Helmet rigid flashlight bracket

A helmet rigid flashlight bracket that is replaceably and securingly attachable to a portion of a brim of a helmet that is wearable by a user and replaceably and securingly receives a flashlight of a variety of different flashlights each of which has a handle portion and a light emitting portion that emits a light beam that points substantially at eye level in a forward direction of the user that includes a face plate, flashlight maintaining apparatus, a substantially C-shaped channel, and face plate clamping apparatus. The face plate has a lower portion. The flashlight maintaining apparatus is disposed on the face plate and replaceably and securingly maintains the handle portion of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights to the face plate. The substantially C-shaped channel is disposed on the lower portion of the face plate in an orientation so as to be parallel to the light beam that emits from the light emitting portion of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights. And, the face plate clamping apparatus is associated with the substantially C-shaped channel and replaceably and securingly clamps the face plate to the portion of the brim of the helmet, so that the light beam that emits from the light emitting portion of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights points substantially at eye level in the forward direction of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a head gear light bracket. More 
particularly, the present invention relates to a helmet rigid flashlight 
bracket that is replaceably and securingly attachable to a portion of a 
brim of a helmet that is wearable by a user and replaceably and securingly 
receives a flashlight of a variety of different flashlights each of which 
has a handle portion and a light emitting portion that emits a light beam 
that points substantially at eye level in a forward direction of the user 
that includes a face plate, flashlight maintaining apparatus, a 
substantially C-shaped channel, and face plate clamping apparatus. 
Lights have long been attached centrally to a front portion of mining 
helmets and other types of hard hats used for construction, maintenance, 
and other working conditions. Firefighter helmets and most other hats and 
caps, however, require discretionary attachment of lighter and more 
adjustable lights. Heat resistance and minute weight of special small 
lights with high lighting capacity are particularly significant to 
firefighters for placement on their helmets. 
Numerous innovations for head gear light holders have been provided in the 
prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be 
suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, 
however, they differ from the present invention in that they do not teach 
a helmet rigid flashlight bracket that is replaceably and securingly 
attachable to a portion of a brim of a helmet that is wearable by a user 
and replaceably and securingly receives a flashlight of a variety of 
different flashlights each of which has a handle portion and a light 
emitting portion that emits a light beam that points substantially at eye 
level in a forward direction of the user that includes a face plate, 
flashlight maintaining apparatus, a substantially C-shaped channel, and 
face plate clamping apparatus. 
FOR EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. Des. 353,221 to Scott et al. teaches an 
ornamental design for a flashlight clip of a helmet that is pivotally 
mounted to the side of the crown of a helmet using existing face shield 
holes and/or a rubber strap. 
ANOTHER EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,187 to Herrick teaches a headlight 
holder that includes an outer generally convex shape that has a base 
member with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface has a 
generally concave curvature so as to conform to at least a portion of the 
convex outer surface of the users helmet. An upper member has a pair of 
opposing support members that extend outwardly and upwardly in a lateral 
direction to the base member. 
STILL ANOTHER EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,494 to Harlan teaches a head 
gear light that includes a leaf-spring strap that is sized and shaped 
cylindrically to be wrapped circumferentially around a cylindrical outside 
periphery of a flashlight body. Opposite circumferential ends of the 
leaf-spring strap are extended perpendicularly to an axis of a cylindrical 
shape of the leaf-spring strap at circumferential positions between which 
a gap that has a select width is provided for drawing the opposite 
circumferential ends of the leaf-spring strap together in the gap to 
tighten a cylindrical inside periphery of the leaf-spring strap against an 
outside periphery of the flashlight body in a grasping relationship. 
FINALLY, YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE, is disclosed in a advertisement by Wehr 
Engineering, 8192 W. 700 N., Fairland, 46126 U.S.A., 800-457-4527, 
317-835-7824, FAX 317-835-2992, as a HELMET LIGHT HOLSTER (TM) that is 
pivotally mounted to the side of the crown of a helmet using existing face 
shield holes and/or a rubber strap. 
It is apparent that numerous innovations for head gear light holders have 
been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, 
even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual 
purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the 
purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
ACCORDINGLY, AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. 
ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. 
STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket that is simple to use. 
YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket that is specifically designed to mount a LIFELITE(TM) 
style flashlight to the side brim of a firefighter helmet wherein 
LIFELITE(TM) is a trademark of Garrity Industries, Stamford Ct., U.S.A. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket that it mounts onto a fire-fighter helmet is 
seconds without additional hardware, tooling, or modification to the 
fire-fighter helmet. 
YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket that allows easy access to the ON/OFF switch of the 
LIFELITE(TM). 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket that can be replaceably mounted to either or both 
the right and left sides of the rim of the helmet. 
BRIEFLY STATED, YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to 
provide a helmet rigid flashlight bracket that is replaceably and 
securingly attachable to a portion of a brim of a helmet that is wearable 
by a user and replaceably and securingly receives a flashlight of a 
variety of different flashlights each of which has a handle portion and a 
light emitting portion that emits a light beam that points substantially 
at eye level in a forward direction of the user that includes a face 
plate, flashlight maintaining apparatus, a substantially C-shaped channel, 
and face plate clamping apparatus. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate has a lower portion. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the flashlight maintaining apparatus is 
disposed on the face plate and replaceably and securingly maintains the 
handle portion of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights 
to the face plate. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the substantially C-shaped channel is 
disposed on the lower portion of the face plate in an orientation so as to 
be parallel to the light beam that emits from the light emitting portion 
of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate clamping apparatus is 
associated with the substantially C-shaped channel and replaceably and 
securingly clamps the face plate to the portion of the brim of the helmet, 
so that the light beam that emits from the light emitting portion of the 
flashlight of the variety of different flashlights points substantially at 
eye level in the forward direction of the user. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the helmet rigid flashlight bracket is 
made from aluminum, so that when worn by a fire-fighter the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket will not corrode and will not be damaged by water and 
smoke and pollutants generated by a fire. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate has a flat and thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper portion with flat interior surface that 
has a longitudinal center, a flat exterior surface that is substantially 
parallel to the flat interior surface of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, a straight top edge 
with ends, an imaginary bottom line that has ends and is disposed below, 
and substantially parallel to, the straight top edge of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, and a pair 
of opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides that extend 
from the ends of the straight top edge of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate to the ends of the 
imaginary bottom line of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped 
upper portion of the face plate. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the lower portion of the face plate is a 
flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower 
portion that is integral and co-planar with, and extends downwardly from, 
the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face 
plate. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the face plate has a flat 
interior surface that is continuous and co-planar with the flat interior 
surface of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion 
of the face plate, a flat exterior surface that is substantially parallel 
to the flat interior surface of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the face plate and is 
continuous and co-planar with the flat exterior surface of the flat, thin 
and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, an 
imaginary long base line that is coincident and continuous and co-planar 
with the imaginary bottom line of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, a short and straight 
rearwardmost edge that extends downwardly at a highermost end from, and is 
collinear with, a lowermost end of a rearwardmost side of the pair of 
opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, and 
a straight hypothenuse edge that extends downwardly and rearwardly at a 
forwardmost end, at an angle of approximately 30 degrees, from a lowermost 
end of a forwardmost side of the pair of opposing, substantially parallel, 
and straight long sides of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped 
upper portion of the face plate to a lowermost end of the short and 
straight rearwardmost edge of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein a point of intersection between the 
forwardmost end of the straight hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin and 
generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the face 
plate and the lowermost end of the forwardmost side of the pair of 
opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate and 
a point of intersection between the lowermost end of the short and 
straight rearmost side of the straight hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin 
and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the 
face plate and the rearmost end of the straight hypothenuse edge of the 
flat, thin and generally 60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion 
of the face plate are rounded for safety so as to avoid injury to the 
user. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the flashlight maintaining apparatus 
includes an elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer that 
has an elongated and wide portion that is integral with, and is bent 
generally normally-outwardly from, the forwardmost side of the pair of 
opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, in 
a direction of the flat interior surface of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, from a forwardmost end 
of the ends of the straight top edge of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate to a distance short of 
a forwardmost end of the ends of the imaginary bottom line of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
forwardmost retainer further has an elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion that has a substantial center and is bent generally 
normally and smoothly inwardly and slightly outwardly from the elongated 
wide portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer towards the longitudinal center of the flat interior surface of 
the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face 
plate. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer has a substantially centrally-disposed threaded throughbore that 
extends laterally through the substantial center of the elongated, 
slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and 
substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a hellnet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer further has a threaded set screw that threadably engages the 
substantially centrally-disposed threaded throughbore of the elongated, 
slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and 
substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the flashlight maintaining apparatus 
further includes an elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost 
retainer that has an elongated and wide portion that is substantially 
parallel to the elongated wide portion of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer, and is integral with, and is bent generally 
normally-outwardly from a rearwardmost side of the pair of opposing, 
substantially parallel, and straight long sides of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, in the 
direction of the flat interior surface of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate, from a rearwardmost 
end of the ends of the straight top edge of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate to a rearwardmost end 
of the ends of the imaginary bottom line of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
forwardmost retainer, the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
rearwardmost retainer, and the flat interior surface of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper portion of the face plate define a 
flashlight receptacle chamber that replaceably receives the handle portion 
of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights therein. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
rearwardmost retainer further has an elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion that has a substantial center and is substantially 
co-planar with the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion 
of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer and is 
bent generally normally smoothly inwardly and slightly outwardly from the 
elongated wide portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
rearwardmost retainer towards the longitudinal center of the flat interior 
surface of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper portion 
of the face plate. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
rearwardmost retainer has a threaded throughbore that extends laterally 
therethrough in substantial alignment with the substantially 
centrally-disposed threaded throughbore of the elongated, slightly 
arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, 
and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
rearwardmost retainer further has a threaded set screw that threadably 
engages the threaded throughbore of the elongated, slightly 
arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped rearwardmost retainer. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the threaded set screw of the elongated, 
slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and 
substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer and the threaded set screw of 
the elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the 
elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer replaceably and 
securingly maintain the handle portion of the flashlight of the variety of 
different flashlights in the flashlight receptacle chamber. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate clamping apparatus 
includes the substantially C-shaped channel that has a base part with 
longitudinal sides and is spot welded to the flat interior surface of the 
flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower 
portion of the face plate along, and not overlaying, the straight 
hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the face plate, and a pair 
of opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides that extend 
normally-outwardly from the longitudinal sides of the basepart of the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein a lowermost side of the pair of opposing 
and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the substantially 
C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus, which is in 
alignment with the straight hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin and 
generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower portion of the face 
plate, has a pair of spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded 
throughbores that pass laterally therethrough. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate clamping apparatus further 
includes a pair of thumbscrews, each of which engages a respective 
throughbore of the pair of spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded 
throughbores of the lowermost side of the pair of opposing and 
substantially parallel sides of the substantially C-shaped channel of the 
face plate clamping apparatus, so that the substantially C-shaped channel 
of the face plate clamping apparatus replaceably receives the portion of 
the brim of the helmet while tightening of the pair of thumbscrews of the 
face plate clamping apparatus replaceably secures the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket to the portion of the brim of the helmet and maintains 
the light beam emitting from the light emitting portion of the flashlight 
of the variety of different flashlights substantially at eye level in the 
forward direction of the user. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein an uppermost side of the pair of opposing 
and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the substantially 
C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus has a substantially 
circular-shaped throughbore that is disposed at a longitudinal center of 
the uppermost side of the pair of opposing and substantially parallel 
longitudinal sides of the substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate 
clamping apparatus, and in proximity to the base part of the substantially 
C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the lowermost side of the pair of 
opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus 
further has a substantially circular-shaped throughbore that is disposed 
at a longitudinal center of the lowermost side of the pair of opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the substantially C-shaped 
channel of the face plate clamping apparatus, between the pair of 
spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded throughbores of the 
lowermost side of the pair of opposing and substantially parallel 
longitudinal sides of the substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate 
clamping apparatus and the base part of the substantially C-shaped channel 
of the face plate clamping apparatus, and in vertical alignment with the 
substantially circular-shaped throughbore of the uppermost side of the 
pair of opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the face plate clamping apparatus further 
includes a generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate that has a textured 
upper surface, a flat lower surface that is substantially parallel to the 
textured upper surface of the generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 
of the face plate clamping apparatus, and a substantially oval-shaped 
throughbore that is disposed at a longitudinal center of the generally 
rectangular-shaped gripper plate of the face plate clamping apparatus and 
in proximity to a rearwardmost long side of the generally 
rectangular-shaped gripper plate of the face plate clamping apparatus. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the substantially oval-shaped throughbore 
of the generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate of the face plate 
clamping apparatus is slightly larger than the substantially 
circular-shaped throughbore of the uppermost side of the pair of opposing 
and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the substantially 
C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus and the 
substantially circular-shaped throughbore of the lowermost side of the 
pair of opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus. 
STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the generally rectangular-shaped gripper 
plate of the face plate clamping apparatus is movably positioned in the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus with 
the flat lower surface of the generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 
of the face plate clamping apparatus resting on the pair of thumbscrews of 
the face plate clamping apparatus. 
YET STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a helmet 
rigid flashlight bracket wherein the generally rectangular-shaped gripper 
plate of the face plate clamping apparatus is movably maintained in the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus by a 
frictionally engagable pin that passes fixedly through the substantially 
circular-shaped throughbore of the uppermost side of the pair of opposing 
and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the substantially 
C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus where the 
frictionally engagable pin of the face plate clamping apparatus is 
frictionally secured thereto, passes movably through the substantially 
oval-shaped throughbore of the generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 
of the face plate clamping apparatus which is vertically aligned with the 
substantially circular-shaped throughbore of the uppermost side of the 
pair of opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides of the 
substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus, and 
passes fixedly through the substantially circular-shaped throughbore of 
the lowermost side of the pair of opposing and substantially parallel 
longitudinal sides of the substantially C-shaped channel of the clamping 
apparatus where the frictionally engagable pin of the face plate clamping 
apparatus is frictionally secured thereto, so that the frictionally 
engagable pin of the face plate clamping apparatus is fixedly attached to 
the substantially C-shaped channel of the face plate clamping apparatus 
with the generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate of the face plate 
clamping apparatus movable therealong when the pair of thumbscrews of the 
face plate clamping apparatus are rotated and tightening the pair of 
thumbscrews of the face plate clamping apparatus further causes the 
generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate of the face plate clamping 
apparatus to move upwardly along the frictionally engagable pin of the 
face plate clamping apparatus and further secures the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket to the portion of the brim of the helmet. 
FINALLY, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a 
method of using a helmet rigid flashlight bracket that is replaceably and 
securingly attachable to a portion of a brim of a helmet that is wearable 
by a user and replaceably and securingly receives a flashlight of a 
variety of different flashlights each of which has a handle portion and a 
light emitting portion that emits a light beam that points substantially 
at eye level in the forward direction of the user that includes the steps 
of loosening a threaded set screw of an elongated, slightly 
arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of an elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket and a 
threaded set screw of an elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion of an elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer, 
placing the handle portion of the flashlight of the variety of different 
flashlights in a flashlight receptacle chamber of the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket with the light emitting portion of the flashlight of 
the variety of different flashlights facing towards the elongated wide 
portion of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer, 
tightening the threaded set screw of the elongated, slightly 
arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer and the threaded set screw of the elongated, 
slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion of the elongated and 
substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer, so that the handle portion 
of the flashlight of the variety of different flashlights is replaceably 
secured in the flashlight receptacle chamber, orientating the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket with the light emitting portion of the flashlight of 
the variety of different flashlights facing forward, positioning 
replaceably the helmet rigid flashlight bracket on the portion of the brim 
of the helmet with a substantially C-shaped channel of face plate clamping 
apparatus of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket replaceably receiving the 
portion of the brim of the helmet, and tightening a pair of thumbscrews of 
the face plate clamping apparatus until the helmet rigid flashlight 
bracket is replaceably secured to the portion of the brim of the helmet. 
The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present 
invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, 
however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together 
with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood 
from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and 
understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the figures in which like numerals indicate like parts, 
and particularly to FIGS. 1-3, a right side version of the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket of the present invention is shown generally at 20 
replaceably mounted to a helmet brim right side 22 of a helmet brim 24 of 
a helmet 26 that is replaceably worn on a user head 28 of a user 30 and 
replaceably securingly receiving a LIFELITE(TM) flashlight 32, and a left 
side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket of the present 
invention is shown generally at 120 replaceably mounted to a helmet brim 
left side 122 of the helmet brim 24 of the helmet 26 and replaceably 
securingly receiving another LIFELITE(TM) flashlight 32. 
As shown in FIG. 1, the right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight 
bracket 20 and the left side version of the helmet rigid flashlight 
bracket 120 are both being used by the user 30 to illuminate a path 
through smoke 34 in a room 36 to a victim 38 lying on a room floor 40 of 
the room 36. 
The helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20, 120 is aluminum, so that when worn 
by the user 30, who is a fire-fighter, the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 
20, 120 will not corrode and be damaged by water and the smoke 34 and 
pollutants generated by a fire. 
It is to be understood, however, that either or both of the right side 
version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 and the left side 
version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 120 can be used depending 
on the preference and needs of the user 30. 
Since the left side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 120 is 
merely a mirror image of the right side version of the helmet rigid 
flashlight bracket 20 and for the sake of brevity, only the right side 
version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 will be discussed, 
infra. 
The configuration of the right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight 
bracket 20 can best be seen in FIGS. 4-7, and as such will be discussed 
with reference thereto. 
The right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 includes a 
flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 that is 
aluminum sheet metal and has an upper face plate flat interior surface 44, 
an upper face plate flat exterior surface 46 that is substantially 
parallel to the upper face plate flat interior surface 44 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, an upper face 
plate straight top edge 48, an upper face plate imaginary bottom line 50 
that is below, and substantially parallel to, the upper face plate 
straight top edge 48 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped 
upper face plate 42, and a pair of upper face plate opposing, 
substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 that extend from the 
ends of the upper face plate straight top edge 48 of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 to the ends of the upper 
face plate imaginary bottom line 50 of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42. 
The right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 further 
includes a flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped 
lower face plate 54 that is aluminum sheet metal, is integral and 
co-planar with, and extends downwardly from, the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42. 
The flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower 
face plate 54 has a lower face plate flat interior surface 56 that is 
continuous and co-planar with the upper face plate flat interior surface 
44 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, 
a lower face plate flat exterior surface 58 that is substantially parallel 
to the lower face plate flat interior surface 56 of the flat, thin and 
generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 and is 
continuous and co-planar with the upper face plate flat exterior surface 
46 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, 
a lower face plate imaginary long base line 60 that is coincident and 
continuous and co-planar with the upper face plate imaginary bottom line 
50 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, 
a lower face plate short and straight rearmost edge 62 that extends 
downwardly at a highermost end from, and is collinear with, the lowermost 
end of a rearmost side of the pair of upper face plate opposing, 
substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, and a lower face plate 
straight hypothenuse edge 64 that extends downwardly and rearwardly at a 
forwardmost end, at an angle of approximately 30 degrees, from the 
lowermost end of the forwardmost side of the pair of upper face plate 
opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 to the lowermost 
end of the lower face plate short and straight rearmost side 62 of the 
flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face 
plate 54. 
The point of intersection between the forwardmost end of the lower face 
plate straight hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 and the lowermost end 
of the forwardmost side of the pair of upper face plate opposing, 
substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 of the flat, thin and 
generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 and the point of 
intersection between the lowermost end of the lower face plate short and 
straight rearmost side 62 of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 and the rearmost end of 
the lower face plate straight hypothenuse edge of the flat, thin and 
generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 are 
rounded for safety so as to avoid injury to the user 30. 
The right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 further 
includes an elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66 
that is aluminum sheet metal and has a forwardmost retainer elongated and 
wide portion 68 that is integral with, and is bent generally 
normally-outwardly from, the forwardmost side of the pair of upper face 
plate opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 of the 
flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, in the 
direction of the upper face plate flat interior surface 44 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, from 
forwardmost end of the upper face plate straight top edge 48 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 to a distance 
short of the forwardmost end of the upper face plate imaginary bottom line 
50 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42. 
The elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66 further 
has a forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 that is bent generally normally and smoothly inwardly and 
slightly outwardly from the forwardmost retainer elongated wide portion 68 
of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66, 
towards the center of the upper face plate flat interior surface 44 of the 
flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42. 
The forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66 has a forwardmost retainer narrow portion substantially 
centrally-disposed threaded throughbore 72 that extends laterally through 
the substantial center of the forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly 
arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion 70 of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66. 
The forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66 further has a forwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set 
screw 74 that threadably engages the forwardmost retainer narrow portion 
substantially centrally-disposed threaded throughbore 72 of the 
forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66. 
The right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 further 
includes an elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 
that is aluminum sheet metal and has a rearward retainer elongated and 
wide portion 78 that is substantially parallel to the forwardmost retainer 
elongated wide portion 68 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
forwardmost retainer 66, and is integral with, and is bent generally 
normally-outwardly from the rearwardmost side of the pair of upper face 
plate opposing, substantially parallel, and straight long sides 52 of the 
flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, in the 
direction of the upper face plate flat interior surface 44 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42, from the 
rearwardmost end of the upper face plate straight top edge 48 of the flat, 
thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 to the 
rearwardmost end of the upper face plate imaginary bottom line 50 of the 
flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42. 
The elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 further 
has a rearwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 80 that is substantially co-planar with the forwardmost retainer 
elongated and narrow portion 70 of the elongated and substantially 
L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66 and extends generally 
normally-smoothly-inwardly towards the center of the upper face plate flat 
interior surface 44 of the flat, thin and generally rectangular-shaped 
upper face plate 42 and slightly outwardly therefrom along the 
rearwardmost retainer elongated wide portion 78 of the elongated and 
substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76. 
The rearwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 80 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost 
retainer 76 has a rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded 
throughbore 82 that extends laterally therethrough in substantial 
alignment with the forwardmost retainer narrow portion substantially 
centrally-disposed threaded throughbore 72 of the forwardmost retainer 
elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow portion 70 of the elongated 
and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66. 
The rearwardmost retainer elongated and narrow portion 80 of the elongated 
and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 further has a 
rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set screw 84 that threadably 
engages the rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded throughbore 82 
of the rearwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped and narrow 
portion 80 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost 
retainer 76. 
The elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost retainer 66, the 
elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76, and the 
upper face plate flat interior surface 44 of the flat, thin and generally 
rectangular-shaped upper face plate 42 define a flashlight receptacle 
chamber 87 that replaceably receives the flashlight 32 therein. 
The forwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set screw 74 of the 
forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66 and the rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set 
screw 84 of the rearwardmost retainer elongated and narrow portion 80 of 
the elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 
replaceably secure the flashlight 32 in the flashlight receptacle chamber 
87. 
The right side version of the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20 further 
includes a clamping arrangement 85 that has a clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 86 that is aluminum and has a clamping 
arrangement channel base part 88 that is spot welded to the lower face 
plate flat interior surface 56 of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 along, and not 
overlaying, the lower face plate straight hypothenuse edge 64 of the flat, 
thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 
54, and a pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and substantially 
parallel longitudinal sides 90 that extend normally-outwardly from the 
longitudinal sides of the clamping arrangement channel base part 88 of the 
clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 86 of the clamping 
arrangement 85. 
The lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 90 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 86 of the clamping arrangement 85, which is 
in alignment with the lower face plate straight hypothenuse edge 64 of the 
flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face 
plate 54, has a pair of clamping arrangement channel lowermost side 
spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded throughbores 92 that pass 
laterally therethrough. 
The clamping arrangement 85 further includes a pair of clamping arrangement 
thumbscrews 94. Each thumbscrew of the pair of clamping arrangement 
thumbscrews 94 of the clamping arrangement 85 threadably engages a 
respective throughbore of the pair of clamping arrangement channel 
lowermost side spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded throughbores 
92 of the lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel 
opposing and substantially parallel sides 90 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 86 of the clamping arrangement 85. 
The clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 86 of the clamping 
arrangement 85 replaceably receives the helmet brim right side right side 
22 of the helmet brim 24 of the helmet 26 while the tightening of the pair 
of clamping arrangement thumbscrews 94 of the clamping arrangement 85 
secures the helmet brim right side right side 22 of the helmet brim 24 of 
the helmet 26 therein. 
An alternate embodiment of a clamping arrangement 185 can best be seen in 
FIGS. 9-12, and as such will be discussed with reference thereto. 
The clamping arrangement 185 has a clamping arrangement substantially 
C-shaped channel 186 that is aluminum and has a clamping arrangement 
channel base part 188 that is spot welded to the lower face plate flat 
interior surface 56 of the flat, thin and generally 30-60 
degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 54 along, and not 
overlaying, the lower face plate straight hypothenuse edge 64 of the flat, 
thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower face plate 
54, and a pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and substantially 
parallel longitudinal sides 190 that extend normally-outwardly from the 
longitudinal sides of the clamping arrangement channel base part 188 of 
the clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the 
clamping arrangement 185. 
The uppermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185 has a 
clamping arrangement upper most side substantially circular-shaped 
throughbore 191 that is disposed at the general longitudinal center of the 
uppermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185, and in 
proximity to the clamping arrangement channel base part 188 of the 
clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping 
arrangement 185. 
The lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185, which 
is in alignment with the lower face plate straight hypothenuse edge 64 of 
the flat, thin and generally 30-60 degree-right-triangular-shaped lower 
face plate 54, has a pair of clamping arrangement channel lowermost side 
spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded throughbores 192 that pass 
laterally therethrough. 
The lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185 further 
has a clamping arrangement lowermost side substantially circular-shaped 
throughbore 193 that is disposed at the general longitudinal center of the 
lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185, 
between the pair of clamping arrangement channel lowermost side 
spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded throughbores 192 of the 
lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185 and the 
clamping arrangement channel base part 188 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185, and in 
vertical alignment with the clamping arrangement upper most side 
substantially circular-shaped throughbore 191 of the uppermost side of the 
pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and substantially parallel 
longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped 
channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185. 
The clamping arrangement 185 further includes a pair of clamping 
arrangement thumbscrews 194. Each thumbscrew of the pair of clamping 
arrangement thumbscrews 194 of the clamping arrangement 185 threadably 
engages a respective throughbore of the pair of clamping arrangement 
channel lowermost side spaced-apart, generally aligned, and threaded 
throughbores 192 of the lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement 
channel opposing and substantially parallel sides 190 of the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping 
arrangement. 
The clamping arrangement 185 further includes a clamping arrangement 
generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 that has a clamping 
arrangement gripper plate textured upper surface 198, a clamping 
arrangement gripper plate lower surface 200 that is substantially parallel 
to the clamping arrangement gripper plate textured upper surface 198 of 
the clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of 
the clamping arrangement 185, and a clamping arrangement gripper plate 
substantially oval-shaped throughbore 202 that is disposed at the general 
longitudinal center of the clamping arrangement generally 
rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of the clamping arrangement 185 and 
in proximity to rearwardmost long side of the clamping arrangement 
generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of the clamping arrangement 
185. 
The clamping arrangement gripper plate substantially oval-shaped 
throughbore 202 of the clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped 
gripper plate 196 of the clamping arrangement 185 is slightly larger than 
the clamping arrangement upper most side substantially circular-shaped 
throughbore 191 of the uppermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement 
channel opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the 
clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping 
arrangement 185 and the clamping arrangement lowermost side substantially 
circular-shaped throughbore 193 of the lowermost side of the pair of 
clamping arrangement channel opposing and substantially parallel 
longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped 
channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185. 
The clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of 
the clamping arrangement 185 is movably positioned in the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 
185 with the clamping arrangement gripper plate lower surface 200 of the 
clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of the 
clamping arrangement 185 resting on the pair of clamping arrangement 
thumbscrews 194 of the clamping arrangement 185. 
The clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 196 of 
the clamping arrangement 185 is movably maintained in the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 
185 by a clamping arrangement frictionally engagable pin 204, sold under 
the trademark ROLLPIN(R) that passes fixedly through the clamping 
arrangement upper most side substantially circular-shaped throughbore 191 
of the uppermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing 
and substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 
185 where it is frictionally secured thereto, passes movably through the 
clamping arrangement gripper plate substantially oval-shaped throughbore 
202 of the clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 
196 of the clamping arrangement 185 which is vertically aligned with the 
clamping arrangement upper most side substantially circular-shaped 
throughbore 191 of the uppermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement 
channel opposing and substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the 
clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping 
arrangement 185, and passes fixedly through the clamping arrangement 
lowermost side substantially circular-shaped throughbore 193 of the 
lowermost side of the pair of clamping arrangement channel opposing and 
substantially parallel longitudinal sides 190 of the clamping arrangement 
substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 185 where 
it is frictionally secured thereto, so that the clamping arrangement 
frictionally engagable pin 204 is fixedly attached to the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping arrangement 
185 with the clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper 
plate 196 of the clamping arrangement 185 movable therealong when the pair 
of clamping arrangement thumbscrews 194 of the clamping arrangement 185 
are rotated. 
The clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 186 of the clamping 
arrangement 185 replaceably receives the helmet brim right side right side 
22 of the helmet brim 24 of the helmet 26 while the tightening of the pair 
of clamping arrangement thumbscrews 194 of the clamping arrangement 185 
causes the clamping arrangement generally rectangular-shaped gripper plate 
196 of the clamping arrangement 185 to move upwardly along the clamping 
arrangement frictionally engagable pin 204 of the clamping arrangement 185 
and secures the helmet brim right side right side 22 of the helmet brim 24 
of the helmet 26 therein. 
It is to be understood that the gist of the present invention is to provide 
a helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20, 120 that has the clamping 
arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 86, 186 of the clamping 
arrangement 85, 185 disposed on the lower edge thereof in such an 
orientation so as to be parallel to a beam of light emitted by the 
flashlight 32 that is being replaceably maintained therein (see FIG. 2). 
Thus, any shaped face plate accomplishing this end, so as to account for 
different shapes of the flashlight 32, can be used without departing in 
any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
See In re Dailey et al., 149 U.S.P.Q. at 47 (CCPA 1976), where the Court 
held that the shape of a device must be considered in determining 
patentability, if the shape is significant: 
". . . the configuration of the container is a `mere matter of choice` not 
significantly novel. . . , [however,]. . . Appellants have provided no 
argument which convinces us that the particular configuration of their 
container is significant . . . " [Emphasis added] 
The manner of using the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20, 120 can best be 
seen in FIGS. 1-4, and as such will be discussed with reference thereto. 
The forwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set screw 74 of the 
forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66 and the rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set 
screw 84 of the rearwardmost retainer elongated and narrow portion 80 of 
the elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 are 
loosened, if necessary. 
The flashlight handle portion of the flashlight 32 is placed in the 
flashlight receptacle chamber 87 with the flashlight light emitting 
portion of the flashlight 32 facing towards the forwardmost retainer 
elongated wide portion 68 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped 
forwardmost retainer 66. 
The forwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set screw 74 of the 
forwardmost retainer elongated, slightly arcuate-shaped, and narrow 
portion 70 of the elongated and substantially L-shaped forwardmost 
retainer 66 and the rearwardmost retainer narrow portion threaded set 
screw 84 of the rearwardmost retainer elongated and narrow portion 80 of 
the elongated and substantially L-shaped rearwardmost retainer 76 are 
tightened, so that the flashlight handle portion of the flashlight 32 is 
replaceably secured in the flashlight receptacle chamber 87. 
The helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20,120 is oriented with the flashlight 
light emitting portion of the flashlight 32 facing forward. 
The helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20,120 is replaceably positioned on the 
helmet 26 with the clamping arrangement substantially C-shaped channel 86, 
186 of the clamping arrangement 85, 85 replaceably receiving the helmet 
brim 24 of the helmet 26. 
The pair of clamping arrangement thumbscrews 94 of the clamping arrangement 
85 are tightened until the helmet rigid flashlight bracket 20, 120 is 
replaceably secured to the helmet brim 24 of the helmet 26. 
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or 
more together, may also find a useful application in other types of 
constructions differing from the types described above. 
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a 
helmet rigid flashlight bracket, it is not limited to the details shown, 
since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, 
substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device 
illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art 
without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of 
the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, 
readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, 
from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the 
generic or specific aspects of this invention.