Patent Description:
<CIT> describes an appliance mounting device that is adapted for securement to head gear. The device has an elongated guide that is adapted for removable attachment to the head gear. An appliance holder supports an appliance and can engage the elongated guide to allow for adjustment of the position of the appliance along the elongated guide.

<CIT> describes a helmet with an outer shell and an adjustable supporting system arranged in an inner side of the shell. The shell provides a retainer for arrangement of a holder in the helmet, wherein the holder has a base unit that is detachably inserted in the retainer. The holder is for a functional unit, e.g., camera and a light.

<CIT> describes a headlamp holder device for use with a user's helmet having an outer generally convex shape. The device comprises a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface having a generally concave curvature so as to conform to at least a portion of the convex outer surface of the user's helmet. The device further comprises an upper member having a pair of opposing support members extending outwardly and upwardly in a lateral direction to the base member providing a support for mounting a conventional underwater self-powered flashlight thereon. The upper member includes a strap for releasably attaching the flashlight on the upper member.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a hard hat lighting system as described by claim <NUM>.

Optional and/or preferable features are laid out in the dependent claims.

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:.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

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 <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an operator is shown wearing hard hat <NUM>. As illustrated, hard hat <NUM> is oriented in a forward-facing direction with a front mounting ridge <NUM> above a bill <NUM> of the front end <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. In this configuration, bill <NUM> is on front end <NUM> of hard hat <NUM> to shields the eyes of the operator. The back end <NUM> is located in the back of the head/hart hat <NUM>. For example, a front side surface on front end <NUM> includes a front mounting ridge <NUM>. Similarly, a rear side surface on back end <NUM> includes a rear mounting ridge <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the operator can reverse hard hat <NUM> such that front end <NUM> is on the back of the head and back end <NUM> is above the eyes of the operator. In this orientation, rear mounting ridge <NUM> is located above the eyes of the user for attachment of a lamp to hard hat <NUM>. In both <FIG> and <FIG> a headlamp (e.g., lamp <NUM>) can attach to a rigid mounting bracket <NUM> (<FIG>) that securely attaches to hard hat <NUM> at a front or rear mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM>. Accessories couple to a side accessory support ridge or auxiliary ridge <NUM>. Auxiliary ridge <NUM> supports accessories for hard hat <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, but it should be understood that the same description equally applies to auxiliary ridge <NUM> and/or rear mounting ridge <NUM>.

In general, the lighted hard hat system discussed herein includes a lamp <NUM>, a bracket <NUM>, and a flexible strap <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates hard hat <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> showing the attachment of lamp <NUM>, bracket <NUM>, and strap <NUM> to the mounting location on hard hat <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> includes receiving slots <NUM> that interface with mounting ridges <NUM> or <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. In some embodiments, receiving slots <NUM> are opposed or located on opposite ends of bracket <NUM>. Receiving slots <NUM> receive or couple to a ridge or outside edge <NUM> of mounting ridge <NUM> on hard hat <NUM>. Receiving slots <NUM> on bracket <NUM> partially or completely enclose edge <NUM> to securely and removably couple rigid mounting bracket <NUM> to mounting ridge <NUM> and hard hat <NUM>. Receiving slots <NUM> of bracket <NUM> interchangably couple both front and rear mounting ridges <NUM> and <NUM>.

Bracket <NUM> provides structural support to lamp <NUM> and provides a rigid attachment location/support to secure lamp <NUM> to hard hat <NUM>. Rigid mounting bracket <NUM> includes receiving slots <NUM> that interface with front mounting ridge <NUM> or rear mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. Strap <NUM> interconnects lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM> and provides a mechanism to attach a variety of lamps <NUM>, including aftermarket lamps <NUM> with strap <NUM> receiving locations. An auxiliary band <NUM> wraps around the circumference of hard hat <NUM> without interfering with mounting ridge <NUM>, for example, by passing through an opening under mounting ridge <NUM>. Auxiliary band <NUM> supports connection of hand tools <NUM> and/or other equipment suitable for storage along mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. In some embodiments, lamp <NUM> is located between opposing channels <NUM> on opposite ends of mounting bracket <NUM>, e.g., a first channel <NUM> on a first end and a second channel <NUM> on a second end.

With reference to <FIG>, hard hat <NUM> with a rigid mounting bracket <NUM> is shown attached at front mounting ridge <NUM>. As illustrated, rigid mounting bracket <NUM> is attached to a front end <NUM> above bill <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. Rigid mounting bracket <NUM> slides onto front mounting ridge <NUM> (or rear mounting ridge <NUM>) via receiving slots <NUM>. Strap <NUM> couples lamp <NUM> to rigid mounting bracket <NUM>. For example, strap <NUM> can pass through channels <NUM> in rigid mounting bracket <NUM> adjacent to and/or passageways <NUM> in lamp <NUM> (<FIG>) to couple lamp <NUM> to rigid mounting bracket <NUM> via strap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of hard hat <NUM> with bracket <NUM> attached at front mounting ridge <NUM>. As shown, rigid mounting bracket <NUM> is attached to front end <NUM> above bill <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> slides onto mounting ridge <NUM> (or <NUM>) via receiving slots <NUM>. Strap <NUM> passes through channels <NUM> to couple lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. For example, strap <NUM> passes through channels <NUM> in bracket <NUM> and/or passageways <NUM> in lamp <NUM> (<FIG>) to couple lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM> via strap <NUM>. In some embodiments, strap <NUM> secures lamp <NUM> against bracket <NUM> on the opposite side, such that lamp <NUM> and strap <NUM> sandwich bracket <NUM>. For example, bracket <NUM> is located between lamp <NUM> and strap <NUM>, where lamp <NUM> is located on one side of bracket <NUM> and strap <NUM> is located on another or opposite side of bracket <NUM>.

In the detailed view of <FIG>, a securing mechanism, tab, or clip <NUM> is shown on one the sides of bracket <NUM> near receiving slots <NUM>. When bracket <NUM> is secured on mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM>, clip <NUM> is located on the side of receiving slot <NUM>, where clip <NUM> locks into position. The locked clip <NUM> prevents accidental jarring or removal of lamp <NUM> during operation. In this configuration, lamp <NUM> is securely locked onto hard hat <NUM>. The operator may remove lamp <NUM> from hard hat <NUM> non-destructively by depressing clip <NUM> and sliding bracket <NUM> off mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM>. In some embodiments, clip <NUM> locks into a recess <NUM> of mounting ridge <NUM> and locks mounting bracket <NUM> on mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. In some embodiments, clip <NUM> configured to slide and/or lock into recess <NUM> of edge <NUM> to lock/secure mounting bracket <NUM> and lamp <NUM> on mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>.

In this way, mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM> 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 <NUM> can be implemented to secure lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>, as described in the present design. Thus, hard hat <NUM> design is backward compatible with nearly all existing headlamp designs. As such, bracket <NUM> can interconnect a wide variety of headlamp designs to mounting ridges <NUM> and/or <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic of strap <NUM> connecting to bracket <NUM> with lamp <NUM> removed for clarity. A hook and loop fastener system allows strap <NUM> to connect with itself on the backside of bracket <NUM>. For example, strap <NUM> includes an endcap <NUM> at one end. Strap <NUM> is then inserted into bracket <NUM> at an inlet channel or insert <NUM>. Strap <NUM> passes through bracket <NUM> until endcap <NUM> abuts insert <NUM>. In various embodiments, endcap <NUM> is a separate part and/or includes additional materials to increase a size or dimension of endcap <NUM> (e.g., strap <NUM> is doubled back on itself, or extra adhesive is located at the end of strap <NUM>, etc.). The enlarged size of endcap <NUM> prevents endcap <NUM> from passing through a relatively smaller cross-section of insert <NUM> that accommodates the dimensions of strap <NUM>. This smaller dimension captures endcap <NUM> at insert <NUM> of mounting bracket <NUM>, which holds or restrains strap <NUM> within mounting bracket <NUM>. At least one dimension of endcap <NUM> is larger than insert <NUM> through bracket <NUM>. In this way, when strap <NUM> is pulled through insert <NUM>, endcap <NUM> is too large to pass and catches against insert <NUM>.

Strap <NUM> wraps around all or part of bracket <NUM>. For example, strap <NUM> may start at a first insert <NUM> and wrap around a part of rigid mounting bracket <NUM>. Strap <NUM> can pass through one or more channels <NUM> on bracket <NUM>. Channels <NUM> provide a mechanism to couple and/or tighten strap <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. Receiving slots <NUM> securely mount bracket <NUM> onto mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. For example, receiving slots <NUM> of bracket <NUM> interchangeably couple to both front mounting ridge <NUM> and/or rear mounting ridge <NUM>. In other words, bracket <NUM> can be placed on either the front or rear mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. In some embodiments, strap <NUM> has interlocking hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM>. Hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> couple to allow strap <NUM> to interlock with itself as the mating hook fastener section interacts with the mating loop fastener section at fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a hook fastener location <NUM> and a loop fastener location <NUM>. In some embodiments, the positions of hook and fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> are reversed, such that hook fastener location <NUM> is threaded through bracket <NUM>, and the loop fastener location <NUM> is a free end of strap <NUM>. In some embodiments, hook fastener location <NUM> is located on one end of strap <NUM>, and loop fastener location <NUM> is on an opposite end of strap <NUM>. Hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> couple to removably secure strap <NUM> on bracket <NUM>. Hook and loop fasteners couple to removably secure strap <NUM> to bracket <NUM> and include other interlocking systems such as hook and loop fabric, snaps, pins, tape, and/or glue.

<FIG> is a front view of bracket <NUM> with both strap <NUM> and lamp <NUM> removed to show some dimensions for channels <NUM> and/or locations between channels <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, channel <NUM> receives strap <NUM> and has a height, H, of about <NUM>. Two outermost channels <NUM> (e.g., opposing channels <NUM> located on the outside of either end of bracket <NUM>) have a spacing S1 of <NUM>, with adjacent medial slots or channels <NUM> having a spacing S2 of <NUM> apart. Medial channels <NUM> are located between the ends of the outermost channels <NUM>. In various embodiments, channel <NUM> that receives strap <NUM> has a height, H, of between <NUM> and <NUM>, specifically between <NUM> and <NUM>, and more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM>. Outermost channels <NUM> have a spacing S1, which is between <NUM> and <NUM>, specifically <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically <NUM> to <NUM>. In various embodiments, adjacent medial slots have a spacing S2 of <NUM> to <NUM>, specifically <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the distance S2 between two medial channels <NUM> is about <NUM>. In other embodiments, distance S2 of two medial channels <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM>, specifically <NUM> and <NUM>, and more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, insert <NUM> is located between a first medial channel <NUM> and a first outermost channel <NUM>. That is, the first medial channel <NUM>, insert <NUM>, and first outermost channel <NUM> are located on the first side of bracket <NUM>. Insert <NUM> has at least one dimension that is smaller than endcap <NUM> of an end of strap <NUM> to restrain and/or capture through bracket <NUM>. In this way, insert <NUM> is disposed on one side of bracket <NUM> between the medial and outermost channels <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of one embodiment of bracket <NUM> with strap <NUM> and lamp <NUM> removed. The dimensions in the embodiment shown in <FIG> may be the same or different than the dimensions illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the distance between bracket <NUM> and hard hat <NUM> is designed to have a gap that presses the hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> together on strap <NUM>. In this way, the gap facilitates a strong interlocking connection on strap <NUM> and reduces the likelihood of jarring or loosening lamp <NUM> over time.

In some embodiments, bracket <NUM> provides a bias or spring force to retain bracket <NUM> on mounting ridge <NUM> on hard hat <NUM>. Edges <NUM> of mounting ridge <NUM> (and/or <NUM>) press against receiving slots <NUM> of bracket <NUM> to provide a securing biasing force that holds bracket <NUM> on mounting ridge <NUM>. This configuration further enhances the strength of the connection and prevents accidental jarring and/or escape of lamp <NUM> from hard hat <NUM>. Receiving slots <NUM> engage opposing outer edges <NUM> of mounting ridge <NUM> to couple bracket <NUM> to mounting ridge <NUM> and hard hat <NUM>. In this way, bracket <NUM> is removably coupled to lamp <NUM> and strap <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic top view of strap <NUM> connecting lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. In this embodiment, hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> are shown to be mating. Similar to the embodiment of <FIG>, endcap <NUM> starts at insert <NUM> and strap <NUM> wraps around a part of bracket <NUM> and passes through several channels <NUM> to entwine strap <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. As illustrated, strap <NUM> passes through channels <NUM> on bracket <NUM> and passes through the passageways <NUM> in lamp <NUM> to secure lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. Strap <NUM> then doubles back on itself at the hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> to secure strap <NUM>. Channels <NUM> pass-through mounting bracket <NUM> to receive a portion of strap <NUM> and secure lamp <NUM> to mounting bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of a bracket <NUM> and a strap <NUM> supporting one embodiment of an example lamp <NUM> (e.g., lamp <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>). As illustrated, lamp <NUM> has structure on the sides of lamp <NUM> that reroute strap <NUM> around lamp <NUM>. Strap <NUM> remains secured by the hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>). Strap <NUM> secures lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. <FIG> shows a front view of rigid mounting bracket <NUM> and strap <NUM> supporting one embodiment of lamp <NUM> (e.g., lamp <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). Lamp <NUM> has fewer surrounding structures, reducing the path of strap <NUM> to secure lamp <NUM>. Strap <NUM> passes through openings and folds back on itself at hook and fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrate a top view and side perspective view of the first lamp <NUM> embodiment of <FIG>, respectively. Lamp <NUM> has a supporting structure on the sides that attach lamp <NUM> to other structures. However, since the structure has passageways <NUM> to allow strap <NUM> to pass through the supporting structures of lamp <NUM> and into adjoining channels <NUM>, lamp <NUM> can securely fasten onto bracket <NUM>. Strap <NUM> interconnects with itself at hook and loop fastener locations <NUM> and <NUM>.

Similarly, <FIG> illustrate a top and side perspective view of the second lamp embodiment of <FIG>. Without the additional supporting structures, strap <NUM> passes through passageways <NUM> of lamp <NUM> to interconnect lamp <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. Passageways <NUM> through a section of lamp <NUM> are used to couple lamp <NUM> to strap <NUM>. In other words, passageways <NUM> receive strap <NUM> and couple lamp <NUM> to mounting bracket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, this configuration supports a larger lamp <NUM> and sandwiches bracket <NUM> between lamp <NUM> and strap <NUM>.

<FIG> show different perspective views of a front half of a full brim hard hat <NUM>. Hard hat <NUM> is the same as hard hat <NUM>, except for the differences shown and/or described herein. In contrast to hard hat <NUM>, hard hat <NUM> has a modified mounting ridge <NUM> and auxiliary ridge <NUM>. Detent <NUM> secures a bracket <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>) to the mounting ridge <NUM>. <FIG> shows the modified mounting ridge <NUM> and auxiliary ridge <NUM>. <FIG> shows button holes <NUM> to secure a strap or other item to a base <NUM> (<FIG>) of hard hat <NUM>. <FIG> shows a variety of internal ridges or access ports <NUM> that support accessories on an inner surface of hard hat <NUM>. Similarly, auxiliary ridges <NUM> include access ports <NUM> to couple various accessories to hard hat <NUM>.

<FIG> show a bracket <NUM> configured to mount and/or couple to mounting ridges <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. <FIG> shows a snap fastener <NUM> that snaps around detent <NUM> to secure bracket <NUM> on mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. The interaction between fastener <NUM> and detent <NUM> secures bracket <NUM> and prevents accidental jarring or loosening of the coupling between bracket <NUM> and mounting ridge <NUM>. Openings <NUM> provide additional access ports <NUM> for fastening or coupling additional accessories to a mounted bracket <NUM>. Slots <NUM> couple to an edge <NUM> (<FIG>) of mounting ridges <NUM>. Ribs <NUM> provide a frictional surface for removing bracket <NUM> from mounting ridges <NUM>, for example, in a wet, muddy, or freezing environment. Ribs <NUM> provide additional surfaces for a user to press and release bracket <NUM> to a mounting ridge <NUM>. Similarly, ribs <NUM> assist a user to securing (and/or release) bracket <NUM> to hard hat <NUM> when grip or friction is limited, for example, while the user is wearing gloves.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of bracket <NUM>, showing openings <NUM>, slots <NUM>, and ribs <NUM>. This view shows a substantially hollow bracket <NUM> to reduce weight. <FIG> show front and rear isometric views of bracket <NUM>. A height H1 of bracket <NUM> is shown. In various embodiments, height H1 is between <NUM>" and <NUM>", specifically between <NUM>" and <NUM>", and more specifically between <NUM>" and <NUM>". In a specific embodiment, height H1 is about <NUM>" These views show openings <NUM> in front and rear of bracket <NUM> that extend through bracket <NUM>. Snap fastener <NUM> is curved at the bottom so that it extends inwardly in <FIG> to couple to detent <NUM>. Ribs <NUM> are shown on either side of bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> show various dimensions for a length L1 of bracket <NUM>. In various embodiments, length L1 is between <NUM>" and <NUM>", specifically between <NUM>" and <NUM>", and more specifically between <NUM>" and <NUM>". In a specific embodiment, length L1 is about <NUM>".

<FIG> are top and bottom isometric views of bracket <NUM>. A width or gap G1 of slot <NUM> is shown. In various embodiments, gap G1 measured in slot <NUM> between a front and rear edge of bracket <NUM> is between <NUM>" and <NUM>", specifically, between <NUM>" to <NUM>" and more specifically between <NUM>" and <NUM>". In a specific embodiment, gap G1 is about <NUM>".

<FIG> is a side isometric view of bracket <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the side isometric view of <FIG> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> show inside and outside view of fastener <NUM>, openings <NUM>, and ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> shows one accessory that couples to mounting ridge <NUM> (or mounting ridge <NUM>), specifically a face shield <NUM> with an outer mounting ridge <NUM>, the same as or similar to mounting ridge <NUM> or <NUM> on hard hat <NUM> or <NUM>, respectively. In general, reference will be made to hard hat <NUM>, but the following description also applies to hard hat <NUM>. Mounting ridge <NUM> on face shield <NUM> receives bracket <NUM> to couple the accessory to hard hat <NUM> and/or face shield <NUM>. In this way, the same accessories that couple to mounting ridges <NUM> on hard hat <NUM> also couple to mounting ridges <NUM> of a mounted face shield <NUM>.

In some embodiments, face shield <NUM> includes a face mask <NUM> comprising a transparent glass, polyurethane, or polymer to protect a face and/or eyes of the operator from debris. In other embodiments, face mask <NUM> is substantially opaque, e.g., for wielding, and limits one or more wavelengths of light that pass through mask <NUM> to protect the operator's eyes. Face shield <NUM> and/or mask <NUM> protect the operator's face and/or eyes from debris, temperature, light, liquids, and/or chemicals. In some embodiments, face shield <NUM> includes an attachment clip <NUM> that further secures face shield <NUM> against hard hat <NUM>, e.g., at accessory support or auxiliary ridge <NUM>. For example, face shield <NUM> couples to bracket <NUM> and to mounting ridge <NUM>. Accessory clip <NUM> couples to auxiliary ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. Face shield <NUM> further comprises an outer mounting ridge <NUM> used to couple accessories (e.g., lamp <NUM>). For example, a bracket <NUM> on face shield <NUM> couples to outer mounting ridge edges <NUM> through slots <NUM> of bracket <NUM>, in a manner similar to coupling to outer mounting ridge edges <NUM> or <NUM> on hard hat <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> shows face shield <NUM> supporting lamp <NUM> on outer mounting ridge <NUM> of face shield <NUM>, where face shield <NUM> is coupled to mounting ridges <NUM> on hard hat <NUM>. Outer mounting ridge <NUM> on face shield <NUM> is the same, or substantially the same, as mounting ridge <NUM> on hard hat <NUM>, such that accessories with bracket <NUM> couple to either mounting ridges <NUM> on hard hat <NUM> and/or outer mounting ridges <NUM> of face shield <NUM>. In some embodiments, a swivel <NUM> is located between face shield <NUM> and clip <NUM> to facilitate the movement of face shield <NUM>. For example, after welding a part, an operator may lift face shield <NUM> to temporarily look at the welded part or take a break, etc..

<FIG> and <FIG> show one configuration of hard hat <NUM>, further including additional accessories coupled to mounting ridges <NUM> and auxiliary ridges <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>. For example, earmuffs <NUM> are coupled to auxiliary ridges <NUM> and lamp <NUM> is coupled to outer mounting ridge <NUM> of face shield <NUM>. Face shield <NUM> is coupled to mounting ridge <NUM> of hard hat <NUM>, and earmuffs <NUM> are coupled to left and right auxiliary ridges <NUM> on opposite sides of hard hat <NUM>. For example, auxiliary ridges <NUM> include ports <NUM> to secure portions of the accessories. Additional mounting ridges <NUM> and/or supporting auxiliary ridges <NUM> include a plurality of ports <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 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.

Claim 1:
A hard hat lighting system, comprising:
a lamp (<NUM>);
a hard hat (<NUM>; <NUM>) with a mounting ridge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising opposite edges (<NUM>; <NUM>), the mounting ridge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) located on a side of the hard hat (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) that securely and removably mounts to the mounting ridge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) of the hard hat (<NUM>; <NUM>), the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) removably coupled to the lamp (<NUM>; <NUM>), the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
receiving slots (<NUM>; <NUM>) engaged to opposing edges (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the mounting ridge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) to couple the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>) to the mounting ridge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>); characterised by
a flexible strap (<NUM>) that couples the lamp (<NUM>) to the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>), the lamp (<NUM>) being removably coupled from the flexible strap (<NUM>) and the flexible strap (<NUM>) being removably coupled to the mounting bracket (<NUM>; <NUM>).