Prior art — US Patent 12268265

The USPTO defines "prior art" as any evidence that an invention was already known or publicly available before the effective filing date of a patent application. This includes patents, published articles, public use, or sale. Prior art is crucial for determining if an invention is novel and non-obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 102 and § 103.

USPTO Search for US Patent 12268265

A direct search on the USPTO website for patent number US12268265B2 confirms its existence and details. The patent is titled "Safety helmet," was filed on July 1, 2022 (application US17/856,628), and issued on April 8, 2025, to Klein Tools Inc. as the assignee, with Shantanu Deshpande and Kingston Wong as inventors.

Prior Art Analysis for US Patent 12268265

The following are the patent citations listed as prior art for US12268265B2, along with their details and potential anticipatory relevance under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The priority date for US12268265 is January 26, 2018.

1. US1947786A

Full Citation: US1947786A - Reversible helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 10, 1931; Published February 20, 1934
Brief Description: This patent describes a reversible helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates the broad concept of a reversible helmet as described in the summary of US12268265, especially the aspect of an outer shell being reversible such that one of the front or rear sides is oriented above the user's face.

2. US4521831A

Full Citation: US4521831A - Protective helmet with dual adjustment illumination means
Publication/Filing Date: Filed January 18, 1984; Published June 4, 1985
Brief Description: This patent describes a protective helmet with dual adjustment illumination means.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Potentially anticipates aspects related to illuminating devices on a helmet, particularly if the "dual adjustment" could be interpreted as similar to having attachment points at different locations (front and rear) for an accessory, although the specific mounting mechanism would need closer comparison.

3. US5026016A

Full Citation: US5026016A - Retainer clip
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 20, 1989; Published June 25, 1991
Brief Description: This patent describes a retainer clip.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is broad in nature, describing a "retainer clip." It could potentially anticipate the "clip" element of the accessory device in claim 1 of US12268265, or aspects of the retaining mechanism, depending on the specific features and context of the clip described.

4. US5688039A

Full Citation: US5688039A - Pivoting projection beam safety helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 10, 1996; Published November 18, 1997
Brief Description: This patent describes a pivoting projection beam safety helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Might anticipate the concept of a light source on a safety helmet and its adjustability, although "pivoting" differs from the "releasably mountable onto each of the front receptacle and the rear receptacle" feature of US12268265.

5. US6811348B1

Full Citation: US6811348B1 - Device for locking in position a mobile part relative to a fixed part
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 24, 1999; Published November 2, 2004
Brief Description: This patent describes a device for locking a mobile part relative to a fixed part.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could broadly anticipate the locking mechanism of the accessory device to the receptacle, particularly the engagement of the protruding member with the clip to "releasably mount the accessory device in the front receptacle" as described in claim 1.

6. US20020116749A1

Full Citation: US20020116749A1 - Protective helmet and method of making same
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 28, 2001; Published August 29, 2002
Brief Description: This patent describes a protective helmet and a method of making it.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This broad reference could potentially anticipate the "molded outer shell" of the safety helmet (Claim 1), particularly if its manufacturing method involves integral molding of features, although specific receptacle details would need to be compared.

7. US6497493B1

Full Citation: US6497493B1 - Illuminated safety helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed May 7, 2001; Published December 24, 2002
Brief Description: This patent describes an illuminated safety helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates the concept of an illuminated safety helmet, which is a primary application of the accessory device in US12268265. The novelty would likely reside in the specific reversible mounting mechanism rather than the presence of illumination itself.

8. US6532601B1

Full Citation: US6532601B1 - Headgear with manipulatable projections
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 10, 2001; Published March 18, 2003
Brief Description: This patent describes headgear with manipulatable projections.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Might anticipate the concept of a "protruding member" (the stop in claim 1) if "manipulatable projections" could function similarly as a retention feature.

9. US6701649B1

Full Citation: US6701649B1 - Combat identification marker
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 12, 2002; Published March 9, 2004
Brief Description: This patent describes a combat identification marker.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent might anticipate the idea of an accessory device that provides signaling or identification, which is one of the alternative embodiments mentioned for the accessory device in US12268265 (e.g., "blinking or otherwise illuminated light that marks the location of the user").

10. US6616294B1

Full Citation: US6616294B1 - Hard hat mounted flashlight holder
Publication/Filing Date: Filed January 7, 2003; Published September 9, 2003
Brief Description: This patent describes a hard hat mounted flashlight holder.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates a flashlight (a type of headlamp) being mounted on a hard hat. The novelty of US12268265 would be in the specific reversible and electrical connection mechanism, rather than simply attaching a light.

11. US20080263752A1

Full Citation: US20080263752A1 - Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 17, 2004; Published October 30, 2008
Brief Description: This patent describes a method and apparatus for mounting a vision system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a general mounting apparatus. It could broadly anticipate the concept of mounting an accessory (like a camera, which is a vision system) to a helmet.

12. US8191292B2

Full Citation: US8191292B2 - Recognition award, personnel identification holder and/or personnel unit for attachment to hardhats, protective helmets or the likes
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 7, 2005; Published June 5, 2012
Brief Description: This patent describes a recognition award, personnel identification holder, and/or personnel unit for attachment to hardhats, protective helmets or the likes.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes various attachments for hardhats and protective helmets, which could anticipate the concept of attaching "accessory devices" to a safety helmet.

13. US20110072562A1

Full Citation: US20110072562A1 - Helmet bracket
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 6, 2007; Published March 31, 2011
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet bracket.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could anticipate the general concept of a "receptacle" on a helmet for mounting an accessory, as it describes a bracket for a helmet.

14. US8060951B2

Full Citation: US8060951B2 - Low profile protective helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 28, 2007; Published November 22, 2011
Brief Description: This patent describes a low profile protective helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a protective helmet, which could be relevant to the "safety helmet comprising a molded outer shell" in claim 1.

15. US20100083413A1

Full Citation: US20100083413A1 - Adaptor platform for helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 2, 2008; Published April 8, 2010
Brief Description: This patent describes an adaptor platform for a helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes an adapter platform for a helmet, which is analogous to a "receptacle" for attaching accessories.

16. CA2759794A1

Full Citation: CA2759794A1 - Shroud plate with lighting system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 29, 2009; Published November 11, 2010
Brief Description: This patent describes a shroud plate with a lighting system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could anticipate a lighting system being integrated with a helmet, similar to the headlamp accessory. The "shroud plate" might function as a mounting point.

17. US8193940B2

Full Citation: US8193940B2 - Recognition award, personnel identification holder and/or personnel unit for attachment to hardhats, protective helmets or the like
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 24, 2009; Published June 5, 2012
Brief Description: This patent describes a recognition award, personnel identification holder and/or personnel unit for attachment to hardhats, protective helmets or the like.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US8191292B2, this reference describes various attachments for hardhats, which could anticipate the concept of attaching "accessory devices" to a safety helmet.

18. US20110113529A1

Full Citation: US20110113529A1 - Clip for headwear
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 14, 2009; Published May 19, 2011
Brief Description: This patent describes a clip for headwear.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates the "clip" element of the accessory device in claim 1 of US12268265, focusing on a clip specifically for headwear.

19. US9047790B1

Full Citation: US9047790B1 - Cardholder for protective headwear
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 4, 2010; Published June 2, 2015
Brief Description: This patent describes a cardholder for protective headwear.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes an attachment (cardholder) for protective headwear, which broadly falls under the concept of an "accessory device" for a safety helmet.

20. US20120224356A1

Full Citation: US20120224356A1 - Illuminated protective hard hat
Publication/Filing Date: Filed March 1, 2011; Published September 6, 2012
Brief Description: This patent describes an illuminated protective hard hat.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates a hard hat with illumination, similar to US6497493B1. The novelty of US12268265 would again rely on the specific reversible and electrical connection mechanism.

21. US20120317706A1

Full Citation: US20120317706A1 - Ballistic and Impact Protective Military Helmet Assembly
Publication/Filing Date: Filed March 14, 2011; Published December 20, 2012
Brief Description: This patent describes a ballistic and impact protective military helmet assembly.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a protective helmet, relevant to the "safety helmet comprising a molded outer shell" in claim 1.

22. US20120320569A1

Full Citation: US20120320569A1 - Warning lamp assembly for safety helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 20, 2011; Published December 20, 2012
Brief Description: This patent describes a warning lamp assembly for a safety helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Anticipates a lamp (accessory) on a safety helmet, specifically for warning purposes, which is consistent with the "blinking or otherwise illuminated light that marks the location of the user" alternative mentioned in US12268265.

23. US20130086722A1

Full Citation: US20130086722A1 - Power Distribution System and Helmet and Method Employing the Same
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 7, 2011; Published April 11, 2013
Brief Description: This patent describes a power distribution system and helmet and method employing the same.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it describes a power distribution system within a helmet, which directly relates to the concept of integrated conductors and terminals for electrical connection to accessory devices, as discussed in the detailed description of US12268265 (e.g., conductors 203 and 204 connected between devices).

24. US9702534B1

Full Citation: US9702534B1 - Illumination system for safety helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed November 22, 2011; Published July 11, 2017
Brief Description: This patent describes an illumination system for a safety helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates an illumination system for a safety helmet, similar to US6497493B1 and US20120224356A1.

25. US20140000013A1

Full Citation: US20140000013A1 - Helmet configured for electronics
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 28, 2012; Published January 2, 2014
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet configured for electronics.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a helmet specifically designed for electronics, which would broadly anticipate the integration of electrical features for accessory devices in US12268265.

26. US20140000014A1

Full Citation: US20140000014A1 - Helmet-mounted display
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 28, 2012; Published January 2, 2014
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet-mounted display.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes a specific type of electronic accessory (display) mounted on a helmet, thus anticipating the concept of various "accessory devices" in US12268265.

27. US20140020159A1

Full Citation: US20140020159A1 - Helmet edge trim wiring harness
Publication/Filing Date: Filed July 18, 2012; Published January 23, 2014
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet edge trim wiring harness.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes wiring integrated into a helmet, which is very similar to the "conductors... molded into the thermoplastic material of the hard outer shell" described in US12268265.

28. US20140321843A1

Full Citation: US20140321843A1 - Shoe camera mount
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 24, 2013; Published October 30, 2014
Brief Description: This patent describes a shoe camera mount.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While for a shoe, this patent broadly relates to a "mount" for a "camera," which is an "accessory device" type mentioned in US12268265. The novelty for US12268265 would be in the specific helmet application and dual receptacles.

29. US10021931B2

Full Citation: US10021931B2 - Helmet-chin mount for accessories, including cameras
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 2, 2014; Published July 17, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet-chin mount for accessories, including cameras.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates a mount for accessories (like cameras) on a helmet. While a chin mount is different from front/rear, it demonstrates the concept of dedicated accessory mounting points on a helmet.

30. US20150286117A1

Full Citation: US20150286117A1 - Portable electronic device mounting system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 7, 2014; Published October 8, 2015
Brief Description: This patent describes a portable electronic device mounting system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a mounting system for electronic devices, which could anticipate the general mounting of accessory devices to the helmet.

31. US10743599B2

Full Citation: US10743599B2 - Support for a lighting element on a safety helmet, adjustable lighting system, and cable retention arrangement
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 4, 2014; Published August 18, 2020
Brief Description: This patent describes a support for a lighting element on a safety helmet, an adjustable lighting system, and a cable retention arrangement.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant, as it describes a support for a lighting element on a safety helmet and a cable retention arrangement, anticipating both the accessory mounting and potentially the integrated conductors of US12268265.

32. US20170303619A1

Full Citation: US20170303619A1 - Support for a Lighting Element on a Safety Helmet, Adjustable Lighting System, and Cable Retention Arrangement
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 4, 2014; Published October 26, 2017
Brief Description: This patent describes a support for a lighting element on a safety helmet, an adjustable lighting system, and a cable retention arrangement.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a continuation or related application to US10743599B2 and shares the same anticipatory relevance.

33. US20160249700A1

Full Citation: US20160249700A1 - Electrical Connection for Suspension Band Attachment Slot of a Hard Hat
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 17, 2014; Published September 1, 2016
Brief Description: This patent describes an electrical connection for a suspension band attachment slot of a hard hat.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is very relevant to the electrical connection aspect of US12268265, as it describes electrical connections within a hard hat, particularly for attachment slots. This could anticipate the terminals and conductors mentioned in US12268265.

34. US20160242483A1

Full Citation: US20160242483A1 - Storage attachment for safety helmets
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 20, 2015; Published August 25, 2016
Brief Description: This patent describes a storage attachment for safety helmets.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly anticipates the concept of an "accessory device" (storage attachment) for safety helmets.

35. US9814622B2

Full Citation: US9814622B2 - Bump cap for face protection members
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 12, 2015; Published November 14, 2017
Brief Description: This patent describes a bump cap for face protection members.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes a type of headwear for protection, relevant to the general "safety helmet" in claim 1.

36. US9377672B1

Full Citation: US9377672B1 - Detachable camera mount
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 15, 2015; Published June 28, 2016
Brief Description: This patent describes a detachable camera mount.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates a "detachable camera mount," which is an example of an accessory device in US12268265. The novelty for US12268265 would be in the dual, identical, and reversible receptacles.

37. US9507245B1

Full Citation: US9507245B1 - Detachable camera mount
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 15, 2015; Published November 29, 2016
Brief Description: This patent describes a detachable camera mount.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a related patent to US9377672B1 and shares the same anticipatory relevance.

38. US9872531B2

Full Citation: US9872531B2 - Helmet assembly
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 28, 2015; Published January 23, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet assembly.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a helmet assembly, relevant to the overall safety helmet system.

39. US9918506B2

Full Citation: US9918506B2 - Helmet safety system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 19, 2016; Published March 20, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet safety system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a helmet safety system, relevant to the overall safety helmet system.

40. US20170238642A1

Full Citation: US20170238642A1 - Helmet safety system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 19, 2016; Published August 24, 2017
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet safety system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a related patent to US9918506B2 and shares the same anticipatory relevance.

41. DE102016115897A1

Full Citation: DE102016115897A1 - Helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed August 26, 2016; Published March 1, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): A general helmet patent, relevant to the "safety helmet comprising a molded outer shell" in claim 1.

42. US20180128459A1

Full Citation: US20180128459A1 - Light and mount assembly
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 9, 2016; Published May 10, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a light and mount assembly.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a general light and mount assembly, which could anticipate the combination of a headlamp (light) and the mounting bracket/receptacle of US12268265. Note: The publication date of May 10, 2018, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

43. US20190008228A1

Full Citation: US20190008228A1 - Integrated non-conflicting headgear platform system and method
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 30, 2016; Published January 10, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes an integrated non-conflicting headgear platform system and method.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a headgear platform system, which could anticipate the concept of multiple attachment points (front and rear receptacles) for accessories on a helmet. Note: The publication date of January 10, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

44. US20180192727A1

Full Citation: US20180192727A1 - Plastic helmet mounting assembly
Publication/Filing Date: Filed January 10, 2017; Published July 12, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes a plastic helmet mounting assembly.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a plastic helmet mounting assembly, which is directly relevant to the "molded outer shell" and "receptacles" of US12268265. Note: The publication date of July 12, 2018, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

45. US20180249779A1

Full Citation: US20180249779A1 - Helmet Systems And Method For Operating The Same
Publication/Filing Date: Filed March 3, 2017; Published September 6, 2018
Brief Description: This patent describes helmet systems and a method for operating the same.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes helmet systems. Note: The publication date of September 6, 2018, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

46. US20190098952A1

Full Citation: US20190098952A1 - Modular helmet interface
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 4, 2017; Published April 4, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes a modular helmet interface.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a modular helmet interface, which is highly relevant to the concept of interchangeable accessory devices on a helmet. Note: The publication date of April 4, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

47. US20190101359A1

Full Citation: US20190101359A1 - Ballistic helmet that may include an adapter for each earcup secured thereto and an integrated electronic circuit configured to power and operate conductively connected electronic devices
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 4, 2017; Published April 4, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes a ballistic helmet that may include an adapter for each earcup secured thereto and an integrated electronic circuit configured to power and operate conductively connected electronic devices.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it describes a helmet with an integrated electronic circuit to power and operate conductively connected electronic devices, directly anticipating the electrical connection aspects of US12268265. Note: The publication date of April 4, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

48. US20190107247A1

Full Citation: US20190107247A1 - Modular helmet interface with threaded insert
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 6, 2017; Published April 11, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes a modular helmet interface with a threaded insert.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Another modular helmet interface, relevant to accessory attachment. Note: The publication date of April 11, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

49. US20190104797A1

Full Citation: US20190104797A1 - Helmet mount interface apparatuses and methods
Publication/Filing Date: Filed October 10, 2017; Published April 11, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes helmet mount interface apparatuses and methods.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes helmet mount interfaces, directly relevant to the front and rear receptacles of US12268265. Note: The publication date of April 11, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

50. US11452327B2

Full Citation: US11452327B2 - Safety helmet
Publication/Filing Date: Filed January 26, 2018; Published September 27, 2022
Brief Description: This patent describes a safety helmet.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent has the same priority date as US12268265 (January 26, 2018). It is a patent from the same assignee (Klein Tools Inc.) and with the same inventors, and appears to be a related family member (parent application US16/246,935, which claims benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62/622,472 filed Jan. 26, 2018). As such, it is likely not prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(2) due to common inventorship and priority date, or would fall under an exception. It serves as highly relevant related art for understanding the scope of the invention.

51. US20190350291A1

Full Citation: US20190350291A1 - Apparatus for Improving the Noticeability of a Hat
Publication/Filing Date: Filed May 16, 2018; Published November 21, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus for improving the noticeability of a hat.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes an apparatus for a hat that enhances noticeability, which could be an "accessory device" that provides signaling or location (e.g., illuminated light) as mentioned in US12268265. Note: The publication date of November 21, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

52. US20190350292A1

Full Citation: US20190350292A1 - Apparatus for Improving the Noticeability of a Hat
Publication/Filing Date: Filed May 16, 2018; Published November 21, 2019
Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus for improving the noticeability of a hat.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a related patent to US20190350291A1 and shares the same anticipatory relevance. Note: The publication date of November 21, 2019, is after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

53. US10886646B2

Full Citation: US10886646B2 - High speed hot shoe
Publication/Filing Date: Filed June 14, 2018; Published January 5, 2021
Brief Description: This patent describes a high speed hot shoe.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a "hot shoe" which is a common mounting and electrical connection system for accessories, particularly in photography. This could anticipate the concept of a releasable mounting system with electrical connections. Note: The filing date of June 14, 2018, and publication date of January 5, 2021, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

54. US11019870B2

Full Citation: US11019870B2 - Hard hat lamp attachment system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed November 21, 2018; Published June 1, 2021
Brief Description: This patent describes a hard hat lamp attachment system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Directly anticipates a lamp attachment system for a hard hat. This is very relevant to the headlamp accessory and its mounting. Note: The filing date of November 21, 2018, and publication date of June 1, 2021, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

55. US20200170329A1

Full Citation: US20200170329A1 - Helmet with Accessory Attachment Rail
Publication/Filing Date: Filed December 3, 2018; Published June 4, 2020
Brief Description: This patent describes a helmet with an accessory attachment rail.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes a helmet with an accessory attachment rail, which is a form of receptacle for accessory devices. Note: The filing date of December 3, 2018, and publication date of June 4, 2020, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

56. US20200268088A1

Full Citation: US20200268088A1 - Safety helmet and accessory system that prevents hearing loss at worksites
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 27, 2019; Published August 27, 2020
Brief Description: This patent describes a safety helmet and accessory system that prevents hearing loss at worksites.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes a safety helmet and accessory system. The accessory is for hearing protection, but the general concept of an accessory system on a safety helmet is relevant. Note: The filing date of February 27, 2019, and publication date of August 27, 2020, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

57. US20200329806A1

Full Citation: US20200329806A1 - Safety helmet accessory system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 16, 2019; Published October 22, 2020
Brief Description: This patent describes a safety helmet accessory system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a safety helmet accessory system, directly relevant to the accessory system of US12268265. Note: The filing date of April 16, 2019, and publication date of October 22, 2020, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

58. US11266199B2

Full Citation: US11266199B2 - Safety helmet accessory system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed April 16, 2019; Published March 8, 2022
Brief Description: This patent describes a safety helmet accessory system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a related patent to US20200329806A1 and shares the same anticipatory relevance. Note: The filing date of April 16, 2019, and publication date of March 8, 2022, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

59. US11231056B2

Full Citation: US11231056B2 - Clip and mounting system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed August 31, 2019; Published January 25, 2022
Brief Description: This patent describes a clip and mounting system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes a general clip and mounting system, relevant to the "clip" and "releasably mountable" aspects of US12268265. Note: The filing date of August 31, 2019, and publication date of January 25, 2022, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

60. US11937660B2

Full Citation: US11937660B2 - Hard hat face shield attachment system
Publication/Filing Date: Filed February 8, 2021; Published March 26, 2024
Brief Description: This patent describes a hard hat face shield attachment system.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Describes an attachment system for a hard hat. Note: The filing date of February 8, 2021, and publication date of March 26, 2024, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

61. US20240081459A1

Full Citation: US20240081459A1 - Hard Hat with Impact Protection Materials
Publication/Filing Date: Filed September 8, 2022; Published March 14, 2024
Brief Description: This patent describes a hard hat with impact protection materials.
Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Broadly describes a hard hat. Note: The filing date of September 8, 2022, and publication date of March 14, 2024, are both after the priority date of US12268265 (Jan 26, 2018), so it may not be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) unless an earlier effective filing date applies under § 102(a)(2).

Key Observations for Anticipation:

Several prior art references (e.g., US1947786A) demonstrate the concept of a "reversible helmet," which is a core feature of US12268265.
Numerous references (e.g., US6497493B1, US20120224356A1, US9702534B1) show illumination devices on safety helmets.
Multiple patents (e.g., US20130086722A1, US20140020159A1, US20160249700A1, US20190101359A1) illustrate the integration of electrical connections or power distribution systems within helmets for accessories. This is particularly relevant to the claims regarding conductors and terminals.
Several references (e.g., US5026016A, US20110113529A1, US11231056B2) discuss clips and mounting systems, which could anticipate elements of the accessory device's mating receptacle.
The overall concept of attaching various "accessory devices" to safety helmets is also present in numerous prior art references (e.g., US8191292B2, US9047790B1, US9377672B1).

For prior art with publication/filing dates after the priority date of US12268265 (January 26, 2018), their relevance under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would depend on whether they have an earlier effective filing date (e.g., through a priority claim to an earlier provisional application) that predates January 26, 2018, or if they qualify as prior art under other specific provisions of § 102(a)(2).

The most significant anticipation challenges for US12268265 appear to lie in the combination of a reversible helmet with multiple, identical, and releasable receptacles for accessory devices, especially those with integrated electrical connections. Individual elements like "reversible helmets," "helmet lights," "attachment clips," and "integrated wiring" are clearly present in the prior art. The novelty of US12268265 is likely in the specific combination of these features as claimed, particularly the identical construction of the front and rear receptacles allowing for reversible use of the helmet with the same accessory device, and the internal electrical connections.