Patent Publication Number: US-2019191809-A1

Title: Headgear for protective headwear

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/722,664, filed May 27, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/012,483, filed Jun. 16, 2014, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to protective headwear and, more particularly, to headgear within protective headwear for supporting the protective headwear on a wearer&#39;s head. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Protective headwear typically includes headgear within the headwear to engage a wearer&#39;s head and support the protective headwear upon the wearer&#39;s head. Conventional headgear is uncomfortable, unstable on a wearer&#39;s head, and poor at accommodating different size heads. 
     SUMMARY 
     Thus, a need exists for headgear that resolves one or more of these deficiencies. 
     In one aspect, it is desirable to have headgear that is comfortable, stable, and capable of adequately accommodating heads of varying size. 
     In one aspect, a headgear for protective headwear is provided and includes a pivotal forehead strap. 
     In one aspect, a headgear for protective headwear is provided and includes a forehead strap including a first member, a second member space-apart from the first member and a cavity between the first member and the second member. 
     In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on a wearer&#39;s head is provided. The headgear may include a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap may be configured to engage a wearer&#39;s forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The headgear may also include a second strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may be rigidly coupled to the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may include a first end rigidly and non-rotatably coupled to the first side member and a second end rigidly and non-rotatably coupled to the second side member. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may be pivotally coupled to and extend between the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 1 degree to about 90 degrees, and the second strap may rotate within an angle of about 1 degree to about 90 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, and the second strap may rotate within an angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 15 degrees, and the second strap may rotate within an angle of about 15 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may be a top strap configured to extend over a top of a wearer&#39;s head. 
     In one aspect, the headgear may further include a third strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The second strap may be positioned between the forehead strap and the third strap. 
     In one aspect, one of the second strap and the third strap may be pivotally coupled to the first and second side members, and the other of the second strap and the third strap may be rigidly and non-pivotally coupled to the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may be pivotally coupled to the first and second side members, and the third strap may be rigidly and non-pivotally coupled to the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the third strap may be unitarily formed as one-piece with the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, the second strap may be a top strap configured to extend over and engage a top of a wearer&#39;s head and the third strap may be a rear strap configured to extend behind and engage a rear of a wearer&#39;s head. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 1 degree to about 90 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may rotate within an angle of about 15 degrees. 
     In one aspect, the forehead strap may be snap-fit to the first and second side members. 
     In one aspect, an aperture may be defined near each end of the forehead strap. Each of the first and second side members may include a pair of resilient projections extending therefrom. The pair of resilient projections extending from the first side member may insert into one of the apertures on one end of the forehead strap and the pair of resilient projections extending from the second side member may insert into the other one of the apertures in the other end of the forehead strap. 
     In one aspect, the headgear may further include a limiting member engageable by the forehead strap to limit pivoting of the forehead strap. 
     In one aspect, the limiting member may extend from one of the first and second side members and may be engageable by an edge of the forehead strap. 
     In one aspect, the limiting member may be engageable by a top edge and a bottom edge of the forehead strap to limit pivoting of the forehead strap in two directions. 
     In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a shell, a shield coupled to the shell and configured to allow at least partial viewing there through by a wearer of the protective headwear, and a headgear pivotally coupled to the shell. The headgear is configured to engage a wearer&#39;s head to support the shell relative to the wearer&#39;s head and facilitate pivoting of the shell relative to the headgear between a downward position and an upward position. The headgear includes a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap is configured to engage a wearer&#39;s forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The headgear also includes a second strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members, and a third strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The second strap is between the forehead strap and the third strap. One of the second strap and the third strap is pivotally coupled to the first and second side members, and the other one of the second strap and the third strap is rigidly and non-pivotally coupled to the first and second side members. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a top, front perspective view of one example of a protective headwear, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of one example of headgear that may be included in the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the headgear shown in  FIG. 2 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the headgear shown in  FIG. 2  with a forehead strap being pivotal within a first range and a top strap being pivotal within a second range, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top, front perspective view of another example of a forehead strap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in  FIG. 2 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a top, front perspective view of another example of a forehead strap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in  FIG. 2 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a top, front perspective view of another example of a forehead strap that is capable of being used with the headgear shown in  FIG. 2 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a top, front perspective view of another example of a headgear that may be included in the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the headgear shown in  FIG. 8 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a top, rear perspective view of the headgear shown in  FIG. 8 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgear capable of being used with the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgear capable of being used with the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgear capable of being used with the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a portion of another example of a headgear capable of being used with the protective headwear shown in  FIG. 1 , according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one example of protective headwear  20  is illustrated. In this illustrated example, the protective headwear  20  is a welding helmet. The welding helmet  20  includes an outer shell  24 , a first shield  28 , a second shield (beneath the first shield  28  and not shown), and headgear  36  (see  FIG. 2 ) positioned within the outer shell  24 . The first shield  28  may be a welding shield and is coupled to the outer shell  24  over the second shield. The first shield  28  is tinted or otherwise darkened in order to inhibit damage to a wearer&#39;s eyes while performing a welding process. The second shield is coupled to the outer shell  24  beneath the first shield  28  and is less tinted or more transparent than the first shield  28 . In one example, the second shield has no tinting or darkening and is completely transparent. The second shield may be referred to as a grinding shield. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , one example of headgear  36  is illustrated. One side of the headgear  36  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , but it should be understood that the headgear  36  may be a substantial mirror image about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear  36  (and a wearer&#39;s head when the headgear  36  is worn). In other words, the headgear  36  may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer&#39;s head as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The headgear  36  is capable of coupling to the exemplary protective headwear  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the headgear  36  may be coupled to other types of protective headwear  20 . For example, the headgear  36  may be coupled to hard hats, bicycle helmets, or any other type of headwear capable of providing protection to a wearer&#39;s head. The headgear  36  is capable of engaging a wearer&#39;s head and supporting the protective headwear  20  on the wearer&#39;s head. The headgear  36  may be coupled to the outer shell  24  of the protective headwear  20  in a variety of manners such as, for example, movably coupled, pivotally coupled, rigidly coupled, unitarily formed with, among other manners. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the headgear  36  includes a coupling member  40  on each side of the headgear  36  for coupling to the outer shell  24  on both sides of the outer shell  24 . Each coupling member  40  has a plurality of mounting locations  44  to which the outer shell  24  may be selectively coupled as desired. The outer shell  24  is coupled to one mounting location  44  at a time on each side and remains rigidly coupled to those mounting locations  44  until the outer shell  24  is actively decoupled from the headgear  36 . The various mounting locations  44  provide a wearer with the ability to adjust the outer shell  24  relative to the wearer&#39;s head. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the protective headwear  20  includes an actuator  46  on each side of the outer shell  24  that is rotatable relative to the outer shell  24 . The outer shell  24  is capable of rotating relative to the headgear  36  between a down, operable position as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the protective headwear  20  covers a wearer&#39;s face and eyes to protect them during a welding or other operation, and an upward, inoperable position, in which the outer shell  24  is rotated upward away from the wearer&#39;s eyes and face to expose them while a wearer may not be performing an operation. The actuators  46  are adjustable to provide varying quantities of resistance to movement of the outer shell  24  relative to the headgear  36 . In some instances, a wearer may wish to have little to no resistance to rotation of the outer shell  24  between the upward and downward positions and in other instances a wearer may wish to have more or significant resistance to rotation of the outer shell  24  relative to the headgear  36 . Each actuator  46  is generally cylindrical in shape, includes a plurality of projections  48  around a circumference of the actuators  46  to assist with gripping of the actuators  46 , and is threadably coupled to the headgear  36 . Rotating the actuators  46  in one direction tightens or increases resistance between the outer shell  24  and the headgear  36 , thereby making it more difficult to rotate the outer shell  24  relative to the headgear  36 . Rotating the actuators  46  in a second or opposite direction loosens or decreases the resistance between the outer shell  24  and the headgear  36 , thereby making it easier to rotate the outer shell  24  relative to the headgear  36 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-4 , the headgear  36  also includes a side member  64  on each side of the headgear  36 , a forehead strap  68 , a top strap  72 , a rear strap  76 , an occipital strap  80  and a tightening member  84  coupled to the occipital strap  80 . 
     The top strap  72  is pivotally coupled at its ends  88  to respective side members  64  and is positioned to extend over a crown or top of a wearer&#39;s head. Protective headwear  20  is commonly used in non-level orientations such as, for example, a downward angle (e.g., during welding, the welder is looking downward and forward toward the welding area), an upward angle (e.g., a wearer may be looking upward and overhead), etc. In such non-level orientations, the top strap  72  may minimize shifting of the protective headwear  20  relative to the wearer&#39;s head as a result of the top strap  72  extending over the crown or top of the wearer&#39;s head. The top strap  72  may be pivotally coupled to the side members  64  in a variety of manners and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the top strap  72  is snap-fit to the side members  64  in a manner that allows pivoting of the top strap  72  relative to the side members  64 . In this example, an aperture  89  is defined near each end  88  of the top strap  72  and a pair of spaced-apart, resilient projections  90  extend from each of the side members  64 . The projections  90  are moveable relative to each other and may be pressed together or toward each other to allow the projections  90  to insert into a respective one of the apertures  89  defined in an end  88  of the top strap  72 . When the protections  90  are pressed together, the projections  90  are sufficiently close together to be smaller than the respective aperture  89  and insert into the aperture  89 . The resiliency of the two projections  90  allow the two projections  90  to move toward their at rest position when a user ceases to press the projections  90  together. The two projections  90  return to a size larger than the respective aperture  89  of the top strap  72  to inhibit the top strap  72  from being removed from the side members  64 . This configuration of apertures  89  and projections  90  facilitate rotation of the top strap  72  relative to the side members  64 . 
     The headgear  36  also includes a limiting member or stop  91  associated with each end  88  of the top strap  72  to limit rotation of the top strap  72  relative to the side members  64 . The limiting member  91  may have any configuration, may be positioned on the top strap  72  and/or the side members  64 , and may limit rotation of the top strap  72  within any range of movement and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, each limiting member  91  comprises a projection extending from the respective side member  64  and positioned to engage opposite longitudinal edges  93 ,  94  of the top strap  72 . The projection  91  engages a front edge  93  of the top strap  72  to limit rotation of the top strap  72  toward a front of the headgear  36  and engages a rear edge  94  of the top strap  72  to limit rotation of the top strap  72  toward a rear of the headgear  36 . In the illustrated example, each projection  91  extends uninterrupted (or contiguous) around the end  88  of the top strap  92  about 270 degrees to engage both the front and rear edges  93 ,  94  of the top strap  72 . In another example, the headgear  36  may include multiple limiting members at each end  88  of the top strap  72 . For example, the headgear  36  may include a first limiting member to engage the front edge  93  of the top strap  72  and a second limiting member to engage the rear edge  94  of the top strap  72 . This example with multiple limiting members may be employed at both ends  88  of the top strap  72 . In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member at only one end  88  of the top strap  72 , thereby limiting rotation of the top strap  72  at only one end  88 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 4 , the limiting members  91  associated with the top strap  72  (one limiting member at each end  88  in the illustrated embodiment) are configured to allow rotation of the top strap  72  within angle θ. The angle θ may be any angle and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the intended spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the angle θ may be about 15 degrees. In another example, the angle θ may be between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees. In another example, the angle θ may be between about 1 degree and about 90 degrees. The top strap  72  is capable of being rotated between any angle or any range of angles and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the rear strap  76  is rigidly coupled at its ends  92  to respective side members  64  (i.e., non-rotatable) and is positioned to extend around a rear of a wearer&#39;s head. In another example, the rear strap  76  may be pivotally coupled at its ends  92  to respective side members  64 . In such an example, the rear strap  76  may rotate between any range of angles and may be limited in rotation in any manner, including the limiting members described above with respect to the top strap  72 , and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The top strap  72  and the rear strap  76  are oriented in positions relative to each other to minimize shifting of the protective headwear  20  on a wearer&#39;s head. 
     The two occipital straps  80 , one on each side of the headgear  36 , extend from the side members  64 , drop down below the rear strap  76 , and wrap around or extend along an occipital crest of a wearer, then extend under the occipital crest. The positions of the occipital straps  80  allow pressure originating from the protective headwear  20  to be applied to bony structure (e.g., the occipital bone and crest of a skull) of the wearer&#39;s head where the wearer has less of a perception of pressure than on soft tissue of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     In the illustrated example, the occipital straps  80  may be compliant to the wearer&#39;s head. The occipital straps  80  may be made of a variety of different materials and have a variety of shapes, as long as the occipital straps  80  are compliant. In one example, each occipital strap includes a first portion  97  rigidly coupled to the side member  64  and a second portion  98  pivotally coupled to the first portion  97  at ends of the first portion  97  and the second portion  98 . In one example, the first portions  97  of the occipital strap  80  may be unitarily formed as one-piece with the side members  64 . The second portions  98  of the occipital strap  80  are rotatable relative to the respective first portions  97  between any range of angles and are coupled to the tightening member  84 . Each of the first portions  97  of the occipital strap  80  extend backwards and downwards from the respective side member  64 . 
     In another example, the side members  64  may extend rearward and downward, and the occipital straps  80  may be pivotally coupled to ends of respective side members  64 . In this example, the tightening member  84  is coupled to the occipital straps  80  and the occipital straps  80  are rotatable relative to the side members  64  between any range. If this example is compared to the previous example, the first portions  97  of the occipital strap  80  in the previous example would be considered part of the side members  64  and the second portions  98  of the previous example would be considered the occipital straps  80  in this example. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the headgear  36  further includes a pad  100  coupled to at least one of the occipital straps  80  and/or the tightening member  84  and positioned at a rear of the headgear  36 . The pad  100  is capable of engaging a rear of the wearer&#39;s head to provide comfort and further support. When the tightening member  84  is tightened, the pad  100  may rise up and under the occipital crest of the wearer&#39;s head to secure the headgear  36  in place using the natural geometry of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the forehead strap  68  is pivotally coupled to the remainder of the headgear  36 . The forehead strap  68  includes two ends  104  with both ends  104  pivotally coupled to respective side members  64  at a high forehead position. Human heads have a variety of forehead slopes and the pivoting forehead strap  68  accommodates such varying forehead slopes. As a wearer begins to place the headgear  36  on his/her head, the wearer will pull the headgear  36  down onto his/her head, the forehead strap  68  will slide down the wearer&#39;s forehead, and will terminate sliding down the wearer&#39;s head at an appropriate point on the wearer&#39;s forehead based on the slope of the wearer&#39;s forehead. It is likely that the remainder of the headgear  36  is not completely down and supported upon the wearer&#39;s head when the forehead strap  68  is in this position. The pivoting ends  104  of the forehead strap  68  allow the remainder of the headgear  36  to continue to move downward until the top and rear straps  72 ,  76  engage the wearer&#39;s head and the headgear  36  is supported on the wearer&#39;s head. The pivoting forehead strap  68  will lie flat against a wearer&#39;s forward and evenly distribute pressure to the wearer&#39;s forehead, rather than apply a significant quantity of pressure at a single point or edge. In some instances of conventional headgear, the forehead strap, the side members and/or the rear strap are the same, unitary strap. With such a conventional design, the conventional forehead strap would have prevented the headgear from settling completely onto a wearer&#39;s head and a front bottom edge of the conventional forehead strap would dig into the wearer&#39;s forehead. The pivotal forehead strap  68  of the present disclosure also inhibits a front lower edge  108  of the forehead strap  68  from digging into the wearer&#39;s head. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , the forehead strap  68  is pivotally coupled at its ends  104  to respective side members  64  and is positioned to extend over a forehead of a wearer&#39;s head. The forehead strap  68  may be pivotally coupled to the side members  64  in a variety of manners and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the forehead strap  68  is snap-fit to the side members  64  in a manner that allows pivoting of the forehead strap  68  relative to the side members  64 . In this example, an aperture  113  is defined in each end  104  of the forehead strap  68  and a pair of spaced-apart, resilient projections  114  extend from each of the side members  64 . The projections  114  are moveable relative to each other and may be pressed together or toward each other to allow the projections  114  to insert into a respective one of the apertures  113  defined in an end  104  of the forehead strap  68 . When the projections  114  are pressed together, the projections  114  are sufficiently close together to be smaller than the aperture  113 , thereby facilitating insertion into the aperture  113 . The resiliency of the two projections  114  allow the two projections  114  to return toward their at rest position when a user ceases to press the projections  114  together. The two projections  114  return to a size larger than the respective aperture  113  of the forehead strap  68  to inhibit the forehead strap  68  from being removed from the side members  64 . This configuration of apertures  113  and projections  114  facilitate rotation of the forehead strap  68  relative to the side members  64 , while also inhibiting removal of the forehead strap  68  from the side members  64 . 
     The headgear  36  also includes a limiting member or stop  117  associated with each end  104  of the forehead strap  68  to limit rotation of the forehead strap  68  relative to the side members  64 . The limiting members  117  may have any configuration, may be positioned on the forehead strap  68  and/or the side members  64 , and may limit rotation of the forehead strap  68  between any range of movement and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, each limiting member  117  comprises a projection extending from the respective side member  64  and is positioned to engage opposite longitudinal edges  118 ,  119  of the forehead strap  68 . The projection  117  engages a bottom edge  119  of the forehead strap  68  to limit rotation of the forehead strap  68  downward and engages a top edge  118  of the forehead strap  68  to limit rotation of the forehead strap  68  upward. In the illustrated example, each projection  117  extends uninterrupted (or contiguous) around the respective end  104  of the forehead strap  68  about 270 degrees to engage both the top and bottom edges  118 ,  119  of the forehead strap  68 . In another example, the headgear  36  may include multiple limiting members  117  at each end  104  of the forehead strap  68 . For example, the headgear  36  may include a first limiting member to engage the bottom edge  119  of the forehead strap  68  and a second limiting member to engage the top edge  118  of the forehead strap  68 . This example with multiple limiting members may be employed at both ends  104  of the forehead strap  68 . In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member  117  at only one end  104  of the forehead strap  68 , thereby limiting rotation of the forehead strap  68  at only one end  104 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 4 , the limiting members  117  associated with the forehead strap  68  (one limiting member at each end  104  in the illustrated embodiment) are configured to allow rotation of the forehead strap  68  between angle α. The angle α may be any angle and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the intended spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the angle α may be about 15 degrees. In another example, the angle α may be between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees. In another example, the angle α may be between about 1 degree and about 90 degrees. The forehead strap  68  is capable of being rotated between any angle or any angle range and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     In some examples, the pivoting forehead strap  68  may eliminate the need to include a tightening member that provides additional pressure to secure the headgear  36  to a wearer&#39;s head. In one example, the forehead strap  68  may include padding or other soft material on an interior surface thereof configured to engage a wearer&#39;s forehead and provide additional comfort. In one example, the pivoting forehead strap  68  provides a self-adjusting feature that allows a wearer to adjust or move the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  relative to their head and the pivoting forehead strap  68  accommodates that movement to resettle the headgear  36  and the protective headwear  20  on the wearer&#39;s head. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the forehead strap  68  is a split forehead strap  68  including an upper member  116 , a lower member  120  and a space or cavity  124  between the upper member  116  and the lower member  120 . The split forehead strap  68  distributes pressure or force applied to a wearer&#39;s forehead by the protective headwear  20  over a larger surface area, while also having minimal contact area with the wearer&#39;s forehead as a result of the cavity  124 . Additionally, air can access a wearer&#39;s forehead through the cavity  124 , thereby increasing the comfort of a wearer while wearing the protective headwear  20  and the headgear  36 . 
     In the illustrated example, the forehead strap  68  is a unitarily formed one-piece member including two pivots or pivot points, one at each end thereof, and the cavity  124  being defined between the upper and lower members  116 ,  120 . The forehead strap  68  also includes at least one support member  126  extending between the upper and lower members  116 ,  120 . The at least one member  126  may provide stability or rigidity between the upper and lower members  116 ,  120 . In the illustrated example, the forehead strap  68  includes a plurality of members  126  extending between the upper and lower members  116 ,  120 . The forehead strap  68  may include any number of members  126  extending between the upper and lower members  116 ,  120  and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , the forehead strap  68  is wider  130  in a middle of the forehead strap  68  and narrower  134  near each end of the forehead strap  68 . In one example, a size of the wider portion  130  corresponds to a size of the cavity  124 . In one example, the wider portion  130  is about a same length as a length of the cavity  124 . In another example, the wider portion  130  is slightly longer than a length of the cavity  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated. The upper member  116 , lower member  120  and cavity  124  have different shapes and configurations than the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . However, the forehead strap  68  in  FIG. 5  is still a pivoting forehead strap  68 . The forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members  64  in similar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated, and this forehead strap  68  is still a pivoting forehead strap  68 , but includes an upper member  116 , a lower member  120  and a cavity  124  having different shapes and configurations than the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . The forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIG. 6  may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members  64  in similar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated, and this forehead strap  68  is still a pivoting forehead strap  68 , but includes an upper member  116 , a lower member  120  and a cavity  124  having different shapes and configurations than the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . The forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIG. 7  may be coupled to and pivot relative to the side members  64  in similar manners and alternatives discussed above with respect to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     It should be understood that the forehead strap  68  may have any shape, size, and configuration and still be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , another example of a headgear  36  is illustrated. The headgear  36  includes a split forehead strap  68  that pivots about its ends  104 , a top strap  72  extending over a crown or top of a wearer&#39;s head, a rear strap  76  that extends around a rear of a wearer&#39;s head, an occipital strap  80  that is pivotally coupled at its ends to the side members  64 , a pad  100  coupled to and around the occipital strap  80  and positioned near a rear of a wearer&#39;s head, and a tightening member  84  for tightening the headgear  36  to a wearer&#39;s head. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated. One side of the forehead strap  68  and associated components are illustrated in  FIG. 11 , but it should be understood that the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be a substantial mirror image about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear (and a wearer&#39;s head when the headgear is worn). In other words, the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer&#39;s head as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In this example, the forehead strap  68  is a pivoting forehead strap and pivots relative to the side members  64 . Also, in this example, the forehead strap  68  is comprised of a first forehead strap  68 A and a second forehead strap  68 B. Both of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are pivotally coupled to the side members  64  and are spaced-apart from one another. This example of the forehead strap  68  includes a space or cavity  124  between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. Similar to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , each of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B define apertures  138  at their ends  142  that cooperate with pairs of projections  146  in order to couple and allow rotation of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B to the side members  64 . The pairs of projections  146  and ends  142  of the forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may cooperate in similar manners to that described above in connection with the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     In this example, the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B rotate relative to each other and are configured to accommodate various head sizes. The first and second foreheads straps  68 A,  68 B may rotate between any range of angles. In one example, the first forehead strap  68 A may rotate between the same angle as the second forehead strap  68 B. In another example, the first forehead strap  68 A may rotate between a different angle than the second forehead strap  68 B. In the illustrated example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B does not include any limiting members for engaging and limiting rotation of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In another example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may include a limiting member for each end  142  of both the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include four limiting members. In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member for only one end  142  of each of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include two limiting members. These two limiting members may be on complementary ends  142  of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B or opposite ends  142  of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In another example, only one of the first forehead strap  68 A or second forehead strap  68 B may have a limiting member(s) associated therewith. In such an example, the limiting member(s) may engage and limit only one of the first or second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B, while the other of the first or second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may be free to rotate. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated. One side of the forehead strap  68  and associated components are illustrated in  FIG. 12 , but it should be understood that the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be a substantial mirror image about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear (and a wearer&#39;s head when the headgear is worn). In other words, the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer&#39;s head as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In this example, the forehead strap  68  is a pivoting forehead strap and pivots relative to the side members  64 . Also, in this example, the forehead strap  68  is comprised of a first forehead strap  68 A and a second forehead strap  68 B. Both of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are pivotally coupled to the side members  64  and are spaced-apart from one another. This example of the forehead strap  68  includes a space or cavity  124  between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. Similar to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , each of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B define apertures  138  at their ends  142  that cooperate with pairs of projections  146  in order to couple and allow rotation of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B to the side members  64 . The pairs of projections  146  and ends  142  of the forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may cooperate in similar manners to that described above in connection with the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     In this example, a support member  150  is coupled to and extends between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. The support member  150  couples the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B together and results in the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B rotating together. Similar to other rotatable forehead straps of the present disclosure, the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are configured to accommodate various head sizes. The first and second foreheads straps  68 A,  68 B may rotate between any range of angles. In one example, since the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are coupled together by the support member  150 , the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may rotate between the same angle. In the illustrated example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B does not include any limiting members for engaging and limiting rotation of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In another example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may include a limiting member for each end  142  of both the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include four limiting members. In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member for only one end  142  of each of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include two limiting members. These two limiting members may be on complementary ends  142  of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B or opposite ends  142  of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In another example, only one of the first forehead strap  68 A or second forehead strap  68 B may have a limiting member(s) associated therewith. In such an example, the limiting member(s) may engage and limit only one of the first or second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B, but due to the coupling of the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B together with the support member  150  the limiting member limits rotation of both the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. The illustrated example of the headgear  36  illustrates a single support member  150  between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. In another example, the headgear  36  includes a plurality of support members  150  between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B. It should be understood that any number of support members may be coupled to and extend between the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated. One side of the forehead strap  68  and associated components are illustrated in  FIG. 13 , but it should be understood that the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be a substantial mirror image about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear (and a wearer&#39;s head when the headgear is worn). In other words, the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer&#39;s head as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this example, the forehead strap  68  is at least partially pivotal relative to the side members  64 . Also, in this example, the forehead strap  68  is comprised of a first forehead strap  68 A and a second forehead strap  68 B. In this example, the first forehead strap  68 A is rigidly coupled to and non-rotatable relative to the side members  64  and the second forehead strap  68 B is pivotally coupled to the side members  64 . The first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are spaced-apart from one another to provide a space or cavity  124  there between. The space or cavity  124  changes in size as the second forehead strap  68 B moves relative to the first forehead strap  68 A. In the illustrated example, the first forehead strap  68 A is unitarily formed as one-piece with the side members  64 . In other examples, the first forehead strap  68 A may be rigidly coupled to the side members  64  in a variety of manners including, but not limited to, bonding, adhering fastening, clipping, welding, fusing, or any other manner. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 13 , and similar to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the second forehead strap  68 B defines apertures  138  at its ends  142  that cooperate with pairs of projections  146  in order to couple and allow rotation of the second forehead strap  68 B to the side members  64 . The pairs of projections  146  and ends  142  of the second forehead strap  68 B may cooperate in similar manners to that described above in connection with the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     In this example, the second forehead strap  68 B rotates relative to the first forehead strap  68 A and the side members  64  to accommodate various head sizes. The second forehead strap  68 B may rotate between any range or any angle. In the illustrated example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B does not include any limiting member(s) for engaging and limiting rotation of the second forehead strap  68 B. In another example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may include a limiting member for each end  142  of the second forehead strap  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include two limiting members. In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member for only one end  142  of the second forehead strap  68 B. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include one limiting member. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , another example of a forehead strap  68  is illustrated. One side of the forehead strap  68  and associated components are illustrated in  FIG. 14 , but it should be understood that the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be a substantial mirror image about a vertical plane extending through a center of the headgear (and a wearer&#39;s head when the headgear is worn). In other words, the forehead strap  68  and associated components may be symmetrical on both sides of a wearer&#39;s head as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In this example, the forehead strap  68  is at least partially pivotal relative to the side members  64 . Also, in this example, the forehead strap  68  is comprised of a first forehead strap  68 A and a second forehead strap  68 B. In this example, the second forehead strap  68 B is rigidly coupled to and non-rotatable relative to the side members  64  and the first forehead strap  68 A is pivotally coupled to the side members  64 . The first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B are spaced-apart from one another to provide a space or cavity  124  there between. The space or cavity  124  changes in size as the first forehead strap  68 A rotates relative to the second forehead strap  68 B. In the illustrated example, the second forehead strap  68 B is unitarily formed as one-piece with the side members  64 . In other examples, the second forehead strap  68 B may be rigidly coupled to the side members  64  in a variety of manners including, but not limited to, bonding, adhering fastening, clipping, welding, fusing, or any other manner. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , and similar to the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the first forehead strap  68 A defines apertures  138  at its ends  142  that cooperate with pairs of projections  146  in order to couple and allow rotation of the first forehead strap  68 A to the side members  64 . The pairs of projections  146  and ends  142  of the first forehead strap  68 A may cooperate in similar manners to that described above in connection with the forehead strap  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     In this example, the first forehead strap  68 A rotates relative to the second forehead strap  68 B and the side members  64  to accommodate various head sizes. The first forehead strap  68 A may rotate between any range or any angle. In the illustrated example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B does not include any limiting member(s) for engaging and limiting rotation of the first forehead strap  68 A. In another example, the headgear  36  associated with the first and second forehead straps  68 A,  68 B may include a limiting member for each end  142  of the first forehead strap  68 A. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include two limiting members. In another example, the headgear  36  may include a limiting member for only one end  142  of the first forehead strap  68 A. In such an example, the headgear  36  would include one limiting member. 
     It should be understood that the headgear  36  may have a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     It should be understood that the use of any orientation or directional terms herein such as, for example, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “side”, etc., is not intended to imply only a single orientation of the item with which it is associated or to limit the present disclosure in any manner. The use of such orientation or directional terms is intended to assist with the understanding of principles disclosed herein and to correspond to the exemplary orientation illustrated in the drawings. For example, the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  may be utilized in any orientation and use of such terms is intended to correspond to the exemplary orientation of the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  illustrated in the drawings. The use of these terms in association with the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  is not intended to limit the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  to a single orientation or to limit the protective headwear  20  and headgear  36  in any manner. 
     The Abstract of the disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.