Patents by Inventor Kevin R. Ketterer

Kevin R. Ketterer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240065362
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided a helmet that includes shell comprising a plurality of connection receptacles, a first connection receptacle having a shape that is different from a shape of a second connection receptacle. A flexible suspension web includes a plurality of straps for supporting the shell on a head of a wearer, each of the straps including a connection tab, where a first connection tab, which is associated with a first strap, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first connection receptacle, and where a second connection tab, which is associated with a second strap, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the second connection receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, David J. Losos, John F. Rihn, Maxwell R. Naar
  • Publication number: 20230320452
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a helmet shell mounting assembly. A system includes a mounting component and a locking slider configured to interface with the mounting component when in an engaged position to secure an outer helmet shell to an inner helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, David J. Losos
  • Publication number: 20210212406
    Abstract: A safety helmet includes an outer shell configured for surrounding a head of a user, and an infrared reflective layer disposed in an interior of the outer shell. The infrared reflective layer is configured for reflecting at a least a portion of incident infrared radiation transmitted through the outer shell. The infrared reflective layer has infrared reflectivity of at least 40%. The safety helmet further may have an evaporative cooling pad positioned within a cavity defined by the inner surface of the outer shell. A method of manufacturing a safety helmet is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Celeste L. Hort, Michael Goodspeed, Kevin R. Ketterer, Jefferson S. Mendenhall, Matthew C. Miller, James R. Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20200383416
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism and headband arrangement are disclosed herein, the adjustment mechanism including an elongated cord configured for extending around a perimeter of the headband arrangement; and a locking member receiving a portion of the elongated cord and configured to interact with the elongated cord between a locked state, preventing movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, and an unlocked state, permitting movement of the elongated cord relative to the locking member, wherein the locking member comprises at least one tooth configured to engage the portion of the elongated cord received in the locking member in the locked state, and wherein the portion of the elongated cord is configured to disengage from the at least one tooth in the unlocked state in response to at least one of the first end and the second end being pulled in the direction of the major longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Matt C. Miller, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Patent number: 10165819
    Abstract: A system for use in connection with a protective helmet having at least one accessory connection mechanism includes a visor accessory which includes a frame including at least one rearward extending member. The system further includes an adapter including a helmet connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet and an accessory connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the at least one rearward extending member of the visor accessory. The accessory connector is adapted to be stowed on the at least one rearward extending member when the adapter is not in use to connect to the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Rebecca Kreke, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Patent number: 9949522
    Abstract: A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for a safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending at least partially through a headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the headband member. A suspension system and a safety helmet are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, John F. Rihn
  • Patent number: 9642412
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement including a rotatable knob having a first contact member; a rotatable hub member to engage a notched track of a headband member; and a rotatable notched track member, wherein during contact between the first contact member and the hub member the rotatable notched track member does not rotate, and wherein during contact between a second contact member and the hub member the rotatable notched track member rotates in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Patent number: 9572392
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement having a headband member with a notched track positioned on an end thereof, the adjustment mechanism including: a rotatable knob having a first contact member and a second contact member; and a rotatable hub member having a gear portion with teeth to engage the notched track of the headband member, such that rotation of the hub member in a first direction causes the headband member to tighten and rotation of the hub member in a second direction causes the headband member to loosen; wherein, upon rotation of the knob in the first direction, contact between the first contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the first direction, and upon rotation of the knob in the second direction, contact between the second contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Publication number: 20150059064
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement including a rotatable knob having a first contact member; a rotatable hub member to engage a notched track of a headband member; and a rotatable notched track member, wherein during contact between the first contact member and the hub member the rotatable notched track member does not rotate, and wherein during contact between a second contact member and the hub member the rotatable notched track member rotates in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Publication number: 20150059065
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a headband arrangement having a headband member with a notched track positioned on an end thereof, the adjustment mechanism including: a rotatable knob having a first contact member and a second contact member; and a rotatable hub member having a gear portion with teeth to engage the notched track of the headband member, such that rotation of the hub member in a first direction causes the headband member to tighten and rotation of the hub member in a second direction causes the headband member to loosen; wherein, upon rotation of the knob in the first direction, contact between the first contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the first direction, and upon rotation of the knob in the second direction, contact between the second contact member and the hub member causes the hub member to rotate in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Klotz, Kevin R. Ketterer
  • Publication number: 20150059066
    Abstract: A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for a safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending at least partially through a headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the headband member. A suspension system and a safety helmet are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, John F. Rihn
  • Patent number: 8539613
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: F. Joseph Hersick, Kevin R. Ketterer, Robert Klotz
  • Publication number: 20120278963
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: F. Joseph HERSICK, Kevin R. KETTERER, Robert KLOTZ
  • Publication number: 20120246807
    Abstract: A system for use in connection with a protective helmet having at least one accessory connection mechanism includes a visor accessory which includes a frame including at least one rearward extending member. The system further includes an adapter including a helmet connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet and an accessory connector adapted to form a releasable connection with the at least one rearward extending member of the visor accessory. The accessory connector is adapted to be stowed on the at least one rearward extending member when the adapter is not in use to connect to the accessory connection mechanism of the protective helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: ROBERT KLOTZ, REBECCA KREKE, KEVIN R. KETTERER
  • Patent number: 8225419
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: F. Joseph Hersick, Kevin R. Ketterer, Robert Klotz
  • Publication number: 20110072548
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a force attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: F. Joseph Hersick, Kevin R. Ketterer, Robert Klotz
  • Patent number: 7296305
    Abstract: A headband for use in a headgear support includes a first end section having a plurality of spaced connectors and a second end section including a fastener attached adjacent the end thereof. The fastener includes a connecting member to which at least one cooperating connector is attached. The connecting member biases the cooperating connector in an engagement position with at least one of the plurality of connectors of the first end section to hold the headband in a selected loop configuration. The fastener further includes at least a first flexible release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, Gregoire B. Aby-Eva, F. Joseph Hersick, Paul A. Zeller, Anthony Scoccimerra, Jr., Robert E. Bechtold
  • Patent number: 7089603
    Abstract: A headband for use in a headgear support includes a first end section having a plurality of connectors extending latitudinally from a lateral surface of the first end section. The headband also includes a second end section having a fastener attached adjacent the end thereof. The fastener includes a flexible lever arm and a cooperating connector biased in an engagement position with at least one of the plurality of connectors of the first end section to hold the headband in a selected loop configuration. The flexible lever arm is movable to a release position upon application of force thereto to cause the cooperating connector to disengage from the at least one the plurality of connectors of the first end section to enable increasing the size of the loop of the headband. The plurality of connectors of the first end section can, for example, be ratchet teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, Gregoire B. Aby-Eva, F. Joseph Hersick, Paul A. Zeller
  • Patent number: RE45459
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes: a rigid shell including a generally domed-shaped section, a three attenuating liner within the dome-shaped section shell and operatively connected to the rigid shell; and a visor mount in operative connection with the force attenuating liner, the visor mount be adapted to have a visor mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: F. Joseph Hersick, Kevin R. Ketterer, Robert E. Klotz