Totally Secure Headgear Hook

I like hanging my welding helmet, sand blast hood, magnifiers and ear protectors on hooks in my shop.  I often find myself grabbing them to complete a quick project and dislike having to rummage through a more secure place for them.

Unfortunately, whenever I bump into them, they take a tumble and land on the floor... Not good for lenses or electronics.  I've devised a simple hook arrangement that locks my headgear securely in place, yet allows for "grab-n-go" removal.

Step 1: What You'll Need

1 Screw Hook Loop (I used 1" & 5/8" OD... What I had... Any size should work).
1 "S" hook (large enough to go around the band of your headgear)

Comments

[bfk]

Oh, and don't worry about not getting it right away. Once I had to fly to Virginia to show a patent examiner how something worked. It was as simple a concept as this, but often, simplicity is the most difficult thing to comprehend. We over-think most things.

[Truehart]

I'm having a little trouble visualizing this. Are the eye bolts facing down? If so, what makes the S-hooks swing up? Typically S-hooks just hang down with nothing on them and continue to hang down when something is placed on them. Maybe a video would help.

[bfk]

A video would be too easy... Here's a few sketches to describe it:

1 The hooks hang down. You're right about the "S" hook hanging straight down as well.

2 Slip the headband of your head gear over the "S" hook with the majority of the gear behind the hooks as shown.

When you let go, the heavy end of the head gear will drop and cause the "S" hook to swing up, making it impossible for the head gear to accidentally slip off.

Hope this helped.

[Truehart]

OK, I think I got it. You're using the fact that the headband can't turn in the hook without moving the hook. Thus, it balances with the S-hook in the horizontal position. Briliant! Thanks.

[bfk]

Thanks... I don't know if it's brilliant, but thank you for the compliment.

[Rich99]

you really should patent this idea. you might be a millionaire some day.

[bfk]

I developed and patented products throughout my career and gave it up when I retired. Too much government stupidity and too many lawyers.

Unfortunately, in the U.S., patents are issued to the person who comes up with the idea first, so anyone who wants to file a utility application in the U.S. on this device is out of luck.

However... Most other countries issue patents to the first person who applies for it.

Sooo... Here's YOUR chance to become a millionaire:)

(I did a real quick patent search and didn't find anything like it, so it may actually be patentable. Check it out. I've taken it as far as I want.)

[shannonlove]

Elegant

[bfk]

Thank you Shannon. Simple is always best, but unfortunately, it's the complicated things that sell. :/

[Rich99]

excellent idea.

[bfk]

Thank you Rich. Every once in a while my brain works:)