Abstract
A headgear system allowing for positioning eyewear in three dimensions using at least one strap positioned for securing said eyewear in the vertical or y-axis, while left-to-right orientation in the x-axis and front-to-back orientation in the z-axis are defined by two straps, one at each temple arm for securing to the headgear.
Claims
1. A protection system comprising: a protective headgear and an attachable protective eyewear apparatus secured thereto; said headgear comprising a front portion, a rear portion, a left portion, a right portion, an inner surface, and an outer surface; said headgear further comprising at least one forehead mount disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the front portion of the headgear, a left strap anchor disposed of on the left portion of the headgear, and a right strap anchor disposed of on the right portion of the headgear; said attachable eyewear apparatus comprising a frame, protective bars or clear protective lens, a left arm, and a right arm, each of said left arm and right arm comprising an opening at a distal end of each of the left and right arms, at least one top bar mount connecting at the top of said frame, and at least one securing strap secured between said top bar mount and said at least one forehead mount; and wherein the left strap anchor is secured into the opening at the distal end of the left arm and the right strap anchor is secured into the opening at the distal end of the right arm, adjustably securing the attachable protective eyewear apparatus to the headgear.
2. The protection system of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing strap provides securement of the attachable protective eyewear apparatus in at least a first direction and wherein the left strap and the right strap provide securement of the attachable protective eyewear apparatus in at least a second direction.
3. The protection system of claim 2, wherein the attachable protective eyewear apparatus enables movement and orientation of the protective eyewear apparatus in the x, y, and z planes in relation to the protective headgear by modifying the lengths of the at least one securing strap or of the left strap or the right strap.
4. The protection system of claim 2, wherein the at least one securing strap is more flexible than the arms of the attachable protective eyewear apparatus.
5. The protection system of claim 2, wherein said left arm and said right arm are hingeably attached to the frame.
6. The protection system of claim 1, wherein said protective eyewear apparatus is adjustably attached to the protective headgear.
7. A facial and head protection system comprising: a protective headgear and an attachable eyewear apparatus; said protective headgear having a rear portion, a front facing portion, a left side portion, a right side portion, an inner surface, and an outer surface; said headgear configured for covering a portion of a user's head; said front facing portion comprising at least one forehead mount providing a mount accessible on the inner surface of the front facing portion and comprising at least a left strap latch component and a right strap latch component accessible on the inner surface of the left and right side portions of the headgear; said eyewear apparatus comprising a frame comprising a top bar, a right rim, a left rim, and a bridge connecting the same, a left hinge point connected to an outer edge of the left rim, a right hinge point connected to an outer edge of the right rim, a left arm connected to the left hinge point, and a right arm connected to the right hinge point; said top bar comprising at least one top bar mount; wherein said top bar mount and said forehead mount are configured to secure therebetween with a connection length; and at least one opening positioned at a distal end of each of the left arm and the right arm wherein a left strap or a right strap is connected thereto for securing said left and right arms to said headgear.
8. The facial and head protection system of claim 7, wherein the at least left strap and right strap components allow for selective attachment and adjustment of the arms to the headgear.
9. The facial and head protection system of claim 7, wherein the arms of the eyewear apparatus are more rigid than the connection length securing said top bar mount and said forehead mount.
10. The facial and head protection system of claim 7, wherein the attachable eyewear apparatus can be adjusted in x, y, and z coordinates to optimize fit of the eyewear apparatus.
11. The facial and head protection system of claim 7, wherein the connection length is selected from the group consisting of: a strap, hook-and-loop material, a string, and combinations thereof.
12. The facial and head protection system of claim 7, wherein the attachable eyewear apparatus can be oriented at a different orientation in x, y, and z coordinates based upon the connection length between the top bar mount and the connection between the forehead mount and the arms to the headgear.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a front image of a helmet with attached eye protection.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a side image of the helmet with attached eye protection.
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts the opposing side of the helmet with attached eye protection.
[0032] FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of the helmet.
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the helmet.
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the helmet with embedded eye protection.
[0035] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the eye protection.
[0036] FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the eye protection.
[0037] FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the eye protection.
[0038] FIGS. 10A-C depict a side view of the eye protection and mounting features with a helmet, with FIG. 10A providing a right side view, FIG. 10B depicting a view showing attachment using a post and nut, and FIG. 10C depicting attachment with a post and a pocket within the core of the headgear.
[0039] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a side view of the eye protection with an embodiment of mounting system, with FIG. 11A depicting a right side view of the eye protection and FIG. 11B depicting an attachment of the eye protection to a latch.
[0040] FIG. 12A and 12B depict a further embodiment of the attachment means, with FIG. 12A depicting a top perspective view of eyeglasses and FIG. 12B depicting a side view of a portion of an attachment means.
[0041] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of eye protection.
[0042] FIGS. 14A and 14B depict a further embodiment of the attachment means, with FIG. 14A depicting a bottom view of an eye protection arm and FIG. 14B depicting a top view of an eye protection arm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The system detailed herein provides for an adjustable mounting system for eye protection. In particular, this system allows for individualized and customizable fit for each user for the particular helmet and eye protection to be utilized. Indeed, this allows for customization of eye protection based upon the particular size and shape of the individual, as well as personal preferences regarding look and feel.
[0044] For example, individualized protection may allow for one user to have a metal only cage that provides eye protection. A second user may choose a cage that further includes embedded polycarbonate lenses for additional protection or tinted polycarbonate for sunny situations. Others may choose a wholly plastic or clear polycarbonate fit. Finally, others may eliminate the eye protection or choose to use eye protection that does not engage to the helmet itself. The ability for varied fit and structural options provides a unique modular headgear solution.
[0045] FIG. 1 provides a first embodiment of an eye protection system or device that comprises a helmet or headgear portion (“helmet” and “headgear” being used interchangeably throughout) (1), an eye protection component (2), and attachment means (3) between the helmet (1) and the eye protection component (2). As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, the attachment means (3) are secured to the helmet (1) at helmet forehead mounts (20), which are positioned in or on the helmet (1). The attachment means then secure to the glasses top bar mounts (13).
[0046] A preferable material for the attachment means (3) is a hook-and-loop material strap, one that utilizes a flexible but resilient material that does not stretch more than 25% of its length, and preferably does not stretch more than 10% of its length, and more preferably does not stretch more than 5% or 1% of its length. Use of a hook-and-loop material for the attachment means (3), provides that a hook-and-loop strap can extend around the glasses top bar mount (13), which provides a rigid bar within said glasses top bar mount (13) to secure such a strap around said rigid bar and then wrap around a further bar in the helmet forehead mount (20). Through shortening or lengthening of the hook-and-loop material, the eye protection can be oriented on the helmet in a desired vertical position. Furthermore, as the hook-and-loop material is flexible, it will hang and have some movement within all axes (but limited in the vertical direction) without significantly distorting the position of the eye protection (2) if an impact hits the eye protection.
[0047] In many situations in the prior art, when eye protection is worn without an attachment to a helmet (1), the eye protection goggles are positioned directly on the face of a user. When the goggles are disturbed on the face of the individual, she must stop and adjust the eye protection goggles to ensure proper fit and function. Often eye goggles are in contact with several places on the face, and this disturbance moves them out of place and requires movement with hands to get back to a normal resting place that is comfortable. The embodiments herein eliminate this problem. With the flexible but secure attachment as described herein, movement may occur, but the eye protection (2) will simply move back to its normal resting state upon a disturbance force being applied to the goggles of the present embodiments, i.e., the goggles being hit by a ball, stick, or player.
[0048] The helmet forehead mounts (20) can also directly attach the straps to the helmet (1). For example, instead of a bar allowing a single strap to wrap around the bar, two ends of a strap may just be secured directly to the helmet (1). For example, the strap may be embedded into the helmet or have a snap or other component to securely attach the strap to the helmet itself.
[0049] FIG. 2 provides a side profile of the system, with the goggles shown away from the forehead of the individual in resting state. The arms (also called “temples”) (5A) are attached to the eye protection (2) at the hinge (4). Use of a hinge (4) allows the arms (5A) to move to allow for various fits to meet the contours of the facial structure of each individual user. These arms (5A) are then attached to several points on the helmet such as via a latch (6). Two contact points for the arms (5A) are adjacent to or above the ear of the helmet. In this manner, the eye protection (2) is held on each side of the helmet with a structure and is adjustable to the fit of each individual user.
[0050] For appropriate connection of the arms (5A) to the helmet (1), several different securing mechanisms may be utilized. For example, in FIG. 2, a latch (6) is provided to allow for a strap or other securing device to connect to the eye protection and secure tightly to the latch (6). This latch may be on the interior or exterior of the helmet (1), or even embedded within the foam material or core of the helmet.
[0051] However, even once connected to the helmet, by allowing the arms (5A) to move at the hinge (4), the individual user can adjust the horizontal and lateral fit of the eye protection (2) for the user. Indeed, pulling the arms (5A) tighter to the face of the user would pull the eye protection (2) in the lateral direction and to some extent slightly in the horizontal direction. Use of the connection means provides for variation in fit, which will allow the head protection system, including the helmet (1) and eye protection (2), to provide for variable fit for different users.
[0052] For example, FIG. 3 details different arm positions (5A, 5B, and 5C) that could be used to secure the arm to the helmet. These different positions will allow for a slightly different fit and feel for the user. Accordingly, the position of the latch (6) must be sufficiently aft of the temple to ensure that such adjustments can be made. However, to secure each of these different positions, the latch (6) must have different securing points within the helmet to enable the different positions of (5A), (5B), and (5C). These different latch positions are identified as (6A), (6B), and (6C). The various embodiments herein describe different latch and securing mechanisms that can be utilized to allow for these various orientations, for example, by providing different positions and different angles of the arm (5A), i.e., the angle of the arm (5A) is different than when the arm is in position (5B) or (5C), these points simply being alternative positions of the arm. Thus, the angle or the tilt of the eye protection themselves can be modified through use of different arm positions. Thus, different face sizes, structures, and curves can independently optimize the fit and feel of the eye protection and ultimately provide a highly customizable head and face protection system through these variations in the design.
[0053] Indeed, one possible embodiment for securing the arm to the helmet is envisioned, for example, in FIG. 7, wherein the rear arm opening (7) would accept a strap and said strap would be tightened appropriately to the hinge (6) to secure the eye protection in place.
[0054] FIGS. 4 and 5 give additional views of the helmet. For example, FIG. 4 simply details the helmet from the rear position and FIG. 5 details the helmet from a top plan view. The various vents in the helmet enable air flow, but also reduce the weight of the helmet.
[0055] FIG. 6 gives a bottom view of the protection system, particularly depicting the location of the forehead mounts (20) within the helmet. These forehead mounts (20) are anchoring components that allow for securing of a strap (3) between the forehead mounts (20) and the top bar mounts (13). The forehead mounts (20) allow for the frontal securement of the eye protection component. Rear mounts are then included, e.g., the latch (6), to allow for securing of the arms of the eye protection via any one of the several means as described herein, including with straps, buckles, post and opening, etc. Combined, the forehead mounts (20) and the latch (6) feature, enable a secure connection of the eye protection to the headgear and provide for a highly customizable fit.
[0056] Indeed, as described above, FIG. 6 further identifies a second attachment embodiment for the arms (5A). However, FIG. 6 depicts the use of a temple post (10). The temple post (10) is provided within the helmet to allow for anchoring of the eye protection (2) to the helmet (1) by securing into the post (10) one opening (8) on the arm. For example, FIG. 10A details five different openings (8). In this manner, the post (10) and openings (8) work like a belt, with the pin of the buckle being equivalent to the post (10) and the holes in the belt equivalent to the openings (8). Fitting the post (10) into the opening (8) secures the arm of the eye protection at a specific length. By having different openings (8), and an individual can specifically tailor the fit, just as one would with a belt or a watch, each having the pin and buckle.
[0057] FIG. 7 details eye protection (2), with a forehead top bar (15), the top bar mount (13), and a bridge (14). The eye protection (2) further comprises a right rim (21), a left rim (22), and a rim support (23) on each of the left and right side. The eye protection (2) left and right sides are mirror images of one another. These features provide for a physical barrier between an object and the eye area, with the goal to prevent direct contact, i.e., of a ball or stick to the eye area of the user. The rear arm opening (7) is provided on each arm (5A), which accepts a strap, or a post (10) within said opening to secure the eye protection in place. However, the hinge (4) allows for the arms (5A) to be oriented to find the most comfortable fit for each individual.
[0058] FIG. 8 provides a further view of similar eye protection features, e.g., the hinge (4) is
[0059] depicted as well as the bridge (14). Additional features previously disclosed can be seen from this front view and depict the mirror image nature of the left and right sides of the eye protection (2) component.
[0060] FIG. 9 provides a rear view of the eye protection (2) component and details several features that allow for the secure attachment to the helmet system. FIG. 9 details two straps (3) secured through the glasses top bar mounts (13) to show greater detail as to how these components would fit together. Of course, these straps (3) provide for one of the key components to secure the eye protection (2) to the helmet (1). By having both support and attachment at the top bar mounts (13) as well as at the rear of the arms (5A), at least four points connect the eye protection (2) to the headgear. This allows the eye protection (2) to be suitably secured to the helmet to provide for protection to the eye area. Because of the adjustability of the straps (3), as well as attachment means for the arms (5A), custom fit is provided. Yet, at the same time, the multiple points prevent the eye protection (2) from moving too far, being dislodged, or being too rigid and thus cause discomfort.
[0061] The eye protection is intended to sit away from the face of the user. Accordingly, no nose pad or pad arms are necessary within the bridge (14) of the eye protection (2). Accordingly, by adjustment of each of the attachment points, the eye protection (2) will sit away from the face, but through the combination of the rigidity of the arms (5A) and the tension at the top bar mount (13) to the forehead mount (20), the eye protection (2) will resist movement to a sufficient degree, thereby preventing contact of the ball or stick to the eye area of the user.
[0062] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C detail use of the openings (8) with several attachment mechanisms. A helmet or headgear (1) is depicted with an inner surface (32), a core (33), and an outer surface (34). For example, FIG. 10B details wherein a post (10) is mounted inside on the inner surface (32) of the helmet (1), and a post nut (12) secures into the post (10) to secure the arm (5A) into place. Using this post (10) and opening (8) strategy, the arms are made of a more resilient material than the attachment means for the forehead mounting, e.g., a PVC plastic, nylon, or other material that allows for flex and rotation, but not stretching of the material. Other materials include Zyl (cellulose acetate), Monel (nickel alloys), and Flexon (titanium alloys) and may also include certain metal or metal alloys, or combinations of plastic, polymer, and/or metal materials to generate an appropriate structure and flex. In preferred embodiments, the arms are a plastic material. However, the hinge (4) still allows for some movement, as well as the arms (5A) not being rigid, providing necessary give and movement to the system while retaining positioning of the eye protection, even when a force is applied to the eye protection itself.
[0063] FIG. 10C details wherein the helmet (1) actually has an opening (31) in the body of the helmet (1), and the post (10) is embedded within this opening (31), which compresses against the post. The opening (31) is a hole or pocket within the core (33) of the helmet (1). The opening (31) allows for the core (33) itself to compress against the post (10) and thus may optionally eliminate the use of a nut (12), though an optional nut can be included. The user would simply place the proper opening (8) onto the post (10) and the eye protection would be secured at the proper fit, as the core (33) would compress against the post (10). A different fit could be achieved by simply moving the post (10) to a different opening (8) on the arm. Accordingly, such a feature allows for different internal features to the headgear itself. FIG. 10B provides wherein a post (10) is open to the interior face of the headgear, while FIG. 10C provides wherein the post (10) is defined within an opening (31) or cavity, which provides access to the internally positioned post (10).
[0064] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a side profile with the hinge (4) in FIG. 11A, with five different openings (8) positioned along the arm, and a single rear opening (7) at the end of the arm (5A).
[0065] FIG. 11B depicts an embodiment using a length of strap material (11), which would connect to a latch (6) on, in, or inside the helmet (1) to secure to the rear arm opening (7) to properly tighten the eye protection to the helmet. Inherently, the use of a strap material (11) will provide more flex and give to the attachment of the arms as compared to use of a post (10) connection strategy through the openings (8). Accordingly, depending on the particular strategy, the length of the arms (5A) will need to be optimized to fit as determined by an ordinary artisan, and to then provide sufficient variability (i.e., five different openings [8]), or a sufficient arm length to allow for the use of a strap material (11) to connect to both the rear opening (7) and also to the latch (6) on the headgear itself.
[0066] FIG. 12A details use of a post (10) and nut (12) positioned within an opening (8) of the arms. A larger detail of the same is provided in FIG. 12B.
[0067] FIG. 13 details a top plan view of the eye protection.
[0068] FIGS. 14A and 14B provide a front and back view of a variation of an attachment arm (5A). The arm (5A) is similar to the ones depicted in, for example, FIG. 11A, having a set of openings (8). The arm (5A) is attached to the hinge through the hinge opening (24). A pin or other attachment means would connect the hinge opening (24) to the body of the eye protection component.
[0069] The system provides for an unlimited amount of adjustment to properly fit eye protection to a helmet. Furthermore, as an impact occurs to the helmet or to the eye protection, the flexible but rigid fit will deflect the forces, but importantly it prevents direct contact with the eye. Indeed, preventing physical contact and damage to the eye is the primary goal of eye protection.
[0070] Ultimately, no other system provides for customizable fit that allows for orientation in the horizontal, lateral, and vertical directions while ensuring a secure and adjustable fit to allow for customization for any user.
