Protective headgear assembly

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to protective headgear worn by a user to protect his eyes, head, and face. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a protective headgear assembly used by welders and the like wherein a headgear strap can be tightened or loosened upon the ratcheting of a knob connected to the headgear strap. The headgear strap can also be automatically disengaged for removal of the headgear by pulling the knob away from the user's head.

1 . A quick-release system for changing the circumference of a headgear strap comprising:
 a gear system rotatable about a central axis comprising a drive gear and a lock gear, said lock gear interacting with said drive gear whereby said gear system operates in a first state and in a second state, said gear system configured such that in said first state said lock gear is engaged with said drive gear and in said second state said lock gear is disengaged from said drive gear;   a knob capable of movement along said central axis and operably connected to said lock gear; and   a spring biasing said knob such that said gear system is biased to said first state but allows said gear system to be moved to said second state through movement of said knob along said central axis.   
     
     
         2 . The quick-release system of  claim 1  wherein said movement of said knob along said central axis is substantially linear and away from said drive gear. 
     
     
         3 . The quick release system of  claim 1  further comprising a ratchet assembly operably connected to and fixed relative to said drive gear and provides resistance to rotation of said knob about said central axis and fixed substantially concentrically about said central axis. 
     
     
         4 . The quick release system of  claim 1  wherein rotation of said drive gear about said central axis changes the circumference of the headgear strap. 
     
     
         5 . The quick release system of  claim 1  wherein the spring is located between the lock gear and the ratchet system. 
     
     
         6 . The quick release system of  claim 1  further comprising a cylindrical portion of an outer housing, said cylindrical portion having walls and a top defining a cavity in which said gear system resides, said walls and top restricting movement of said lock gear between the first state and the second state. 
     
     
         7 . The quick release system of  claim 1  wherein said drive gear, said lock gear rotate about said central axis in response to rotation of said knob when said system in the first state. 
     
     
         8 . A device for varying a circumference of a headgear strap, said device comprising:
 an adjustment knob; and   a housing comprising an inner housing section, an outer housing section, and a gear mechanism, said outer housing section defining a cavity containing said gear mechanism and capable of connection to said inner housing section to surround a portion of said headgear strap;   wherein said gear mechanism is operable to repeatedly engage and disengage from said headgear strap to vary and maintain the circumference of the headgear strap.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the adjustment knob is attached to said gear mechanism through an opening in said outer housing section. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the cavity of said outer housing section is defined by a cylindrical portion extending away from said inner housing section. 
     
     
         11 . A headgear strap attachment for fastening a piece of protective headgear to a strap, said attachment comprising:
 a pivot post and handle, said pivot post extending through an opening in said piece of headgear and removably coupling with said handle to retain said piece of headgear to said strap; and   a side pivot device comprising a first adjustment portion and a second adjustment portion; said first adjustment portion including a plurality of holes that interact with a first pin on said piece of headgear; and said second adjustment portion including a pair of spring arms that interact with a second pin on said strap to restrain the piece of headgear in an open or closed position.   
     
     
         12 . The headgear strap of  claim 11  further comprising a plurality of mounting holes for further adjustment of the piece of headgear. 
     
     
         13 . A head strap for use in conjunction with a piece of protective headgear comprising:
 a quick release mechanism comprising:   a gear system rotatable about a central axis comprising a drive gear and a lock gear, said lock gear interacting with said drive gear whereby said gear system operates in a first state and in a second state, said gear system configured such that in said first state said lock gear is engaged with said drive gear and in said second state said lock gear is disengaged from said drive gear;   a knob capable of movement along said central axis and operably connected to said lock gear; and   a spring biasing said knob such that said gear system is biased to said first state but allows said gear system to be moved to said second state through movement of said knob along said central axis; and   a strap attachment comprising:   a pivot post and handle, said pivot post extending through an opening in said piece of headgear and removably coupling with said handle to retain said piece of headgear to said strap; and   a side pivot device comprising a first adjustment portion and a second adjustment portion; said first adjustment portion including a plurality of holes that interact with a first pin on said piece of headgear; and said second adjustment portion including a pair of spring arms that interact with a second pin on said strap to restrain the piece of headgear in an open or closed position.