Elongated guide, and visor removably mountable thereto

An elongated guide and a cover that is removably mounted thereto

ELONGATED GUIDE, AND VISOR REMOVABLY MOUNTABLE THERETO

Safety helmets for head protection and masks for eye protection have been widely used in applications such as industrial production, house construction and the like.

In a broad aspect of the invention, an elongated guide removably attached to a safety cap and a shroud removably mounted to the elongate guide are disclosed herein. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the description. However, the above summary should not be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter, whether the subject matter is present in the scope of the application as claimed in the application, or Or otherwise exist in litigation.

<p>100Long guides</p><p>102</p><p>104Cap top</p><p>106After</p><p>112 main ribs</p><p>114Flange</p><p>114aFirst flange section</p><p>114bsecond flange section</p><p>115aradial inward facing surface</p><p>115bradial inward facing surface</p><p>116aFirst elongated channel</p><p>116bSecond elongate passage</p><p>118a lateral outermost edge</p><p>118b lateral outermost edge</p><p>132second radial inward flange</p><p>162 Front Attachment Bracket</p><p>172 slot</p><p>173 teeth</p><p>174 inserts</p><p>175 teeth</p><p>200 bracket</p><p>204Fins</p><p>206 lateral facing inner surface / inclined surface</p><p>2081 piece</p><p>209 first</p><p>210Offset parts</p><p>214Fins</p><p>216 lateral facing inner surface / inclined surface</p><p>218 Pieces</p><p>219Second</p><p>222Continuous bracket parts</p><p>224Continuous bracket parts</p><p>231 slot</p><p>232 teeth</p><p>233 screws</p><p>236 bracket</p><p>237 teeth</p><p>238 first part</p><p>239 second part</p><p>300 mask</p><p>302 window</p><p>303 pane</p><p>306Flange</p><p>308Brace/ear area</p><p>400Hard hat</p><p>402Cap top area</p><p>404Front hat</p><p>406 trailing edge</p><p>408Brace/ear area</p><p>412 Radial outward surface</p><p>500After attachment mechanism</p><p>501Part 1</p><p>502Part II</p><p>503Latch</p><p>504 Rear Attachment Bracket</p><p>1100Long guides</p><p>1101First long rail</p><p>1102Second long rail</p><p>1103 radially outwardly extending ribs</p><p>1104 radially outwardly extending ribs</p><p>1105 Radial outward flange</p><p>1106 Radial outward flange</p><p>1111Long internal passage</p><p>1112Long opening</p><p>1114a side wall</p><p>1114b Sidewall</p><p>1115 neck</p><p>1121 openings</p><p>1122</p><p>1124Cap (middle) section</p><p>1126After</p><p>1200 bracket</p><p>1201Meshing parts</p><p>1300Long guides</p><p>1301 Parts</p><p>1302 mask</p><p>1303Connecting parts</p><p>1304 bracket</p><p>1311Long channel</p><p>Li lateral inward direction</p><p>Lo lateral outward direction</p><p>Ri radially inward</p><p>Ro radially outward</p><p>Sp sagittal plane</p>

1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary elongated guide removably attached to an exemplary helmet and slidably supporting an exemplary mask, wherein the mask is shown in a first shaded position .

2 is a side elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the mask in a second retracted position.

3 is an front perspective view of an exemplary elongated guide and an exemplary bracket removably mounted to the elongated guide and slidably supported by the elongated guide.

4 is a side rear perspective view of an exemplary elongated guide and an exemplary rear attachment mechanism, wherein the rear attachment mechanism can be used to attach the rear section of the elongated guide To the helmet.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of an exemplary bracket.

6 is a rear perspective partial exploded view of an exemplary elongated guide and a positionable insert that can be used to set a terminal stop for a bracket.

Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary elongated guide and a generally cross-sectional view of an exemplary bracket slidably supported by the elongated guide.

Figure 8 is a representation of a general cross-sectional view of another exemplary elongated guide and another exemplary bracket slidably supported by the elongated guide.

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of another exemplary elongated guide.

Figure 10 is a representation of a general cross-sectional view of another exemplary elongated guide and another exemplary bracket slidably supported by the elongated guide.

The same reference numbers are used in the various drawings. Some of the elements may be present in the same or equivalent multiples; in this case, one or more representative elements may be designated by a reference numeral, but it should be understood that such reference numbers apply to all such identical elements. All figures and figures in this document are not to scale and are chosen for purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the invention. In particular, the dimensions of the various components are only described in an illustrative manner, and the relationship between the dimensions of the various components should not be inferred from the drawings unless otherwise indicated. Terms such as front, front, and the like indicate directions toward the forehead portion of the helmet; terms such as the rear, rear, back, and the like indicate directions away from the forehead portion of the helmet and toward the rear head portion thereof. The term "substantially" as used herein as a modifier of a property or attribute, unless specifically defined otherwise, means that the property or attribute will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art, without Absolute accuracy or exact match is required (for example, within +/- 20% of quantifiable properties). The term "substantially", unless otherwise specifically defined, means a high degree of approximation (eg, within +/- 10% of the quantifiable property), and likewise does not require absolute or complete matching. Terms such as "identical", "equal", "unified", "constant", "absolute" and the like The solution is within the usual tolerances or measurement errors that apply to a particular situation, rather than requiring absolute or exact match.

An exemplary elongated guide 100 that slidably supports an exemplary shroud 300 is shown in a front perspective view in FIG. The elongate guide 100 is removably attached to the hard hat 400, and in some embodiments, may be supplied to have been attached to the hard hat 400 (eg, as shown in FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the elongate guide 100 can be supplied separately and can be attached to the helmet 400, for example, by a user of the helmet 400. The mask 300 is removably mounted to the elongate guide 100 for slidable support by the elongate guide 100 such that the shroud 300 can be generally forward and rearward along the long axis of the elongate guide 100 Slidably moving, at least from a first occlusion position as shown in FIG. 1 (where the mask obscures the user's eyes of the helmet 400) to a second retraction as shown in FIG. 2 (unshaded eyes) )position.

The term "hard hat" is used broadly herein to refer to any head restraint that includes a hard shell that protects at least the upper portion of the user's head from impact forces (eg, unaffected by Damage to falling objects, collisions with hard surfaces, etc.). Thus, the helmet can be any of the known head protection helmets commonly used in industrial and construction environments. However, the term "hard hat" also includes bump caps for general use, sports helmets, military helmets, firefighter helmets, and the like. In some particular embodiments, the helmet can conform to the standards outlined in ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 as specified in 2009; and in various embodiments, the helmet can be classified as a Type I helmet or according to such standards Type II helmet. In various embodiments, the safety cap can include a front brim (ie, a flange that can act as, for example, an eye mask) 404, a trailing edge 406, a cap top region 402, a rib/ear region 408, and a radial direction. The outer facing surface 412 is seen in various ways as in Figures 1 and 2. Although not shown in these illustrations, in some embodiments (eg, when the helmet is in the form of a firefighter helmet), the helmet may include a rear lip (in addition to, or in place of, the front lip) Hat edge). The helmet may include an adjustable fit to the head of the user (eg For example, a strap (with a headband between the strap of the hard hat and the hard shell); one or more cushions or pads, a lower jaw strap, or any or all of these features Some combinations. The hard shell of the hard hat may be made of any suitable (e.g., impact resistant) material that can be formed into a desired shape; for example, a thermoplastic molding material, a thermoset material, or the like. Such materials may be reinforced with inorganic fillers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and the like as needed to enhance their physical properties.

The term "mask" is used broadly herein to refer to any eye protection device that includes a window portion that is positioned when the mask is in a first eye shielding position (eg, as shown in FIG. 1). Portions allow at least some electromagnetic radiation (eg, visible light) to pass through to reach the user's eyes. This can be provided, for example, by including a window portion 302 having a light transmissive pane 303 as shown in FIG.

In some embodiments, the light transmissive pane 303 of the window 302 can be configured to block high intensity light. In this case, "light" means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that may be harmful to the user's eyes or capable of causing a feeling of discomfort to the user. Such light includes at least visible light and may also include infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation, whether or not the user can perceive such radiation. In this case, "high intensity" light means that it exists at an intensity (for example, such as by a device such as an electric arc welder), which may be able to harm the user's eyes or be able to feel the user. Uncomfortable light. The light blocking properties of pane 303 can be characterized, for example, by the Shade Number, which is well known in the art. Thus, in various embodiments, pane 303 can exhibit a shading number of at least about 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 (or any suitable value). In some embodiments, pane 303 can include an adjustable lens, an auto darkening filter, or the like (eg, such that the shading number can be changed). Masks with this type of pane can be used, for example, in industrial operations such as welding (eg, arc welding, torch welding, acetylene welding), cutting (eg, laser cutting, acetylene cutting), brazing, soft Welding and similar.

However, in general, the mask 300 can be any combination as desired for any eye protection function. Suitable for shielding, whether such function is to protect the user's eyes from electromagnetic radiation (as discussed above), solid matter (eg, particulate debris or the like), or liquid matter (eg, splashing liquid or the like) )hurt. For example, the mask 300 can be a so-called abrasive mask, wherein the pane of the mask does not have to provide any specific protection for electronic radiation (eg, can be used primarily to protect the user's eyes from flying debris), Or the mask can be any type of universal eye protection and/or face protection mask. Each of such masks and their panes can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, selected from a thermoplastic molding material having suitable physical properties (and optical properties, in the case of using a pane). For example, the panes can be made of glass, transparent plastic, metal mesh (eg, steel mesh), and the like.

As mentioned above, the elongate guide 100 is removably attached to the helmet 400 and may be supplied as attached to the helmet 400 (eg, as shown in FIG. 1); or, may be supplied separately, And can be removably attached to the helmet 400 by a user of the helmet 400. The elongate guide 100 can comprise, for example, an elongate body made of any suitable material (e.g., metal, thermoplastic molding material, etc.), as well as any number of accessory components (e.g., belts) as desired for various purposes. , clips, latches, etc.). The elongate guide 100 is configured such that the shroud 300 is removably mounted thereto and is further configured such that the elongate guide 100 can slide when the shroud 300 is removably mounted thereon The mask 300 is supported such that the mask 300 can extend substantially along the long axis of the elongated guide 100, at least as described above and in an exemplary manner in the first and second of FIGS. 1 and 2 ( Move between the shadowed and retracted positions.

The elongate guide 100 is configured such that it is attached to the hard hat 400, the long axis of the elongate guide 100 at least substantially conforming to the sagittal plane of the helmet 400 (the sagittal plane is vertically through the helmet) The head of the wearer, and the head and the helmet are divided into two planes of substantially equal and symmetrical left and right portions, which are identified as Sp) in FIG. At least substantially conforming means that the long axis of the elongate guide is oriented at an angle within or about 25 degrees of the sagittal plane. In some embodiments, the long axis of the elongate guide can be oriented within plus or minus 10 degrees of the sagittal plane; in other embodiments, the orientation can be oriented plus or minus the sagittal plane. About 2 degrees, for example, as shown in FIG. At least substantially conforming also means that the major axis of the elongate guide is located at a distance no greater than about 4 cm from either side of the sagittal plane of the helmet, at all points along the elongate length of the guide. In other embodiments, the long axis of the elongate guide can be located at a distance no greater than about 2 cm or 1 cm from either side of the sagittal plane of the helmet. In a particular embodiment, the long axis of the elongate guide is aligned (eg, overlapped) with the sagittal plane of the helmet. In a particular embodiment, the lateral center of the elongate guide can be substantially or absolutely aligned with the sagittal plane of the helmet at at least some point along the elongate length of the guide. All such embodiments may be contrasted with, for example, a configuration in which the guide is offset from the sagittal plane of the attached safety cap by a distance of more than 4 cm. In particular, such an embodiment may be contrasted with a guide that extends rearwardly from the rim portion of the helmet along the side of the helmet.

It should be noted that the elongate guide 100 can often be at least substantially linear when viewed from a viewing angle aligned with the sagittal plane (eg, when viewing the hard hat directly from above and attaching the elongate guide) . However, the elongate guide 100 can often be generally arcuate when viewed from a viewing angle that is generally orthogonal to the sagittal plane (eg, when viewed from the side as in the view of FIG. 2). It will be appreciated that this arcuate design of the elongate guide can conventionally allow the elongate guide to at least substantially follow the curvature of the helmet to which the elongate guide is attached. Thus, it will be appreciated that the aforementioned long axis of the elongate guide can often be an arcuate long axis. It will also be appreciated that the curvature of the elongate guide member can be selected as desired, and that the guide member need not be provided as an arc substantially, nor does it need to precisely match the curvature of the helmet to which the guide member is attached. For example, in some embodiments, the elongate guide can include a rear portion that is offset from the radially outward surface of the helmet, rather than absolutely following the curvature of the helmet. (Thus, in general, the curvature of the elongate guide need not remain constant along the elongate length of the guide).

The elongate guide can be removably attached to the helmet in any suitable manner. Removably attaching means that the elongate guide can be attached to and removed from the helmet by the user manually (ie, by hand) without the use of any special tools (such as, for example) Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and the like). This also means the process of removing the long guide from the helmet. In the sequence, long guides or helmets are not subject to unacceptable damage or damage. It may be convenient, for example, by attaching the elongate guide to the helmet by means of a front attachment mechanism, such as by showing the front attachment bracket 162 in detail as shown in Figures 3 and 6, which bracket can be fitted to the helmet A 400 front lip (eg, a visor or eye shield) 404 is shown in FIG. It may also be convenient to attach the elongate guide to the helmet by the rear attachment mechanism (such a rear attachment mechanism is not shown in Figures 1-3, so other components may be more easily presented). In some embodiments, such a rear attachment mechanism can be an adjustable mechanism, which means that the mechanism can be adjusted, for example, such that the elongate guides can be attached to have different sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. Hard hat. An exemplary rear attachment mechanism 500 is shown in FIG. 4 that includes a first portion 501 attachable to a rear section 106 of the elongate guide and a second portion with an attachment bracket 504 that is attachable to the rear edge 406 of the hard hat 502, wherein the first portion 501 and the second portion 502 are pivotally coupled to each other such that the first portion 501 can be rotated toward the second portion 502 for fastening to the portion 502 (eg, by the latch 503), thereby tightening the attachment mechanism To fasten the elongated guide to the helmet. It will be appreciated, however, that the attachment mechanism of Figure 4 is merely a representative example and that any attachment mechanism can be used, for example, as may rely on one or more adjustment knobs, slidable adjustment members (eg, serrated pull-through members) (pull-through Member)) or any adjustable mechanism of the same. And, of course, in various embodiments, the front attachment mechanism can also be adjustable. In some embodiments, such front and rear attachment mechanisms may simply be mechanisms for attaching the elongate guide to the helmet. In other embodiments, some other attachment mechanisms may be used at some other location. For example, the cap portion (eg, 104) of the elongate guide can be attached to the cap portion (eg, 402) of the helmet. Additionally, any portion of the elongate guide (eg, the cap portion) can include an adjustment mechanism whereby the length of the elongate guide can be adjusted, for example, such that the guide can be tightly attached to any particular hard hat.

The mask can be removably mounted to the elongate guide in any suitable manner. Removably mounting means placing the mask in a configuration in which the mask is slidably supported by the elongate guide so as to be substantially along the long axis of the guide as desired by the user Slidably backward And moving forward, but the mask is fastened to the guide so as not to displace the guide, unless the user takes the action (as described later in detail herein).

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, by the exemplary bracket 200 shown in FIG. 3, the removable mounting of the mask on the elongate guide can be facilitated by the bracket, and the mask can be borrowed. Slidable support by an elongated guide. The bracket means that the bracket can be coupled to the shield and the bracket can be slidably moved substantially along the long axis of the guide without disengaging the guide (unless the action is taken by the user) An item to the elongate guide (eg, it is made from a single component or assembly of components). The bracket and its components can be made of any suitable material (eg, metal, thermoplastic molding material, etc.). If desired, various surfaces of the bracket (eg, radially inward and/or radially outward surfaces) may be curved to at least approximately match the curvature of the elongated guide to enhance slidable movement along the guide The ease of moving the carriage. In some embodiments, removably engaging such a bracket to the guide means that the bracket can be manually (handed) engaged by the user to and from the guide without the use of any special tool. In some embodiments of this type, the bracket may be non-removably attached to the mask, meaning that the mask may not self-mask without causing unacceptable damage or damage to the mask and/or the bracket. Removal; and/or the mask can be removed from the cradle simply by using one or more tools instead of manually (by hand). In other embodiments of this type, the bracket is removably coupled to the shroud, meaning that the bracket can be manually disconnected from the shroud without causing damage or damage to the shroud or bracket. connection. In the exemplary illustration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cradle 200 is coupled to the hood 300 by providing the cradle 236, wherein the cradle 236 includes a first component 238 and a second component 239, such The member defines a slot 231 therebetween (shown in detail in FIG. 3) that receives the flange 306 of the mask 300 therein such that the flange 306 is between the components 238 and 239. The components are tightened together to securely hold the mask to the bracket. Such a connection can be configured such that the mask 300 can be released from the cradle 200 with a hand; or it can be configured such that a tool such as a screwdriver, wrench or the like is required. If desired, screws (not shown) may pass through the first and second components and the flange of the mask The openings are aligned to enhance the non-removable connection of the mask to the carrier.

Such a bracket can be configured such that a user can grasp the bracket (and/or the mask attached thereto) with a hand and can be shielded substantially along the long axis of the elongated guide, at least at the first eye The carriage and the cover are moved forward and backward between the position and the second retracted position. In some embodiments, this movement can be achieved with only one hand. The bracket can be designed to slidably move the mask in ease (eg, by friction control between the various components of the bracket and the guide) in a desired range; for example, such that the mask does not move easily, The mask can be moved undesirably, for example, in response to movement of the user's head, but allows the mask to be easily grasped by the user with one hand and along the elongated shape The long axis of the guide moves by applying a force in a forward or backward direction.

In some embodiments, the mask can be passively held in the first shielding position (eg, the weight of the mask can apply a downward force to hold the mask in the first position). In other embodiments, the mask can be actively retained in the first position (eg, by holding the mask in the first position via the closure latch until the latch is opened (released) by the user). Such a latch which can be configured by the user manually so as to close after holding the mask in a first position; or, it may be set state such that the mask is moved to a first position closes automatically latch . Such an automatically releasable latch can be provided by a biasing (e.g., spring loaded) component of the bracket that combines the recess provided at the desired location of the elongate guide. Similarly, the mask can be passively or actively held in the second retracted position of the mask, for example, by a manually closable latch or by a self-closing latch.

In some embodiments, the mask can be configured to allow the bracket (and the mask attached thereto) to be manually (handed) engaged by the user to the elongate guide. In other embodiments, this can be accomplished by using only a single hand. In a particular embodiment, the elongate guide and bracket can be configured such that the bracket can be moved generally radially inwardly from the radially outward position of the elongate guide toward the elongate guide. The bracket engages with the elongated guide. As referred to herein and elsewhere (and as best seen with reference to Figure 3); radially inward means generally concave toward the guide The direction in which the side (eg, toward the hard hat to which the guide is attached) travels. Radially outwardly means a direction generally away from the concave side of the guide (eg, away from the hard hat to which the guide is attached). An exemplary radial inward-outward direction R is shown in FIG._iAnd R_o。

Any suitable design of the elongate guide of the bracket can be used to achieve the result that the bracket can be engaged with the elongate guide by moving generally radially inward toward the elongate guide. One of the designs that can be used for such purposes is the exemplary bracket 200 shown in Figure 3 and shown in more detail in Figure 5 (a more general representation of this general type of bracket is shown in Figure 7). Such a bracket is conventionally used for the general type of elongate guide shown in Figure 3, wherein the elongate guide is provided in the form of an elongate rail comprising a defined elongate guide The main rib 112 of the long axis of one of the major axes, and wherein the elongate rib further includes a radially outwardly flared flange 114. As used herein and elsewhere, the term "lateral" refers to a direction generally orthogonal to the sagittal plane, wherein the elongate guide at least substantially conforms to the sagittal plane; laterally inwardly means sagittal Plane, and laterally outward, means away from the sagittal plane (illustrated in Figure 3 for an exemplary lateral inward and outward direction L)_iAnd L_o). The radially outwardly flared flange 114 of the elongate rail at least partially defines (e.g., by the first flange portion 114a and the second flange portion 114b) the first elongate passage 116a and the second elongate passage 116b. Such elongated passages may be conventionally open laterally outward (as shown by way of example in FIG. 3); the radially outward restriction of such passages may be at least partially, for example, by a flange portion (eg, 114a) The lateral inward restriction of such channels may be defined, at least in part, by the main ribs 112. In some embodiments, the radially inward restriction of such an elongate channel can be at least partially defined by a second radially inward flange 132 (such a flange enhances the stability, stiffness, and stiffness of the elongate guide, and / or strength, etc., and can provide a substantially I-beam shaped cross-sectional appearance to the elongate guide, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, in some embodiments, such a second radially inward flange may be very small or absent, in which case the elongate rail may comprise a generally T-shaped cross-sectional appearance (as in the general representation of Figure 7) As shown, and in this case, the radially inward restriction of the elongate channel may be defined at least in part by the radially outward surface 412 of the helmet to which the guide is attached. It should be noted that various flanges, ribs, etc. as shown in Figure 3 Painted as being substantially continuous. However, such flanges, ribs, and the like need not be continuous as long as any discontinuities, interruptions, etc., do not unacceptably affect the interaction of the bracket and the elongated slider as described herein. Additionally, the flanges, ribs, etc. can have any desired cross-sectional shape (i.e., not limited to the generally rectangular cross-sectional shape depicted in Figures 3 and 7).

Having described the features of the exemplary elongated guide of FIG. 3, it is now possible to discuss a bracket that allows the bracket to be engaged to the guide by moving the bracket radially inwardly toward such an elongated guide. configuration. One way to achieve such a configuration is by a bracket of the type shown in the illustrative manner in FIG. (A more general representation of this method is shown in cross-section in Figure 7). In an embodiment of this type, the bracket 200 can include first and second laterally inwardly facing fins 204 and 214 that are configured such that when the fins are in the first engaged position At least portions of the fins extend laterally inwardly into the first elongate channel 116a and the second elongate channel 116b, respectively, to maintain the engagement of the carrier with the elongate guide. That is, the flange portions 114a and 114b and the fins 204 and 214 prevent the bracket from being displaced from the elongate guide.

The fins 204 and 214 can move toward each other and away from each other. One such manner in which this can be achieved is shown in Figure 5 (wherein some of the components of the bracket visible in Figure 3, such as the brackets, screws and adjustment knobs discussed later herein), are omitted for ease of presentation. The generally type of fins 204 and 214 shown in FIG. 5 can be moved laterally inwardly toward each other to a first engaged position and can be moved laterally away from each other to a second disengaged position in which the second disengaged position The fins are sufficiently far apart from one another to allow the bracket 200 to engage or disengage from the elongate guide 100. That is, when the fins are in the second disengaged position, the fins are further away from each other at least at a point along the elongate length of the guide member, more laterally than the radially outwardly flared flange 114. The distance between the outer edges 118a and 118b. The fins 204 and 214 can be offset from one another such that the fins will be driven to the first engaged position without any force being applied by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by the use of a biasing member (e.g., spring) 210 as shown in Figure 4, wherein the biasing member is seated on the first and second seats 209 and 219 (on which There are protrusions to hold the biasing member in place). It will be understood that the illustration of Figure 3 The design of the sexual carrier provides that the lateral outward force exerted by the biasing member 210 on the seats 209 and 219 causes the fins 204 and 214 to be driven laterally inward toward each other.

In some embodiments, the cradle 200 can be configured such that a user can manually actuate (manipulate) the cradle to overcome the biasing force and push the fins to the second disengaged position. This can be done, for example, to disengage the bracket (and the shroud attached thereto) from the elongate guide. This can be performed, for example, by providing tabs 208 and 218 that are coupled to fins 214 and 204, respectively, such that applying a laterally inward force to the tab causes the fins attached to the tab to move laterally outward. . In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, this may be provided by providing the fins 214 and tabs 208 as part of the same continuous carrier member 222 (shown in shades of gray in FIG. 5), and the fins 204 and tabs 218 is provided for the same continuous bracket member 224 (shown as unshaded in Figure 5). Thus, the user can use their fingers to press the bracket tabs 208 and 218 inwardly toward each other to push the fins 214 and 204 to the second disengaged position. In some embodiments, such a procedure can also be used to engage the bracket with the elongate guide. That is, the user can press the tabs 208 and 218 toward each other to move the fins 214 and 204 laterally outward from each other, and then the bracket 200 can be moved radially outward from the elongate guide 100. A position) moves generally radially inwardly toward the guide until the fins 204 and 214 are in position to enter the passages 116a and 116b, respectively, at which point the user can release the squeezing pressure on the carrier. Of course, you will understand that other configurations are available. For example, the bracket can be configured such that the tabs on one side of the squeeze bracket cause the fins on the same side of the bracket to move laterally outward (rather than the bracket in the design of Figure 5) The fins on the opposite sides move laterally outward). In addition, any suitable actuatable member (eg, tab, surface, knob, etc.) and its actuation motion (eg, outward separation, rotation, lifting, etc.) can be used in place of the inwardly compressible tabs 208 and 218. .

In some embodiments, the cradle 200 can be configured such that a position radially outward of the elongate guide 100 moves generally radially inwardly toward the guide to automatically overcome the biasing force and drive The fins are laterally away from each other so that the bracket can engage the elongate guide. Automatically means that the action of moving the bracket radially inward causes the desired engagement, and the user does not need to perform Any manipulation, such as pressing the tabs of the bracket 200, turning the knob, operating the handle, and the like. This can be achieved, for example, by providing fins 204 and 214 that are respectively inclined (i.e., angled to further away toward the tip end of the fin) laterally facing inner surfaces 206 and 216. This may have the result that when the bracket 200 is brought into contact with the elongate guide 100, the lateral outermost edges 118a and 118b press against the inclined surfaces 206 and 216 to overcome the biasing force and cause the fins 204 and 214 to move away from each other. Move laterally outwardly from each other to a distance sufficient to allow the bracket to engage the elongate guide. Once the most radially outward portion of the fin has moved radially inwardly past the flange 114 of the elongate guide, the radially outward force is removed and the biasing force causes the fin to return to the first engaged position. It will be apparent that such a configuration advantageously allows the bracket (and the mask attached thereto) to be quickly and easily simply by contacting the elongated guide with the carriage moving generally radially inwardly. Engaged to and mounted to the elongated guide.

The configuration discussed above allows the mask to be moved forward and backward generally along the long axis of the elongate guide, for example, by slidably moving along the guide and masking the bracket to which it is attached. In some embodiments, it may also be advantageous to provide that the angle of the mask relative to the bracket may be adjustable. Thus, in such embodiments, the mask can be rotatably coupled to the bracket (eg, when the elongate guide is attached to the helmet), for example, about an axis that is perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the helmet. One such manner of providing such functionality is illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. In this exemplary configuration, the bracket 236 of the bracket 200 (which is used to hold and secure the mask 300) is rotatably coupled to the remainder of the bracket 200. In the illustrated configuration, this ease of rotation of the mask 300 relative to the cradle 200 can be provided by the user manually as needed. To achieve this, either or both of components 238 and 239 of bracket 236 can include teeth 237 that are interleaved with teeth 232 of bracket 200. The teeth 237 and 232 include through holes that are aligned to allow the screws 233 to pass therethrough, the screws 233 including teeth 232 and 237 that can be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease staggering against each other. The adjustment knob 243 of the force used at the time. In this manner, the force required to rotate the bracket 236 (and thus the mask 300) relative to the cradle 200 can be set as desired. Of course, you will understand that this is only one of the kind of rotatable connections A convenient way, and any rotatable connection can be used, which can be made adjustable in any suitable manner. For example, such a rotatable connection can include a ratchet connection or the like. Any such rotatable connection may allow the mask to extend over any desired range relative to the angle of the bracket. In various embodiments, the angle at which the mask can be rotated relative to the carriage can be extended, for example, from at least 10, 20 or 30 degrees to at most 190, 90, 60 or 40 degrees. . It will be appreciated that the presence of a rotatable connection between the mask and the bracket provides that the elongate guide slidably supports the mask such that the mask can be moved during the first generally arcuate translational motion (ie, Moving slidably along the long axis of the shield (arrow) and allowing the mask to be moved during the second full rotational motion (ie, attachable to the mask around the mask and by The elongate guide is rotatably supported by the rotatably coupled bracket between the brackets).

In some embodiments, the position of the first shielding position of the mask can be adjusted along at least a portion of the long axis of the elongate guide. One such manner of achieving this situation is shown in an illustrative manner in FIG. In the depicted design, the forward section 100 of the elongate guide 100 includes an elongated slot 172 that is generally aligned with the major axis of the guide 100 and the positionable insert 174 can be mated to the length In the slot 172 (in FIG. 10, the positionable insert 174 is shown in an exploded manner away from the guide 100). The slot 172 and insert 174 include complementary configurations of teeth 173 and 175 that allow the insert 174 to be mated to the elongate guide at any suitable location along the long axis of the slot 172. The insert 174 can also be configured such that it can be secured to the elongate guide in place by a laterally outward flange edge configured to be snap-fitted to the laterally outward edge of the guide 100 100. When the insert 174 is in position on the forward section 102 of the elongate guide 100, the insert provides any further forward movement that prevents the carriage 200 from moving along the elongate guide 100 and thus provides a front end stop. Physical obstacles. The insert 174 can be placed anywhere along the length of the elongated slot 172 to set the position of the front end stop. Of course, it will be appreciated that these are merely exemplary designs and that any suitable design that allows for the provision of an adjustable front end baffle can be used with the methods disclosed herein. Despite this Not shown in the text, but the rear end stop can be adjusted as needed.

Other aspects of the use of elongated guides will now be discussed with respect to Figures 7 and 8. As previously mentioned, Figure 7 (in cross section) depicts a general representation of the general type of elongate guide 100 and bracket 200 shown in Figures 1 through 3 (for ease of presentation, the brackets are not individually distinguished Components that can move relative to each other). In this type of design, it can be seen that the elongate guide is in the form of an elongate rail having a radially outwardly flared flange 114. The flange 114 (specifically, its radially inwardly facing surfaces 115a and 115b) serves to retain the bracket 200 in its engaged configuration even when the bracket 200 is slidably moved along the extended length of the guide. in. It will be appreciated that such designs are of a general type in which the bracket includes a snap fit (by applying sufficient force) to the two laterally opposite portions of the flange rail (eg, the rib having the enlarged head) (eg, , fins). It will be appreciated that many variations of such designs are possible and are encompassed by the general disclosure presented herein (eg, as may be fabricated, a biasing force is formed on the carrier and its fins rather than using ( For example) a bias spring provided separately).

However, the above-described general types of guides and brackets are not the only type that can be used. Thus, another design is shown in Figure 8 (and shown in cross-section in a general representation), wherein the elongate guide 1100 includes a first elongate rail 1101 and a second elongate rail 1102, each elongate rail having substantially A long axis aligned with the long axis of the elongated guide 1100. (The rails 1101 and 1102 are not necessarily connected to each other by the base portion in the manner shown in Fig. 8; rather, the rails may each be attached to the helmet, respectively). The two elongate rails are laterally separated from one another along at least a majority of the length of the elongate guide, wherein each rail includes a radially outwardly extending rib (1103 and 1104, respectively), the rib comprising One of the radially outward flanges (1105 and 1106, respectively) is deployed laterally inwardly. In such a configuration, the two elongate rails 1101 and 1102 collectively define an elongate internal passage 1111, it being noted that the inner passage 1111 includes a radially outwardly facing length defined by the lateral inward edges of the flanges 1105 and 1106. Shaped opening 1112. In the case of using the elongate guide, a bracket 1200 including an engaging member 1201 that can be inserted into the inner passage 1111 of the elongated guide 1100 and can be along the length of the elongated guide can be used. The shaft slidably moves through the internal passage 1111. Such brackets and elongate guides may allow a slidable connection (e.g., rotatably coupled) to the shroud of the bracket along the long axis of the guide. (If desired, the radially inward and/or radially outward surface of the engagement member 1201 can be curved to at least approximately match the curvature of the elongate guide to enhance slidable passage through the inner passage 1111 of the guide. The simplicity of moving component 1201.)

A particular elongated guide of the general type shown in Figure 8 is shown in perspective view in Figure 9. In this view, the radially outwardly elongated opening 1112 of the channel 1111 includes a lateral width along a majority of the length of the elongate guide, the lateral width being too small to permit the engagement member 1201 of the bracket 1200 to self It passes radially outward. However, in selected portions of the elongate length of the guide members, the lateral inward edges of the flanges 1105 and 1106 are generally laterally outwardly turned to form an unfolded radially outwardly facing opening 1121 having a lateral width sufficient for the opening. The engaging member 1201 is allowed to pass therethrough.

Such an arrangement provides for engaging the bracket with the elongate guide by moving the bracket generally radially inwardly toward the elongate guide from a position radially outward from the elongate guide (to become a bracket by Another way in which the elongate guide slidably supports one configuration). That is, the bracket 1200 can be positioned such that the engagement member 1201 is located radially outward of the deployment opening 1121 of the elongate guide 1100, and then the carriage 1200 can be moved generally radially inwardly toward the guide 1100 such that engagement The component 1201 passes through the deployment opening 1121 and into the internal passage 1111 of the guide 1100. The cradle 1200 can then be slidably moved forward and rearward along the elongate guide 1100 (eg, with a mask attached thereto). It will be appreciated that the concept of moving the carriage generally radially inward is not limited to moving the carriage in a direction that is completely orthogonal to the long axis of the elongate guide (at a point along the elongate length of the guide). That is, the concept includes a condition in which the direction of motion is at a non-orthogonal angle to the major axis as long as the direction of motion is at least substantially toward the concave side of the elongated guide.

As generally illustrated in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the deployment opening 1121 can be positioned in a first front position of the cradle 1200 (this will correspond to the occlusion position of the mask attached to the cradle) and The second rear position of the frame 1200 (this will correspond to the mask attached to the bracket The retracted position) between. In such an embodiment, the bracket can be slidably moved rearwardly and forwardly through the deployment opening 1121, wherein the weight on the bracket and the cover is used to hold the bracket downwardly such that the engagement member 1201 of the bracket is The carriage is retained within the channel 1111 as it moves through the opening 1121 (so that the carrier remains engaged with the guide). When the user wants to disengage from the bracket (eg, to remove the mask from the elongate guide), the user can stop the bracket with the engagement member 1201 aligned with the deployment opening 1121, and then radially align the bracket External promotion. One or more features (e.g., tweezers, bumps, or the like) may be provided in the guide to assist the user in determining when the engagement members of the bracket are aligned with the deployment opening. In other embodiments, the deployment opening 1121 can be located at the rear of the second position of the bracket (corresponding to the retracted position of the mask attached to the bracket). In such situations, the user can slide the bracket back to the second position to retract the mask. The guide (and/or bracket) can include features (eg, tweezers, bumps, or the like) such that the bracket can be positioned in this second position and an additional rearward directed force can be required to push the bracket The frame extends rearward beyond the second position to reach the deployment opening to disengage the bracket.

Figure 9 also depicts another general feature that may be useful. In addition to the above-mentioned arrangements for holding the bracket in the first front position only by acting on the weight of the bracket and the cover, and/or using the latch to hold the bracket in the first position, Or instead of this configuration, the elongate guide can be designed such that the inner passage 1111 becomes narrower in the forward section 1122 of the elongate guide. That is, in the previous paragraph, the passage 1111 can be narrower than, for example, in the cap (intermediate) section 1124 of the guide, such that in the previous section 1122, the passage includes a "neck" 1115, which The neck 1115, for example, enhances retention of the bracket in the first position by friction on the engagement member 1201. This can be achieved in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9 by positioning the sidewalls 1114a and 1114b of the guides in the front section 1122 of the guide more than, for example, in the cap section 1126 of the guide. Approaching each other up. If desired, the shape of the engagement member 1201 can be selected to enhance such effects. For example, the engagement member can be generally wedge-shaped or V-shaped with a narrow front end that can substantially match the shape of the neck 1115.

Such a configuration can be similarly used in the elongated guide rear section 1126, for example to enhance retention of the bracket/mask in the second retracted position. It will also be appreciated that such geometric and/or frictional enhancement of holding the bracket in the desired position can be achieved in other ways than controlling the lateral width of the internal passage. For example, the (radially inward-outward) height of such channels can be controlled to achieve similar effects. In addition, it will be appreciated that such methods are also available for use with elongated guides as described earlier (e.g., generally corresponding to an I-beam design). For example, the gap between the upper and lower flanges of such guides, the width of the ribs of such guides, etc. can be controlled in a similar manner to enhance (eg, frictionally reinforce) the bracket at a desired location. Hold.

Other configurations are included in the design disclosed herein. For example, the exemplary design shown in the representative cross-sectional format of FIG. 10 generally depicts an elongate guide 1300 that defines an elongate channel 1311 (which can be generally similar to channel 1111 described above). The guide 1300 further includes a bracket 1304 that is slidably supported by the guide 1300, but because it includes a component 1301 that is non-removably inserted into the channel 1311 (eg, in the manufacture of the guide 1300) The self-guide member 1300 is not detachable. The bracket 1304 further includes a connector 1303 to the mask 1302 (all of which are shown in the generalized representation of FIG. 10).

Thus, in this general type of embodiment, a bracket is provided that is slidably movable along the guide but is not detachable from the guide. Thus, to provide a cover for removably mounting to such a guide, the connector 1303 can advantageously be a removable (ie, separable) connector. Such a configuration can be achieved by any suitable design. For example, the mask 1302 can include a web that can be coupled to the receiving slot of the bracket 1304 and can be separated from the receiving slot when desired by the user. Of course, the removable connection between such a mask and the bracket can also be a rotatable connection if desired. It will thus be appreciated that in various embodiments, the bracket can be removably engaged with the elongate guide and non-removably coupled to the shroud; or can be non-removably engaged with the elongate guide and can be moved Connect to the mask except the ground. Each case can provide the desired removable mounting of the mask to the elongate guide. Of course, if desired, the bracket can be removably engaged with the elongate guide or removably attached to the shroud.

It will be appreciated that (regardless of the exemplary design disclosed above), in at least some embodiments, no portion of the elongated guide is integrated with the helmet ("integration" means using the same material as the helmet shell) Constructed and made in the same forming (eg, molding) operation). In other embodiments, no portion of the elongate guide is attached to the helmet in a non-removable manner. However, such a situation does not preclude the presence of complementary or cooperative features on the helmet that facilitate or enhance the attachment of the elongate guide to the helmet or to enhance the proper retention of the elongate guide on the helmet. The ability to position. For example, the helmet can be provided with a sagittal groove or channel that can be positioned with one or more radially inward portions of the elongate guide, or one or more recesses that are generally positioned along or near the sagittal plane. seat.

In at least some embodiments, the mask is not rotatably or slidably supported by any object other than the elongated guide, and is not by the elongated guide (and the bracket that operates together) Any component other than that is rotatably or slidably coupled to the helmet. Thus, in such embodiments, there is no need to mask the hinged connection to the helmet (eg, in the rim/ear region of the helmet). It will be appreciated that the absence of any hinged connection between the mask and the helmet in the rim/ear region of the mask provides that the movement of the mask (at any arbitrarily selected location) may not be limited to a full arc (around borrowing Such a hinged connection provides a rotating shaft), such as where the mask contains such a hinged connection. Any need for a rim/ear region that supports the mask (e.g., region 308 of mask 300 of Figure 1) means that such regions may be minimized (or even substantially omitted). This may provide that at least one of the ear regions of the helmet (eg, region 408 of the helmet 400 of FIG. 1) may not be obstructed by the mask such that other components (eg, hearing protectors, earphones, etc.) may be fitted to the helmet as needed In the ear area.

The elongate guide as disclosed herein can be provided to be attached to the helmet or can be provided separately from the helmet. Similarly, the elongate guide can be provided with a shroud that has been mounted to the guide. Alternatively, the elongate guide can be provided separately from the shroud. In some embodiments, a kit comprising at least one elongate guide and at least one mask as disclosed herein can be provided. In other embodiments, such kits may include multiple different masks (eg, masks with different shading numbers) A cover, one or more masks for soldering protection, and one or more abrasive masks, etc.). In some embodiments, such a kit can include at least one helmet.

Also disclosed herein is a method of adapting one of the helmets for eye protection operations, the method comprising: removably attaching an elongate guide to the helmet such that one of the long guides has a long axis Substantially conforming to a sagittal plane of the helmet; and removably mounting a mask to the elongate guide such that the mask is slidably supported by the elongate guide for at least one The first shielding position and a second retracted position are slidably movable generally along the long axis of the elongate guide. It will be appreciated that such methods can be used (eg, in the field) to trim an elongate guide and mask into an existing helmet. Alternatively, such methods can be used to fit an elongate guide and mask to (eg, in a kit) a helmet that is provided with a guide and a shroud. Alternatively, the safety cap, the elongated guide, and the shroud can be supplied to the user as a pre-assembled assembly.

<b><i>List of exemplary embodiments</i></b>

Embodiment 1, an elongate guide removably attached to a helmet such that a long axis of the elongate guide at least substantially conforms to a sagittal plane of the helmet, wherein the elongate guide Removably mounted to one of the elongate guides slidably supported such that the shroud can be along the elongate between at least a first occlusion position and a second retracted position The long axis of the guide is slidably movable.

Example 2. The elongate guide of Embodiment 1 further includes a mask removably mounted to the elongate guide and slidably supported by the elongate guide.

Example 3. The elongate guide of embodiment 2, wherein the mask is removable by at least one bracket coupled to the shroud and engaging the elongate guide and slidably supported by the elongate guide Mounted to the elongate guide and slidably supported by the elongate guide.

Example 4. The elongate guide of embodiment 3 wherein the bracket is removably engaged with the elongate guide and is non-removably coupled to the shroud.

Example 5. The elongated guide of embodiment 3, wherein the bracket and the elongated guide are not Removably engaged and removably attached to the mask.

Example 6. The elongate guide of any of embodiments 3 to 4, wherein the elongate guide and the bracket are configured such that by a position radially outward from the elongate guide The guide moves the bracket generally radially inwardly such that the bracket is engageable with the elongated guide to a configuration in which the bracket is slidably supported by the elongated guide.

Example 7. The elongate guide of any one of embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the elongate guide comprises an elongate rail having an elongate rib having a length defining the major axis of the elongate guide a shaft, and wherein the elongate rib includes a radially outwardly flared flange.

Example 8. The elongate guide of embodiment 7, wherein the radially outwardly flared flange of the elongate rail at least partially defines a first and a laterally outwardly located first and second sides of the elongate rib a second elongate channel, and wherein the bracket includes first and second laterally inwardly facing fins, the fins being configured such that when the fins are in a first engaged position At least a portion of the fins extend substantially laterally inwardly into the first and second elongate passages to maintain engagement of the bracket with one of the elongate rails.

Example 9. The elongate guide of any of embodiments 7 to 8, wherein the first and second laterally inwardly facing fins of the bracket are engageable in a second disengaged position and the first engaged position The teeth move relative to each other, and at the second disengaged position, the fins are laterally separated by a distance sufficient to allow the bracket to be radially outwardly disengaged from the elongate guide.

Example 10. The elongate guide of embodiment 9, wherein the fins are biased toward the first engagement position by a biasing force, and wherein one of the first fins faces the inner surface and the second fin laterally One of the laterally facing inner surfaces is each inclined such that a radially downward movement of the bracket from a radially upward position of the elongate guide causes the radially outward direction of the elongate rail The laterally outermost edges of the unfolded flange press the laterally facing inner surfaces of the fins laterally outwardly to automatically overcome the biasing force and urge the fins away from each other laterally outward Move to a distance sufficient to allow the bracket to engage the elongate guide.

Example 11. The elongated guide of embodiment 10, wherein the bracket is configured such that The bracket can be manually manipulated by a user to apply a predetermined force sufficient to overcome the biasing force to urge the fins from the first engaged position to the second disengaged position.

Example 12. The elongate guide of embodiment 6, wherein the elongate guide comprises two elongate rails, each elongate rail having a major axis substantially aligned with the major axis of the elongate guide member, the two The elongate rails are laterally separated from each other along at least a majority of the length of the elongate guide, and wherein each of the rails includes a radially outwardly extending rib that includes a radial direction that expands laterally inwardly An outer flange such that the two elongate rails together define an internal passageway, wherein one of the bracket engaging members is insertable into the internal passage, and the engaging member is along the long axis of the elongated guide The internal passage is slidably moved.

Example 13. The elongate guide of any one of embodiments 2 to 12, wherein the bracket is rotatably coupled about an axis perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the helmet when the elongate guide is attached to the helmet To the mask.

Example 14. The elongate guide of any of embodiments 3 to 13 wherein the elongate guide comprises a first front end stop that prevents the carriage from moving forward along the long axis of the elongate guide Passing a first predetermined position of the first front terminal of one of the elongated guides, and thus establishing the first shielding position of the mask, and wherein the first front end stop is an adjustable terminal A baffle adjusts the position of the end stop forward and backward along a portion of the long axis of the elongate guide.

Example 15. The elongate guide of any one of embodiments 3 to 14, wherein the elongate guide comprises a second rear end stop that prevents the bracket from moving rearwardly along the long axis of the guide away from the a second predetermined position of the first front end of the elongated guide, and thus establishing the second retracted position of the mask, and wherein the second rear end stop includes a latch, the latch configuration And causing the bracket to be automatically actuated at the second predetermined position to ensure that the bracket is in the second predetermined position until the latch is manually released by a user.

Example 16. The elongated guide of any of embodiments 1 to 15, further comprising a A safety helmet that is rotatably attached to the safety helmet.

Example 17. The elongate guide of embodiment 16, wherein a front section of the elongate guide is removably attached to a front lip of the one of the helmet by a front attachment mechanism of the elongate guide, And wherein a rear section of the elongate guide is rotatably attached to a trailing edge of the helmet by a rear attachment mechanism of the elongate guide.

Example 18. The elongate guide of embodiment 17 wherein the rear attachment mechanism of the elongate guide adjustably attaches the rear section of the elongate guide to an adjustable attachment of the trailing edge of the safety cap mechanism.

Example 19. The elongate guide of any of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein no portion of the elongate guide is integrated with or permanently attached to the helmet.

Example 20. The elongate guide of any one of embodiments 16 to 19, further comprising a mask removably mounted to the elongate guide by at least one bracket coupled to the mask, And slidably supported by the elongated guide.

Example 21. The elongate guide of embodiment 20, wherein the mask is not rotatably or slidably supported by any component other than the elongate guide and is not rotatable by any component other than the guide Or slidably connected to the helmet.

Example 22. A kit comprising at least one elongate guide of any of embodiments 1 to 21 and at least one mask removably mounted to the elongate guide and slidably supported by the elongate guide The mask is slidably movable along the elongate guide between at least a first shielding position and a second retracted position when the mask is removably mounted to the elongate guide.

Example 23. The kit of embodiment 22, further comprising at least one safety cap, wherein the elongate guide is removably attached to the safety cap.

Example 24. The kit of any of embodiments 22 to 23, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of different masks.

Example 25. A method for adjusting a helmet suitable for eye protection operation, The method includes: removably attaching the elongate guide of any of embodiments 1 to 21 to the helmet such that a long axis of the elongate guide at least substantially conforms to a sagittal plane of the helmet And a cover is removably mounted on the elongated guide such that the cover is slidably supported by the elongated guide for at least a first shielding position and a second retraction The positions are generally slidably movable along the long axis of the elongate guide.

Instance

A prototype of the elongated guide and bracket of the type illustrated in Figures 1 through 3 is produced and attached to a commercially available helmet. Commercially available solder masks (e.g., available from 3M Company (St. Paul MN) under the trade name SPEEDGLAS) are modified as required to allow such solder masks to be attached to the type of trays shown in Figures 1-3. Stand bracket. Other working prototypes of the general type illustrated in Figures 8-10 can also be produced. Thus the working prototype can be produced to have various designs in which the elongate guide is removably attached to the helmet, and wherein the mask is removably mounted to the elongate guide and can be rearward along the guides And slidably move forward.

The above tests and test results are intended to be illustrative only and not predictive, and variations in the test procedures are expected to produce different results. The above detailed description and examples are given for purposes of clarity of understanding. It should not be construed as an unnecessary limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in many embodiments, the particular illustrative structures, features, details, configurations, etc. disclosed herein may be modified and/or combined. All such variations and combinations are contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the inventive concept, and are not merely representative designs that are selected for illustrative purposes. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather, they extend to the structures described in the language of the claims and the equivalents thereof.