Storage attachment for safety helmets

Abstract

Systems and methods for attaching storage to safety helmets are presented. The systems and methods involve adding external storage to a safety helmet by insertion of a substantially ring shaped apparatus onto the safety helmet, which includes one or more storage compartments, and once inserted produces a fit that is one or more of either snug, interference, or a press fit. The addition of further safety features such as lights and the inclusion of safety equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask, or first aid equipment are also disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for attaching storage to safety helmets comprising:
 A substantially ring shaped apparatus that has an interior shape that substantially conforms to the exterior shape, above a brim, of a safety helmet and an interior taper that substantially conforms to the exterior taper, above the brim, of the safety helmet such that when inserted over the safety helmet the ring form a fit that is one or more of either snug, interference, or a press fit; and the ring comprises one or more storage compartments.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the one or more storage compartments are sealable from the elements. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises one or more helmet attachments. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ring includes an attachment for a light. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ring is a split ring. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the ring includes a locking mechanism that spans the split. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the locking mechanism incorporates attaching a light to the apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises one or ring accessories configured to allow items to be attached externally to the ring. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the ring further comprises one or ring accessories configure to allow the ring to hung from the ring accessory when attached to the safety helmet. 
     
     
         10 . A method of adding storage to a safety helmet comprising:
 inserting on to the top of the safety helmet a ring shaped device that has one or more external storage compartments and has an interior shape that substantially conforms to the exterior shape of the safety helmet;   causing a fit that is one or more of either snug, interference, or a press fit; and the ring comprises on or more storage compartments.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the ring further comprises one or more attachment accessories and the method further involves facilitating the device remaining on the helmet by attaching the attachment accessories to the safety helmet. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the ring shaped device is a split ring. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the ring includes a locking mechanism that spans the split and the method includes locking the device in place after it has been inserted on to the top of the safety helmet in order to produce the desired fit. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the locking mechanism incorporates attaching a light to the device. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10  further comprises storing one or more of the following with the device: safety glasses, hearing protection, dust mask or first aid supplies. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  further comprises applying highly visible colors to the device.