DESC:AN ADJUSTABLE HARNESS SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of comfort liner headgear systems, and more specifically relates to an adjustable harness system configured to provide protection to head of a user from rotational impacts arising due to angular impacts in addition to straight impacts.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Traditionally designed harness systems are developed specifically to provide comfort and safety to head of a user under extreme environmental conditions. The traditional harness system comprises a retention system to provide headgear stability, greater safety, and enhanced comfort to the head of the user. Armor line of the traditional harness system pass a wide range of ballistic and environmental evaluations, to provide the wearer (user) extended protection and well-fitted superior comfort. The traditional harness system incorporates a fast-release, adjustable slides, and a tightly fitted and flexible chin cup. The traditional harness system includes a complete kit with suspension and retention features of an ergonomic chin strap and adjustable and fast-release buckles. The traditional harness system is thoroughly field-tested in extremely high temperatures and features comfort and non-toxic materials to reduce trauma from ballistic and non-ballistic impacts. However, a major drawback associated with using the traditional harness systems is that the traditional harness systems are unable to provide longitudinal stability to the head of the user as in a condition of any accident or ballistic or non-ballistic impact, the head is only protected from straight impact forces and not protected from rotational impact forces due to angular impacts. Additionally, the traditional harness systems are also unable to provide enhanced air ventilation and comfort to the user.
[0004| There have been many harness systems for headgear developed in past for providing protection to the head of the wearer from the ballistic and non-ballistic impacts. One of the harness systems is a headgear harness apparatus having a lace tightening system. The headgear harness apparatus is configured to be secured to inside of a headgear shell. The headgear harness includes the lace tightening system and lace guides for distributing forces arising from tension in the laces to provide a secure and comfortable adjustable fit. An inner frame and an outer frame are connected by slides at their extremities to even out tension applied circumferentially and tension applied over the head of the wearer, and to absorb the rotation impact forces applied to a headgear shell in which the harness is secured. However, a major drawback associated with the headgear harness apparatus is that the headgear harness apparatus is unable to protect the head of the wearer from the rotational impact forces caused due to angular impacts. Additionally, the headgear harness apparatus is unable to provide the enhanced air ventilation and comfort to the user. Moreover, the headgear harness apparatus is unable to provide dual stability control to the headgear with both longitudinal as well as lateral adjustments to ensure extremely snug fit and enhanced stability.
[0005] Hence, in view of the above, it is desired to address above mentioned disadvantages or other shortcomings by providing a thoroughly designed, modular, multifunctional, flexible, and adjustable harness system configured to facilitate protection of the head of the wearer from extreme rotational impact forces due to the angular impacts, thereby leading to the enhanced air ventilation and comfort for the user, and provides dual stability control to the headgear by way of the longitudinal adjustment as well as the lateral adjustment, thereby ensuring the sung fit and enhances stability or at least provide a useful alternative.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an objective of the invention to provide an adjustable harness system which provides protection to head of a wearer from straight impacts.
[0007] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is further configured to provide protection to the head of the wearer from rotational impacts arising due to angular impacts, in addition to the straight impacts.
[0008] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is configured to be composed of advanced strain sensitive materials that stiffens to absorb energy at high impacts.
[0009) it is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is comprises of comfort pads composed of highly breathable, micro-lattice design geometry to ensure enhanced ventilation and comfort to the wearer.
[0010] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is configured to provide dual stability control to the headgear with both longitudinal as well as lateral adjustments, to ensure extremely snug fit and enhanced stability.
[0011] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is modular and flexible in nature.
[0012] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is having a simple and porous structure.
[0013] It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is multi-functional and thoroughly designed.
[0014) It is an objective of the invention to provide the adjustable harness system which is configured to be fitted to on any head size.
SUMMARY
[0015| According to a main aspect, the present embodiments disclose an adjustable harness system which is configured to facilitate protection of the head of the wearer from extreme rotational impact forces due to the angular impacts, thereby leading to the enhanced air ventilation and comfort for the user, and provides dual stability control to the headgear by way of the longitudinal adjustment as well as the lateral adjustment, thereby ensuring the sung fit and enhanced stability. The adjustable harness system comprises of different mechanical components interconnected with each other. The different mechanical components are main sling, occipital sling, ratchet, back plate, left and right branch dialers, adjustable impact pads and comfort pads. The adjustable impact pads are configured to be fitted on inner side of the headgear. The adjustable impact pads are further configured to be adjustable at multiple positions depending on head size of the wearer. The main sling comprises of one end connected to the occipital sling through a plurality of snap points. Longitudinal adjustment of the main sling with respect to the occipital sling provides longitudinal stability to the wearer. The ratchet is configured to be connect to a pair of branch dialers. The pair of dialers refers to a left branch dialer and a right branch dialer. The left branch dialer and the right branch dialer are configured to be connected to the backplates. The left branch dialer and the right branch dialer are further configured to be fitted at the occipital sling. The adjustable harness system further comprises a knob which is configured to be connected directly to the ratchet. The knob is further configured to be connected with the backplates through the ratchet. If the knob is rotated, the ratchet gets connected directly with the left branch dial and the right branch dial, and the head of the wearer gets tight slowly, thereby providing a lateral adjustment. The adjustable impact pads are configured to be fitted over the main sling and occipital sling.
[10016| According to one aspect, if the knob is rotated in a clockwise direction, the headgear is tightly fitted on the head of the wearer, and if the knob is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, the headgear is loosened up from the head of the wearer. A webbing retention system is also provided at a front portion of the headgear. Buckles are configured to be attached with webbing retention system. The adjustable impact pads are composed of multiple thickness.
[10017| According to another aspect, the adjustable harness system comprises of the adjustable impact pads configured to be fitted over the main sling and occipital sling to provide a porous structure with meshes open, thereby resulting in the better air ventilation capacity and high shock-absorbing capabilities.
|0018] According to yet another aspect, there is a gap provided between the adjustable impact pads and headgear surface to prevent any accidental impact. The main sling is configured to be lockable with respect to the surface of the headgear through the plurality of snap points. The headgear is configured to exhibit sliding movement in order to save the head in case of any accidents like for instance avoiding any impact due to the rotational force.
[0019| It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
[0021) FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adjustable harness system is installed within an inside of the headgear, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022) FIG. 2 illustrates bottom view of an adjustable harness system, securely installed inside the headgear.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an adjustable harness system, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG 4. Illustrates the expanded view of main sling
[0025] FIG 5. Illustrates the expanded isometric view of occipital sling
[0026] FIG 6. Illustrates the isometric view of back plate system
[0027] FIG 7. Illustrates the ratchet mechanism used for controlling the branch dialers.
[0028] FIG 8. Illustrates the knob used for driving the ratchet mechanism.
[0029] FIG 9. Illustrates the isometric view of slidable buckle system.
[0030] FIG 10. Illustrates the expanded bottom view of comfort pad system.
[0031] FIG 11. Illustrates the isometric view of slidable buckle system.
[0032] FIG 12. Illustrates the isometric view of quick release buckle system.
[0033] FIG 13. Illustrates the isometric view of knob which is used to control the ratchet system
List of reference numerals used in Drawings and descriptions
100-System
5- Headgear
30- Adjustable sling
20- Main sling
10- Occipital sling
40- Adjustable impact pads
45- Foldable panels
50- Comfort pads
80- Webbing retention system
25- webbing
15- Lock release slidable buckles
28- Quick release buckle
32- Left Branch dial
22- Right Branch dial
42- Back plate
65- Nape pad system
70- Ratchet system
11- Knob
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Some embodiments of the disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0035] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. It should be understood that the detailed description thereto is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope.
Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0036] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0037] The present invention discloses an adjustable harness system configured to protect the head of the user from straight impact forces as well as rotational impact forces due to angular impacts. The disclosed adjustable harness system comprises of adjustable impact pads composed of highly breathable, micro-lattice design geometry to ensure enhanced ventilation and comfort to the wearer. The disclosed adjustable harness system is configured to provide dual stability control to the headgear with both longitudinal as well as lateral adjustments, to ensure extremely snug fit and enhanced impact pads stability. The disclosed adjustable harness system comprises of the adjustable impact pads configured to be fitted over the main sling and occipital sling to provide a porous structure with meshes open, thereby resulting in the better air ventilation capacity and high shock-absorbing capabilities.
[0038] Referring now to drawings from FIG. 1 to FIG. 13, explained herein are inventive concepts of certain embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates cross-sectional view of an adjustable harness system which comprises of different mechanical components interconnected with each other. The different mechanical components are main sling, occipital sling, ratchet, back plate, left and right branch dialers, adjustable impact pads and comfort pads. The adjustable impact pads are configured to be fitted on inner sides of the headgear. The adjustable impact pads are further configured to be adjustable at multiple positions, depending on head size of the wearer. The main sling comprises of one end connected to the occipital sling through a plurality of snap points.
Longitudinal adjustment of the main sling with respect to the occipital sling provides longitudinal stability to the wearer. The ratchet is configured to be connect to a pair of branch dialers. The pair of dialers refers to a left branch dialer and a right branch dialer. The left branch dialer and the right branch dialer are configured to be connected to the backplates. The left branch dialer and the right branch dialer are further configured to be fitted at the occipital sling. The adjustable harness system further comprises a knob which is configured to be connected directly to the ratchet. The knob is further configured to be connected with the backplates through the ratchet. If the knob is rotated, the ratchet gets connected directly with the left branch dial and the right branch dial, and the head of the wearer gets tight slowly, thereby providing a lateral adjustment. The adjustable impact pads are configured to be fitted on the main sling and occipital sling.
[0039] In one embodiment, if the knob is rotated in a clockwise direction, the headgear is tightly fitted on the head of the wearer, and if the knob is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction, the headgear is loosened up from the head of the wearer. A webbing retention system is also provided at a front portion of the headgear.
[0040] In another embodiment, the adjustable harness system comprises of buckles configured to be attached with the webbing retention system. The adjustable impact pads are composed of multiple thickness.
[0041] In yet another embodiment, the adjustable harness system comprises of the adjustable impact pads configured to be fitted over the main sling and occipital sling to provide a porous structure with meshes open, thereby resulting in the better air ventilation capacity and high shock-absorbing capabilities.
[0042] In yet another embodiment, the adjustable harness system is configured to provide dual stability control to the headgear with both longitudinal as well as lateral adjustments, to ensure extremely snug fit and enhanced stability.
[0043] The adjustable harness system comprises a gap provided between the adjustable impact pads
and headgear surface to prevent any accidental impact. The main sling is configured to be lockable with respect to the surface of the headgear through the plurality of snap points. The headgear is configured to exhibit sliding movement in order to save the head in case of any accidents like for instance avoiding any impact due to the rotational force.
The adjustable impact pads are highly comfortable and composed of highly breathable, micro-lattice design geometry to ensure enhanced ventilation and comfort to the wearer.
The adjustable harness system comprises comfort pads attached over the adjustable impact pads to ensure greater head comfort to the wearer.
[0044] In one embodiment, the headgear is made of a material selected from a group of materials of Stainless-Steel Material, Alloy Material, Metallic Material, or any other hard material.
[0045] In another embodiment, the adjustable pad and comfort pad are made of a material selected from a group of materials of Reinforced Plastic Material, Silicon Material, Rubber Material, or any other material.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, the backplates is made of a material selected from a group of materials of Stainless Steel Material, Alloy Material, Metallic Material, or any other hard material.
[0047] The plurality of snap points is made of a material selected from a group of materials of Stainless Steel Material, Alloy Material, Metallic Material, or any other hard material.
[0048] In one embodiment, the left branch dialer and the right branch dialer are made of a material selected from a group of materials of Reinforced Plastic Material, Silicon Material, Rubber Material, or any other material.
[0049] In another embodiment, the main sling and the occipital sling are made of a material selected from a group of materials of Reinforced Plastic Material, Silicon, Material, Rubber Material, or any other material.
[0050] The adjustable harness system of the present invention provides an advantage of providing protection to the head of the wearer from straight impacts. The adjustable harness system of the present invention is further configured to provide protection to the head of the wearer from rotational impacts arising due to angular impacts, in addition to the straight impacts. The adjustable harness system of the present invention is configured to be composed of advanced strain sensitive materials that stiffens to absorb energy at high impacts. The adjustable harness system of the present invention comprises of the adjustable pads composed of highly breathable, micro-lattice design geometry to ensure enhanced ventilation and comfort to the wearer. The adjustable harness system of the present invention comprises of the comfort pads composed of cushioning foam to ensure greater comfort to the head of the wearer.
The adjustable harness system of the present invention is configured to provide dual stability control to the headgear with both longitudinal as well as lateral adjustments, to ensure extremely snug fit and enhanced stability. The adjustable harness system of the present invention is modular and flexible in nature. The adjustable harness system of the present invention has a simple and porous structure. The adjustable harness system of the present invention is multi-functional and thoroughly designed. The adjustable harness system of the present invention is configured to be fitted on any head size.
[0051] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.
Definition:
Main Sling
The main sling is a primary support structure within the headgear, typically made of a network or matrix of flexible straps, webbing, or thermoplastic strings. It serves as the foundational framework that holds and Occipital Sling Ratchet System
Occipital Sling
The occipital sling is an adjustable mechanism located at the back of the headgear, positioned over the occipital bone (lower rear part of the skull). It allows the wearer to make fine adjustments to the headgear's fit by turning a ratchet or dial, tightening or loosening the occipital sling to secure the headgear snugly around the back of the head.
Adjustable Impact Pads
Adjustable impact pads are cushioning components within the headgear that can be repositioned or adjusted to fit various head shapes and sizes. These pads are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from impacts, reducing the forces transmitted to the wearer’s head.
Comfort Pads
Comfort pads are soft, breathable inserts positioned within the headgear to enhance wearer comfort. Unlike impact pads, which are primarily for protection, comfort pads focus on reducing pressure points, managing moisture, and providing ventilation.
Branch Dialers
Branch dialers are secondary adjustment mechanisms, often resembling small dials or levers, located at specific points on the headgear to allow for additional micro-adjustments of the fit. Each of these components contributes to a headgear's overall comfort, stability, and protective capabilities by creating a customizable and well-balanced fit.
Webbing retention system
The webbing retention system is a network of straps, typically made from durable and flexible materials, designed to secure the headgear firmly on the wearer’s head.
Ratchet System
A ratchet system is an adjustable mechanism often used in head gears to allow precise, incremental tightening or loosening of straps or other components. It typically includes a dial or lever that, when turned, engages a toothed gear or strap to increase or decrease tension.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. An adjustable harness system (100) for a head gear (5), said system (100) comprising:

a. an adjustable sling (30), consisting of main sling (20) and Occipital sling (10), made of a matrix or web of flexible thermoplastic strings.
b. The adjustable impact pads (40) which also come with foldable panels (45) connected by a binding mechanism.
c. Comfort pads (50), attached above the adjustable impact pads (40) via plurality of mechanisms.
d. A webbing retention system (80) comprising a webbing (25), a lock release buckle (30), slidable buckles (15).
e. A Right branch dialer (22) and A Left branch dialer (32), connected to a back plate (42), having a nape pad system (65).
f. The Ratchet system (70), placed inside the back plate (42), comprising of a knob (11), configured to control the pair of dial branches.

2. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in main sling (20) is connected to occipital sling (10), by a multi-point snap lock system for adjustment in order to provide longitudinal head height customization.

3. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the adjustable impact pads (40) are installed and linked to the main sling (20) and occipital sling (10) through channels in the adjustable impact pads (40) creating a geometry that keeps them in place. These channels can go through the pads or around them without the need for additional bonding agent.

4. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the adjustable impact pads (40), comes with foldable panels (45) that provide three thickness settings to adjust the spacing between the head gear (5) and the adjustable impact pads, which further allows different head size and shape adaptation.
5. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the comfort pads (50) are attached over the adjustable impact pads (40) plurality of mechanisms to facilitate attachment and detachment of comfort pads (50), which further facilitates the use of head communication systems as and when required. The Comfort pads (50) attached by plurality of mechanisms also facilitates maintenance or replacement of comfort pads (50).

6. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where a back plate (42), having a ratchet system (70) is connected to an occipital sling (10) via a binding mechanism.

7. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the ratchet system (70) configured to be connected to a Left branch dialer (32) and a Right branch dialer (22), these can be adjusted by a knob (11) for the adaption to various head sizes.

8. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the main sling (30) and occipital sling (10) coupled with adjustable impact pads (40) and comfort pads (50) are connected by means of a multi-point snap locking mechanism to clinch the head in the longitudinal direction, thus facilitating longitudinal stability.

9. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the left branch dialer (32) and right branch dialer (22) are fixed to the inner surface of the head gear (5) at strategic locations by means of muti-point snap lock mechanism.

10. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the rotation of knob (11) leads to snug fitment of the head gear (5) there by providing lateral stability.

11. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, is made of a material selected from a group of materials of Reinforced Plastic Materials, Silicon Material, Rubber Material, or any other materials.

12. The system (100), as claimed in Claim 1, where in the adjustable impact pads are made of advanced strain sensitive thermoplastic matrix or similar materials using 3D printing technology or any other similar technology.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said headgear (5) is selected from the group consisting of a ballistic helmet of Personnel Armor System for ground Troops (PASGT), and a low cut, mid-cut and High-cut Advanced Combat helmet (ACH) Ballistic Helmet.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the adjustable impact pads (40) coupled with comfort pads (50) are suspended from the head gear (5) thereby providing protection to the wearer head from straight as well as rotational/angular impact forces by virtue of the gap created between the head gear (5) surface and the adjustable impact pads (40).

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the adjustable impact pads (40) coupled with comfort pads (50) protect the wearer head from blunt impact and ballistic impact forces in various environmental conditions due to their high energy absorption capability.