Hard Hat Fan Device

Abstract

A hard hat fan device is disclosed, which is a modified fan that keeps users cool while wearing a full brim hard hat. The hard hat fan device comprises a fan component that includes two slim style fans attached to a back side of the helmet strap behind the head of the user and under the brim of the hat. The fan components are attached to a battery pack via USB cables with switches integrated in them for on and off usage. The battery pack is rechargeable and attached to the top of the hard hat on the back side via sticky hook and loop fastener patches. Further, the device comprises a halo ductwork that attaches to the fan components with mesh filters glued to the backside of each spinning fan. The halo ductwork runs all the way around the underside of the brim of the hat.

Claims

1. A hard hat fan device comprising: a pair of fan components; and a battery pack; wherein the pair of fan components are secured, one on either side of a hard hat; wherein the pair of fan components are attached to the battery pack; wherein the battery pack is releasably attachable to a back of the hard hat; and wherein the pair of fan components are configured to act to keep users cool while wearing the hard hat; and wherein each of the pair of fan components comprises a mesh filter glued to a housing of the respective fan component.

2. The hard hat fan device of claim 1, wherein the hard hat includes an outer surface, that includes a front outer surface, and a rear outer surface, with a brim that extends outward from a lower circumference of the hard hat and is configured to shield eyes of a user.

3. The hard hat fan device of claim 2, wherein the hard hat comprises an interior cavity sized and shaped to fit a user's head and a suspension system and a helmet strap for adjustment/retention of the hard hat on a user's head.

4. The hard hat fan device of claim 3, wherein the pair of fan components are secured within the hard hat via a halo ductwork.

5. The hard hat fan device of claim 4, wherein the halo ductwork runs all the way around an underside of the hat brim.

4-6. (canceled)

7. The hard hat fan device of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of fan components is a slim style fan that fits under the brim of the hard hat.

8. The hard hat fan device of claim 7, wherein the pair of fan components each include an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a first end and a second end, a fan and a motor are located at the first end, with the fan connected to the motor, and the motor is connected to the battery pack.

9. The hard hat fan device of claim 8, wherein each fan component includes an air intake and an air outlet, such that ambient air enters each fan component through the air intake and exits through the air outlet.

10. (canceled)

11. The hard hat fan device of claim 9, wherein the battery pack is connected via USB cables to the pair of fan components.

12. The hard hat fan device of claim 11, wherein the battery pack is a lithium-ion pack which allows the battery pack to be rechargeable via a USB cable.

13. A hard hat fan device comprising: a pair of fan components each comprising a mesh filter glued to a housing of the respective fan component; and a battery pack connected via USB cables to the pair of fan components; wherein the hard hat includes an outer surface, a brim that extends outward from a lower circumference of the hard hat, an interior cavity configured to be sized and shaped to fit a user's head and a suspension system and a helmet strap for adjustment/retention of the hard hat on a user's head; wherein each of the pair of fan components is a slim style fan that fits under the brim of the hard hat on either side; wherein the pair of fan components each include an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a first end and a second end, a fan and a motor are located at the first end, with the fan connected to the motor, and the motor is then connected to the battery pack; wherein each of the pair of fan component includes an air intake and an air outlet, such that ambient air enters each of the pair of fan components through the air intake and exits through air outlet; wherein the pair of fan components are secured within the hard hat via a halo ductwork, which runs all the way around an underside of the hat brim; wherein the battery pack is hook and loop releasably attachable to a back of the hard hat and is a lithium-ion pack which allows the battery pack to be rechargeable via a USB cable; and wherein the pair of fan components are configured to act to keep users cool while wearing the hard hat.

14. The hard hat fan device of claim 13, wherein the pair of fan components are mounted onto the hard hat via a mounting bracket that allows the pair of fan components to be pivotable in and out.

15. (canceled)

16. The hard hat fan device of claim 13, wherein the halo ductwork is configured to limits and prevent accidental jarring or removal of the pair of fan components during use. cm 17. The hard hat fan device of claim 16, wherein the halo ductwork securely locks the pair of fan components onto the hard hat and allows the pair of fan components to adjust to a variety of user movements while wearing the hard hat.

18. The hard hat fan device of claim 13, wherein the hard hat fan device is manufactured from a durable, lightweight plastic.

19. The hard hat fan device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device of the present invention showing the internal halo ductwork in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device of the present invention showing the fan components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device of the present invention showing the battery pack attached to the fan components in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device of the present invention showing all components of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of cooling a hard hat user, while wearing the hard hat in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0033] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0034] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a hard hat fan device that provides users with a universal fan that can be attached to any type or size of full brim hard hat. There is also a long felt need in the art for a hard hat fan device that allows users to keep their head cool enough to reduce excessive sweating, preventing overheating and dehydration. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hard hat fan device that features two slim fans positioned on the back side of the helmet, pointed at the wearer to keep his or her head cool. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that utilizes a rechargeable USB battery pack to maintain power to the fans for daily wear. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a hard hat fan device that offers a way for people to keep their head cool while working in warm environments that lack considerable shade, air conditioning, and/or ventilation. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a hard hat fan device that includes mesh filters that cover the fans during use.

[0035] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel hard hat fan device. The hard hat fan device comprises a fan component that includes two slim style fans attached to a back side of the helmet strap behind the head of the user and under the brim of the hat. The fan components are attached to a battery pack via USB cables with switches integrated in them for on and off usage. The battery pack is rechargeable and attached to the top of the hard hat on the back side via sticky hook and loop fastener patches. Further, the device comprises a halo ductwork that attaches to the fan components with mesh filters glued to the backside of each spinning fan. The halo ductwork runs all the way around the underside of the brim of the hat. The present invention also includes a novel method of cooling a hard hat user, while wearing the hard hat. The method includes the steps of providing a hard hat fan device comprising fan components secured to a battery pack. The method also comprises positioning halo ductwork around an underside of the hat brim. Further, the method comprises securing fan components on either side of the hard hat and under the hat brim. The method also comprises securing a battery pack to the back of the hard hat. The method also comprises connecting the battery pack to the fan components. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the fan components to cool the user while wearing the hard hat.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the hard hat fan device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the hard hat fan device 100 is an improved hard hat fan device 100 that provides a user with a modified fan that keeps users cool while wearing a hard hat 106. Specifically, the hard hat fan device 100 comprises a pair of fan components 102 and an attached battery pack 104. The battery pack 104 is rechargeable and attached to the top of the hard hat 106. Further, the device 100 comprises a halo ductwork 108 that runs all the way around the underside of the brim 110 of the hat 106 and attaches to the fan components 102.

[0037] Generally, hard hats 106 may be used in a variety of construction jobs or other situations. Those wearing hard hats 106 complete a wide range of tasks and physical labor. These tasks may be performed in confined spaces or outdoors, which includes hot and unventilated environments. However, such hard hats 106 provide ineffective cooling, making the user uncomfortable and overheated while working and wearing the hard hat 106.

[0038] Further, the hard hat fan device 100 is disclosed to be utilized namely in the context of a construction hard hat 106, however the hard hat fan device 100 discussed herein is further applicable to other protective headwear, like a protective helmet. The conventional hard hat 106 utilized with the device 100 includes a shell with an outer surface 112, that includes a front outer surface 114, and a rear outer surface 116 that opposes front outer surface 114. Further, the hard hat 106 includes a bill or brim 110 that extends outward from a lower circumference of the hard hat 106 to shield the eyes of a user. Additionally, the hard hat 106 comprises an interior cavity 118 that is sized and shaped to fit a user's head and a suspension system and a helmet strap 120 for adjustment/retention of the hard hat 106 on a user's head.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the fan components 102 are secured within the hard hat 106 via a halo ductwork 108 that attaches to the fan components 102. The halo ductwork 108 runs all the way around the underside of the hat brim 110. The halo ductwork 108 is secured to the hat brim 110 via adhesives, glueing, screws, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the halo ductwork 108 is made of a PLA filament but can be made of ABS or any other lightweight material to facilitate airflow direction of the fan components 102. The halo ductwork 108 limits/prevents accidental jarring or removal of the fan components 102 during use. Thus, in this configuration, the halo ductwork 108 securely locks the fan components 102 onto the hard hat 106 and allows the fan components 102 to adjust to a variety of user movements while wearing the hard hat 106. A user may disconnect and remove the fan components 102 by moving and/or removing the halo ductwork 108 from the hard hat 106.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the hard hat fan device 100 comprises a pair of fan components 102. Each fan component 102 is a slim style fan that fits under the brim 110 of the hard hat 106. The fan components 102 can be any suitable size and shape as long as they are sized and shaped to fit under a hat brim 110 during use. Typically, the fan component 102 includes an elongated body 300 extending along a longitudinal axis with a first end 302 and a second end 304 opposite the first end 302 along the longitudinal axis. The elongated body 300 is manufactured from a lightweight plastic material but not limited thereto. A fan 306 and a motor 308 are located at the first end 302, with the fan 306 connected to the motor 308, and the motor 308 is then connected to the battery pack 104 via the USB cables 310. Further, each fan component 102 includes an air intake 312 and an air outlet 314 or exhaust. Ambient air enters the fan component 102 through the air intake 312 and exits through air outlet 314. Specifically, the ambient air is drawn into the fan component 102 through the air intake 312, and then the fan 306 being actuated by a switch, blows the (cooling) air through the air outlet 314 into the interior of the hard hat 106. A pair of fan components 102 are utilized with the device 100, such that one fan component 102 is positioned on either side of the hat brim 110 and attached to a back side of the helmet strap 120, behind the head of a user and under the brim 110 of the hard hat 106. In position, the fan components 102 are pointed at the user, so that the fan 306 blows air onto a user's lower face, neck, shoulders, and upper body, to keep his or her head and upper body cool while wearing the hard hat 106. Thus, the fan components remove hot/humid air from between the head of a user and hard hat.

[0041] Further, the fan components 102 each comprise a mesh filter 316 which is secured to a backside of each fan component 102, to cover the spinning fan 306. The mesh filters 316 are typically glued to the housing 300 of the spinning fan 306 but can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Further, the mesh filters 316 are made of plastic and can be replaced with metal or any other suitable lightweight material.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the fan components 102 and motors 308 are powered by a rechargeable battery pack 104 (i.e., one or more battery cells). The battery pack 104 is mounted and secured to a top of the hard hat 106, on the back side. In this position, the battery pack 104 does not interfere with the movement of the head of a user while wearing the hard hat 106. Typically, the battery pack 104 is releasably mounted via sticky hook and loop fastener patches, but can be secured via any suitable securing means (releasable or not), as is known in the art, such as glue, adhesives, screws, etc. The battery pack 104 is located on the back side of the hard hat 106 and provides a counterbalance for the weight added by the fan components 102 and motors 308.

[0043] Further, the fan components 102 are connected to the battery pack 104 via USB cables 310 with hermetically scaled integrated switches that allow the fan components 102 to be turned on and off, as needed, or can be connected to the battery pack 104 via any other suitable connecting means as is known in the art. Further, the battery pack 104 is a lithium-ion pack which allows the battery pack 104 to be rechargeable via a USB cable 310. Accordingly, the battery pack 104 is rechargeable and interchangeable to accommodate daily wear and use. Thus, the battery pack 104 maintains power to the fan components 102 for daily wear without worry of interruption.

[0044] Additionally, the fan components 102 are mounted onto the hard hat 106 via a mounting bracket 400 that allows the fan components 102 to be pivotable in and out. Specifically, the fan components 102 are securely and removably coupled to the mounting bracket 400. Further, the mounting bracket 400 allows the fan components 102 to be arranged in different configurations and/or at different angles based on a user's need. Typically, the fan components 102 are secured to the mounting bracket 400 via different types and lengths of fasteners or other securing means.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the hard hat fan device 100 and its components are all hermetically sealed and waterproof to prevent any damage from weather or sweat, etc.

[0046] In operation, the hard hat fan device 100 is configured to provide fluid communication for air between an exterior of the hard hat 106 and the interior region of the hard hat 106 in order to provide a cooling sensation to a user when the user's head is positioned within the interior region 118 of the hard hat 106. Specifically, air flows from the air intake 312 of the fan component 102 through the air outlet 314 of the fan component 102. Accordingly, the fan component 102 provides improved air movement and heat/moisture transfer away from a user's head and upper body.

[0047] In one embodiment, the hard hat fan device 100 is manufactured from a durable, lightweight plastic, or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Specifically, the device 100 can be manufactured from heat-scalable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the hard hat fan device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the hard hat fan device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The fan components 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the fan components 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fan, hard hat, or brand related.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of cooling a hard hat user, while wearing the hard hat. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a hard hat fan device comprising fan components secured to a battery pack. The method also comprises at 602, positioning halo ductwork around an underside of the hat brim. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing fan components on either side of the hard hat and under the hat brim. The method also comprises at 606, securing a battery pack to the back of the hard hat. The method also comprises at 608, connecting the battery pack to the fan components. Finally, the method comprises at 610, utilizing the fan components to cool the user while wearing the hard hat.

[0050] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein hard hat fan device, hard hat device, fan device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the hard hat fan device 100 of the present invention.

[0051] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the hard hat fan device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hard hat fan device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the hard hat fan device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the hard hat fan device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the hard hat fan device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0053] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.