position.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the spring member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressible button.
According to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the adjustment mechanism including: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a cylindrical locking member comprising at least one tooth arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member, a rotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and a central post; wherein the second end of the elongated cord is connected to the headband arrangement and the first end of the elongated cord is connected to the central post, the central post configured to wind at least a portion of the elongated cord; and wherein the locking member is configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the at least one spring arm and the central post, the at least one tooth configured to allow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in a first direction in response to a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob, thereby enabling the second end of the elongated cord to wind around the central post, and the at least one spring member configured to engage the at least one tooth in a second direction, thereby preventing rotation of the central post and engaging the elongated cord in a locked position when no rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the adjustment mechanism further includes a retention member configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one spring arm is connected to a hub member, and the locking member is further configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the hub member.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one spring arm is cantilevered and configured to disengage the at least one tooth when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob in the direction of the engagement.
Further non-limiting examples or aspects will now be set forth in the following numbered clauses.
Clause 1. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.
Clause 2. The adjustment mechanism of clause 1, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
Clause 3. The adjustment mechanism of either clause 1 or 2, wherein, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.
Clause 4. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-3, further comprising a lug having an opening configured to receive the elongated cord, the lug configured to prevent removal of the elongated cord from the locking member.
Clause 5. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising a retention member configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of a shock absorbing headband arrangement.
Clause 6. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first end and second end of the elongated cord are connected and further configured to be received by a retention member.
Clause 7. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
Clause 8. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around a perimeter of the headband arrangement.
Clause 9. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the locking member further comprises a moveable element configured move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
Clause 10. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the locking member further comprises an elastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element in the first position.
Clause 11. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the moveable element.
Clause 12. A headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the headband arrangement comprising: a headband element comprising a perimeter configured to be lengthened or shortened by an adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured to extend around the perimeter of the headband element; at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around the perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.
Clause 13. The headband arrangement of clause 12, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
Clause 14. The headband arrangement of either clause 12 or 13, wherein, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.
Clause 15. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-14, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
Clause 16. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-15, wherein the locking member further comprises a moveable element configured move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member in at least one longitudinal direction, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.
Clause 17. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-16, wherein the locking member further comprises an elastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element in the second position.
Clause 18. The headband arrangement of any of clauses 12-17, wherein the spring member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressible button.
Clause 19. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the adjustment mechanism comprising: an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a cylindrical locking member comprising at least one tooth arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member, a rotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and a central post; wherein the second end of the elongated cord is connected to the headband arrangement and the first end of elongated cord is connected to the central post, the central post configured to wind at least a portion of the elongated cord; and wherein the locking member is configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the at least one spring arm and the central post, the at least one tooth configured to allow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in a first direction in response to a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob, thereby enabling the second end of the elongated cord to wind around the central post, and the at least one spring member configured to engage the at least one tooth in a second direction, thereby preventing rotation of the central post and engaging the elongated cord in a locked position when no rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob.
Clause 20. The adjustment mechanism of clause 19, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.
Clause 21. The adjustment mechanism of either clause 19 or 20, further comprising a retention member configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement.
Clause 22. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 19-21, wherein the at least one spring arm is connected to a hub member, and the locking member is further configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the hub member.
Clause 23. The adjustment mechanism of any of clauses 19-22, wherein the at least one spring arm is cantilevered and configured to disengage the at least one tooth when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob in the direction of the engagement.
These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having an adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectioned view of an elongated cord according to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having an adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable helmet headband having an adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband according to another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment mechanism and adjustable helmet headband of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the embodiments shown in the figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the invention can assume various alternative orientations.
All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.
Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio.
The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.
The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”.
The term “not greater than” is synonymous with “less than or equal to”.
As used herein, “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C.
The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”.
As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values.
As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” or “substantially perpendicular” mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values.
The present disclosure is directed to an adjustable headband arrangement 1 and an adjustment mechanism 2 that is used in connection with or as part of a headband arrangement 1. A non-limiting embodiment of the adjustment mechanism 2 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and further non-limiting embodiments of the adjustment mechanism 2 and its various components are shown in FIGS. 3-6. With reference to FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure is used in connection with or in a headband arrangement 1, which includes a headband member 3 with at least elongated cord 4 positioned on, for example, an end of the headband member 3. Further, this headband arrangement 1 is normally part of or used in connection with a suspension system for a safety helmet. In particular, and in order to allow the safety helmet to be used by a variety of people having differently shaped and sized heads, the headband member 1 must be adjustable. As discussed above, and in order to facilitate such adjustment, most headband arrangements 1 include some form of an adjustment mechanism. However, and as discussed more fully hereinafter, the adjustment mechanism 2 according to the present disclosure provides certain unique advantages and benefits as compared to the existing adjustment mechanisms and headband arrangements.
According to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism 2 includes an elongated cord 4 having a first end 5, a second end 6, and a major longitudinal axis L extending therebetween. A length of the elongated cord 4 extends between the first end 5 and second end 6 in a direction of the major longitudinal axis L, and is configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 through one or more channels 7. Although FIG. 1 depicts a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure with channels 7 that are integrated mechanical components affixed to the headband member 3, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments wherein the channels are separate from the headband member 3 itself, or altogether absent from the headband member 3.
In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the headband arrangement 1 of FIG. 1, a portion P of the length of the elongated cord 4 is received by and traverses through a first and second locking member 8 configured on either side of the adjustment mechanism 2. Each locking member 8 is further configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord 4 and interact with the elongated cord 4 between a locked state and an unlocked state. The interaction between the elongated cord 4 and the locking member 8 is enabled by at least one tooth 9 configured on the locking member 8 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L such that the elongated cord 4 may freely traverse through the locking member 8 when the first end 5 and/or second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 is pulled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In the locked state, movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8 is prevented. In the unlocked state, movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8 is permitted.
Although the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 1 includes two locking members 8 disposed on different sides of the adjustment mechanism 2 and configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord 4 at the first end 5 and second 6 of the elongated cord 4, alternate configurations are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 may traverse through a locking member 8, while the second end 6 is fixedly attached to the headband member 3 in a preferred location. Alternatively, two elongated cords 4 can be configured around the headband member 3, such that a second end 6 of each elongated cord 4 is fixedly attached to the headband member 3, while the first end 5 traverses through a locking member 8.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes a retention member 11 configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around the perimeter of the shock absorbing headband arrangement. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 1, either the first end 5 or second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 can be received and retained by retention member 11 to remove it from interfering or bothering the user. The retention member might be configured to receive the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4, the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4, or any combination thereof. Alternatively, the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 is either connected to, or seamlessly integrated with, the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4, and the resulting length of the elongated cord 4 disposed between the first end 5 and second end 6 can be retained by retention member 11.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 1 are depicted in a front view. A portion P of the length of the elongated cord 4 is clearly depicted as traversing through the locking member 8 along its longitudinal axis L. The first end 5 and second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 are shown to extend beyond the locking member 8 configuration, and are disposed below the headband arrangement 1. The front view of FIG. 2 depicts the engagement of the elongated cord 4 and at least one tooth 9 of the locking member 8. Specifically, the interaction of the at least one tooth 9 and elongated cord 4 is shown. In the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 2, the at least one tooth 9 of the locking member 8 is angled towards the first end 5 and second end 6 of the elongated cord 4. Thus, when the elongated cord 4 is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L, the at least one tooth 9 is configured to interact with the elongated cord 4 in the unlocked state due to its angled configuration, thereby enabling movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the at least one tooth 9 is elastically deformable such that the at least one tooth 9 is configured to move when the elongated cord 4 is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L, thereby allowing the free traversal of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8. Other variations to the material and physical orientation of the at least one tooth are contemplated by the present disclosure such that the at least one tooth 9 will enable the movement of the elongated cord 4 in an unlocked state.
In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes lugs 10 configured to prevent unintended removal of the elongated cord 4 from the locking members 8. The lugs 10 may be configured to tightly grip the elongated cord 4 such that a slack is created throughout the length of the elongated cord 4 that traverses through the locking members 8. Alternatively, the lugs 10 may be configured to loosely guide the elongated cord 4 through the locking members 8. Although the adjustment mechanism 2 of FIG. 2 depicts four lugs 10 disposed on either side of the locking members 8, other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 of the present disclosure include one or more lugs 10 configured according to preference. In further non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 contemplated by the present disclosure, no lugs 10 are used and the elongated cord 4 is configured to independently interact with the locking member 8.
While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustment mechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIGS. 1 and 2, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 by pulling at least one of the first end 5 and second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. When pulled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the elongated cord 4 interacts with the at least one tooth 9 in an unlocked state, thus enabling movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8. In the unlocked state, the elongated cord 4 can be pulled by the user through the locking member 8 such that the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around the perimeter of the headband member 3 either increases or decreases, depending on the user's preferred fit. As the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around the perimeter of the headband member 3 increases, the headband member 3 is adjusted for a looser fit around the user's head. As the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around the perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases, the headband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around the user's head.
In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord 4 may be made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord 4 is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end 5 and the second end 6 is pulled. In such an embodiment, the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter. Thus, in the unlocked state, the locking member 8 is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8 at the biased diameter. In the locked state, the locking member 8 is configured to engage the elongated cord 4 at the resting diameter. In this way, the at least one tooth 9 may be configured without a specific angle and/or rigidity, but when the user pulls the elongated cord 4 in a direction of the longitudinal axis L, the resting diameter reduces to the biased diameter such that the elongated cord 4 transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state, enabling movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8. Non-limiting examples of an elongated cord having a resting diameter and biased diameter according to the present disclosure include those made from rubber, or other forms of elastic material, such as a bungee and/or the like. The present disclosure further contemplates other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 wherein various combinations of the aforementioned configurations of the at least one tooth 9 and elongated cord 4 are used to facilitate a preferred movement of the elongated cord 4 relative to the locking member 8.
An example of an elongated cord 4 having a resting diameter D1 that reduces to a biased diameter D2 when the elongated cord 4 is pulled is depicted in a sectioned view according to FIG. 3. Although the present disclosure uses the term “diameter” and the elongated cord of FIG. 3 is depicted as having a circular cross-section, other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated by the present disclosure.
Referring now to FIG. 4, another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 is depicted in a perspective view. As in the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 of FIG. 4 includes an elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 via several channels 7. Although a portion of the length of the elongated cord 4 near the first end 5 is once again received by the locking member 8, the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 is received by a retention member 11 and is thereby affixed to the headband member 3. Additionally, according to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 4, the locking member 8 further includes a moveable element 12 configured to move the at least one tooth 9 shown in FIG. 5 from a first position, wherein at least one tooth interacts with the elongated cord 4 between a locked state, to a second position, wherein the at least one tooth 9 interacts with the elongated cord 4 in an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the elongated cord 4 may freely traverse through the locking member 8 when the first end 5 of the elongated cord is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L.
While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustment mechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 4, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 by pressing, or otherwise moving, the moveable element 12 thereby moving at least one tooth from the locked state to the unlocked state, and pulling the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Because the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 is affixed to the headband member 3 by retention member 11, when the first end 5 is pulled in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the length of the elongated cord 4 either increases or decreases, depending on the user's preferred fit. As the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 increases, the headband member 3 is adjusted for a looser fit around the user's head. As the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases, the headband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around the user's head. Although the moveable element 12 of the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 4 is depicted as a compressible button, other means are contemplated by the present disclosure, including but not limited to barrel cord locks, clamps, and/or the like.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-section of the locking member 8 of the adjustment mechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 4 is depicted in a front view. FIG. 5 depicts an elastically deformable member 13 disposed within a wedge shaped cavity 14 of the locking member and further arranged between the at least one tooth 9 and an inner wall of wedge shaped cavity 14. For example, the elastically deformable member 13 may include a spring, a deformable piece of plastic, foam, and/or other means for biasing the moveable element 12. The elastically deformable member 13 may be alternatively arranged between the at least one tooth 9 and the moveable element 12. The elastically deformable member 13 is configured to bias the moveable element 12 in the first position, wherein the at least one tooth 9 interacts with the elongated cord 4 in the locked state, such that the elongated cord 4 cannot unintentionally disengage from the at least one tooth 9, thereby altering the user's preferred fit of the headband arrangement 1. However, if the user intends to alter the fit of the headband arrangement 1, they may press, or otherwise move, the moveable element 12 such that the at least one tooth 9 interacts with the elongated cord 4 in an unlocked state and the elongated cord 4 may freely traverse through the locking member 8 when the first end 5 of the elongated cord is pulled in a direction of the longitudinal axis L.
In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 5, the adjustment mechanism 2 further includes a lug 10 configured to receive the elongated cord and prevent unintentional removal of the elongated cord 4 from the locking member 8. The lug 10 may be configured to tightly grip the elongated cord 4 such that a slack is created throughout the length of the elongated cord 4 that traverses through the locking members 8. Alternatively, the lugs 10 may be configured to loosely guide the elongated cord through the locking members 8. Although the adjustment mechanism 2 of FIG. 5 depicts one lug 10 disposed on one side of the locking member 8, other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 of the present disclosure may include two or more lugs 10 configured according to preference. In still further non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the adjustment mechanism 2 contemplated by the present disclosure, no lugs 10 are used and the elongated cord 4 is configured to independently interact with the locking member 8.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a headband arrangement 1 with an adjustment mechanism 2 is depicted in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure in a perspective view. As in the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustment mechanism 2 and headband arrangement 1 of FIG. 6 includes an elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 via at least one channel 7. A portion of the length of the elongated cord 4 near the first end 5 is received by the locking member 8, which may be configured as a cylinder, and the second end 6 of the elongated cord 4 is received by a retention member 11 and is thereby affixed to the headband member 3. According to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 6, the locking member 8 further includes a rotatable knob 15 configured to rotate within the locking member 8 and translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob 15 to the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4, via various internal components which are further illustrated in FIG. 7.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the headband arrangement 1 and adjustment mechanism 2 of FIG. 6 is depicted in an exploded view. According to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect depicted in FIG. 7, the at least one tooth 9 is arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the cylindrical locking member 8. The first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 is configured to traverse through a channel 7 disposed on the adjustment mechanism 2 and into the locking member 8, where it is affixed to a central post 18 disposed within the locking member 8. A hub member 16 is also disposed within the locking member 8, the hub member 16 including two spring arms 17 configured to engage the at least one tooth 9, which is arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member 8. The hub member 16 is further configured to engage a central post 18. Alternatively, other non-limiting embodiments or aspects are contemplated by the present disclosure wherein the hub member 16 includes any other number of spring arms 17 configured to engage one or any other number of teeth 9, according to the user's preference.
Still referring to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 7, when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob 15 in a first direction, the rotatable knob 15 translates the rotational force to the hub member 16. The at least one tooth 9 is configured to allow a rotation of at least one of the spring arms 17 in response to the rotational force applied to the rotatable knob 15 in the first direction. Because the hub member 16 is configured to engage the central post 18, and the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 is affixed to the central post 18, a rotational force applied in the first direction is further translated to the central post 18 and thereby, enables the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 to wind around the central post 18. Thus, the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases when the rotatable knob 15 is rotated in the first direction. However, when no rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob 15, at least one of the spring arms 17 is configured to engage the at least one tooth 9, thereby preventing rotation of the central post 18 and engaging the elongated cord 4 in a locked position. According to the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 7, the locking member 8 also includes a cap 19 to facilitate the engagement between the rotatable knob 15, central post 18, and hub member 16. However, the present disclosure further contemplates other non-limiting embodiments or aspects without the cap 19 depicted in FIG. 7.
In further reference to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure depicted in FIG. 7, the locked position can be overcome when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob 15 in a second direction, or the direction of engagement between the spring arms 17 and the at least one tooth 9. This is because the spring arms 17 are cantilevered from the hub member 16, which allows them to depress below the at least one tooth 9 in response to a rotational force applied in the second direction, thereby allowing a rotation of the spring arms 17 beyond the at least one tooth 9. When a rotational force is applied in the second direction, the hub member 16 further translates the rotational force to the central post 18, thereby unwinding the elongated cord 4 from the central post 18. Thus, the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 increases when the rotatable knob 15 is rotated in the second direction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord 4 may be made from a tensile material, such that the elongated cord 4 stretches around the central post 18. Non-limiting examples of such an elongated cord 4 include those made from rubber, or other forms of elastic material, such as a bungee and/or the like. In still further non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the elongated cord 4 is not made from a tensile material, and it is merely wound around the central post 18.
While wearing a helmet with a headband arrangement 1 and adjustment mechanism 2 according to the non-limiting embodiment or aspect of FIG. 7, a user can adjust the fit of the headband arrangement 1 by rotating the rotatable knob 15 in either a first direction or a second direction, thereby overcoming the locked position of the at least one tooth 9, and either winding or unwinding the first end 5 of the elongated cord 4 around the central post 18. As the rotatable knob 15 is rotated in the second direction, the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 increases, and the headband member 3 is adjusted for a looser fit around the user's head. As the rotatable knob 15 is rotated in the first direction, the length of the elongated cord 4 configured around a perimeter of the headband member 3 decreases, and the headband member 3 is adjusted for a tighter fit around the user's head.
Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred examples or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed examples or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any example or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other example or aspect.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement, the adjustment mechanism comprising:

an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and

a locking member receiving a portion of the length of the elongated cord, the locking member configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member,

wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the length of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and

wherein the portion of the length of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.

2. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.

3. The adjustment mechanism of claim 2, wherein, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

4. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a lug having an opening configured to receive the elongated cord, the lug configured to prevent removal of the elongated cord from the locking member.

5. The adjustment mechanism of claim 4, further comprising a retention member configured to receive a portion of the length of the elongated cord that is not guided around a perimeter of the headband arrangement.

6. The adjustment mechanism of claim 5, wherein the first end and second end of the elongated cord are connected and further configured to be received by the retention member.

7. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

8. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, further comprising at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around a perimeter of the headband arrangement.

9. The adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking member further comprises a moveable element configured move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

10. The adjustment mechanism of claim 9, wherein the locking member further comprises an elastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element in the first position.

11. The adjustment mechanism of claim 10, wherein the elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the moveable element.

12. A headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the headband arrangement comprising:

a headband element comprising a perimeter configured to be lengthened or shortened by an adjustment mechanism comprising:

an elongated cord having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween extending in a direction of a major longitudinal axis, the elongated cord configured to extend around the perimeter of the headband element;

at least one channel configured to guide a portion of the elongated cord around the perimeter of the headband arrangement; and

13. The headband arrangement mechanism of claim 12, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter.

14. The headband arrangement of claim 13, wherein, in the unlocked state, the locking member is configured to allow free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member at the biased diameter, and wherein, in the locked state, the locking member is configured to engage the elongated cord at the resting diameter.

15. The headband arrangement of claim 12, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to move in a longitudinal direction in which at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, thereby allowing free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

16. The headband arrangement of claim 12, wherein the locking member further comprises a moveable element configured to move the at least one tooth between a first position, wherein the at least one tooth contacts the elongated cord, thereby preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member in at least one longitudinal direction, and a second position, wherein the at least one tooth does not contact the elongated cord, thereby permitting the free traversal of the elongated cord relative to the locking member.

17. The headband arrangement of claim 16, wherein the locking member further comprises an elastically deformable member configured to bias the moveable element in the first position.

18. The headband arrangement of claim 17, wherein the elastically deformable member is disposed within a wedge shaped cavity of the locking member and arranged between the at least one tooth and either an inner wall of the wedge shaped cavity or the compressible button.

19. An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement of a safety helmet, the adjustment mechanism comprising:

a cylindrical locking member comprising at least one tooth arranged circumferentially around an inner surface of the locking member, a rotatable knob, at least one spring arm, and a central post;

wherein the first end of the elongated cord is connected to the headband arrangement and the second end of elongated cord is connected to the central post, the central post configured to wind at least a portion of the elongated cord; and

wherein the locking member is configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the at least one spring arm and the central post, the at least one tooth is configured to allow a rotation of the at least one spring arm in a first direction in response to a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob, thereby enabling the second end of the elongated cord to wind around the central post, and the at least one spring member is configured to engage the at least one tooth in a second direction, thereby preventing rotation of the central post and engaging the elongated cord in a locked position when no rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob.

20. The adjustment mechanism of claim 19, wherein the elongated cord is made from a tensile material having a resting diameter when the elongated cord is at rest and a biased diameter when at least one of the first end and the second end is pulled, wherein the biased diameter is smaller than the resting diameter,

wherein the at least one spring arm is connected to a hub member, and the locking member is further configured to translate a rotational force applied to the rotatable knob to the hub member, and

wherein the at least one spring arm is cantilevered and is further configured to disengage the at least one tooth when a rotational force is applied to the rotatable knob in the direction of the engagement.