Patent ID: 6041435
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: A42B

Abstract:
A bracket for retaining a face shield in conjunction with a safety hat having a brim, said bracket comprising:a dielectric flexible elongated upper section that, when viewed in cross-section, forms a T-shape, said upper section having a first end and a second end;a flexible dielectric elongated channel-shaped lower section, said lower section having a first and a second end, said first end of said upper section being pivotably coupled to said first end of said lower section and said second end of said upper section being pivotably coupled to said second end of said lower section, thereby allowing said upper section to arcuately pivot with respect to said lower section, said channel-shaped lower section adapted to receive the brim of said safety hat;at least one dielectric pivot apparatus for coupling said sections about their respective ends and allowing said face shield to be positioned at a location ranging from below the safety hat brim and in front of the wearer's face to above said safety hat brim and away from the wearer's face, each said dielectric pivot apparatus comprising:a threaded fastener;a thrust washer including a flexible O-ring; anda fastener retention unit, wherein said threaded fastener, thrust washer, and fastener retention unit are configured with respect to said upper and lower sections to allow pivoting with minimum resistance unless said threaded fastener is tightened, and if tightened, then to allow said sections to pivot with increasing resistance which is proportional to the tightening of the threaded fastener; anda retention strap coupled to said lower section and used to assist in coupling said lower section to said safety hat after said lower section has received said brim of said safety hat.