Patent Publication Number: US-11019870-B2

Title: Hard hat lamp attachment system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/706,410, filed Dec. 6, 2019, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2019/062464, filed on Nov. 20, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/770,466, filed on Nov. 21, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of hard hats. The present invention relates specifically to a hard hat lamp attachment system. Hard hats are often used in poorly illuminated areas. Hard hat use in high-risk environments for head injury may provide added protection. A lamp or flashlight may assist with vision in poorly lit or low visibility environments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a hard hat lighting system. The hard hat lighting system includes a lamp, a hard hat, and a mounting bracket. The hard hat has a mounting ridge with opposite edges and located on a side of the hard hat. The mounting bracket securely and removably mounts on the mounting ridge of the hard hat and removably couples to the lamp. The mounting bracket includes receiving slots and a flexible strap. The receiving slots engage to opposing edges of the mounting ridge to couple the mounting bracket to the mounting ridge. The mounting bracket is removably coupled to the flexible strap and the lamp. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a rigid mounting bracket. The rigid mounting bracket has first and second ends opposite one another. The rigid mounting bracket includes a pair of receiving slots, a flexible strap, and a pair of opposing channels. The receiving slots have a first receiving slot at the first end and a second receiving slot at the second end. The flexible strap passes through the pair of opposing channels. The first channel is on the first end and a second channel is on the second end. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lighting system for a hard hat. The hard hat system includes a lamp, a hard hat, and a rigid mounting bracket. The hard hat has front and rear mounting ridges on the front and rear side surfaces. The rigid mounting bracket is coupled to the lamp and interchangeably mounts to either the front or rear mounting ridge of the hard hat. The rigid mounting bracket includes receiving slots, a flexible strap, a channel, and a clip. The slots receive the mounting ridge to removably couple the rigid mounting bracket to either the front or rear side surface of the hard hat. The flexible strap removably couples the lamp to the rigid mounting bracket. The flexible strap is removably coupled to the rigid mounting bracket. The channel extends through the rigid mounting bracket to receive the flexible strap. The clip locks into a recess of the mounting ridge to secure the rigid mounting bracket and the lamp on either the front or rear mounting ridges of the hard hat. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lighted hard hat system. The hard hat includes a mounting ridge. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket. The rigid mounting bracket is configured to be securely and removably coupled to the mounting ridge of the hard hat. The rigid mounting bracket has receiving slots to receive the ridge of the mounting ridge and secure the rigid mounting bracket to the hard hat. The system includes a flexible strap or web that connects a lamp to the rigid mounting bracket and interconnects the lamp to the hard hat. The lamp is coupled to the strap, and the strap is coupled to the mounting bracket. The lamp is then secured to the hard hat via the coupling between the mounting bracket and the hard hat. 
     In various embodiments, the hard hat includes first and second mounting ridges. The first mounting ridge is located along a front surface of the hard hat, and the second mounting ridge is located along a rear surface of the hard hat. This allows a user to attach lamps to both the front and rear of the hard hat. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a clip on the rigid mounting bracket that secures the receiving slots of the rigid mounting bracket onto the mounting ridge. The clip allows locking the lamp onto the hard hat to prevent accidental shifting or jarring of the headlamp while in operation. The operator can easily remove the rigid mounting bracket by depressing the clip and sliding the receiving slots of the bracket off the mounting ridge. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a hard hat with a forward lamp mounting location worn with the brim facing forward, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a hard hat with a rearward lamp mounting location worn with the brim facing backward, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of a disconnected lamp connected to a rigid bracket at the forward mounting location, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the connection of the rigid bracket supporting the lamp in  FIG. 3  to the forward mounting location of the hard hat, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the strap connecting to the rigid mounting bracket with the lamp removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the strap and rigid bracket, illustrating some exemplary dimensions of a strap and bracket configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the rigid bracket and strap of  FIG. 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the strap connecting to the rigid mounting bracket with the lamp being supported by the strap and bracket, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of a rigid bracket and a strap supporting the lamp of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a rigid bracket and a strap supporting the lamp of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of one embodiment of a lamp connected to the rigid bracket with a hook and loop fastener, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the lamp and bracket system of  FIG. 11 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of one embodiment of a lamp connected to the rigid bracket with a hook and loop fastener, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the lamp and bracket system of  FIG. 13 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of a front half full brim of a hard hat, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the front half full brim hard hat of  FIG. 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the front half full brim hard hat of  FIG. 15 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is front perspective view of a bracket, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a front isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a rear isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a top isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a side isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a side cross-sectional isometric view of the bracket of  FIG. 18  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 20 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a face shield with lamp attachment mounting brackets, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is the face shield of  FIG. 26  coupled to a bracket of a lamp assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is the face shield of  FIG. 26  coupled to a hard hat and showing additional accessories, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a hard hat lamp attachment system are shown. Hard hats are used in a variety of construction jobs or other construction, residential, or commercial situations. Hard hats are often used in dim or poorly lit environments. In conventional lamp attachment systems, an operator couples a lamp to hard hat via a strap wrapped around the hardhat. However, the strapped lamp often experiences jarring, which may cause the lamp to become unsecured and/or fall off. To avoid this, some operators mount the lamp onto a mounting clip that is secured to the hardhat through destructive means, such as drilling a hole in the hard hat and bolting on the mounting clip. The lamp is then attached to the mounted clip. Adding a rigid mounting location in this way compromises the safety rating and/or warranty of the hard hat. 
     In contrast, the hard hat system discussed herein utilizes a mounting ridge, rigid clip, and strap arrangement that allows for secure attachment of a lamp to a hard hat without end-user alteration of the hard hat structure. Specifically, the lighted hard hat system discussed herein utilizes one or more mounting ridges formed on the outer surface of the hard hat. A rigid mounting bracket is securely, and removably mounted to the mounting ridge. A flexible strap or web is coupled to the mounting bracket, and the lamp is coupled the strap. In this manner, the lamp is attached to the hard hat in manner that is more secure than the typical wrapped strap arrangement and avoids the potential problems associated with mounting systems that involve permanent alteration of the hard hat structure to attach the lamp. 
     In addition, because some users wear hard hats backwards (e.g., so the bill of the hard hat does not interfere with visibility), mounting locations may be added on the front and the back of the hard hat. In this embodiment, a user can wear a white-light lamp on the front of the hard hat, for example, and a red-light lamp on the back of the hard hat. This configuration enhances visibility and safety when worn in an area near heavy operating equipment (e.g., a forklift, bulldozer, boom, or other heavy operating equipment). As described below, an operator can mount two white and/or red lamps to the front and/or the rear mounting locations of the hard hat. 
     Referring generally to the figures, a lighted hard hat system is shown to for a hard hat  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , an operator is shown wearing hard hat  10 . As illustrated, hard hat  10  is oriented in a forward-facing direction with a front mounting ridge  12  above a bill  14  of the front end  16  of hard hat  10 . In this configuration, bill  14  is on front end  16  of hard hat  10  to shields the eyes of the operator. The back end  18  is located in the back of the head/hart hat  10 . For example, a front side surface on front end  16  includes a front mounting ridge  12 . Similarly, a rear side surface on back end  18  includes a rear mounting ridge  20 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the operator can reverse hard hat  10  such that front end  16  is on the back of the head and back end  18  is above the eyes of the operator. In this orientation, rear mounting ridge  20  is located above the eyes of the user for attachment of a lamp to hard hat  10 . In both  FIGS. 1 and 2  a headlamp (e.g., lamp  22 ) can attach to a rigid mounting bracket  24  ( FIG. 3 ) that securely attaches to hard hat  10  at a front or rear mounting ridge  12  or  20 . Accessories couple to a side accessory support ridge or auxiliary ridge  21 . Auxiliary ridge  21  supports accessories for hard hat  10 , such as ear muffs, tool or eyeglass holders, lamp supports, face shields, and/or reflectors. In this application, reference will generally be made to front mounting ridge  12 , but it should be understood that the same description equally applies to auxiliary ridge  21  and/or rear mounting ridge  20 . 
     In general, the lighted hard hat system discussed herein includes a lamp  22 , a bracket  24 , and a flexible strap  26 .  FIG. 3  illustrates hard hat  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  showing the attachment of lamp  22 , bracket  24 , and strap  26  to the mounting location on hard hat  10 . Bracket  24  includes receiving slots  28  that interface with mounting ridges  12  or  20  of hard hat  10 . In some embodiments, receiving slots  28  are opposed or located on opposite ends of bracket  24 . Receiving slots  28  receive or couple to a ridge or outside edge  30  of mounting ridge  20  on hard hat  10 . Receiving slots  28  on bracket  24  partially or completely enclose edge  30  to securely and removably couple rigid mounting bracket  24  to mounting ridge  20  and hard hat  10 . Receiving slots  28  of bracket  24  interchangably couple both front and rear mounting ridges  12  and  20 . 
     Bracket  24  provides structural support to lamp  22  and provides a rigid attachment location/support to secure lamp  22  to hard hat  10 . Rigid mounting bracket  24  includes receiving slots  28  that interface with front mounting ridge  12  or rear mounting ridge  20  of hard hat  10 . Strap  26  interconnects lamp  22  to bracket  24  and provides a mechanism to attach a variety of lamps  22 , including aftermarket lamps  22  with strap  26  receiving locations. An auxiliary band  32  wraps around the circumference of hard hat  10  without interfering with mounting ridge  12 , for example, by passing through an opening under mounting ridge  12 . Auxiliary band  32  supports connection of hand tools  33  and/or other equipment suitable for storage along mounting ridge  12  of hard hat  10 . In some embodiments, lamp  22  is located between opposing channels  34  on opposite ends of mounting bracket  24 , e.g., a first channel  34  on a first end and a second channel  34  on a second end. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , hard hat  10  with a rigid mounting bracket  24  is shown attached at front mounting ridge  12 . As illustrated, rigid mounting bracket  24  is attached to a front end  16  above bill  14  of hard hat  10 . Rigid mounting bracket  24  slides onto front mounting ridge  12  (or rear mounting ridge  20 ) via receiving slots  28 . Strap  26  couples lamp  22  to rigid mounting bracket  24 . For example, strap  26  can pass through channels  34  in rigid mounting bracket  24  adjacent to and/or passageways  36  in lamp  22  ( FIG. 8 ) to couple lamp  22  to rigid mounting bracket  24  via strap  26 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side perspective view of hard hat  10  with bracket  24  attached at front mounting ridge  12 . As shown, rigid mounting bracket  24  is attached to front end  16  above bill  14  of hard hat  10 . Bracket  24  slides onto mounting ridge  12  (or  20 ) via receiving slots  28 . Strap  26  passes through channels  34  to couple lamp  22  to bracket  24 . For example, strap  26  passes through channels  34  in bracket  24  and/or passageways  36  in lamp  22  ( FIG. 8 ) to couple lamp  22  to bracket  24  via strap  26 . In some embodiments, strap  26  secures lamp  22  against bracket  24  on the opposite side, such that lamp  22  and strap  26  sandwich bracket  24 . For example, bracket  24  is located between lamp  22  and strap  26 , where lamp  22  is located on one side of bracket  24  and strap  26  is located on another or opposite side of bracket  24 . 
     In the detailed view of  FIG. 4 , a securing mechanism, tab, or clip  38  is shown on one the sides of bracket  24  near receiving slots  28 . When bracket  24  is secured on mounting ridge  12  or  20 , clip  38  is located on the side of receiving slot  28 , where clip  38  locks into position. The locked clip  38  prevents accidental jarring or removal of lamp  22  during operation. In this configuration, lamp  22  is securely locked onto hard hat  10 . The operator may remove lamp  22  from hard hat  10  non-destructively by depressing clip  38  and sliding bracket  24  off mounting ridge  12  or  20 . In some embodiments, clip  38  locks into a recess  40  of mounting ridge  12  and locks mounting bracket  24  on mounting ridge  12  of hard hat  10 . In some embodiments, clip  38  configured to slide and/or lock into recess  40  of edge  30  to lock/secure mounting bracket  24  and lamp  22  on mounting ridge  12  of hard hat  10 . 
     In this way, mounting ridge  12  of hard hat  10  is configured to receive a variety of headlamp sizes and designs. In the present application, two headlamp designs are shown, but any headlamp that can receive a strap  26  can be implemented to secure lamp  22  to bracket  24 , as described in the present design. Thus, hard hat  10  design is backward compatible with nearly all existing headlamp designs. As such, bracket  24  can interconnect a wide variety of headlamp designs to mounting ridges  12  and/or  20  of hard hat  10 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic of strap  26  connecting to bracket  24  with lamp  22  removed for clarity. A hook and loop fastener system allows strap  26  to connect with itself on the backside of bracket  24 . For example, strap  26  includes an endcap  42  at one end. Strap  26  is then inserted into bracket  24  at an inlet channel or insert  44 . Strap  26  passes through bracket  24  until endcap  42  abuts insert  44 . In various embodiments, endcap  42  is a separate part and/or includes additional materials to increase a size or dimension of endcap  42  (e.g., strap  26  is doubled back on itself, or extra adhesive is located at the end of strap  26 , etc.). The enlarged size of endcap  42  prevents endcap  42  from passing through a relatively smaller cross-section of insert  44  that accommodates the dimensions of strap  26 . This smaller dimension captures endcap  42  at insert  44  of mounting bracket  24 , which holds or restrains strap  26  within mounting bracket  24 . At least one dimension of endcap  42  is larger than insert  44  through bracket  24 . In this way, when strap  26  is pulled through insert  44 , endcap  42  is too large to pass and catches against insert  44 . 
     Strap  26  wraps around all or part of bracket  24 . For example, strap  26  may start at a first insert  44  and wrap around a part of rigid mounting bracket  24 . Strap  26  can pass through one or more channels  34  on bracket  24 . Channels  34  provide a mechanism to couple and/or tighten strap  26  to bracket  24 . Receiving slots  28  securely mount bracket  24  onto mounting ridge  12  or  20  of hard hat  10 . For example, receiving slots  28  of bracket  24  interchangeably couple to both front mounting ridge  12  and/or rear mounting ridge  20 . In other words, bracket  24  can be placed on either the front or rear mounting ridge  12  or  18  of hard hat  10 . In some embodiments, strap  26  has interlocking hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48 . Hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  couple to allow strap  26  to interlock with itself as the mating hook fastener section interacts with the mating loop fastener section at fastener locations  46  and  36 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a hook fastener location  46  and a loop fastener location  48 . In some embodiments, the positions of hook and fastener locations  46  and  48  are reversed, such that hook fastener location  46  is threaded through bracket  24 , and the loop fastener location  48  is a free end of strap  26 . In some embodiments, hook fastener location  46  is located on one end of strap  26 , and loop fastener location  48  is on an opposite end of strap  26 . Hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  couple to removably secure strap  26  on bracket  24 . Hook and loop fasteners couple to removably secure strap  26  to bracket  24  and include other interlocking systems such as hook and loop fabric, snaps, pins, tape, and/or glue. 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of bracket  24  with both strap  26  and lamp  22  removed to show some dimensions for channels  34  and/or locations between channels  34 . In the illustrated embodiment, channel  34  receives strap  26  and has a height, H, of about 26 mm. Two outermost channels  34  (e.g., opposing channels  34  located on the outside of either end of bracket  24 ) have a spacing S 1  of 102 mm, with adjacent medial slots or channels  34  having a spacing S 2  of 32 mm apart. Medial channels  34  are located between the ends of the outermost channels  34 . In various embodiments, channel  34  that receives strap  26  has a height, H, of between 10 mm and 50 mm, specifically between 15 mm and 35 mm, and more specifically between 20 mm and 30 mm. Outermost channels  34  have a spacing S 1 , which is between 50 mm and 150 mm, specifically 75 mm to 125 mm, and more specifically 90 mm to 110 mm. In various embodiments, adjacent medial slots have a spacing S 2  of 15 mm to 45 mm, specifically 20 mm to 40 mm, and more specifically 25 mm to 35 mm. For example, the distance S 2  between two medial channels  34  is about 38 mm. In other embodiments, distance S 2  of two medial channels  34  is between 25 mm and 55 mm, specifically 30 mm and 50 mm, and more specifically between 35 mm and 45 mm. 
     In some embodiments, insert  44  is located between a first medial channel  34  and a first outermost channel  34 . That is, the first medial channel  34 , insert  44 , and first outermost channel  34  are located on the first side of bracket  24 . Insert  44  has at least one dimension that is smaller than endcap  42  of an end of strap  26  to restrain and/or capture through bracket  24 . In this way, insert  44  is disposed on one side of bracket  24  between the medial and outermost channels  34 . 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of one embodiment of bracket  24  with strap  26  and lamp  22  removed. The dimensions in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  may be the same or different than the dimensions illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In some embodiments, the distance between bracket  24  and hard hat  10  is designed to have a gap that presses the hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  together on strap  26 . In this way, the gap facilitates a strong interlocking connection on strap  26  and reduces the likelihood of jarring or loosening lamp  22  over time. 
     In some embodiments, bracket  24  provides a bias or spring force to retain bracket  24  on mounting ridge  12  on hard hat  10 . Edges  30  of mounting ridge  12  (and/or  20 ) press against receiving slots  28  of bracket  24  to provide a securing biasing force that holds bracket  24  on mounting ridge  12 . This configuration further enhances the strength of the connection and prevents accidental jarring and/or escape of lamp  22  from hard hat  10 . Receiving slots  28  engage opposing outer edges  30  of mounting ridge  12  to couple bracket  24  to mounting ridge  12  and hard hat  10 . In this way, bracket  24  is removably coupled to lamp  22  and strap  26 . 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic top view of strap  26  connecting lamp  22  to bracket  24 . In this embodiment, hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  are shown to be mating. Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , endcap  42  starts at insert  44  and strap  26  wraps around a part of bracket  24  and passes through several channels  34  to entwine strap  26  to bracket  24 . As illustrated, strap  26  passes through channels  34  on bracket  24  and passes through the passageways  36  in lamp  22  to secure lamp  22  to bracket  24 . Strap  26  then doubles back on itself at the hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  to secure strap  26 . Channels  34  pass-through mounting bracket  24  to receive a portion of strap  26  and secure lamp  22  to mounting bracket  24 . 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of a bracket  24  and a strap  26  supporting one embodiment of an example lamp  22  (e.g., lamp  22  illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). As illustrated, lamp  22  has structure on the sides of lamp  22  that reroute strap  26  around lamp  22 . Strap  26  remains secured by the hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48  ( FIG. 5 ). Strap  26  secures lamp  22  to bracket  24 .  FIG. 10  shows a front view of rigid mounting bracket  24  and strap  26  supporting one embodiment of lamp  22  (e.g., lamp  22  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Lamp  22  has fewer surrounding structures, reducing the path of strap  26  to secure lamp  22 . Strap  26  passes through openings and folds back on itself at hook and fastener locations  46  and  48  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a top view and side perspective view of the first lamp  22  embodiment of  FIG. 9 , respectively. Lamp  22  has a supporting structure on the sides that attach lamp  22  to other structures. However, since the structure has passageways  36  to allow strap  26  to pass through the supporting structures of lamp  22  and into adjoining channels  34 , lamp  22  can securely fasten onto bracket  24 . Strap  26  interconnects with itself at hook and loop fastener locations  46  and  48 . 
     Similarly,  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a top and side perspective view of the second lamp embodiment of  FIG. 10 . Without the additional supporting structures, strap  26  passes through passageways  36  of lamp  22  to interconnect lamp  22  to bracket  24 . Passageways  36  through a section of lamp  22  are used to couple lamp  22  to strap  26 . In other words, passageways  36  receive strap  26  and couple lamp  22  to mounting bracket  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , this configuration supports a larger lamp  22  and sandwiches bracket  24  between lamp  22  and strap  26 . 
       FIGS. 15-18  show different perspective views of a front half of a full brim hard hat  100 . Hard hat  100  is the same as hard hat  10 , except for the differences shown and/or described herein. In contrast to hard hat  10 , hard hat  100  has a modified mounting ridge  102  and auxiliary ridge  104 . Detent  106  secures a bracket  108  (see e.g.,  FIG. 18 ) to the mounting ridge  102 . FIG.  15  shows the modified mounting ridge  102  and auxiliary ridge  104 .  FIG. 16  shows button holes  110  to secure a strap or other item to a base  112  ( FIG. 17 ) of hard hat  100 .  FIG. 17  shows a variety of internal ridges or access ports  114  that support accessories on an inner surface of hard hat  100 . Similarly, auxiliary ridges  104  include access ports  114  to couple various accessories to hard hat  100 . 
       FIGS. 18-25  show a bracket  108  configured to mount and/or couple to mounting ridges  102  of hard hat  100 .  FIG. 18  shows a snap fastener  116  that snaps around detent  106  to secure bracket  108  on mounting ridge  102  of hard hat  100 . The interaction between fastener  116  and detent  106  secures bracket  108  and prevents accidental jarring or loosening of the coupling between bracket  108  and mounting ridge  102 . Openings  118  provide additional access ports  114  for fastening or coupling additional accessories to a mounted bracket  108 . Slots  120  couple to an edge  122  ( FIG. 15 ) of mounting ridges  102 . Ribs  124  provide a frictional surface for removing bracket  108  from mounting ridges  102 , for example, in a wet, muddy, or freezing environment. Ribs  124  provide additional surfaces for a user to press and release bracket  108  to a mounting ridge  102 . Similarly, ribs  124  assist a user to securing (and/or release) bracket  108  to hard hat  100  when grip or friction is limited, for example, while the user is wearing gloves. 
       FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of bracket  108 , showing openings  118 , slots  120 , and ribs  124 . This view shows a substantially hollow bracket  108  to reduce weight.  FIGS. 20 and 21  show front and rear isometric views of bracket  108 . A height H 1  of bracket  108  is shown. In various embodiments, height H 1  is between 1″ and 2″, specifically between 1.5″ and 1.75″, and more specifically between 1.6″ and 1.7″. In a specific embodiment, height H 1  is about 1.62″ These views show openings  118  in front and rear of bracket  108  that extend through bracket  108 . Snap fastener  116  is curved at the bottom so that it extends inwardly in  FIG. 21  to couple to detent  106 . Ribs  124  are shown on either side of bracket  108 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show various dimensions for a length L 1  of bracket  108 . In various embodiments, length L 1  is between 3″ and 6″, specifically between 4″ and 5″, and more specifically between 4.25″ and 4.75″. In a specific embodiment, length L 1  is about 4.54″. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  are top and bottom isometric views of bracket  108 . A width or gap G 1  of slot  120  is shown. In various embodiments, gap G 1  measured in slot  120  between a front and rear edge of bracket  108  is between 0.050″ and 0.150″, specifically, between 0.075″ to 0.125″ and more specifically between 0.090″ and 0.100″. In a specific embodiment, gap G 1  is about 0.092″. 
       FIG. 24  is a side isometric view of bracket  108  and  FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the side isometric view of  FIG. 24  taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 20 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  show inside and outside view of fastener  116 , openings  118 , and ribs  124 . 
       FIG. 26  shows one accessory that couples to mounting ridge  102  (or mounting ridge  12 ), specifically a face shield  130  with an outer mounting ridge  132 , the same as or similar to mounting ridge  102  or  12  on hard hat  100  or  10 , respectively. In general, reference will be made to hard hat  100 , but the following description also applies to hard hat  10 . Mounting ridge  132  on face shield  130  receives bracket  108  to couple the accessory to hard hat  100  and/or face shield  130 . In this way, the same accessories that couple to mounting ridges  102  on hard hat  100  also couple to mounting ridges  132  of a mounted face shield  130 . 
     In some embodiments, face shield  130  includes a face mask  134  comprising a transparent glass, polyurethane, or polymer to protect a face and/or eyes of the operator from debris. In other embodiments, face mask  134  is substantially opaque, e.g., for wielding, and limits one or more wavelengths of light that pass through mask  134  to protect the operator&#39;s eyes. Face shield  130  and/or mask  134  protect the operator&#39;s face and/or eyes from debris, temperature, light, liquids, and/or chemicals. In some embodiments, face shield  130  includes an attachment clip  138  that further secures face shield  130  against hard hat  100 , e.g., at accessory support or auxiliary ridge  104 . For example, face shield  130  couples to bracket  108  and to mounting ridge  102 . Accessory clip  138  couples to auxiliary ridge  104  of hard hat  100 . Face shield  130  further comprises an outer mounting ridge  132  used to couple accessories (e.g., lamp  142 ). For example, a bracket  114  on face shield  130  couples to outer mounting ridge edges  140  through slots  120  of bracket  114 , in a manner similar to coupling to outer mounting ridge edges  122  or  30  on hard hat  10  or  100 . 
       FIG. 26  shows face shield  130  supporting lamp  142  on outer mounting ridge  132  of face shield  130 , where face shield  130  is coupled to mounting ridges  102  on hard hat  100 . Outer mounting ridge  132  on face shield  130  is the same, or substantially the same, as mounting ridge  102  on hard hat  100 , such that accessories with bracket  108  couple to either mounting ridges  102  on hard hat  100  and/or outer mounting ridges  132  of face shield  130 . In some embodiments, a swivel  144  is located between face shield  130  and clip  148  to facilitate the movement of face shield  130 . For example, after welding a part, an operator may lift face shield  130  to temporarily look at the welded part or take a break, etc. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  show one configuration of hard hat  100 , further including additional accessories coupled to mounting ridges  102  and auxiliary ridges  104  of hard hat  100 . For example, earmuffs  150  are coupled to auxiliary ridges  104  and lamp  142  is coupled to outer mounting ridge  132  of face shield  130 . Face shield  130  is coupled to mounting ridge  102  of hard hat  100 , and earmuffs  150  are coupled to left and right auxiliary ridges  104  on opposite sides of hard hat  100 . For example, auxiliary ridges  104  include ports  114  to secure portions of the accessories. Additional mounting ridges  102  and/or supporting auxiliary ridges  104  include a plurality of ports  114  to support additional accessories (e.g., reflectors, tool carriers, and/or eyeglass holders, etc.). One feature of this hard hat attachment system is the ability of a user to customize or configure a hard hat  100  for the particular job, environment, and/or safety requirements of the task. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description. 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.