U.S. patent application number 12/561696 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for integrated system for combat helmet.
Invention is credited to Shawn MCGOVERN.
Application Number | 20100064405 12/561696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42005884 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100064405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCGOVERN; Shawn |
March 18, 2010 |
INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR COMBAT HELMET
Abstract
An integrated system for protecting a wearers head and at least
a portion of the wearer's face. The system comprises a support
adapted for secure mounting to a helmet and comprising an elongate
mask receiving portion arranged along the brim, a ballistic mask
adapted for mounting to the elongate mask receiving portion, and a
quick release mechanism securing the mask to the mask receiving
portion. The mask can be removed from the elongate mounting portion
by releasing the quick release mechanism. An alternative embodiment
comprises a head gear which when worn by the wearer, a lower edge
of a face protecting portion adjacent at least one of a pair of
cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of the
wearer, and a neck protecting skirt manufactured from a soft
flexible ballistic armour and attached along the lower edge of the
face protecting portion.
Inventors: |
MCGOVERN; Shawn; (St-Lazare,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOUDREAU GAGE DUBUC
2000 MCGILL COLLEGE, SUITE 2200
MONTREAL
QC
H3A 3H3
CA
|
Family ID: |
42005884 |
Appl. No.: |
12/561696 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61097575 |
Sep 17, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/6.7 ;
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/225 20130101;
F41H 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/6.7 ;
2/424 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/04 20060101
F41H001/04; A42B 1/08 20060101 A42B001/08 |
Claims
1. An integrated system for a protective ballistic helmet for
protecting a wearers head and at least a portion of the wearer's
face, the helmet comprising a brim positioned above the wearer's
face when worn, the system comprising: a support adapted for secure
mounting to the helmet and comprising an elongate mask receiving
portion arranged along the brim; a ballistic mask adapted for
mounting to said elongate mask receiving portion; and a quick
release mechanism securing said mask to said mask receiving
portion; wherein said mask can be removed from said elongate
mounting portion by releasing said quick release mechanism.
2. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said support further
comprises a tightening mechanism for releasably securing said
support about the helmet.
3. The integrated system of claim 2, wherein said tightening
mechanism comprises a pair of overlapping tongues, each of said
tongues attached to a respective end of said elongate mask
receiving portion, said elongate mask receiving portion and said
overlapping tongues together defining a helmet receiving opening,
and a ratchet mechanism for generating a helmet securing and
releasing force by moving said tongues relative to one another.
4. The integrated system of claim 3, wherein said ratchet mechanism
comprises a pair of opposed slots in alignment, one of said slots
formed lengthwise in each of said tongues, a first row of teeth
formed in a top edge of one of said slots and a second row of said
teeth formed in a bottom edge of the other of said slots, a
cylindrical adjusting knob having cog teeth at a first inner end
and a hand grip at a second outer end, said cog teeth extending
through said slots and engaging said first and second rows of
teeth.
5. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said support is
secured to the helmet using a plurality of fasteners.
6. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said quick release
mechanism comprises a pair of quick release receiving bores defined
by said elongate mounting portion, one of said pair of bores
positioned towards a respective end of said elongate mounting
portion, and wherein said mask comprises a pair of quick releases,
each of said pair of releases positioned and adapted for mating
with a respective one of said quick release receiving bores.
7. A face protective head gear for protecting a wearers face, the
head gear comprising: a face protecting portion manufactured from a
rigid ballistic material and comprising a pair of cheek protecting
portions interconnected by a nose and mouth connecting portion,
wherein when worn by the wearer, a lower edge of said face
protecting portion adjacent at least one of said cheek protecting
portions is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer; and a neck
protecting skirt manufactured from a soft flexible ballistic armour
and attached along said lower edge of said face protecting
portion.
8. The head gear of claim 7, further comprising a support assembly
adapted for secure mounting to a helmet and comprising an elongate
mask receiving portion arranged along the brim and wherein said
face protecting portion is adapted for mounting to said elongate
mask receiving portion.
9. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said lower edge of said face
protecting portion adjacent each of said cheek protecting portions
is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer.
10. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said face protecting portion
defines a lens receiving aperture above said pair of cheek
protecting portions and said nose and mouth connecting portion and
further comprising a transparent lens positioned within said
aperture.
11. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said neck protecting skirt is
removeably attached to said lower edge.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e), of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/097,575,
filed on Sep. 17, 2008 which is incorporated herein in its entirety
by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an integrated system for
combat helmet. In particular, there is provided a helmet assembly
comprising a ballistic face mask having as a safety feature a quick
release pushbutton for rapidly releasing the mask should a critical
situation arise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mounted and dismounted warriors are heavily faced with
facial injuries, casualties and fatalities during training and
combat operations. According to a 2007 American Congressional
Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress, over 3,000 US Military
combat deaths and over 20,000 casualties caused by Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) attacks during Operation Enduring Freedom
(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have been reported since
2001. In particular, eye, face, and head injuries represent a
significant portion of these casualties, which can be reduced by
providing helmet assemblies that offer significant ballistic,
aural, head, and facial protection to wearers. An important
requirement for such helmet assemblies is that they comfortably fit
combat crewman and are not unduly heavy, thus not interfering with
activities of the wearers.
[0004] Although the prior art teaches a variety of such protective
helmet assemblies, current facial protection remains heavy and
uncomfortable and usually prevents proper sighting through a weapon
carried by the wearer. In addition, current helmet assemblies have
limited functionality as they mainly focus on integration of
conventional devices, such as Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and
flashlights, to the helmet and do not provide added functionality
by enabling integration of other electronic devices.
[0005] Moreover, in addition to focusing mainly on mounted war
fighters such as pilots and tank commanders and offering few
solutions for dismounted war fighters, current proposals often
require modifications to standard helmets in order to integrate the
desired facial protection. As a result, the protective gear fails
to integrate easily and safely and as a single system with standard
military helmets which often leads to eye and face injuries for the
wearer.
[0006] Also, as the facial protection is typically secured to the
helmet using fasteners such as hinged mounts, straps, pins, and the
like, the facial protection needs to be raised or the overall
assembly taken apart to expose a wearer's face, thus proving
tedious and time consuming, especially in critical situations (e.g.
a soldier requiring medical assistance) where it is desired to
quickly remove the protection without removing the entire
supporting structure.
[0007] What is therefore needed, and one object of the present
invention, is an enhanced integrated system for combat helmet,
which enables quick release of the protective face mask in order to
ease access to a wearer's face in case of emergency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention,
there is provided an integrated system for a protective ballistic
helmet for protecting a wearers head and at least a portion of the
wearer's face, the helmet comprising a brim positioned above the
wearer's face when worn. The system comprises a support adapted for
secure mounting to the helmet and comprising an elongate mask
receiving portion arranged along the brim, a ballistic mask adapted
for mounting to the elongate mask receiving portion, and a quick
release mechanism securing the mask to the mask receiving portion.
The mask can be removed from the elongate mounting portion by
releasing the quick release mechanism.
[0009] There is also disclosed a face protective head gear for
protecting a wearers face. The head gear comprises a face
protecting portion manufactured from a rigid ballistic material and
comprising a pair of cheek protecting portions interconnected by a
nose and mouth connecting portion, wherein when worn by the wearer,
a lower edge of the face protecting portion adjacent at least one
of the cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of
the wearer, and a neck protecting skirt manufactured from a soft
flexible ballistic armour and attached along the lower edge of the
face protecting portion.
[0010] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a raised right front perspective view of an
integrated system for combat helmet in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded right front perspective view
of the integrated system of FIG. 1 detailing the quick release
mechanism in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of a mask
portion of the integrated system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a right front perspective view of the integrated
system of FIG. 1 with the neck and chin protecting portion
removed;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a right front raised exploded perspective view of
the securing mechanism of the integrated system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an integrated system for
combat helmet in accordance with an alternative illustrative
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an integrated system for
combat helmet in accordance with a second alternative illustrative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of an
integrated system for combat helmet, generally referred to using
the reference numeral 10, will now be described. The system 10
protects the head of a wearer (e.g. a soldier, not shown) and
comprises a ballistic face mask 12 mounted to the helmet (not
shown) using a multifunction support assembly 14. The mask 12 (e.g.
a full level contoured IIIA mask) illustratively has a shape
designed to conform to the contour of the wearer's face and is
preferably compression moulded from a light weight and highly
impact resistant material, such as Kevlar.TM.. The manufacture of
the mask 12 thus ensures that it remains lightweight,
illustratively with a weight less than one pound (e.g. about 0.5
pounds).
[0019] Still referring to FIG. 1, the mask 12 comprises a visor or
lens 16 (e.g. clear, smoke, amber, or laser) illustratively
manufactured from a 4 mm to 6 mm, preferably 5 mm, thick ballistic
polycarbonate for protecting the wearer's eyes from debris and
projectiles as well as a chin and nose protecting portion 18
depending from the lower edge of the lens 16. The mask 12 is
secured to the multifunction support assembly 14 via a pair of
quick release assemblies as in 20. As will be discussed in more
detail below, the quick releases as in 20 provide that the mask can
be quickly and completely removed from the multifunction support
assembly 14.
[0020] The multifunction support assembly 14 further comprises an
elongate mounting portion 22 for positioning on the brow of the
helmet and a securing portion comprising a pair of tongues 24, 26
one of each of which is pivotally mounted to a respective end 28,
30 of the mounting portion 22 via a hinge mechanism as in 32. As
will be discussed in more detail below, the respective ends of the
pair of tongues 24, 26 are secured within an adjustable ratchet
mechanism 34 provides a means for tightening the multifunction
support assembly 14 onto the helmet.
[0021] A pair of rails 36, 38, such as standardised #1913 Picatinny
type rails, are secured to the temple regions of the elongate
mounting portion 22 for example through use of a threaded Allen
bolt 40 or the like, which engages a corresponding threaded bore 42
machined or otherwise formed in the elongate mounting portion 22.
Each of the rails 36, 38 is stabilised and prevented from rotating
by a series of raised bosses as in 44 moulded or otherwise formed
in the elongate mounting portion 22 which engages with the rearward
side of the rails 36, 38. The rails 36,38 are used, for example,
for mounting of power supplies, flashlights or other devices (all
not shown), to the elongate mounting portion 22. The rails 36,38
allow for a plurality of devices (e.g. flashlights, beacons, IR
locators, GPS) and other electronic equipment (e.g. range finders,
microphones, head phones, integrated head up displays, laser lens
systems, sensors for monitoring body temperature, perspiration, and
pulse rate) to be directly mounted to the helmet via the integrated
system 10. Networking systems (e.g. peer-to-peer networks, not
shown) for providing information related to the wearers' groups and
individual positions may also be provided.
[0022] Still referring to FIG. 1, a supporting surface 46 is
provided at the front of the elongate mounting portion 22 for
receiving an equipment receiving adaptor 48 illustratively for
receiving lights or the like (not shown). The adaptor 48 is
illustratively secured to the supporting surface 46 via an Allen
bolt 50 or the like. In a particular embodiment the rails 36, 38
and equipment receiving adaptor 48 can be interconnected by a
series of conductive wires (not shown), for example imbedded or
partially embedded in the elongate mounting portion 22, such that a
power supply (also not shown) mounted on one or other of the rails
36, 38 can be used to power a device (also not shown) mounted on
the equipment receiving adaptor 48 without the necessity of
providing an external interconnection between supply and
device.
[0023] A pair of elongate eyelets as in 52 are illustratively also
provided in order to allow the elongate mounting portion 22 to fit
over existing visor mounts (not shown).
[0024] The inner surface 54 of the ratchet mechanism 34 is
countered to fit the rear curved surface of the helmet and provides
a convenient location for the storage of an Allen key 56 as well as
spare Allen bolts as in 58. Additionally a raised lip 60, which is
designed to engage a lower edge of a helmet, is provided to ensure
that the system 10 is not dislodged from the helmet by an
inadvertent upward force on the ratchet mechanism 34 (for example
by the wearer falling backwards or the like).
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, as discussed above the mask 12 is
secured to the multifunction support assembly 14 via a pair of
quick releases 20. Each quick release 20 is comprised of an
elongate spindle 62 terminated at a first end by a knob 64 and at
the other end by a splined groove 66. The groove 66 is adapted to
received and engage a securing rod 68 held within a bore 70 moulded
or otherwise formed in the elongate mounting portion 22. A spring
72 is also provided. In operation, the mask 12 is installed on the
multifunction support assembly 14 and each quick release 20
inserted into a respective quick release receiving bore as in 74
moulded or otherwise formed in the mask 12. Coincident with the
insertion of the quick release 20 in the bore 74, the spring 72 is
compressed between the knob 64 and a flange portion 76 around the
quick release receiving bore 74. Once the securing rod 68 is
positioned within the splined groove 66, the spindle 62 is turned
clockwise a quarter turn and the quick release 20 engaged. The
biasing force generated by the compressed spring 72 serves to
retain the quick release 20 in the engaged position as well as
preventing the assembly from rattling or the like. In order to
release the mask 12 from the multifunction support assembly 14, an
inward pressure is exerted on the knob 64, the spindle 62 turned
counter clockwise a quarter turn and the quick release 20
disengaged. As a result, it becomes possible to rapidly remove
(e.g. in seconds) the mask 12 to expose the wearer's face. Such a
feature proves particularly advantageous in critical situations
where rapid access to the wearer's face is crucial, for example
when the wearer requires medical assistance or when the lens 16 of
the mask 12 has become smeared with an opaque substance such as
oil, or the like.
[0026] Still referring to FIG. 2, in order to simplify installation
of the mask 12 on the multifunction support assembly 14, a pair of
raised bosses as in 78 are provided on the elongate mounting
portion 22 which are received into a pair of corresponding boss
receiving slots 80, illustratively moulded or machined in an upper
edge of the lens 16. A cutaway 82 is also provided towards the
centre of an upper edge of the lens 16 for providing clearance
around the supporting surface 46 when the mask 12 is installed.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, as discussed above the mask 12 is
comprised of a lens 16 and chin and nose protecting portion 18.
Illustratively, the lens 16 is secured to the chin and nose
protecting portion 18 by a series of Allen bolts as in 84 which are
inserted via a series of corresponding bores as in 86 moulded or
otherwise formed in the chin and nose protecting portion 18 into a
series of corresponding threaded bores as in 88 machined or
otherwise formed in the lens 16. In this regard, in order to ensure
that the Allen bolts as in 88 can be securely tightened, each of
the threaded bores as in 88 typically comprises a threaded metal
insert which is press fit into a suitable insert receiving bore
(both not shown).
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 3, in a particular embodiment,
however, the mask 12 could be moulded from a single piece of
material, for example transparent polycarbonate or the like, or the
lens 16 and chin and nose protecting portion 18 joined together
using a suitable adhesive or welding process. Provision of the
series of Allen bolts as in 84 allows the lens 16 and chin and nose
protecting portion 18 to be separated allowing, for example, only
the lens 16 to be secured to the multifunction support assembly 14
(see FIG. 4), which is more reflective of the riot or fragmentation
style visors.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 3, the lens 16 further comprises a
series of integrated air vents as in 90 along an upper edge thereof
to improve airflow across the inner surface of the lens 16.
Additionally, the chin and nose protecting portion 18, which
comprises a pair of elongate jaw portions 92, 94 interconnected by
a nose portion 96, can include a series of air vents/passageways as
in 98 as well as filters 100 in the nose portion 96 also to improve
airflow within the mask 12. In a particular embodiment the air
vents/passageways as in 98 can be sized and/or positioned to
prevent the direct infiltration of a projectile (not shown) into
the mask 12.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 2, the elongate jaw portions 92, 94
are lowered and each comprise a chamfered upper edge as in 102,
thereby increasing the amount of the lens 16 which is exposed and
improving the field of vision of the wearer. This in turn improves
the suitability of the integrated system 10 for use with optics
such as telescopic sights or the like (not shown), which as a
result can be positioned closer to the wearer's face and eyes,
thereby allowing the wearer to operate a rifle or other shoulder
weapon (not shown) in a traditional shooting position (e.g. with
the wearer's head resting in such manner that the wearer's eye
looking through the rifle scope is positioned behind the sights of
the rifle and the wearer's cheek is positioned proximate to the
rifle stock) without obstruction.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, as discussed above illustratively
an adjustable ratchet mechanism 34 provides a means for securing
the multifunction support assembly 14 onto the helmet. Referring
now to FIG. 5, the ratchet mechanism 34 is comprised of a pair of
opposed inner interlocking plate 104 and outer interlocking plate
106 which are moulded or otherwise suitably formed to define a slot
108 for receiving the ends of the pair of tongues 24, 26 there
between when interlocked. In order to interlock the inner plate 104
with the outer plate 106, a series of complementary slots as in 110
and flexible tabs 112 are provided. The ratchet mechanism 34
further comprises an adjusting knob 114 comprising a serrated inner
surface 116 concentric with a collar 118 comprising a pair of
flexible pawls as in 120 as well as a pair of clips as in 122 which
mate with corresponding bosses (not shown) depending from an outer
surface 124 of the outer plate 106. The adjusting knob 114 further
comprises a fluted shaft 126 comprising a plurality of cog teeth
which is adapted for insertion into a shaft receiving aperture 128
moulded or otherwise formed in the outer plate 106. The ends of
each of the pair of tongues 24, 26 includes a pair of serrated
slots as in 130 formed therein and in alignment with respectively
an inner upper or lower edge of each slot comprising a series of
teeth 132.
[0032] Still referring to FIG. 5, on assembly of the ratchet
mechanism as in 34 the ends of the pair of tongues 24, 26 are
positioned between the inner plate 104 and the outer plate 106, the
slots 110 and tabs 112 aligned and the inner plate 104 and the
outer plate 106 snapped together. The collar 118 is placed about
the fluted shaft 126 of the adjusting knob and the fluted shaft 126
inserted into the shaft receiving aperture 128 while ensuring that
the pair of clips as in 122 engage their respective bosses. The
dial 114 is secured to the inner plate 104 through provision of an
Allen bolt 134 or the like (which acts as a shaft around which the
dial 114 can rotate) which is securely threaded into a
complementary threaded insert 136 imbedded in the inner plate 104,
and such that the fluted shaft 126 engages the teeth 132. In
operation, rotation of the knob 114 forces the ends of the tongues
24, 26 to move relative to one another through engagement of the
cog teeth of the fluted shaft 126 of the knob 114 with the teeth
132. Illustratively, clockwise rotation of the knob 114 imparts a
tightening force thus securing the multifunction support assembly
14 about the helmet to which it is mounted. The flexible pawls 120
interact with the serrated inner surface 116 of the knob 114 to
retain the knob 114, and therefore the ends of the tongues 24, 26,
in a particular tightened relationship. The tightening force can be
reversed by simply rotating the dial in the opposite direction. In
a particular embodiment, once the ratchet mechanism 34 has been
used to secure the multifunction support assembly 14 about the
helmet, the Allen bolt 134 can be over tightened such that the knob
114 can no longer be rotated, thus ensuring that the ratchet
mechanism 34 is accidentally loosened.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 5, the outer surface 138 of the
outer plate 106 also provides a convenient location for securing a
power supply such as a battery pack (not shown) or an
identification/signalling device 140, for example using a
Velcro.TM. pad or the like (not shown).
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, the mask 12 provides for enhanced
blast/frag protection as the mask 12 is illustratively manufactured
from high impact nylon and hybrid polymers, which ensures good
performance in both hot and cold environments, or alternatively for
example Kevlar or other ballistic composite materials.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, in an alternative illustrative
embodiment of the present invention the mask 12 can be fabricated
such that it can be mounted to the multifunction support assembly
14 without the necessity of the provision of a lens. In this regard
the mask 12 defines a cut-away portion 142, allowing the wearer,
for example to wear conventional sunglasses or the like (not shown)
under the mask 12. Still, in a particular embodiment a lens (not
shown) could be adapted to be inserted and held within the a
cut-away portion 142, for example through provision of a pair of
slots (not shown) into which the ends of the lens would snap.
[0036] Still referring to FIG. 6, through provision of a flange 144
along a lower edge of the mask 12 and an appropriate securing
mechanism such as button fasteners as in 146 a soft flexible
ballistic armour 148 may be snapped onto the lower edge mask 12 to
provide additional protection to the wearer's throat and neck. In
this manner the system 10 can provide the protection of a full
ballistic IIIA contoured mask.
[0037] Referring back to FIG. 1, and as discussed herein above, the
system 10 can illustratively be retrofitted to current issue
Kevlar.TM. helmets and can provide added functionality, thus
advantageously providing soldiers with various options for
different types of missions. Indeed, in addition to being
lightweight and providing the quick release mechanism as a key
safety feature for enabling quick removal of the mask 12, an
additional benefit of the mask 14 is safe integration thereof as a
single system 10 with standard military helmets of all kinds. As a
result, maximum protection and safety is provided to the face,
eyes, and head of the wearer during training and combat operations,
leading to a significant reduction casualties and fatalities,
especially those resulting from eye and face injuries related to
IED attacks.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 7, in a second alternative
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the system 10 can
be mounted to the helmet 150 via a plurality of screws as in 152 or
the like, as opposed to the ratchet mechanism (reference 34 in FIG.
1). In this regard, the screws as in 152 are illustratively secured
to the helmet 150 through attachment onto threaded posts (not
shown), for example as provided for attachment of a visor or the
like, which protrude through provided elongate eyelets as in
52.
[0039] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be
modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the
subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *