WO2022256282A1

WO2022256282A1 - Installation-detecting system for a protective helmet and protective helmet comprising the same

Info

Publication number: WO2022256282A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/031510
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Watkins; Jason PEREIRA
Original assignee: Walter Surface Technologies Incorporated
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2022-05-31
Publication date: 2022-12-08

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a helmet installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations, the system comprising a detection assembly mountable to the helmet shell and comprising a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to the helmet shell when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other upon engagement with and disengagement from the face-protecting member, the mobile triggering member being configurable into a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member into first and second configurations. It also concerns a face-protecting assembly and a corresponding method.

Description

INSTALLATION-DETECTING SYSTEM FOR A

PROTECTIVE HELMET AND PROTECTIVE HELMET

COMPRISING THE SAME

PRIOR APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/195,273, filed on June 1^st, 2021 , and entitled “INSTALLATION-DETECTING SYSTEM FOR A PROTECTIVE HELMET AND CORRESPONDING METHOD”, the disclosure of which being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technical field relates to face-protecting devices, for instance welding helmets, and more particularly to systems to detect and signal whether a component of the face-protecting device, for instance a mobile face-protecting member thereof, is properly installed, and to corresponding methods.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Welding helmets are typically used in the mechanical and industrial fields to protect welders from harmful irradiation emitted from the welding arc and from splashes, sparks and particles that may be ejected from a welding area. Some welding helmets are furnished with an auto-darkening welding filter which automatically changes from a light-state to a dark-state in response to incident light generated by the welding arc. In order to protect the auto-darkening welding filter, welding helmets might further comprise a face-protecting member pivotably mounted to a helmet shell of the welding helmet. The face-protecting member has to be adequately positioned to safely protect the auto-darkening welding filter.

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for a helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above-mentioned issues.

[0006] According to a general aspect, there is provided a helmet installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face- protecting configurations, the system comprising: a detection assembly mountable to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the detection assembly comprising a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other upon engagement with and disengagement from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the mobile triggering member being configurable into a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

[0007] According to another general aspect, there is provided a helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations, the system comprising: a detector casing mountable to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member; a mobile triggering member mounted to the detector casing and displaceable with regards to the detector casing upon engagement of the mobile-triggering member with the other one of the helmet shell and the face- protecting member, when the detector casing is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, between a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member, when in use, into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

[0008] According to another general aspect, there is provided a face-protecting assembly, comprising: a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations; and a helmet installation-detecting system comprising: a detection assembly mounted to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the detection assembly comprising a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other, upon engagement with and disengagement from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the mobile triggering member being configurable into a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

[0009] According to another general aspect, there is provided a helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mounted thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations, the helmet installation-detecting system comprising: a helmet-mounting assembly mountable to one of the helmet shell and the mobile face-protecting member; a mobile triggering member mounted to the helmet-mounting assembly and comprising a triggering portion and an installation detecting portion engageable with the other one of the helmet shell and the mobile face-protecting member when the helmet-mounting assembly is mounted to said one of the helmet shell and the mobile face-protecting member with the protective helmet being configured into the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively couplable with the triggering portion of the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member, when the helmet installation-detecting system is mounted to the protective helmet, into an actuated configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into a deactivated configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration.

[0010] According to another general aspect, there is provided a face-protecting assembly, comprising: a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mounted thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations; and a helmet face-protecting member installation detecting system according to the present disclosure, wherein the helmet-mounting assembly is mounted to one of the helmet shell and the mobile face-protecting member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a face-protecting assembly comprising a protective helmet and a helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system in accordance with a first embodiment, the helmet installation-detecting system being engageable with a mobile face-protecting member of the protective helmet, the protective helmet being in a face-protecting configuration;

[0012] Fig. 1A is a partial enlarged view of the helmet installation-detecting system of Fig. 1 ;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the face-protecting assembly taken along cross-section lines A-A of Fig. 1 , the helmet installation-detecting system comprising a detection assembly comprising a detector casing, and a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to the detector casing and configured in an engaged configuration; [0014] Fig. 2A is a partial enlarged view of the helmet installation-detecting system of Fig. 2;

[0015] Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the face-protecting assembly of Fig. 1 , the protective helmet being in an open configuration, the mobile triggering member being in a disengaged configuration;

[0016] Fig. 3A is an enlarged view of the mobile triggering member of Fig. 3;

[0017] Fig. 4 is an inner perspective view, exploded, of the detection assembly in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 5 is an outer partial perspective view of the detection assembly, a peripheral wall of the detector casing being removed;

[0019] Fig. 6 is an inner partial perspective view, exploded, of the detection assembly of Fig. 5;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the detection assembly of Fig. 5, the mobile triggering member being in the engaged configuration;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the detection assembly of Fig. 5, the mobile triggering member being in the disengaged configuration;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a detection assembly and a signal-emitting assembly of a helmet installation-detecting system in accordance with a second embodiment, the detection assembly comprising a detector casing and a mobile triggering member configured in the disengaged configuration wherein the mobile triggering member is spaced apart from a microchip of the signal-emitting assembly;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the detection assembly and the signal- emitting assembly of Fig. 9, the mobile triggering member being configured in the engaged configuration wherein the mobile triggering member depresses the microchip;

[0024] Fig. 11 is a bottom outer perspective view of the helmet installation-detecting system of Fig. 9, a peripheral wall of the detector casing being removed; and [0025] Fig. 12 is a top outer perspective view of the helmet installation-detecting system of Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0027] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures only and should not be considered limiting. Moreover, the figures are meant to be illustrative of certain characteristics of the helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system and the head- protecting device and are not necessarily to scale.

[0028] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0029] In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

[0030] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure.

[0031] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference should not be interpreted as meaning that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0032] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order. [0033] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a face-protecting assembly 500 comprising a head-protecting device 10 (or protective helmet 10) and a helmet installation-detecting system 100 (or helmet face- protecting member installation-detecting system 100) configured to detect and signal whether an installation of the head-protecting device 10 (or at least a portion thereof, for instance a mobile face-protecting member 16 thereof) corresponds to a predetermined condition. For instance and as detailed below, the helmet installation detecting system 100 is configured to signal an unsafe and/or unproper and/or inadequate installation of the face-protecting member 16 of the protective helmet 10.

Head-protecting device / Protective helmet

[0034] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a possible embodiment of the protective helmet 10 - or head-protecting device 10 - such as a welding protective helmet having a helmet shell 12 at least partially delimiting a head-receiving cavity 14. The protective helmet 10 further comprises the above-mentioned mobile face-protecting member 16 mounted to the helmet shell 12. The mobile face-protecting member 16 (or movable face-protecting member 16) is displaceable with respect to (for instance selectively mountable and dismountable from) the helmet shell 12 to configure the head- protecting device 10 into an open configuration (Fig. 3) wherein at least a portion of the face-protecting member 16 is spaced apart from the helmet shell 12 and a face- protecting configuration (Figs. 1 and 2) wherein the face-protecting member 16 substantially faces a see-through opening 15 formed by the head-receiving cavity 14 in the helmet shell 12. In other words, the mobile (or movable) face-protecting member 16 can be displaced between the face-protecting configuration in which the face- protecting member 16 substantially covers the see-through opening 15 and the open configuration in which the movable face-protecting member 16 at least partially uncovers the see-through opening 15 or is spaced apart therefrom. For instance, the mobile face-protecting member 16 might be pivotally mounted to the helmet shell 12.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the head-protecting device 10 further comprises a welding filter assembly 18 (Fig. 2) mounted to the helmet shell 12 to at least partially cover the see-through opening 15. The mobile face-protecting member 16 is shaped and dimensioned, when the head-protecting device 10 is configured in the face- protecting configuration (or filter-protecting configuration), to at least partially face an outer surface of the welding filter assembly 18, so as to substantially protect the welding filter assembly 18 from any spatter during a welding process, and because of a tight fit of the face-protecting member 16 around edges of the see-through opening 15 (or vision area 15) of the protective helmet 10, welding fumes and spatter are prevented from entering the head-receiving cavity 14.

[0036] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, the terms inner, outer, inwardly, outwardly and the like should be understood with respect to the head receiving cavity 14 of the head-protecting device 10.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the welding filter assembly 18 comprises a central automatic darkening filter 20 (or central auto-darkening filter 20). The auto-darkening filter 20 allows a welder to safely observe a welding arc during welding. For instance, the auto-darkening filter 20 is based on two liquid crystal cells. The liquid crystal cells are electrically switchable between a light state and a dark state. When switched in the dark state, the auto-darkening filter 20 blocks a significant amount of light from being transmitted therethrough. In other words, the auto-darkening filter 20 provides a spectrally restricted optical access to the head-receiving cavity 14 from an exterior of the protective helmet 10. This enables a user to observe the welding arc by seeing through the auto-darkening filter 20 with a limited risk of being exposed to harmful light radiation from the welding arc. In the light state, the auto-darkening filter 20 permits a significant amount of light to be transmitted therethrough. Thus, the auto-darkening filter 20 in the light state allows the user to see under ambient light conditions (in the absence of the welding arc). In the embodiment shown, the auto-darkening filter assembly 18 of the protective helmet 10 also comprises first and second lateral auto- darkening filters 21 , 23 arranged on each side of the helmet shell 12 and on each side of the central auto-darkening filter 20.

[0038] Further, the welding filter assembly 18 might comprise at least one of an optical sensor and a magnetic field sensor operatively coupled to an electronic circuitry to actuate at least one of the central auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 (i.e., to configure at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 from one of the light and dark states to the other). For instance, the optical sensor may provide a signal to the electronic circuitry depending on the light sensed by the optical sensor. The welding filter assembly 18 could also comprise a mechanical filter switch to actuate and deactivate at least one of the central auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 (i.e., to configure at least one of the auto- darkening filter 20 and the first and second auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 from one of the light and dark states to the other).

[0039] For instance, the welding filter assembly 18 (for instance the auto-darkening filter 20 thereof) at least partially closes the see-through opening 15 formed in the helmet shell 12. It is understood that, when the protective helmet 10 is configured in the face-protecting configuration, the movable face-protecting member 16 substantially overlaps at least partially with the welding filter assembly 18 (at least with the central auto-darkening filter 20 thereof) so that a wearer of the welding helmet 10 can see through the see-through opening 15, the fixed welding filter assembly 18 (at least the central auto-darkening filter 20 thereof) and the mobile face-protecting member 16.

[0040] In other words, the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18 (at least the central auto-darkening filter thereof 20) and the mobile face-protecting member 16 form together a face-protecting assembly 30 mounted to the helmet shell 12 and covering at least partially the see-through opening 15 formed therein. The central filter 20 of the welding filter assembly 18 is mounted inwardly with respect to the mobile face-protecting member 16 so that in the embodiment shown the mobile face- protecting member 16 could be referred to as a movable or removable or mobile filter- protecting member 16. For instance and without being limitative, the mobile face- protecting member 16 (or mobile filter-protecting member 16) could be a cover plate or a helmet visor.

[0041] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the head-protecting device, as well as the shape, the configuration and/or the relative arrangement of the helmet shell, the mobile face-protecting member (or mobile filter-protecting member) and/or the welding filter assembly thereof and the number, configuration and relative arrangement of the components thereof can vary from the embodiment shown. Helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system (or helmet installation detecting system)

[0042] As best shown in Figs. 1 to 8, there is shown a first possible embodiment of the helmet installation-detecting system 100 (or helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system 100) which is configured to equip a protective helmet such as the one described above. As detailed below, the helmet installation-detecting system 100 comprises a detection assembly 110 mountable to one of the helmet shell 12 and the mobile face-protecting member 16 (to the helmet shell 12 in the embodiment shown), the detection assembly 110 comprising a mobile triggering member 140 displaceable with regard to said one of the helmet shell 12 and the mobile face-protecting member 16 (displaceable, for instance translatable, with regard to the helmet shell 12, in the embodiment shown) when the protective helmet 10 is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other one of the open and face-protecting (or filter-protecting) configuration upon engagement with and disengagement from the other one of the helmet shell 10 and the mobile face- protecting member 16 of the mobile triggering member 140 (at least an installation detecting portion 144 thereof) (upon engagement of the mobile triggering member 140 with and disengagement of the mobile triggering member 140 from the mobile face- protecting member 16). The mobile triggering member 140 is configurable into a disengaged (or extended or deployed or resting) configuration when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration, and into an engaged (or retracted or cover plate-engaging) configuration when the protective helmet 10 is in the face-protecting (or filter-protecting) configuration.

[0043] The helmet installation-detecting system 100 also comprises a signal-emitting assembly 160 operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member 140 and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140 into a first (i.e., actuated or signal-emitting) configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second (i.e., deactivated) configuration when the mobile triggering member 140 is in the engaged configuration. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the helmet installation-detecting system 100 comprises the helmet-mounting assembly 110 (or detection assembly 110) mountable to one of the helmet shell 12 and the mobile face-protecting member 16 (to the helmet shell, in the embodiment shown). The detection assembly 110 comprises a mobile triggering member 140 mounted to a detector casing 112 of the detection assembly 110 and displaceable with regard to the detector casing 112 and comprising a triggering portion 142 and an installation-detecting portion 144 engageable with the other one of the helmet shell 12 and the mobile face-protecting member 16 (with the mobile face- protecting member 16 in the embodiment shown) of the protective helmet 10 when the helmet-mounting assembly 110 is mounted to the helmet shell 12, with the protective helmet 10 being configured into the face-protecting configuration.

[0044] The signal-emitting assembly 160 is operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member 140 (for instance with the triggering portion 142 thereof) and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140, when the helmet installation-detecting system 100 is mounted to the protective helmet 10, into the actuated configuration when the protective helmet 10 is configured in the open configuration, and into the deactivated configuration when the protective helmet 10 is configured in the face-protecting configuration.

Helmet-mounting assembly (or detection assembly )

Detector casing

[0045] In accordance with the first embodiment and as best shown in Figs. 2 to 8, the detector casing 112 of the helmet-mounting assembly 110 (or detection assembly 110) is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with the helmet shell 12 (for instance at or with a peripheral edge at least partially bordering the see-through opening 15 formed in the helmet shell 12). For instance, the detector casing 112 is mounted below a lower portion of the central auto-darkening filter 20. The detector casing 112 is for instance substantially parallelepipedal and defines a detector chamber 114.

[0046] For instance, the detector casing 112 comprises a peripheral wall 125, an outer surface (considered with respect with the detector chamber 114) of an upper portion 126 thereof being mountable to orformed integral with the helmet shell 12, for instance to a portion of a peripheral border surrounding at least partially the see-through opening 15, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 4. [0047] For instance, the detector casing 112 has a longitudinal direction L (corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the mobile triggering member 140 or of the installation-detecting portion 144 thereof). When mounted to the helmet shell 12, the longitudinal direction L extends transversally (for instance substantially perpendicularly) to an outer surface of the auto-darkening filter 20 considered when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration. The detector casing 112 further comprises an outer side 120 (or visor-facing side 120), considered with respect to the head-receiving cavity 14 of the helmet shell 12, directed towards an exterior of the protective helmet 10 and an inner side 122 (or filter-facing side 122) directed towards (or extending at least partially within) the head-receiving cavity 14. In the embodiment shown, a rod-receiving opening 121 (or plunger-receiving opening 121 or trigger-receiving portion 121) is formed in the outer side 120. The mobile-triggering member 140 (at least the installation-detecting portion 144 thereof) is at least partially engaged with the plunger-receiving opening 121 and is slidable therein, as best shown in Fig. 2. For instance, the inner side is removably mountable to the helmet shell and/or to the peripheral wall of the detector casing to at least partially enclose the mobile triggering member within the detector chamber. As best shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the detector chamber 114 is shaped and dimensioned to contain at least partially the mobile triggering member 140 with the installation-detecting portion 144 protruding outwardly from the detector chamber 114 when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration, through the plunger-receiving opening 121 (Fig. 3).

[0048] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the helmet-mounting assembly 110, as well as the shape, the configuration and/or the relative arrangement of the different components thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

Mobile triggering member

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the mobile triggering member 140 is at least partially formed by a plunger-shaped member forming at least partially the installation detecting portion 144 and mounted to or formed integral with a visor-facing side 143 of a triggering plate 141 but triggering members having other shapes and/or dimensions could be conceived. [0050] As mentioned above, the installation-detecting portion 144 extends at least partially in the detector chamber 114 with an outer end 145 (or plate-contacting end 145) thereof protruding outwardly from the detector chamber 114 when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration. The detection assembly 110 comprises a guiding or sliding system 200 configured to guide a displacement or sliding of the mobile triggering member 140 within the detector chamber 114 at least partially delimited by the detector casing 112.

[0051] For instance, the sliding or guiding system 200 comprises first guiding elements 210 (for instance guiding slots 212 formed in the triggering plate 141 or one or more guiding pins 214 protruding from a filter-facing side 147 of the triggering plate 141) formed on or mounted to the mobile triggering member 140 and second guiding elements 220 (for instance guiding slots or guiding ribs 222 formed on or mounted to an inner surface of the peripheral wall 125 of the detector casing 112 and/or guiding pins or tubes or rings 224 formed on or mounted to an inner surface of the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112) formed on or mounted to the detector casing. For instance, pin-receiving cavities are formed in the guiding rings 224 which are shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a corresponding guiding pins 214 upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140 within the detector chamber 114. The first and second guiding elements 210, 220 are shaped and dimensioned to cooperate with each other so as to guide the displacement (for instance the sliding) of the mobile triggering member 140 within the detector chamber 114 when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured from one of the disengaged and engaged configurations to the other one of the disengaged and engaged configurations.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the helmet installation-detecting system 100 comprising a biasing member 102 extending in the detector chamber 114 along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the biasing member 102 surrounds at least a portion of the mobile triggering member 140 (for instance at least partially a spring- guiding pin 149 mounted to or formed on the filter-facing side 147 of the triggering plate 141) so as to bias the mobile triggering member 140 away from the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112 (i.e. , to bias the installation-detecting portion 144 of the mobile triggering member 140 outwardly from the detector chamber 114). In the embodiment shown, the biasing member 102 is sandwiched between the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112 and the triggering plate 141 of the mobile triggering member 140.

[0053] The biasing member 102 is shaped and dimensioned to bias the installation detecting portion 144 (at least the plate-contacting end 145 thereof) of the mobile triggering member 140 outwardly from the detector chamber 114 when a pressure lower than a predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 144 (Fig. 3). For instance, the predetermined threshold substantially corresponds to a pressure applied by the face-protecting member 16 of the protective helmet 10 to the installation-detecting portion 144 when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration. Upon appliance to the installation-detecting portion 144 of a pressure greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the mobile triggering member 140 is displaced (for instance translated, for instance slid) within the detector chamber 114 for the mobile triggering member 140 to come closer to the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the triggering portion 142 of the mobile triggering member 140 comprises a magnetic element 139 for instance mounted to the triggering plate 141 (for instance secured to the visor-facing side 143 of the triggering plate 141) and thus displaceable within the detector chamber 114 together with the triggering plate 141. The signal-emitting assembly 160 further comprises a magnetic sensor 161 for instance mounted to or formed integral with the helmet shell 12 so that a distance between the magnetic element 139 and the magnetic sensor 161 varies upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140 from one of the disengaged and engaged configurations to the other one of the disengaged and engaged configurations. It is understood that the magnetic element could be mounted to or formed integral with the signal-emitting assembly while the magnetic sensor would be mounted to or formed integral with the mobile triggering member.

[0055] In other words, the mobile triggering member 140 is configurable into an extended (or resting or disengaged) configuration (Fig. 8) when a pressure lower than the predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 144, wherein the triggering portion 142 (for instance the magnetic element 139 thereof) is spaced apart from the magnetic sensor 161 (corresponding for instance to a distance between the magnetic element 139 and a filter-facing surface of the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112 in the embodiment shown) from a first distance d1 , and into a retracted (or cover plate-engaging or cover plate-contacting configuration or disengaged configuration) (Fig. 7) when a pressure greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 144, wherein the triggering portion 142 (for instance the magnetic element 139 thereof) is spaced apart from the magnetic sensor 161 (corresponding for instance to a distance between the magnetic element 139 and a filter-facing surface of the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112 in the embodiment shown) from a second distance d2 smaller than the first distance d1.

[0056] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the mobile triggering member, as well as the shape, the configuration and the relative arrangement of the triggering portion, the installation-detecting portion, the number, shape and relative arrangement of the first and second guiding elements of the sliding system and/or the spring-receiving wall portion thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0057] Even though in the embodiment shown the detector casing is fixedly mounted to the helmet shell, and the triggering member is displaceable within a detector chamber at least partially delimited by the detector casing of the detection assembly upon engagement with the mobile face-protecting member, it could be conceived a helmet installation-detecting system wherein the helmet installation-detecting system (at least a portion thereof, for instance the triggering member thereof) would be mounted to the mobile face-protecting member and would be configured to detect a predetermined position of the mobile face-protecting member and to emit a warning signal when the mobile face-protecting member is not configured in the predetermined position via the signal-emitting assembly and/or via the auto-darkening welding filter assembly of the protective helmet.

Signal-emitting assembly

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the signal-emitting assembly 160 might be mounted to a casing formed integral with or mounted to the helmet shell 12. For instance, the signal-emitting assembly 160 comprises and/or is operatively coupled with at least one of visual and audible signal emitters (i.e. , is configured to either directly or indirectly emit at least one of visual and audible signals). In the actuated configuration, the signal-emitting assembly 160 emits at least one of visual and audible signals, wherein in the deactivated configuration, no signal is emitted by the signal-emitting assembly 160. For instance, the signal-emitting assembly 160 comprises the above-mentioned magnetic sensor 161 and a printed circuit board (or PCB - not represented). For instance, the signal-emitting assembly 160 is operatively coupled with the auto- darkening filter assembly 18 (for instance with at least one of the central auto- darkening filter 20 and/or at least one of the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 thereof).

[0059] In another embodiment, the signal-emitting assembly 160 comprises - or is operatively coupled to - at least one LCD readout (for instance a wired LCD readout or a wireless LCD readout) at least partially superposable onto a portion of the face- protecting assembly 30.

[0060] For instance, the magnetic sensor 161 is configurable into a magnetic field detecting configuration when a distance between the magnetic sensor 161 and the magnetic element 139 is smaller than a predetermined detection distance, and into a magnetic field-free configuration when a distance between the magnetic sensor 161 and the magnetic element 139 is greater than or equal to the predetermined detection distance. The magnetic sensor 161 is configurable from one of the magnetic field detecting and magnetic field-free configurations to the other upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140 (i.e. , upon translation of the mobile triggering member 140 within the detector chamber 114 at least partially delimited by the detector casing 112, i.e., upon displacement of the mobile face-protecting member with respect to the helmet shell). In other words, in the embodiment shown, the magnetic sensor 161 is configurable into the magnetic field-detecting configuration (Fig. 7) to configure the signal-emitting assembly 160 in the deactivated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is in the retracted or cover plate-contacting configuration) and into the magnetic field-free configuration (Fig. 8) to configure the signal-emitting assembly 160 in the actuated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is in the extended or resting configuration). In yet other words, when the magnetic sensor 161 is in the magnetic field-free configuration, an electronic circuit of the signal- emitting assembly 160 is turned on (i.e., at least one of audible and/or visual signals are emitted) whereas when the magnetic sensor 161 is in the magnetic field-detecting configuration, the electronic circuit of the signal-emitting assembly 160 is turned off (i.e., no signal is emitted).

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the signal-emitting assembly 160 is operatively coupled to the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18 to intermittently configure at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 thereof in one of the light and dark states (i.e., to intermittently provide the spectrally restricted optical access to the head-receiving cavity 14) when the signal-emitting assembly 160 is configured in the actuated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured in the extended configuration, i.e., when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration). In other words, the signal- emitting assembly 160 is operatively coupled to at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 to configure the auto- darkening filter 20 is a pulsating state when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration, so as to warn the user that the face-protecting member 16 is not adequately positioned.

[0062] In the embodiment in which the signal-emitting assembly 160 comprises at least one pulsating LED 162, the signal-emitting assembly 160 is configured to trigger the optical sensor of at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 when the signal-emitting assembly 160 is configured in the actuated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured in the disengaged configuration, i.e., when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration). For instance, a frequency of the pulsating state of the auto- darkening filter is determined by a frequency of the at least one pulsating LED of the signal-emitting assembly 160.

[0063] It could also be conceived a signal-emitting assembly that would comprise at least one pulsating magnetic field generator, the signal-emitting assembly being configured to trigger the magnetic field sensor of at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 when the signal- emitting assembly 160 is configured in the actuated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured in the extended configuration, i.e., when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration). For instance, the frequency of the pulsating state of the auto-darkening filter is determined by a frequency of the at least one pulsating magnetic field generator.

[0064] The signal-emitting assembly could also comprise a triggering member coupled to a mechanical filter switch of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18 when the signal-emitting assembly 160 is configured in the actuated configuration (i.e. , when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured in the extended configuration, i.e., when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration).

[0065] On the other hand, the signal-emitting assembly 160 is operatively coupled to the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18 to configure the auto-darkening filter 20 in the dark state (i.e., to provide the spectrally restricted optical access to the head receiving cavity 14) when the signal-emitting assembly 160 is configured in the deactivated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 140 is configured in the cover plate-contacting configuration, i.e., when the protective helmet 10 is in the face-protecting configuration).

[0066] In other words, in the embodiment shown, when the protective helmet is in the open configuration (i.e., when the mobile face-protecting member 16 is not installed properly), the triggering portion 142 of the mobile triggering member 140 (for instance the magnetic element 139 thereof in the embodiment shown) is displaced outwardly in the detector chamber of the detector casing 112, so that the installation-detecting portion 144 of the triggering member 140 (at least the plate-contacting end 145 thereof) moves as far forward (i.e., as outwardly) as possible, pushing the plate contacting end 145 out of the rod-receiving opening 121 (or plunger-receiving opening 121 or trigger-receiving portion 121) formed in the outer side 120 of the detector casing 112 mounted to or formed integral with the helmet shell 10. In this configuration, the magnetic element 139 is moved (i.e., displaced or slid) away from the magnet sensor 161 of the signal-emitting assembly 160, thus causing the circuit of the signal-emitting assembly 160 to indicate that the mobile face-protecting member is not installed and flashing at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18. The action of moving the magnetic element 139 away from the magnetic sensor 161 of the signal-emitting assembly 160 is provided by the biasing member 102 sandwiched between the triggering plate 141 of the mobile triggering member 140 and the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112 (for instance sandwiched and at least partially maintained by the spring-guiding pin 149 mounted to or formed on the filter-facing side 147 of the triggering plate 141 and a spring-retaining pocket 221 formed on or mounted to a visor-facing surface of the inner side 122 of the detector casing 112). When the protective helmet 10 is in the face-protecting configuration (i.e. , when the mobile face- protecting member 16 is installed), the biasing member 102 is compressed, and the magnetic element 139 moves into a position where the magnetic sensor 161 detects the magnetic field of the magnetic element 139 (i.e., the magnetic element moves so that a distance between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor is smaller than the above-mentioned predetermined distance) and turns off the circuit that causes at least one of the auto-darkening filter 20 and the first and second lateral auto-darkening filters 21 , 23 of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly 18 to flash.

[0067] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the signal-emitting assembly 160, as well as the shape, the configuration and the relative arrangement of the components thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0068] For instance, the signal-emitting assembly could be configured to directly emit at least one of visual and audible signals (i.e., not via an intermittent actuation of the auto-darkening filter, i.e., not via a pulsating state of the auto-darkening filter). The signal emitting assembly could thus comprise one or more visible light-emitting LEDs configured to flash when the signal-emitting assembly is configured into the actuated configuration (i.e., when the protective helmet is in the open configuration). In the embodiment wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one LCD readout (wired or wireless) at least partially superposable onto a portion of the face- protecting assembly 30, a visible signal or message could be displayed onto the LCD readout in an area of the face-protecting assembly facing a field of vision of the user.

[0069] Moreover, the helmet installation-detecting system can either be provided with the protective helmet or could be provided to be mounted to an existing protecting helmet.

Other possible embodiment of the helmet installation system [0070] It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the detection assembly, as well as the shape, the configuration and the relative arrangement of the components thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

[0071] Figs. 9 to 12 represent a second possible embodiment of the helmet installation system 1100 comprising a detection assembly 1110 with a mobile triggering member 1140 and a signal-emitting assembly 1160.

Detector casing of the helmet-mounting assembly

[0072] The helmet-mounting assembly 1110 comprises a detector casing 1112 defining a detector chamber 1114. In the embodiment shown, the helmet-mounting assembly 1110 comprises an inner wall portion 1116 extending in the detector chamber 1114 and dividing the detector chamber 1114 into a first subchamber 1113 (or visor-facing subchamber 1113 or triggering member-containing subchamber 1113) and a second subchamber 1115 (or signal emitter-containing subchamber 1115 or filter-facing subchamber 1115). For instance, the inner wall portion 1116 extends transversally (for instance perpendicularly) from an inner surface of a bottom portion

1111 of the detector casing 1112.

[0073] For instance, an outer surface of the bottom portion 1111 of the detector casing

1112 is mountable to the helmet shell 12, for instance to a portion of a peripheral border surrounding at least partially the see-through opening 15.

[0074] For instance, the detector casing 1112 has a longitudinal direction L (corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the mobile triggering member 1140). When mounted to the helmet shell 12, the longitudinal direction L extends transversally (for instance substantially perpendicularly) to an outer surface of the central auto- darkening filter 20.

[0075] The detector casing 1112 comprises an outer side 1120 (or visor-facing side 1120) directed towards an exterior of the protective helmet 10 and an inner side 1122 (or filter-facing side 1122) directed towards (or extending at least partially within) the head-receiving cavity 14. In the embodiment shown, a rod-receiving opening 1121 (or plunger-receiving opening 1121) is formed in the outer side 1120 and one or more LED-receiving openings 1123 are formed in the inner side 1122. The mobile-triggering member 1140 (at least an installation-detecting portion 1144 thereof) is at least partially engaged with the plunger-receiving opening 1121 and is slidable therein.

[0076] As best shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the detector chamber 1114 (at least the first subchamber 1113 thereof) is shaped and dimensioned to contain at least partially the mobile triggering member 1140 with the installation-detecting portion 1144 protruding outwardly from the detector chamber 1114 (from the first subchamber 1113 thereof) when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration.

[0077] For instance, at least one of the first and second subchambers 1113, 1115 is substantially parallelepipedal.

Mobile triggering member

[0078] In the embodiment shown, the mobile triggering member 1140 is at least partially formed by a plunger-shaped member but triggering members having other shapes and/or dimensions could be conceived.

[0079] As mentioned above, the installation-detecting portion 1144 extends at least partially in the first subchamber 1113 with an outer end 1145 (or plate-contacting end 1145) thereof protruding outwardly from the detector chamber 1114 (from the first subchamber 1113 thereof) when the protective helmet 10 is in the open configuration.

[0080] In the embodiment shown, the helmet installation-detecting system 1100 further comprises a biasing member 1102 extending in the detector chamber 1114 (in the first subchamber 1113 thereof) along the longitudinal direction L. For instance, the biasing member 1102 surrounds at least a portion of the mobile triggering member 1140 (for instance at least partially the triggering portion 1142 thereof) so as to bias the mobile triggering member 1140 away from the inner wall portion 1116 of the helmet-mounting assembly 1110 (i.e., to bias the installation-detecting portion 1144 of the mobile triggering member 1140 outwardly from the detector chamber 1114). In the embodiment shown, the mobile triggering member 1140 comprises a spring-receiving wall portion 1146 extending between the triggering portion 1142 and the installation detecting portion 1144 (substantially transversally to the longitudinal direction L) so that the biasing member 1102 is sandwiched between the inner wall portion 1116 of the helmet-mounting assembly 1110 and the spring-receiving wall portion 1146. In the embodiment shown, the spring-receiving wall portion 1146 is shaped and dimensioned to translate longitudinally along the bottom portion 1111 of the detector casing 1112 upon displacement of the mobile face-protecting member 16 to configure the protective helmet 10 from one of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other.

[0081] The biasing member 1102 is shaped and dimensioned to bias the installation detecting portion 1144 (at least the plate-contacting end 1145 thereof) of the mobile triggering member 1140 outwardly from the detector chamber 1114 when a pressure lower than a predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 1144 (Fig. 9). For instance, the predetermined threshold substantially corresponds to a pressure applied by the face-protecting member 16 of the protective helmet 10 to the installation-detecting portion 1144 when the helmet is in the face-protecting configuration (or filter-protecting configuration). Upon appliance to the installation detecting portion 1144 of a pressure greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the mobile triggering member 1140 is displaced (for instance translated, for instance slid) within the detector chamber 1113 for the triggering portion 1142 to come closer to or contact the inner wall portion 1116 (or a component of the signal-emitting assembly 1160 mounted thereto) extending in the detector chamber 1114 (Fig. 10).

[0082] In other words, the mobile triggering member 1140 is configurable into an extended (or resting) configuration (Fig. 6) when a pressure lower than the predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 1144, wherein the triggering portion 1142 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 1116 from a first distance d’1 (or the component of the signal-emitting assembly 1160 mounted thereto), and into a retracted (or cover plate-engaging or cover plate-contacting) configuration (Fig. 10) when a pressure greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold is applied to the installation-detecting portion 1144, wherein the triggering portion 1142 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 1116 from a second distance d’2 smaller than the first distance d’1 or contacts the inner wall portion 1116 (or the component of the signal-emitting assembly 1160 mounted thereto). Even though in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, when the mobile triggering member 1140 is configured into the cover plate-contacting configuration, the installation-detecting portion 1144 partially protrudes outwardly from the detector chamber 1114, it could be conceived a helmet installation-detecting system wherein substantially an entirety of the mobile triggering member would be contained within the detector chamber when configured in the retracted configuration.

Signal-emitting assembly

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the signal-emitting assembly 1160 is at least partially arranged in the detector chamber 1114 (for instance at least partially contained in the second subchamber 1115 thereof). In the embodiment shown, the signal-emitting assembly 1160 comprises at least one LED (for instance at least one pulsating LED) 1162 mounted to a printed circuit board 1164 (or PCB 1164) and arranged at least partially in the LED-receiving opening 1123 formed in the inner side 1122 of the detector casing 1112. For instance, the LED 1162 is an Infra-Red LED (for instance an IR pulsating LED) or a Ultraviolet LED (for instance a pulsating UV LED).

[0084] For instance, the signal-emitting assembly 1160 further comprises a depressible microchip 1166. In the embodiment shown, the depressible microchip 1166 is arranged in the detector chamber 1114 (for instance mounted to the inner wall portion 1116, for instance to a triggering member-facing portion thereof) and is depressible upon contact with the triggering portion 1142 of the mobile triggering member 1140 (i.e. , upon displacement, for instance translation, of the mobile triggering member 1140 within the detector chamber 1114 along the longitudinal direction, as represented by the arrows in Fig. 10). In other words, in the embodiment shown, the depressible microchip 1166 is configurable into a depressed configuration (Fig. 10) to configure the signal-emitting assembly 1160 in the deactivated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 1140 is in the retracted or cover plate-contacting configuration) and into a deployed configuration (Fig. 9) to configure the signal-emitting assembly 1160 in the actuated configuration (i.e., when the mobile triggering member 1140 is in the extended or resting configuration). In other words, when the microchip 1166 is in the deployed configuration, an electronic circuit of the signal-emitting assembly 1160 is turned on (i.e., at least one of audible and/or visual signals are emitted) whereas when the microchip 1166 is in the depressed configuration, the electronic circuit of the signal-emitting assembly 1160 is turned off (i.e., no signal is emitted). [0085] The signal-emitting assembly 1160 might further comprise a battery holder 1168 for instance arranged in a lower portion of the second subchamber 1115 to provide an electric current via a battery 1169 to the other components of the signal- emitting assembly 1160. Alternatively, the signal-emitting assembly 1160 could be electrically connected to a power source providing power to the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

Method for signaling a non-suitable installation of a protective helmet

[0086] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for signaling a non-suitable installation of a protective helmet. In the embodiment shown wherein the protective helmet is a welding protective helmet comprising an auto- darkening welding filter assembly, a non-suitable installation should be understood as an installation of the mobile face-protecting member in which there is a risk of damaging the auto-darkening welding filter assembly (for instance due to splashes, sparks and particles that may be ejected from a welding area).

[0087] The method according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out with a face-protecting assembly 500 such as those described above. For instance, the method comprises providing a face-protecting assembly 500 comprising a head-protecting device 10 (or protective helmet 10) and a helmet installation detecting system 100, 1100. The protective helmet 10 comprises a helmet shell 12 and a mobile face-protecting member 16 mounted thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations. The helmet installation-detecting system 100 comprises a helmet-mounting assembly 110, 1110 mounted to the helmet shell 12, a mobile triggering member 140, 1140 displaceable within a detector chamber at least partially delimited by a detector casing of the detection assembly and comprising a triggering portion 142, 1142 and an installation-detecting portion 144, 1144, and a signal-emitting assembly 160, 1160.

[0088] The method comprises configuring the head-protecting device 10 in the open configuration, wherein at least a portion of the face-protecting member 16 is spaced apart from the helmet shell 12. When the head-protecting device 10 is configured in the open configuration, the mobile triggering member 140, 1140 is configured in a resting configuration and the signal-emitting assembly 160, 1160 is configured into an actuated configuration wherein at least one of visual and audible signals is emitted. The user is thus warned that the protective helmet is not suitably installed (for instance not safely installed, with respect to a protection of an auto-darkening welding filter assembly of the protective helmet). The method further comprises configuring the protective helmet 10 in the face-protecting configuration (or filter-protecting configuration) wherein the face-protecting member 16 substantially faces a see- through opening 15 formed by a head-receiving cavity 14 in the helmet shell 12. Upon displacement of the face-protecting member 16 to configure the protective helmet 10 in the face-protecting configuration, the face-protecting member 16 (at least a portion thereof) contacts the installation-detecting portion 144, 1144 and thus displaces (for instance translates) the mobile triggering member 140, 1140 with respect to the helmet-mounting assembly 110, 1110. Upon displacement of the mobile triggering member 140, 1140, the triggering portion 142, 1142 thereof is operatively coupled to the signal-emitting assembly 160, 1160 to configure the signal-emitting assembly 160, 1160 into a deactivated configuration wherein the at least one of visual and audible signals is no longer emitted. An interruption of the emission of the visual and/or audible signals thus easily and promptly indicate to the user that the protective helmet is suitably installed. The user can then, for instance, proceed to a welding operation and a risk of damaging the auto-darkening welding filter assembly during the welding operation is thus limited.

[0089] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A helmet installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations, the system comprising: a detection assembly mountable to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the detection assembly comprising a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other upon engagement with and disengagement from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the mobile triggering member being configurable into a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the first configuration is a signal-emitting configuration and the second configuration is a deactivated configuration.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises or is operatively couplable with at least one of visual and audible signal emitters.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective helmet comprises an auto-darkening welding filter assembly comprising at least one auto-darkening filter configurable into light and dark states, wherein the signal-emitting assembly is operatively couplable with said at least one auto-darkening filter to configure said at least one auto- darkening filter intermittently into one of the light and dark states when the signal-emitting assembly is configured into one of the first and second configurations.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating LED configured to trigger an optical sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating magnetic field generator configured to trigger a magnetic field sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal- emitting assembly comprises or is operatively couplable with at least one of an IR LED, a UV LED and a visible light-emitting LED of the protective helmet.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detection assembly comprises a detector casing mounted to or formed integral with said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member and at least partially delimiting a detector chamber, the mobile triggering member being at least partially contained in the detector chamber and displaceable therein.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable within the detector chamber when the detection assembly is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with the helmet shell and when the protective helmet is configured from the face-protecting configuration to the open configuration.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable along a direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the face-protecting member considered when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration.

11. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the detection assembly comprises a biasing member extending at least partially in the detector chamber and biasing at least a portion of the mobile triggering member outwardly from the detector chamber when a pressure lower than a predetermined threshold is applied to an installation-detecting portion thereof.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the predetermined threshold substantially corresponds to a pressure applied by the face-protecting member to the triggering member when the protective helmet is configured into the face-protecting configuration.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor and wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises the other one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor, the signal-emitting assembly being configurable from one of the first and second configurations to the other as a function of a distance between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic element is at a first distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the magnetic sensor is fixedly mountable to the helmet shell, the mobile triggering member being removably engageable with the face-protecting member.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises an installation-detecting portion engageable with and disengageable from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other, the mobile triggering member further comprising a triggering portion at a first distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion comprises a depressible microchip configurable into a deployed configuration when the signal-emitting assembly is in the first configuration, and into a depressed configuration upon contact with the other one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion to configure the signal-emitting assembly in the second configuration.

18. A helmet face-protecting member installation-detecting system for a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face-protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations, the system comprising: a detector casing mountable to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member; a mobile triggering member mounted to the detector casing and displaceable with regards to the detector casing upon engagement of the mobile-triggering member with the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, when the detector casing is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, between a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member, when in use, into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the first configuration is a signal-emitting configuration and the second configuration is a deactivated configuration.

20. The system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises or is operatively couplable with at least one of visual and audible signal emitters.

21. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the protective helmet comprises an auto-darkening welding filter assembly comprising at least one auto-darkening filter configurable into light and dark states, wherein the signal-emitting assembly is operatively couplable with said at least one auto-darkening filter to configure said at least one auto-darkening filter intermittently into one of the light and dark states when the signal-emitting assembly is configured into one of the first and second configurations.

22. The system according to claim 21 , wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating LED configured to trigger an optical sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

23. The system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating magnetic field generator configured to trigger a magnetic field sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

24. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the signal- emitting assembly comprises or is operatively couplable with at least one of an IR LED, a UV LED and a visible light-emitting LED of the protective helmet.

25. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the detector casing at least partially delimits a detector chamber, the mobile triggering member being at least partially contained in the detector chamber and displaceable therein.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable within the detector chamber when the detection assembly is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with the helmet shell and when the protective helmet is configured from the face-protecting configuration to the open configuration.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable along a direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the face-protecting member considered when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration.

28. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the detection assembly comprises a biasing member extending at least partially in the detector chamber and biasing at least a portion of the mobile triggering member outwardly from the detector chamber when a pressure lower than a predetermined threshold is applied to an installation-detecting portion thereof.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the predetermined threshold substantially corresponds to a pressure applied by the face-protecting member to the triggering member when the protective helmet is configured into the face-protecting configuration.

30. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor and wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises the other one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor, the signal-emitting assembly being configurable from one of the first and second configurations to the other as a function of a distance between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the magnetic element is at a first distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

32. The system according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the magnetic sensor is fixedly mountable to the helmet shell, the mobile triggering member being removably engageable with the face-protecting member.

33. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises an installation-detecting portion engageable with and disengageable from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other, the mobile triggering member further comprising a triggering portion at a first distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

34. The system according to claim 33, wherein one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion comprises a depressible microchip configurable into a deployed configuration when the signal-emitting assembly is in the first configuration, and into a depressed configuration upon contact with the other one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion to configure the signal-emitting assembly in the second configuration.

35. A face-protecting assembly, comprising: a protective helmet comprising a helmet shell and a mobile face- protecting member mountable thereto to configure the protective helmet into open and face-protecting configurations; and a helmet installation-detecting system comprising: a detection assembly mounted to or at least partially formed integral with one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the detection assembly comprising a mobile triggering member displaceable with regard to said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face- protecting configurations to the other, upon engagement with and disengagement from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member, the mobile triggering member being configurable into a disengaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the open configuration, and into an engaged configuration when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration; and a signal-emitting assembly operatively coupled with the mobile triggering member and configurable upon displacement of the mobile triggering member into a first configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration, and into a second configuration when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration.

36. The assembly according to claim 35, wherein the first configuration is a signal-emitting configuration and the second configuration is a deactivated configuration.

37. The assembly according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the protective helmet comprises an auto-darkening welding filter assembly comprising at least one auto-darkening filter configurable into light and dark states, wherein the signal-emitting assembly is operatively coupled with said at least one auto-darkening filter to configure said at least one auto-darkening filter intermittently into one of the light and dark states when the signal-emitting assembly is configured into one of the first and second configurations.

38. The assembly according to claim 37, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating LED configured to trigger an optical sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

39. The assembly according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises at least one pulsating magnetic field generator configured to trigger a magnetic field sensor of the auto-darkening welding filter assembly.

40. The assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the signal-emitting assembly is operatively coupled with at least one of an IR LED, a UV LED and a visible light-emitting LED of the protective helmet.

41. The assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the detection assembly comprises a detector casing mounted to or formed integral with said one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member and at least partially delimiting a detector chamber, the mobile triggering member being at least partially contained in the detector chamber and displaceable therein.

42. The assembly according to claim 41 , wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable within the detector chamber when the protective helmet is configured from the face-protecting configuration to the open configuration.

43. The assembly according to claim 42, wherein the mobile triggering member is translatable along a direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the face-protecting member considered when the protective helmet is in the face-protecting configuration.

44. The assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the detection assembly comprises a biasing member extending at least partially in the detector chamber and biasing at least a portion of the mobile triggering member outwardly from the detector chamber when a pressure lower than a predetermined threshold is applied to an installation-detecting portion thereof.

45. The assembly according to claim 44, wherein the detection assembly is mounted to or at least partially formed integral with the helmet shell, the predetermined threshold substantially corresponding to a pressure applied by the face-protecting member to the triggering member when the protective helmet is configured in the face-protecting configuration.

46. The assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor and wherein the signal-emitting assembly comprises the other one of a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor, the signal- emitting assembly being configurable from one of the first and second configurations to the other as a function of a distance between the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor.

47. The assembly according to claim 46, wherein the magnetic element is at a first distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the magnetic sensor when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

48. The assembly according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the magnetic sensor is fixedly mounted to or at least partially formed integral with the helmet shell, the mobile triggering member being removably engageable with the face-protecting member.

49. The assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 48, wherein the mobile triggering member comprises an installation-detecting portion engageable with and disengageable from the other one of the helmet shell and the face-protecting member when the protective helmet is configured from each of the open and face-protecting configurations to the other, the mobile triggering member further comprising a triggering portion at a first distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the disengaged configuration and at a second distance from the signal-emitting assembly when the mobile triggering member is in the engaged configuration, the first distance being greater than the second distance.

50. The assembly according to claim 49, wherein one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion comprises a depressible microchip configurable into a deployed configuration when the signal-emitting assembly is in the first configuration, and into a depressed configuration upon contact with the other one of the signal-emitting assembly and the triggering portion to configure the signal-emitting assembly in the second configuration.