Protective Headgear Holder

Abstract

A holder for the secure transport and storage of various types of protective headgear that maintains secure support and retention of the headgear while protecting the brim. The device is versatile; it is adjustable, mountable, and portable; of sturdy construction, yet economical to produce. The device includes a self-contained mounting plate for permanent mounting on surfaces such as a wall or trailer rib. It has no moving parts with the exception of an included removable, swivel-able hook, which allows for multiple hanging options such as from a peg, a clothing rod, the pole of a vehicle headrest, the back edge of a chair, and door and cabinet knobs. The device includes an area configured to securely hold other items simultaneously while also holding headgear. The device supports headgear conveniently in positions of easy access, and allows for one-handed operation of both insertion and removal of the headgear when secured to a fixed element.

Claims

1. A protective headgear holder apparatus, for transport, display, and storage of protective headgear comprising a piece of 4 mm in diameter steel rod where from both sides of the middle there are horizontally mirrored parallel right angle bends forming the front bends of the neck, and the segment between these front bends of the neck forms the front of the neck; and the bends of the neck, which also form the beginning of the opposing sides of the protective headgear holder, in which all subsequent bends and angles mirror each other to create the left side and the right side; and the body section of the neck consisting of the front of the neck, the front bends of the neck, and the equal parallel segments forming the back of the neck, which begin at the back of the front bends of the neck and end at the start of a downwardly vertical 90 angle bend that forms the shoulders; and the U-shaped front consisting of the front of the neck, the front bends of the neck, and the neck capture a six sided nut hook retainer on three sides at the most forward location of the front of the neck; and the hook retainer, which is attached securely by way of welding, to the rod at the three points of contact; and the hook, consisting of a curved upper section configured to hang from a horizontally oriented rod or peg, and a lower portion having a straight vertical axis, and the end of the lower portion having a flat bottom section or portion which is larger than the opening in the hook retainer; and the body section of the back consisting of the upper back, the waist, and the lower back; whereas the upper back begins just below the shoulders on each side, and continues as a segments in a straight manner downward to the compound angle that forms the waist; and a mounting plate, located a short distance below the shoulders, and between the rods forming the upper back, and is securely welded to the inside of the rods of the upper back; and the waist, consisting of compound angles containing one bend forward approximately 15 as well as an outward spread of 15, where this outward spread continues on each side through the ends of each foot, for a total spread of approximately 30; and the lower back which is formed by a straight segment below the compound angle of the waist with the 15 outward spread continuing through the lower back, which ends at a compound angle containing an upward bend of approximately 100, and a continuing outward angle of 15; thus forming the lap, with the outward angle of 15 continuing, a straight segment on each side forms the thigh, and the thigh ends with a compound angle consisting of a bend in the downward direction 150, and a continuation of the 15 outward spread, thus forming the knee, and below the knee a straight segment with the continuing 15 outward spread, forms the shin, and at the end of the shin, the remaining rod material is horizontally looped inward back to itself 150, thus creating the foot at the end of the rod in approximate parallel locality of the same side's corresponding forearm; and the body section of the arms consisting of the upper arm, the elbow, and the forearm; where each arm mirrors the opposing arm symmetrically in all bends and spreads; and the upper arms which are attached perpendicularly to each side toward the back of the neck; at the junction, with each arm maintaining a 15 outward flare throughout, resulting in a 30 outward spread of the arms; and at the bottom of each upper arm segment each arm has a forward bend of approximately 25, which forms the elbow, and below the elbow, is the forearm; and the brim retainer bar, which is attached to the lowest section of the forearms and consists of a convex, and curved plate that is uniform in height, with an approximate 30 flare from top to bottom, and generally matches the spread of the arms, and with the outside bottom edges of the brim retainer bar being flush with the ends of the forearms.

2. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said hook member is configured to be swivel-able.

3. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said hook member is configured to be removable.

4. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said hook member is configured to retreat into the empty brim protection area between the arms and the back for packaging and shipping purposes.

5. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said apparatus has a vinyl coating for added frictional properties.

6. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said hook retainer placement is configured for optimal counter balancing of the weight of items being held.

7. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said brim retainer bar has a uniform height for optimal company logo placement and branding purposes.

8. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said brim retainer bar has a concave shaped bottom edge closely matching the convex shape of the junction of the crown and brim of a helmet.

9. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said brim retainer bar has a convex curvature between the arms to closely parallel the convex curvature of the brim of a helmet.

10. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said arms are configured to angle forward in order to remain closely parallel to the angle of the brim, allowing for the brim retainer bar to remain in close proximity to, and closely fit the junction of the curve of the brim and the helmet.

11. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said forearms are configured with an outward spread allowing for the two points of contact with the interior surface of the headgear to be spread across a wide area for more stability.

12. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said body is configured to create an area between the back of the arms and the front of the back for the purpose of creating an area of protection for the brim of protective headgear.

13. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said lap area is composed of an upward bend in the area at the bottom of the back configured to securely hold items simultaneously while protective headgear is being held uncompromised.

14. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs are configured in an angled position, which closely matches the interior front curvature of headgear, in order to create secure and stable contact with the interior surface of the headgear.

15. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said the angle and spread of the legs, along with the angle and spread of the arms, and the curvatures of the brim retainer bar are configured to work in conjunction with each other to create optimal secure and stable holding of protective headgear.

16. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said feet are configured to be larger and wider areas of contact against the interior of the headgear.

17. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting plate is configured to be self-contained and anchored flush between the segments forming the back of the headgear holding apparatus.

18. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting plate is configured to contain a pre-drilled hole for ease of mounting the protective headgear holding apparatus to a fixed surface.

19. A protective headgear holding apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said feet are configured to be located at the end of the legs in approximate parallel locality of the same side's corresponding forearm in order to provide optimal secure and safe headgear holding properties.

20. A process for utilizing the protective headgear holding device, which comprises the steps of: a) inserting the brim of the headgear into the area of the protective headgear holder located between the bottom of the brim retainer bar and the legs, and toward the brim protection area and the back of the protective headgear holder, b) simultaneously angling downward and forward the back of the protective headgear, c) positioning the brim retainer bar as close as possible to the junction of the brim and crown, d) pivoting the back portion of the protective headgear more downward, as the front of the crown pivots upward moving the legs over the edge of the interior surface as the legs become engaged against the curved interior surface of the front of the crown, e) resting the weight of the headgear on the legs.

21. A process for utilizing the protective headgear holding device, as recited in claim 20, wherein removal of headgear from the protective holding device comprises the steps of: a) pivoting the bottom of the protective headgear back and up, b) relieving the pressure of the legs and feet against the interior surface, c) releasing the leveraged brim retainer bar from the junction area of the brim and crown, d) removing the protective headgear brim from the brim protection are of the protective headgear holder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly described herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings and photographs in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing of views of the basic body area of the protective headgear holder.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a side view of the protective headgear holder.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a drawing of an angled view of the protective headgear holder.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a front view of the protective headgear holder.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a drawing of an operational view of the first step of insertion of a typical helmet into the protective headgear holder.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a drawing of an operational view of the second step of insertion of a typical helmet into the protective headgear holder.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a drawing of an operational view of the final step of insertion of a typical helmet into the protective headgear holder.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a drawing of basic side view of the protective headgear holder to be viewed in reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a photograph of an interior view of a typical helmet being held by the protective headgear holder.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a photograph of an exterior view of a typical helmet being held by the protective headgear holder.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a photograph of a side view of a typical helmet being held simultaneously with a pair of boots by the protective headgear holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] Any measurements and angles listed or shown, are meant to be illustrative, and are in no way intended to be restrictive. The particular designs and specific arrangements of the various structural properties of this invention, can be adapted to provide different aesthetic qualities and/or structural properties and as such may take various forms and be engineered in different manners and of different materials without departing from the spirit or essence of this invention.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts the eight basic body parts of the protective headgear holder 40. In the current preferred embodiment of this invention, the protective headgear holder 40 is fashioned in eight basic areas; the neck, generally shown at the shaded section 41; the back, generally shown at the shaded section 42; the legs, generally shown at the shaded section 43; the arms, generally shown at the shaded section 44; the brim retainer bar generally indicated at 45; the mounting plate generally shown at 46; the hook, generally shown at 47; and the hook retainer, generally shown at 48.

[0038] In the current preferred embodiment, a single piece of 4 mm in diameter steel rod is bent and angled to form the sections of the neck 41, back 42, and legs 43 in the body of the protective headgear holder. It is contemplated that other embodiments may utilize a wide variety of materials, and of varied shapes and sizes. In this preferred embodiment, the rod consists of steel; a strong material that can adequately and securely hold protective headgear of many different configurations, sizes, and weights, and/or boots (see FIG. 11) or other items.

[0039] As is referenced in the angled view of FIG. 3, in this embodiment the assembly of the protective headgear holder 40 begins at the middle of the length of the rod. Measuring out from both sides of the middle, there are horizontally mirrored parallel right angle bends forming the front bends of the neck as generally indicated at 16. The segment between these front bends of the neck 16 forms the front of the neck as generally indicated at 15. The front bends of the neck 16 also form the beginning of the opposing sides of the protective headgear holder 40, in which all subsequent bends and angles mirror each other to create the left side and the right side.

[0040] The body section of the neck 41 consists of the front of the neck 15, the front bends of the neck 16, and the equal parallel segments forming the back of the neck, generally shown at 17, which begin at the back of the front bends of the neck 16 and end at the start of a downwardly vertical 90 angle bend that forms the shoulders 18.

[0041] In the current preferred embodiment, the U-shaped front consisting of the front of the neck 15, the front bends of the neck 16, and the neck 41 capture the six sided nut, which comprises the hook retainer 48, on three sides at the most forward location of the front of the neck 15. Preferably, the hook retainer 48 is attached securely by way of welding, or another secure method, to the rod at the three points of contact. This forward placement of the hook retainer 48, aids in the counter balancing of the various weights and styles of different headgear and, as shown in FIG. 1, is such that a swivel-able hook 47 may be used. The swivel-able hook 47 consists of a curved upper section configured to hang from a horizontally oriented rod or peg, and a lower portion having a straight vertical axis, and the end of the lower portion having a flat bottom section or portion which is larger than the opening in the hook retainer 48 such that the curved upper portion may be inserted into the hook retainer 48 from below and pulled up until the larger flat bottom section rests against the bottom of the hook retainer 48 thereby allowing the hook to securely support the body of the protective headgear holder 40 and subsequent items to be held. The hook 47 may be hung on an extended protruding rod, such as a coat hook, or peg, allowing the protective headgear holder 40 to hang in the vertical position.

[0042] In another application, the hook 47 may be swiveled allowing it to be hung from an item in close proximity to a vertical, or close to vertical, surface such as a vehicle headrest pole, or chair back, among others, resulting in the shoulders, generally indicated at 18, resting against the vertical surface at an angle, causing the protective headgear holder 40 to hang at an approximate 45 angle.

[0043] In yet another application, when the protective headgear holder is not in use transporting, storing, or displaying protective headgear, the forward location of the hook retainer 48 allows the bottom of the swivel-able hook 47 to be pushed down into the empty space of the brim protection area 33 during packaging and shipping, thus creating a more compact size and shape for more economical shipping and packaging costs.

[0044] As referenced in FIG. 3, the body section of the back 42 consists of the upper back generally shown at 21, the waist generally shown at 22, and the lower back generally shown at 23. The upper back 21 begins just below the shoulders 18 on each side, and continues as a segment in a straight manner downward to the compound angle that forms the waist 22.

[0045] In the current preferred embodiment, located a short distance below the shoulders 18, and between the rods forming the upper back 21, a mounting plate 46, is securely welded to the inside of the rods of the upper back 21. Preferably, but by no means necessarily, the mounting hole 20 is located near the top of the mounting plate 46, for easy access of a tool reaching over the top of the brim retainer bar 45 to attach the mounting plate 46 and thus the protective headgear holder 40 to a wall or other surface.

[0046] In the current preferred embodiment, the compound angles forming the waist 22, consist of one bend forward approximately 15 as well as an outward spread of 15. This outward spread continues on each side through the ends of each foot 28, for a total spread of approximately 30.

[0047] Continuing to reference FIG. 3, the lower back 23 is formed by a straight segment below the compound angle of the waist 22 with the 15 outward spread continuing through the lower back 23.

[0048] The body section of the legs 43 consists of the lap as generally indicated at 24, the thighs as generally indicated at 25, the knees as generally indicated at 26, the shins as generally indicated at 27, and the feet as generally indicated at 28.

[0049] The lower back 23 ends at a compound angle of an upward bend of approximately 100, and the continuing outward angle of 15; thus forming the lap 24. The compound angle bend of the lap 24, allows boots or other articles of various nature including, but not limited to, ball caps, work belts, chaps, bags, bridles, or other items, to be hung from the curve of the lap 24 with no adverse effects to, and without compromising, as seen in FIG. 11, the secure and protective function of the protective headgear holder 40. As is best seen in FIG. 11, the feet 28 and legs 43 of the protective headgear holder 40 are slipped through the boot pulls 39 of the boots so that the boot pulls 39 come to rest in the bend of the lap 24, thus securely holding one boot pull 39 in each lap 24. In this position, a protective headgear, or helmet 34 may also be held in the protective headgear holder 40 with no adverse effects to the items being held.

[0050] From the bend that forms the lap 24, and with the outward angle of 15 continuing, a straight segment on each side forms the thigh 25. The thigh 25 ends with another compound angle consisting of a bend in the downward direction 150, and a continuation of the 15 outward spread, thus forming the knee 26. Below the knee 26 a straight segment with the continuing 15 outward spread, forms the shin 27. At the end of the shin 27, the remaining rod material is horizontally looped back to itself 150, either inward, outward, upward or downward, but in the preferred embodiment, inward, thus creating the foot 28 at the end of the rod. Each foot 28 is in approximate parallel locality of the same side's corresponding forearm 31, which allows the contact points to the interior surface 38 of the protective headgear 34 to be on a wide spread giving excellent results for the secure and stable balance of the protective headgear 34 being held by the protective headgear holder 40.

[0051] In the current preferred embodiment, each foot 28 is configured as a loop that is curved horizontally, making the area of the foot 28 somewhat larger than the opening of an air vent channel, thus preventing the likelihood of a foot 28 fully and deeply entering into an air vent channel and tearing any netting or screening located on the outside shell, as seen in see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0052] In the current preferred embodiment, the degree of spread of each leg 43 is adjustable by way of gently bending the steel rods, either in, to narrow the spread, or out, to widen the spread. And, as may be desired by a person using the protective headgear holder 40, each leg 43 may also be adjusted, by gently bending, to be positioned in the most strategic spot against the interior surface 38 of the crown 37, preferably allowing each foot 28 to nestle into an indentation of an available air vent channel of the interior surface 38 for added stability as can be seen in FIG. 9.

[0053] Stated yet another way, in the current preferred embodiment the legs 43 are spread to an angle which allows the legs 43 to cup the inside of the protective headgear 34 utilizing a wider space, and thus causing the protective headgear 34 to remain more secure and stable within the protective headgear holder 40. The degree of spread of the legs 43 is adjustable vertically as well, by gently bending to accommodate many different styles and designs of helmets and headgear. Of course, as with other design features of this invention, this feature may take many different forms and be engineered in a very different manner without departing from the spirit or essence of this invention.

[0054] As is seen in the side view of FIG. 2, the angled view of FIG. 3, and the front view of FIG. 4, the body section of the arms 44 consists of the upper arm as generally indicated at 29, the elbow as generally indicated at 30, and the forearm as generally indicated at 31. Each arm 44 mirrors the opposing arm symmetrically in all bends and spreads. The upper arms 29 of the protective headgear holder 40 are attached perpendicularly to each side of the back of the neck 17 as generally indicated as a junction at 19. Each arm maintains a 15 outward flare throughout, resulting in a 30 outward spread of the arms. At the bottom of each upper arm segment 29 each arm 44 has a forward bend of approximately 25, which forms the elbow 30. Below the elbow 30, is the forearm 31.

[0055] Attached to the lowest section of the forearms 31 is the brim retainer bar generally indicated at 45, which in the current preferred embodiment consists of a convex, flared, and curved plate that is uniform in height, with an approximate 30 flare from top to bottom, generally matching the spread of the arms 44 and with the outside bottom edges of the brim retainer bar 45 being flush with the ends of the forearms 31.

[0056] The curved brim retainer bar 45 is of adequate size and shape to allow prominently placed branding of company logos and/or marketing material, including but not limited to etched, screen-printed, or otherwise adhered to the brim retainer bar 45. The convex and curved edge of the brim retainer bar 45 closely matches the curvature of the front section of the crown 37 of a typical example of protective headgear or helmet, thus providing more contact, security, and stability of the protective headgear being held. As with other design features of this invention, these features may take many different forms and be engineered in a very different manner without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0057] Referencing FIG. 7 and FIG. 10, each forearm 31 is angled forward to remain closely parallel to the brim 36, thus keeping the brim retainer bar 45 in closer proximity to the junction 35 of the brim 36 and the crown 37 of the helmet 34. At the same time, the outward spread of the arms 44, allows for a wider area of coverage of the junction 35 of the brim 36 and crown 37, obtaining excellent results for secure and stable protection of the protective headgear 34 and the brim 36.

[0058] The current preferred embodiment of the protective headgear holder 40 is for the entire assembly to be covered in a rubber or vinyl type coating, aiding the protective headgear holder 40 in clinging to the protective headgear 34 frictionally as well as with gravity and leverage.

[0059] Another important feature of the invention is the brim protection area 33. As indicated in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, when operating or utilizing the protective headgear holder, the brim 36 is inserted into the brim protection area generally indicated at 33, and the back portion of the protective headgear 34 is simultaneously angled downward and forward, so that the brim retainer bar 45, as shown in FIG. 10, comes as close as possible to the junction 35 of the brim 36 and crown 37. The back portion of the protective headgear 34 is then pivoted more downward, which causes the front of the crown 37 area to pivot upward. This moves the legs 43 over the edge of the interior surface 38, thus allowing the legs 43 to become engaged against the curved interior surface 38 of the front of the crown 37, as is shown in FIG. 9. With the legs against the front curved interior surface 38, and the brim retainer bar 45 in close proximity to the junction 35 of the brim 36 and crown 37, the brim 36 is then safely protected inside the brim protection area 33, and the protective headgear 34 is securely held by friction, leverage, and gravity.

[0060] Stated another way, as can be seen in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and referencing FIG. 9 and FIG. 10; the upward angle of the forearms 31, the space between the brim retainer bar 45 and the back 42, along with the angled curvature of the legs 43, are such that working together they create a situation where the protective headgear 34 enters the brim protection area 33 at an angle, and, as the protective headgear 34 is straightened vertically, the angled curvature of the legs 43 slide into place against the contour of the front interior surface 38 of the protective headgear 34. Once in this position, the bottom edge 32 of the brim retainer bar 45 rests near the junction 35 of the brim 36 and the crown 37 of the protective headgear 34. The outside edge of the brim 36 is virtually untouched, and protected in the brim protection area 33 between the brim retainer bar 45 and the inside surface of the back 42. The protective headgear 34 itself is then simultaneously supported from the inside, by way of downward gravity on the legs 43, as well as with leverage of the brim retainer bar 45 near the base of the brim 36, or the outside bottom front of the crown 37 depending on the various size and shape of the protective headgear 34 in use. This configuration keeps the protective headgear 34 securely held and protected until such a time as the user pivots the bottom of the protective headgear 34 back up, relieving the pressure against the interior surface 38 and releasing the legs 43, which also releases the leveraged brim retainer bar 45, thus allowing the protective headgear 34 to be removed from the protective headgear holder 40.

[0061] Stated yet another way, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and referencing FIG. 9 and FIG. 10; the brim 36 is inserted into the brim protection area 33 with the bottom edge 32 of the brim retainer bar 45 as close as possible to the junction 35 of the base of the brim 36 and the front of the crown 37. The bottom back of the protective headgear is then dropped down, in effect pushing the legs 43 of the protective headgear holder 40 up and onto the interior's surface 38 to become engaged with the front curved interior surface 38 of the protective headgear 34. Once the legs 43 become engaged with the interior surface 38 and the brim retainer bar 45 is in place near the junction 35 of the brim 36 and crown 37, the brim 36 is then safely protected, and the protective headgear 34 is securely held in place by way of leverage of the base of the brim 36 working with gravity causing the protective headgear 34 to rest on the legs 43 of the protective headgear holder 40.

[0062] The assembly of the protective headgear holder 40 is such that several individual features function in tandem, thus creating excellent results, and increasing the benefits of the whole assemblage. The protective headgear holder 40 is a portable, mountable, and adjustable all-in-one assembly, making this new invention especially desirable and useful.

[0063] The foregoing drawings, photos, and detailed description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.

[0064] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all of these and other modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alterations, design choices, permutations, additions, sub-combinations, and embodiments as are within the spirit and scope of the claims. The words comprise, comprises, comprising, composed, composes, composing, include, includes, and including when used in this specification, including the claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.