U.S. patent application number 12/875110 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for ballistic and impact protective system for military helmet assembly.
Invention is credited to Martin Belanger, Richard Coomber, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Stephane Lebel, Stephan Morency.
Application Number | 20110113535 12/875110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44010174 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110113535 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lebel; Stephane ; et
al. |
May 19, 2011 |
Ballistic and Impact Protective System for Military Helmet
Assembly
Abstract
A helmet attachment system is usable to attach a mandible or
face or mouth guard. The helmet attachment system can attach other
articles such as goggle straps and night vision devices. The helmet
assembly includes a front rail that is substantially contiguous
with side rails mounted to the helmet which extend rearward to be
substantially contiguous with a back rail mounted on the helmet.
The side rails are configured to provide attachment locations for
further components, such as lights, electronics, communication
equipment, etc.
Inventors: |
Lebel; Stephane;
(Saint-Redempteur, CA) ; Gendron; Marie-Pierre;
(Mercier, CA) ; Belanger; Martin; (Quebec City,
CA) ; Coomber; Richard; (Montreal, CA) ;
Morency; Stephan; (Montreal, CA) |
Family ID: |
44010174 |
Appl. No.: |
12/875110 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61239733 |
Sep 3, 2009 |
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61246701 |
Sep 29, 2009 |
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61265707 |
Dec 1, 2009 |
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61334923 |
May 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/422 ;
2/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/221 20130101;
F41H 1/04 20130101; F41H 11/04 20130101; G02C 2202/04 20130101;
G02C 7/022 20130101; G02C 3/02 20130101; A42B 3/04 20130101; A42B
3/326 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/422 ;
2/424 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04; A42B 3/22 20060101 A42B003/22 |
Claims
1. An accessory attachment assembly for a helmet, comprising: a
front support for connecting an accessory to a front portion of a
helmet; a pair of side rails configured to connect to opposite
sides of a helmet, each side rail comprising an elastic cord for
stabilizing said accessory.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the side rails are connectable
with the front support.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each side rail comprises a cord
channel, the elastic cord is anchored within the channel.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the cord has a retracted
position where the cord is substantially within the channel and an
extended position were the cord extends from the channel.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the channel has an opening
adjacent a front portion of the helmet.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said accessory is a night
vision assembly
7. There assembly of claim 1, wherein the accessory is a visor.
8. The assembly of claim 1, comprising: at least one back rail
configured to be mounted to the back of a helmet; each side rail
having a first end and a second end; the first end of each side
rail is connected to the front rail; the second end of each side
rail is connected the back rail.
9. An accessory attachment assembly for a helmet, comprising: a
rear rail for connecting an accessory to a rear portion of the
helmet; the rear rail having a pair of spaced apart connector
engagements configured to receive strap connectors of a vision
protection accessory.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the rail has a horizontal
center and the connector engagements have each a pie-shaped minor
recess is included along the periphery of an opening opposite the
horizontal center of the rail.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the arc of the pie-shaped
recess is orientated so the center of the arc is closer to the
horizontal center of the rail than the arc.
12. The assembly of claim 10, comprising: strap connectors, the
strap connectors having hook that is engagable with the pie-shaped
minor recesses.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the strap connectors have a
base portion, the hook is connected to the base portion, the hook
has a hook end that is spaced apart from the base portion.
14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein each side rail comprises a
cord channel, and an elastic cord anchored within the channel.
15. The assembly of claim 9, comprising strap connectors which are
configured to engage the connector engagements.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the strap connectors are clip
connectors, the clip connectors have a strap connecting slot, a
base portion and a resilient latch portion.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the latch portion comprises
at least one raised area and a recessed area for securing within
the connector engagement.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the latch portion comprises a
recessed area between two raised areas.
19. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the connector engagements
comprise a gap, a main guide portion on one side of the gap and a
first raised portion between two lateral guiding segments on the
opposite side of the gap.
20. The assembly of claim 19, comprising strap connectors
configured to engage the connector engagements; the connector
engagements comprise a second raised portion adjacent to the first
raised portion; the strap connectors have a strap connecting slot,
a base portion and a resilient latch portion; the latch portion
comprises at least a latch raised area and a recessed area, the
latch is depressable by the first raised portion of the connector
engagement when the latch is slid into the connector engagement,
the recessed area of the latch mates with the first raised area of
the connector engagement and the latch raised area mates with the
second raised portion of the connector engagement.
21. The assembly of claim 9, comprising: two side rails configured
to be mounted to opposite sides of a helmet, each side rail having
a first end and a second end; a front rail that for connecting to a
front portion of the helmet; the first end of each side rail is
connected to the front rail; the second end of each side rail is
connected the rear rail. the first end of each side rail is
connected to the front rail; the second end of each side rail is
connected the back rail.
22. The assembly of claim 9, comprising: a protective head cap
configured to be secured over a users helmet, the cap has side rail
engagement members that are configured to receive the side rails
and be secured thereto.
23. An accessory attachment assembly for a helmet, comprising: a
center back rail configured to mount on the rear of a helmet, the
center rail has a first end portion and a opposite second end
portion; the first and second end portions each have a predefined
engagement range; a first outer rail and a second outer rail; the
first outer rail is configured to engage over the back rail along
at least a portion of the first end and the second outer rail is
configured to engage over the back rail along at least a portion of
the second end; the outer rails are positionable along the
engagement range of the respective first and second end
portions.
24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the outer rails are
substantially infinitely positionable along the first and second
end of the center back rail respectively within the engagement
range of the first and second end portions respectively.
25. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first outer rail and the
second outer rail each comprise anchor apertures, the first and
second end portions of the center back rail each comprise anchor
openings, the anchor apertures at least partially align with the
respective anchor opening when the outer rails are positioned
within the engagement range of the first and second end portions
respectively.
26. The assembly of claim 25, comprising two fasteners configured
to extend through the anchor aperture and the anchor opening on
each lateral side of the back rail to secure the first outer rail,
the second outer rail, and the center back rail to a helmet.
27. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first and second outer
rails each comprise a side rail engagement for connecting the outer
rail to a side rail.
28. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first and second end
portions comprise at least one engagement tab; the outer rails each
comprise at least one corresponding receiving channel, the
receiving channel is configured to mate with the engagement
tab.
29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the receiving channel is
moveable relative to the engagement tab for adjusting the lateral
location of the outer rail relative to the center back rail when
the outer rail is not fully secured to the helmet.
30. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the engagement tab comprises
forwardly extending tabs and the receiving channel has
corresponding forwardly extending recesses.
31. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first and second end
portions each comprise a toothed section; the first and second
outer rails each comprise a toothed section; the toothed section of
the end rail is configured to engage the toothed section of the
respective end portion.
32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein the teeth of each toothed
section extend vertically and the outer rails are laterally
positionable with respect to the center back rail.
33. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the first and second end
portions comprise two engagement tabs; the outer rails each
comprise two corresponding receiving channel, the receiving channel
is configured to mate with the engagement tab; the first outer rail
and the second outer rail each comprise anchor apertures, the
engagement tabs of each end portion form anchor openings, the
anchor apertures at least partially align with the respective
anchor opening when the outer rails are positioned within the
engagement range of the first and second end portions
respectively.
34. The assembly of claim 23, comprising: two side rails configured
to be mounted to opposite sides of a helmet, each side rail having
a first end and a second end; a front rail that for connecting to a
front portion of the helmet; the first end of each side rail is
connected to the front rail; the second end of each side rail is
connected the rear rail; the first end of each side rail is
connected to the front rail; the second end of each side rail is
connected the back rail.
35. An accessory attachment assembly for a helmet, comprising: a
center back rail configured to mount on the rear of a helmet, the
center back rail has a first end portion and a opposite second end
portion, the first and second end portions each have a predefined
lateral engagement range; at least one outer rail configured to
engage over the back rail along at least a portion of the first end
or second end; the outer rail being positionable along the
engagement range of the first or second end portions to adjustably
position the outer rail relative to the back rail.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. Nos. 61/239,427 filed Sep. 2, 2009; 61/239,733
filed Sep. 3, 2009; 61/246,701 filed Sep. 29, 2009; 61/265,707
filed Dec. 1, 2009; and 61/334,923 filed May 14, 2010.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to helmet assemblies having
multiple components such as face shields, mandibles or mouth guards
and accessories for use on helmets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Military and law-enforcement helmets with face shields are
known such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,901,369 and 4,536,892.
These face shields provide pivot arrangements on opposite lateral
sides of the face shield to allow the face shield to be pivoted
upward away from the user's face when the face shield is not
deployed. The face shield is held in a deployed position in front
of the user's face by locking of the pivot arrangements.
[0004] The present inventors have recognized that it would be
desirable to provide a helmet assembly with an improved attachment
system for attaching a face shield, a mandible, goggles and other
accessories.
[0005] The present inventors have also recognized that it would be
desirable to provide an attachment system that was quickly and
easily installed onto, or removed from, a helmet.
[0006] The present inventors recognize a need for a visor system
having a lens that provides ballistic and impact protection while
reducing refractive power, astigmatism and prism in the horizontal
direction as well as in the vertical direction which is important
for military personal activities such as inspecting the roof of
buildings, crouching and looking upward to use a weapon, inspecting
grounds, and running.
[0007] The present inventors recognize a need for a lens that
provides not only impact protection but also ballistic protection
for military applications.
[0008] The present inventors recognize the need for a lens without
a molded bead frame structure which can induce stress on the lens
during molding.
[0009] The present inventors recognize the need for a lens design
that improves optics of the area extending 40 degrees from the
straight ahead line of sight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a
helmet assembly that includes a face shield and a single, center
top mounting arrangement that operatively connects a center top
location of the face shield to a center front mount on the helmet.
The face shield can be raised and lowered about a pivot axis
provided in the mounting arrangement between a tilted up, non-use
position and a lowered, deployed position. The mounting arrangement
can include a detent and two recesses, wherein the detent engages a
first recess at a slightly forwardly displaced position to allow
ventilation between the helmet and mandible and the face shield and
a second recess at the tilted up, non-use position. The recess and
detent engagement can be overcome by an easy manual force acting on
the face shield to reposition the face shield.
[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention also
provides a helmet attachment system that is usable to attach a
mandible or mouth guard. The exemplary embodiment provides a helmet
attachment system that attaches other devices such as goggle
straps, night vision devices, and other devices. The exemplary
embodiment of the present invention provides an attachment system
that is quickly and easily installed onto or removed from a
helmet.
[0012] The helmet assembly can include a front mount or front rail
that is substantially contiguous with side rails mounted to the
helmet which extend rearward from side edges of the front mount.
The rear edges of the side rails can be substantially contiguous
with a back rail mounted on the helmet. The side rails are
configured to provide attachment locations for further components,
such as lights, electronics, communication equipment, etc. The back
rail can be configured to secure ends of goggle straps; if for
example, under certain circumstances the wearer prefers wearing
goggles instead of mounting the face shield.
[0013] The combination of a front mount, side rails and back rail
form a substantially circumferential reinforcement of the helmet
and provides front side and rear mounting platforms for
accessories, electronics and other tools and devices according to
the needs of the wearer.
[0014] The helmet assembly of the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention also comprises a pair of attachment bases, each
arranged on a side of the helmet near to an ear covering of the
helmet. The attachment bases each include a metal base plate
covered by an attached body block. Each attachment base provides
provisions for attaching one or more devices to the attachment
base, such as for attaching opposite ends of a mandible to the
bases. The metal base plate includes hooks for engaging an edge of
the helmet. A pair of strap assemblies is provided, each strap
assembly connected to one attachment base. The strap assemblies
extend rearward and are connected to the back rail by a buckle
member on the end of each strap. The back rail includes a pair of
buckle member-receiving slots. The straps assemblies and the hooks
provided on the attachment bases secure the attachment bases to the
helmet. The mandible is screwed onto the attachment bases. The
mandible is easily installed by insertion of a headed pin or rivet
extending from each attachment base inward, through channels formed
on the front mount or front rail and sliding the attachment bases
with mandible mounted thereto through the channel until the hooks
engage the rim of the helmet. The straps are then drawn rearward
and buckled. The mandible can be removed by unbuckling the straps
from the back rails and sliding the headed pins back out of the
channels formed in the front mount or front rail.
[0015] The face shield mounting arrangement provides an effective,
cost efficient mechanism for holding the face shield in either the
downward deployed position or the upwardly tilted, non-use
position. A wearer can raise and lower the face shield with only
one hand. This attribute allows a soldier to raise or lower his
face shield without putting down his rifle.
[0016] Advantageously, a front mount attached to the helmet can
accommodate either the face shield mounting arrangement or a night
vision appliance. Thus the mounting apparatus for a helmet is
simplified and the number of parts and mounting complexities are
reduced.
[0017] In one embodiment the face shield is a visor system that has
a lens with optics that are designed to provide not only impact
protection but also high energy ballistic protection while
providing clarity by reduced refractive power, astigmatism, and
prism in the horizontal direction as well as in the vertical
direction. According to one embodiment the lens has a thickness
defined between the inner and outer surfaces. The thickness is
greatest at the centerpoint and tapers at a substantially constant
rate toward the edges. The radius of curvature of the outer surface
of the lens is longer and offset forwardly of the radius of
curvature of the inner surface of the lens causing the lens
surfaces to be eccentric.
[0018] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will be become readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof,
and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a helmet assembly outfitted
with the attachment system of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the helmet assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 2A is a side view showing the helmet assembly with a
face shield in a slightly tilted up position;
[0022] FIG. 2B is a side view showing the helmet assembly with the
face shield in a fully tilted up non-use position;
[0023] FIG. 2C is a perspective view showing the helmet assembly in
a fully tilted up, non-use position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the helmet assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 4A is a rear view identical to FIG. 4 but with portions
removed for explanation of underlying features;
[0027] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the helmet assembly in an
alternate configuration wherein the face shield is replaced by
goggles;
[0028] FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of the helmet assembly in
an alternate configuration wherein a top rail is added;
[0029] FIG. 4D is a right side perspective view of the helmet
assembly of FIG. 4C;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the helmet assembly shown in FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of the helmet
assembly shown in FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of
underlying features;
[0032] FIG. 6A is a left side vide of the helmet assembly shown in
FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of underlying
features;
[0033] FIG. 6B is a left side vide of the helmet assembly shown in
FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of underlying features
and with the shock cord channel cover shown transparent;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of portions of the
helmet assembly shown in FIG. 1 with portions removed for
explanation of underlying features;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a front view of the helmet assembly portions shown
in FIG. 7;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a face shield portion
of the portion of the helmet assembly shown in FIG. 8;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary front perspective view
of the helmet assembly portion shown in FIG. 1 with portions
removed for explanation of underlying features;
[0038] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a cap;
[0039] FIG. 10B is is an enlarged, fragmentary front perspective
view of the helmet assembly portion with a second embodiment helmet
mount;
[0040] FIG. 10C is is an enlarged, fragmentary front perspective
view of the helmet assembly portion with a second embodiment helmet
mount;
[0041] FIG. 10C is is an enlarged, fragmentary front perspective
view of the helmet assembly portion with a second embodiment helmet
mount;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the face shield
portion shown in FIG. 10 with portions of the face shield
added;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken generally along line 12-12
of FIG. 11;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the helmet assembly
shown in FIG. 11 with portions removed for explanation of
underlying features;
[0045] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a portion of a mounting
arrangement baseplate;
[0046] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the mounting arrangement
with portions removed for explanation of underlying features;
[0047] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the mounting arrangement
with portions removed for explanation of underlying features;
[0048] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a face shield assembly
shown in FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of underlying
features;
[0049] FIG. 15 is a front view of the face shield assembly shown in
FIG. 14;
[0050] FIG. 16 is a left, rear perspective view of the helmet
assembly shown in FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of
underlying features;
[0051] FIG. 17 is a left side view of the helmet assembly shown in
FIG. 16 with portions removed for explanation of underlying
features;
[0052] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the helmet assembly
of FIG. 1 with portions removed for explanation of underlying
features;
[0053] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the helmet assembly
of FIG. 18 with further portions removed for explanation of
underlying features;
[0054] FIG. 19A is a perspective outside view of a side rail;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view taken from of FIG. 1
with portions removed for explanation of underlying features
showing a mandible;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view taken from of FIG. 20
with portions removed for explanation of underlying features
showing an underlying tubular framework of the mandible;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a front perspective view taken from FIG. 1 with
portions removed for explanation of underlying features showing a
back rail;
[0058] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a goggle strap clip shown
in FIG. 22;
[0059] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of multiple helmet assemblies
with varying mandible or lower jaw protection configurations;
[0060] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the face shield and
mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 1, shown in a lowered, use
position, but slightly open for ventilation, such as shown in FIG.
2A;
[0061] FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken generally along line 26-26
shown in FIG. 25;
[0062] FIG. 26A is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a
pivot pin;
[0063] FIG. 26B is a sectional view of the first embodiment of a
pivot pin with a ball;
[0064] FIG. 26C is a sectional view of a second embodiment of a
pivot pin;
[0065] FIG. 26D is a sectional view of the second embodiment of a
pivot pin with a ball;
[0066] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the face shield and
mounting arrangement shown in FIG. 1 but shown in a raised, non-use
position, such as shown in FIG. 2B;
[0067] FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken generally along line 28-28
shown in FIG. 27;
[0068] FIG. 29 is an enlarged, front perspective view of the lever
for raising the face shield, shown in FIG. 1;
[0069] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the lever shown in
FIG. 29;
[0070] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the lever shown in FIG. 30;
[0071] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an attachment base taken
from FIG. 1;
[0072] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the attachment base of FIG.
32 with portions removed for explanation of underlying
features;
[0073] FIG. 34 is an inside perspective view of the attachment base
shown in FIG. 33;
[0074] FIG. 35 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a
left side of the helmet assembly;
[0075] FIG. 36 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along line 36-36 of FIG. 6 with an added functional
attachment;
[0076] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an alternate mandible
attachment system;
[0077] FIG. 38 is a fragmentary side view of a helmet with mandible
using the alternate mandible attachment system of FIG. 37;
[0078] FIG. 39 is a fragmentary side view similar to FIG. 38 with
portions removed to show underlying features;
[0079] FIG. 40 is a side view of the helmet assembly having a
second alternate adjustable mandible attachment system;
[0080] FIG. 40A is a top view of the helmet assembly having a
second alternate adjustable mandible attachment system;
[0081] FIG. 40B is an inside perspective view of the attachment
base of the second alternate adjustable mandible attachment
system;
[0082] FIG. 41 is a sectional side view taken along 41-41 from FIG.
40A with the standoff mechanism in a lowered position;
[0083] FIG. 42 is a detailed view from FIG. 41;
[0084] FIG. 43 is a sectional side view from FIG. 40A generally
along line 41-41, with the standoff mechanism in a raised
position;
[0085] FIG. 44 is a detailed view from FIG. 43;
[0086] FIG. 45 is a rear view of the helmet assembly having an
alternate adjustable back rail system;
[0087] FIG. 46 is a rear view of the helmet assembly having the
alternate adjustable back rail system in a contracted position,
where the helmet is not shown;
[0088] FIG. 47 is a rear view of the helmet assembly having the
alternate adjustable back rail system in an expanded position,
where the helmet is not shown;
[0089] FIG. 48 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the center
back rail and an outer rear rail of the adjustable back rail
system;
[0090] FIG. 49 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the center
back rail of the adjustable back rail system;
[0091] FIG. 50 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 48 generally
along line 50-50;
[0092] FIG. 51 is a section view taken from FIG. 48 generally along
line 51-51;
[0093] FIG. 52 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the center
back rail and an outer rear rail of an alternative toothed back
rail embodiment of the adjustable back rail system;
[0094] FIG. 53 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the center
back rail of the alternative toothed back rail embodiment of the
adjustable back rail system;
[0095] FIG. 54 is a sectional view from taken from FIG. 52
generally along line 54-54;
[0096] FIG. 55 is a perspective front view of the center back rail
of the toothed back rail embodiment of the adjustable back rail
system;
[0097] FIG. 56 is a perspective rear view of the center back rail
of the toothed back rail embodiment of the adjustable back rail
system;
[0098] FIG. 57 is a second perspective front view of the center
back rail of the toothed back rail embodiment of the adjustable
back rail system;
[0099] FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a buckle member;
[0100] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lens of
a visor system;
[0101] FIG. 60 is a front view of the lens of FIG. 59;
[0102] FIG. 61 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the lens
taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 60 showing tapering thickness of the
lens;
[0103] FIG. 62 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the lens taken
along line 62-62 of FIG. 60;
[0104] FIG. 63 is side view of the lens of FIG. 59;
[0105] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a lens;
[0106] FIG. 65 is a front view of the lens of FIG. 64;
[0107] FIG. 66 is a top view of a lens positioned in front of a
user;
[0108] FIG. 67 is a side view of a lens positioned in front of a
user;
[0109] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a head cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0110] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be
described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
illustrated.
[0111] It should be noted that the helmet assembly described herein
is symmetrical across a vertical, front-to-back centerplane as
evidenced by the figures and any description of a right side
component will also describe the left side component as a mirror
image thereof.
[0112] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a helmet assembly 30 to be worn by a
wearer 31 (FIG. 3) according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The helmet assembly includes a helmet, such as a
military helmet 34. A mandible 36 is operatively connected to the
helmet 34. A protective face shield, such as a transparent visor or
transparent face shield 38 is also operatively connected to the
helmet, substantially between a front of the helmet 34 and the
mandible 36. A mounting arrangement 42 is operatively connected to
the helmet 34 and to the face shield 38 which allows movement of
the face shield 38 with respect to the helmet. The mounting
arrangement 42 includes a shield mount 43 and a helmet mount
44.
[0113] The helmet mount 44 extends across at least a partial width
of the helmet and is contiguous on the right and left sides of the
helmet to a left side rail 46 and a right side rail 48 (left and
right orientations mentioned herein are according to the helmet
wearer's perspective). The side rails are mirror image identical
across a vertical, front-to-back center plane of the assembly 30.
Rear portions of the rails 46, 48 are contiguous with a back rail
52. The mount 44, the side rails 46, 48 and the back rail 52
together substantially surround a perimeter of the helmet 34.
[0114] The helmet mount includes two side channels 44a, 44b used
for mounting the mandible 36 as described below.
[0115] The helmet assembly can also be used with goggles 54 rather
than the face shield 38, as shown in FIG. 4B. The goggles include
straps 55a, 55b that are connected to goggle clips to the back rail
52, as described below. The back rail is design so that the back
rail retains an unreleased goggle clip. In this way one the goggle
clip and accompanying strap may be retained in the back rail even
when the other goggle clip is released. This provides that a goggle
may be quickly deployed by reattaching the released goggle a
clip.
[0116] The mandible 36 is operatively mounted to the helmet 34 by
left and right attachment bases 62, 64. For simplicity, only the
left attachment base 62 will be describes as the right side
attachment base is mirror image identical across the vertical,
front-to-back center plane of the assembly.
[0117] The mandible 36 is fastened to the attachment base by two
screws 71, 72. The attachment base 62 engages the helmet as
described below and is drawn rearward by a strap system 76. Only
the left side strap system 76 will be described but it is to be
understood that a right side strap system 78 would be mirror image
identical across the vertical, front-to-back center plane of the
assembly. The front rail or mount 44, side rails and the back or
rear rail provide support as a system for the mandible.
[0118] The left side strap system includes a strap 82 that is
connected by a loop 85 to the base 62 at one end and to a buckle
member 87 at an opposite end. The buckle member 87 engages a buckle
receiving slot 90 formed in the back rail 52.
[0119] Face Shield and Mounting Arrangement
[0120] The details of the face shield 38 and the mounting
arrangement 42 are shown in FIGS. 7-15 and 25-31.
[0121] The face shield 38 comprises a lens 94 and a frame 95. The
lens 94 fits within a groove 97 (FIG. 9) in the frame 95 and is
fixed to the frame by three screws 96. For military use
particularly, the face shield lens 94 should be ballistic impact
resistant. It can be of a laminated construction and can feature a
variable light transmission system. Such a variable light
transmission system can incorporate an electronic control system to
vary the light transmission according to the ambient light
conditions.
[0122] The face shield frame 95 is mounted to the mounting
arrangement 42 via the shield mount 43. The shield mount 43
comprises parallel lugs 98a, 98b (FIG. 14). The lugs 98a, 98b
include holes 99a, 99b for receiving pins 99c (only one shown, FIG.
13). Each pins 99c passes through a hole 101 (FIG. 12) formed
through sides in a base portion 102 (FIG. 11) of a lever 100, and
are held in place by the head of the pin and a circlip or lock
washer 99d. The lever 100 includes a hole 103 (FIG. 11) through a
distal end thereof. A pivot pin 107 (FIG. 12) is fit though the
hole 103 and is fixed to sidewalls 110a, 110b (FIG. 13) which
extend outward from a baseplate 112. L-shaped side links 114a, 114b
are pinned at one end to the lugs 110a, 110b and at an opposite end
to the lugs 98a, 98b.
[0123] The lever 100 has a central recess 116 (FIGS. 11 and 12). An
opening 118 is provided within the central recess 116. A
hook-shaped latch 122 (FIGS. 11, 12 and 13) has a base end
pivotally attached to the sidewalls 110a, 110b by a through pin 124
(FIG. 12). The latch extends outwardly through the opening 118. The
latch is biased to rotate upward to a latched position by a torsion
spring 130 (FIG. 13). When the face shield is moved from the
upward, non-use position down to the deployed position as shown in
FIG. 1, the lever slides over the angular face 122a of the latch,
which causes rotation of the latch downward as the hook end passes
through the opening 118. Once the hook end of the latch is through
the opening 118, the latch rebounds by the urging of the torsion
spring to rotate upward and the hook end overlies a first recessed
surface 116a of the lever adjacent to the opening 118. The latch
122 holds the lever 100 and the face shield 38 in the deployed
position. The latch 122 can also be made to overlie a second
recessed surface 116b to hold the face shield in a slightly open
position with respect to the helmet and mandible. To move the face
shield 38 to the slightly open position or the tilted up, non-use
position, the hook end 122a of the latch must be depressed downward
by a finger to release the latch from the lever and the face shield
can be pivoted upward.
[0124] The pivot pin 107 is fixed to the sidewalls 110a, 110b by
use of a threaded screw 123a and a spring pin 123b on each end of
the pivot pin 107 for each sidewall 110a, 110b. The spring pin 123b
is a pin having a portion that is larger than a hole in the pivot
pin 107 such that is must be resiliently or deformable forced into
the hole to hold the pivot pin 107 fixedly to the side walls 110a,
110b. The use of a spring pin prevents unscrewing of the screw 123a
due to the repetitive raising and lowering of the face shield.
[0125] The pivot pin 107 includes two recesses 126a, 126b at two
spaced apart, circumferential positions. A detent mechanism 127 is
shown in FIGS. 26 and 28. The detent mechanism includes three
spring mechanisms 127a arranged in parallel. Each mechanism
includes a compression spring 127b that urges a ball 127c toward
the pivot pin 107. All the compression springs are braced by a
backing through pin 127d. The compression spring 127b and the ball
127c are captured within a cylindrical passage 100a formed in the
lever 100, by the backing pin 127d and the pivot pin 107. When
installed, the springs 127b are pre-compressed between the backing
pin 127d and the pivot pin 107 to the degree necessary to allow the
balls 127c to be urged into the appropriate recess 126a, 126b when
the recess presents itself to the balls 127c upon rotation of the
lever 100 with respect to the pivot pin 107. The balls 127c fit
into the recess 126a when the face shield is moved slightly away
from the helmet and mandible to allow for increased ventilation
(FIG. 2A), and fit into the recess 126b when the face shield is
pivoted into the raised, non-use position (FIGS. 2B and 2C). The
engagement between the detent mechanism 127 and either of the
recesses 126a, 126b provides a resilient hold that can be overcome
by force from the wearers hand to pivot the face shield.
[0126] FIGS. 26-26B show the first embodiment of the pivot pin 107.
FIGS. 26C-26D show the second embodiment of the pivot pin 108. The
recesses 126a, 126b of the first embodiment have a recess wall 126c
that has a constant radius of curvature along its arc length. The
first recess 126a is identical geometrically to the second recess
126b. As shown in FIG. 26B, the constant radius of curvature allow
the ball 127c to fully contact the recess along the entire recess
wall.
[0127] The second embodiment of the pivot pin 108 provides a recess
wall 108c, 108d, 108e that does not have a constant radius of
curvature along its length. In this configuration the ball 127c
does not make contact with the recess along the entire recess wall
as shown in FIG. 26D. The first recess 108a is identical
geometrically to the second recess 108b. Referring to recess 108b,
the recess has two flat walls 108c, 108e are connected by a curved
section 108d. At last a portion of the flat walls 108c, 108e
contact the ball 127c when it engages the recess 108b. This leaves
a gap 108h between the ball and at least a portion of the curved
portion 108d of the recess wall. The recess has full contact areas
108g, 108f and a non-contact area 108k therebetween. The
arrangement prevents full contact between the ball and the entire
length of the recess wall to reduce force needed to overcome the
spring pressure transferred to the ball. As less force is needed
with the second embodiment of the pivot pin 108 as compared to the
first embodiment of the pivot pin 107, it is easier for a user to
move the mounting arrangement 42 between the deployed position and
the standby position. In one embodiment, the contact area 108g
corresponds to the flat wall 108e, and the contact area 108f
corresponds to the flat wall 108c, and the non-contact area 108k
corresponds to the curved section 108d.
[0128] The face shield is operable with one hand to raise and lower
the face shield. One finger depresses the latch 122 as the rest of
the hand lifts the face shield to a raised position. The face
shield can be lowered with one hand and the latch is self
engaging.
[0129] FIG. 13B shows the baseplate 112 includes a main body
portion 132, a backing plate 133 (FIG. 13A), a spring 134, and a
latching tongue 136. The main body portion 132 includes an upper
edge 138 (FIGS. 9 and 12). The spring 134 biases the latching
tongue 136 in a direction away from the upper edge 138. A handle
140 is connected to the latching tongue through a side clearance
within the main body portion 132.
[0130] The backing plate 133 is a metal piece and includes side
walls 133a having holes 133b which allow resin of the main body
portion 132 to flow through the holes during overmolding to
integrate the backing plate 133 with the main body portion 132.
[0131] The mount 44 includes a top front formation or central
accessory mount 144 (FIG. 10) that includes an inverted U-shaped
retainer portion 148, surface depressions 150, 152, 154, 156, 158,
a top slot 160 and a bottom slot 162. The surface depressions
150-158 are sized and shaped to receive protrusions 163, 164, 165,
166 (FIG. 9) on a back of the baseplate 112.
[0132] The front mount is also compatible to mount a night vision
appliance or night vision goggle.
[0133] The front mount or front rail is mounted on the helmet using
screws 360, 362 and a center screw 363 (FIG. 10).
[0134] To mount the baseplate 112 to and into the formation 144,
the top edge 138 is fit into the top slot 160, the baseplate is fit
snugly within the retainer portion 148 and the tongue 136 is
retracted upwardly by force on the handle 140 until the tongue can
be fit into the bottom slot 162.
[0135] The mount side channels 44a, 44b each include a wide mouth
44c and a narrow region 44d (FIG. 6). The side channels are used to
mount mandible attachment bases as described below.
[0136] The face shield frame 95 can also incorporate a removable
gasket to seal against the helmet brim to prevent ingress of
fluids.
[0137] FIG. 14 shows the frame 95 includes frame supports 95a that
brace against the helmet gasket 240 when the face shield is
properly seated.
[0138] A second embodiment of the mount or rail 1161 is shown in
FIGS. 10B-10D. The mount 1161 includes a top front formation or
central accessory mount 1164 (FIG. 10B-10D) that includes an
inverted U-shaped retainer portion 1168, a surface depression 1166,
lateral tabs 1168a, 1168b, a top slot 1160 and a bottom slot 1162.
The U-shaped retainer portion 1168 has side walls 1168a, 1168b,
1168c. A recessed bottom edge 1168d is opposite the top side wall
1168b. The surface depression 1166 and lateral tabs 1168a, 1168b
are sized and shaped to receive protrusions on a back of the an
accessory (not shown).
[0139] The helmet assembly may include a central accessory mount
cap 45 as shown in FIG. 10A, 10C, and 10D. The cap forms a
concavity on a back side. The concavity is defined by side walls
45g, 45h, 45i, 45j, top walls 45c, 45d, 45e, 45f, an upper tab 45a,
and a lower tab. The upper tab is positioned along the top side
wall 45h and the bottom tab is positioned along the bottom side
wall 45i. Opposite the top walls is an open side. The open side
faces the top front formation or central accessory mount and is
received thereon. The upper tab 45a engages the top slot 1160 of
the central accessory mount. After the top tab is in location the
cap is rotated downward in the direction G shown in FIG. 10C so
that the bottom tab engages the bottom slot 1162 of the central
accessory mount. When the cap is secured over the central accessory
mount a storage area is provided between the cap and the central
accessory mount. The cap 45 may also be used on the central
accessory mount 144 of the first embodiment of the mount 44.
[0140] A second embodiment mount or rail 1161 is shown in FIG. 71.
The rail includes two upper rail segments 1190, 1191 that flank the
top front formation or central accessory mount 1164. The rail also
includes the bottom rail portion 1192 that extends under the upper
rail segments 1190, 1191 and under the top front formation or
central accessory mount 1164. Mounting apertures 1186, 1187 are
located at opposed end areas of the rail. The mounting apertures
allow that mount 1161 to be connected to the front area of a helmet
as shown in FIG. 10D. Also, mandible support slots 1188, 1189 are
provided at the opposite ends of the rail and adjacent to the
mounting apertures 1186 and 1187 respectively. Adjacent the
mounting apertures on a side opposite the mandible support slots,
are anchor receivers 1170, 1180. The right anchor receiver 1180 is
mirror image identical to the left anchor receiver across the
vertical front to back mid-plane of the helmet system as shown in
FIG. 71.
[0141] The anchor receiver has a top recess, 1171, a bottom recess
1173, a anchor bar 1172, a vertical passage 1174, and a horizontal
passage 1175. As shown in FIGS. 71 and 72, the anchor bar separates
the top and bottom recesses. The recesses have a back wall 1171b,
1173b, a first side wall 1171a, 1173a, a opposite second side wall
1171c, 1173c. The vertical passage 1174 extends behind the anchor
bar 1172 vertically through to connect the top and bottom recesses.
The horizontal recess extends from the back side of the anchor bar
1172 out the back of the rail portion 1190.
[0142] A night vision device when mounted to the central accessory
mount 1164 may be stabilized by connecting one or more shock or
elastic cords from the night vision device to the anchor receivers
1170, 1180. The anchor receivers may be used to anchor a visor or
any other accessory that is mounted to the central accessory mount
1164. The front anchor receivers are advantageous for, amoung other
things, stabilizing the mounted accessory when the front mount 1161
is used alone on a helmet, and side and or back rails are not
used.
[0143] Visor System
[0144] In one embodiment, the face shield 38 is a visor system 38.
In one embodiment, the visor system comprises the lens 94 and a
frame 95. In another embodiment, the visor system comprises the
lens 94, the frame 95, the mounting arrangement 42, and a helmet
mount 44.
[0145] Referring to FIGS. 59-63, in one embodiment the lens 94 has
a top edge 1136 that slopes downward from a top center point to
first right and left curve points 1134, 1133. At the first curve
points the top edge begins to slope more aggressively toward second
right and left curve points 1134a, 1133a, and more aggressively
toward right and left side edge points 1132, 1131. On the left
side, between the first curve point 1133 and second curve point
1133a is a top side beginning point 1133b. The left side of the
lens extends from the side beginning point 1133b to the outermost
point of the side edge 1131 to a bottom side beginning point 1141
(FIG. 63).
[0146] As is shown in FIG. 62, the plane of sight 1150 along the
vertical extent of the lens is displaced above the plane 1151
intersecting the side edge points 1132, 1131. The plane of sight is
the straight-ahead-view plane of sight when the line of view is
normal to the internal surface of the lens. In one embodiment, the
plane of sight 1150 is located at the vertical mid-point on a lens
blank that has not been cut into a particular shape.
[0147] A portion of the bottom edge extends from the bottom side
beginning point 1141 along an outer bottom edge 1153 of the lens to
a nose cutout portion 1144. The bounds of the nose cutout portion
1144 are defined by opposite upward angled portions 1127a, 1129a
that are connected by a top horizontal nose cutout portion 1121a.
The upward angled portions 1127a, 1129a meet the outer bottom edge
portions 1153, 1154 at bottom nose cutout corners 1127, 1129,
respectively. The upward angled portions 1127a, 1129a meet the top
horizontal nose cutout border 1121 a at top nose cutout corners
1123, 1125, respectively. The nose cutout border 1121a has a
midpoint 1121 that is coincident with the vertical midplane 120 of
the lens 94.
[0148] The vertical midplane 120 intersects a mounting hole 1138
that is configured to receive screw 96. The mounting hole is at
least partially located in a mounting protruding portion or tab
1140 of the lens. The mounting tab 1140 extends above the left and
right top edges of the lens 1128, 1130. The mounting tab is
configured to be received in the frame 95 and to securely engage
the visor therewith.
[0149] The lens 94 has a thickness defined between the inner
surface 1204 and the outer surface 1202. In one embodiment, the
lens is a tapering thickness lens. FIG. 61 shows a cross sectional
view taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 60, at the plane of sight. The
outer surface 1202 is convex and the inner surface 1204 is concave.
The outer surface 1202 has an outer surface radius of curvature RE
originating at outer centerpoint of curvature CE. The inner surface
1204 has an inner surface radius of curvature RI originating at
inner centerpoint of curvature CI. The surfaces 1202 and 1204 have
different radii of curvatures where the centerpoints of those radii
are shifted relative to each other. In this embodiment, the inner
radius RI is shorter than the outer radius RE. The thickness of the
lens tapers from a centerpoint 1226 towards opposite left and right
endpoints 1225, 1227. The thickness of the lens is greatest at the
midpoint to 1226. In one embodiment, the thickness of the lens is
the smallest at the endpoints to 1225, 1227. The thickness of the
lens tapers at a constant rate from the midpoint 1226 towards
opposite endpoints 1225, 1227.
[0150] The arc of the outer surface and the arc of the inner
surface do not have a common centerpoint. In one embodiment, the
maximum arc 1214 between a centerline 1205 and a reference ray 1216
extending from the inner centerpoint CI to the outer edge 1225 is
80 degrees. Therefore in that embodiment, the arc of the lens
extends for 160 degrees about inner centerpoint CI. In one
embodiment, the thickness of the lens at the midpoint 1226 is
greater than the distance between the centers of curvature CI and
CE.
[0151] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the lens
tapers at a substantially constant rate from the thickest portion
of the lens to the edges. The lens thickness may vary smoothly from
the maximum thickness at the center to the minimum thickness at or
near the edges. The radius RI may not be constant at the opposite
left and right side ends of the lens, such as beyond 75 degrees
from the center line 1205. This variation area provides a minimum
thickness at the edge. Moreover, this variation from the constant
radius RI at the edges is allowable in some cases. It may be less
important that the radius of curvature be constant at these end
areas because this area is in the detection area of view of a user
and beyond the focusable field of view of the user. However, it is
important to maintain a minimum thickness at the edges 1131, 1132
to provide sufficient ballistic protection and impact
protection.
[0152] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 61, the tapering
thickness lens has the radii of the inner and outer surface offset
from one another. The centerpoint CE is offset forwardly from CI
along the frontal direction along Z axis as shown in FIG. 59.
Correspondingly RE is offset from RI in the frontal direction along
Z axis. In one embodiment, CI and CE are not offset vertically
along the Y axis and are not offset laterally in the horizontal
plane along the X axis.
[0153] FIG. 61 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the
tapering thickness lens that demonstrates a tapering lens thickness
in the horizontal direction. The lens tapers similarly in the
vertical direction. The lens has a vertical midpoint that comprises
a maximum thickness and the lens tapers toward both a top edge 1136
and a bottom edge 1127 from the vertical midpoint.
[0154] According to one embodiment, the tapering thickness lens has
an RI of about 104 mm, and an RE of about 106 mm, and the lens has
a thickness at the midpoint 1226 of about 5 mm. The lens has a
radius of curvature in the vertical direction along the inner
surface of about 127 mm and a radius of curvature in the vertical
direction along the outer surface of about 130 mm.
[0155] In another embodiment of the tapering thickness lens as
shown in FIG. 65, the radius RI is about 109 mm and the radius RE
is about 111 mm and the lens has a thickness at the midpoint 1226
of about 5 mm. The lens has a radius of curvature in the vertical
direction along the inner surface of about 127 mm and a radius of
curvature in the vertical direction along the outer surface of
about 130 mm.
[0156] In one aspect, the lens must have a minimum thickness of
about 3 mm at the center 1226 in order to provide adequate impact
protection and ballistic protection. In another aspect, it has been
found that a vertical radius between about 127 mm and about 130 mm
with an about 5 mm center thickness provides optics that reduce
aberrations when the eyes are looking upward and downward through
the lens. Moreover the lens achieves improved vertical field of
view necessary for life-threatening situations. Lenses having large
vertical curvatures need to be taller, bigger, and/or heavier to
make sure that the edges of the lens are not blocking the useful
field of view in military operations. The lens of the invention
avoids the problems of large vertical curvatures. Also, large
vertical curvatures restrict the ability to use the lens with
ballistic mandible or jaw protectors, such as mandible 36.
[0157] Tapering thickness lens with vertical curvatures in the
range of about 127 mm to about 130 mm have a desirable low-profiled
design. Such lens provides optics with low refractive power, low
astigmatism, and low prism power in both the horizontal and the
vertical direction. The type of lens is advantageous for soldier
activities, such as inspecting the roof of buildings, crouching and
looking upward to use a weapon, inspecting grounds and running. The
tapering thickness lens provides optics in the primary viewing area
where the optical aberrations need to be minimized for sharp
precise vision. The primary viewing area extends up to about 40
degrees sideways of eye rotation from the straight ahead viewing
position in the horizontal direction and 40 degrees upward and
downward vertically from the straight ahead viewing position, each
of which is considered a limit where eye rotation stops and head
rotation starts.
[0158] FIG. 66 demonstrates the horizontal extent of the primary
viewing area of the lens. A lens 94 is shown positioned in front of
a user's eyes 1401, 1402. The straight ahead line of sight 1403,
1404 from each eye is shown. Regarding the primary viewing area of
the lens corresponding to the right eye 1401, the primary viewing
area extends forty degrees to the right as shown by angle 1408 and
forty degrees to the left as shown by angle 1410. Likewise,
regarding the primary viewing area of the lens corresponding to the
left eye 1402, the primary viewing area extends forty degrees to
the right as shown by angle 1411 and forty degrees to the left as
shown by angle 1409. Therefore the lens has a primary viewing area
between the ray 1406 corresponding to forty degrees to the right of
straight ahead view of the right eye 1401 and ray 1407
corresponding to forty degrees to the left of straight ahead view
of the left eye 1402.
[0159] FIG. 67 demonstrates the vertical extent of the primary
viewing area. The lens 94 is shown positioned in front of a user's
eyes 1401, 1402. The straight ahead line of sight 1422 from for
each eye is shown. The primary viewing area of the lens extends
forty degrees upward as shown by the upward angle 1426. The primary
viewing area of the lens extends downward forty degrees as shown by
the downward angle 1425. Therefore the vertical extent of the
primary viewing area extends 80 degrees between the lower bound ray
1423 and the upper bound ray 1424. FIGS. 66 and 67 show the extent
of the primary viewing area when the lens is positioned a distance
from the user's eye of about 50 mm to about 60 mm, as for example
positioned by mounting the lens to the helmet assembly 30 and
placing the lens in the deployed position in front of the user's
eyes. In one embodiment, the lens is positioned a distance from the
user's eye of about 55 mm. One skilled in the art will recognize
that the forgoing demonstrates a primary viewing area having a
rectangle or square shape, but that the actual primary viewing area
defined by the limitations of a user's eye may be elliptical in
shape as a user tends to roll the eye downward or upward somewhat
from the maximum upward or downward position when the user turns
the eye sideways while also looking up or down. Therefore, the
actual primary viewing area of a user may be slightly smaller than
the primary viewing area of the lens.
[0160] In one embodiment, the tapering thickness lens has the
following arc lengths. The lens has a vertical arc length from
bottom nose cutout corner 1127 following a vertical plane to a
corresponding point 1124 on the top edge 1128 is about 98 mm along
the inner surface 1204 and is about 103 mm along the outer surface
1202. The lens has a minimum center vertical arc length in the nose
cutout portion from the top 1121 of the nose cutout portion 1144 to
the top 1142 of the lens, excluding the mounting tab 1140, of about
68 mm along the internal surface and about 73 mm along the external
surface. The lens has a maximum horizontal arc length from one side
edge 1132 to the other 1131 of about 317 mm along the inner surface
and about 331 mm along the outer surface. The nose cut out area has
a maximum width from the first bottom nose cutout corner 1127 to
the second bottom nose cutout corner 1129 of about 70 mm. The nose
cut out area has a minimum width at the top from 1123 to 1125 of
about 35 mm. The lens has a top edge 1136 horizontal arc length
from 1133b one side to the corresponding position on the other side
of about 224 mm along the inner surface and about 236 mm along the
outer surface. The lens has an arc length along the lower edge and
across the nose cutout area of about 266 mm along the inner surface
and about 278 mm along the outer surface. In one embodiment, the
lens will have a minimum height arc length of about 68 mm and a
maximum height or vertical arc length of about 103 mm. The lens
will have a minimum width or horizontal arc length of about 224 mm
and a maximum width arc length of about 331 mm.
[0161] FIGS. 64-65 show a tapering thickness lens 1301 of an
alternative embodiment. The lens 1301 conforms to the properties
provided of the lens described in FIG. 61. The lens 1301 has a
smaller nose cutout area 1344 than that of lens 94. The lens 1301
may be used with a different mandible than the mandible 36.
Alternatively, it may be use without a mandible.
[0162] In one embodiment, the tapering thickness lens of FIG. 64
has the following arc lengths. The arc length of the lens 1301 from
bottom nose cutout corner 1327 following a vertical plane to a
corresponding point 1324 on the top edge 1328 is about 78 mm along
the inner surface and is about 80 mm along the outer surface. The
lens has a minimum center vertical arc length in the nose cutout
portion from the top 1321 of the nose cutout portion 1344 to the
top 1342 of the lens, excluding the mounting tab 1340, of about 48
mm along the internal surface and about 51 along the external
surface. The lens has a maximum horizontal arc length from one side
edge 1332 to the other 1331 of about 315 mm along the inner surface
and about 337 mm along the outer surface. The nose cut out area has
a maximum width from the first bottom nose cutout corner 1327 to
the second bottom nose cutout corner 1329 of about 38 mm. The nose
cut out area has a minimum width at the top from 1323 to 1325 of
about 35 mm. The lens has a top edge 1336 horizontal arc length
from 1333b one side to the corresponding position on the other side
1333c of about 223 mm along the inner surface and about 241 mm
along the outer surface. The lens has an arc length along the lower
edge and across the nose cutout area of about 238 mm along the
inner surface and about 266 mm along the outer surface. In one
embodiment, the lens will have a minimum height arc length of about
48 mm and a maximum height or vertical arc length of about 80 mm.
The lens will have a minimum width or horizontal arc length of
about 223 mm and a maximum width arc length of about 337 mm.
[0163] While several arc length parameters are given, it will be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to lenses of those
arc lengths, but rather a tapering thickness lens having a
horizontal radius of curvature in the range of 100 mm to 120 mm, a
vertical radius of curvature in the range of 120 mm to 135 mm, and
a maximum lens thickness in the range of about 5 mm to about 8 mm
will accrue the advantages of the invention including ballistic and
impact protection while reducing refractive power, astigmatism and
prism in the horizontal direction as well as in the vertical
direction. Moreover, the lens may be used with or without a
mandible or jaw protector. The lens may or may not have a nose
cutout portion such as 1144.
[0164] Mandible and Attachment
[0165] For military applications particularly, the mandible should
be ballistic impact resistant. The mandible could advantageously be
used for motorcycle helmet, winter sport or auto racing
applications. The mandible should have a high mass impact
resistance.
[0166] FIG. 20-21 illustrates two embodiments of a mandible of the
present invention. The mandible 36 shown in FIG. 20 is a unitary
structure. The mandible includes an upstanding rim 259 that
provides a surface against which the lens 94 can be supported when
closed.
[0167] The mandible 180 shown in FIG. 21 comprises a rigid material
mandible frame 180. The frame can be used alone to form a wire
frame guard such as shown in FIG. 24E, or can be covered by a
ballistic resistant fabric 182 as shown in FIG. 24F wherein the
wire frame guard frame 180 is not visible. The mandible frame 180
is a tubular space frame or wire frame structure to reduce
weight.
[0168] The fabric 182 is attached to an outside of the frame 180
such as by wrapping around the frame and secured in place by hook
and loop fasteners (VELCRO). In this way the fabric is removable.
The frame 180 includes two plates 183a, 183b which include holes
for mounting the mandible frame 180 to the attachment bases 62, 64
as described below.
[0169] As illustrated in FIGS. 18, 19 and 32-34, the attachment
base 62 comprises a base plate 230 and an overlying body block 232.
The block 232 can include a surface 232a which can support ends of
the face shield frame 95 as shown in FIG. 1. The base plate 230
includes hooks 234, 236 that engage a lower front edge 239 of a
brim gasket 240 of the helmet 34. The base plate 230 also includes
two threaded bosses (or bosses terminating in captured nuts) 242,
244 that fit into holes 260, 262 (FIGS. 19, 20 and 21) through the
mandible 36 or frame 180 and receive screws 71, 72 that fasten
together the mandible 36 (or frame 180), the base plate 230 and the
body block 232. The mandible provides holes 260, 262 that receive
the bosses 242, 244 and screws 71, 72 (FIG. 20).
[0170] The body block 232 includes a slot 263 that is engaged by
the strap loop 85 of the strap assembly 76.
[0171] As shown in FIG. 33, the base plate 230 also includes a
fixed, headed pin or rivet 380 having a shaft 382 and a head
386.
[0172] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the buckle member 87 includes a
resilient latch 320 that is depressed inwardly as the buckle member
87 is forced into the slot 90 of the back rail 52. The buckle
member 87 also includes a base 324 that fits against a front
surface 328 of the back rail. The buckle member also includes a
plug portion 330 that fits snugly into a socket formation 334
contiguous with the slot 90.
[0173] To don the mandible or guard, the wearer moves the heads 386
of the headed pins 380 of each attachment base 62, 64, with
mandible 36 or frame 180 attached, into the wide mouth 44c of the
two side channels 44a, 44b. As shown in FIG. 35, the wide mouth 44c
is wide enough to receive the head 386 therein and the narrow
region 44d is wide enough to allow sliding of the shaft 382
therethrough. Beneath the narrow regions 44d is a parallel passage
44e that is wide enough to allow sliding passage of the head 386.
The attachment bases are slid downward until the headed pins are
stopped within the narrow regions 44d. The mandible or frame and
attachment bases are then rotated back and the hooks 234, 236 of
the attachment bases will then be oriented to brace against the rim
gasket 240 as the strap assemblies 76, 78 are strapped to the back
rail 52 by the buckle members 87. To open the mandible for
hydration (drinking), the buckle members 87 are released and the
mandible can be rotated forward without separating from the helmet
due to the headed pins 386.
[0174] Both the mandible hooks and the face shield frame supports
rest against the helmet brim in the same area; should there be an
impact, the load should be absorbed by the helmet.
[0175] Side Rails
[0176] The side rails 46, 48 are fastened to the helmet by screws
360, 362 (FIGS. 1-3) at front ends of the side rails and by being
engaged to the back rail at rear sides thereof. The screws 360, 362
also serve to fasten the front mount 44 to the helmet as well.
[0177] The side rails include an extending hook tab 370 (FIG. 19A)
that fits into and interlocks with a hook recess 872 formed on
opposite ends of the back rail (FIG. 22). When the back rail 52 is
attached to the helmet the rear ends of the side rails are fixedly
clamped to the helmet via the hook tabs 370.
[0178] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the side rails include
integrated night vision goggle (NVG) shock cords 47b, one on each
side which are used to stabilize and secure either the NVG or the
face shield 38. Shock cords are elastic cords. FIG. 6B shows a
shock cord channel where the shock cord channel cover is
transparent or not shown. Each side rail 46 contains a shock cord
channel 47a that extends along a length of the side rail. The shock
cord is anchored with an anchor 47c that attaches the cord at one
end of the channel 47a. The cord extends along the length of the
channel to the outlet 47d. The outlet is widens beyond the width of
the channel as shown in FIG. 6A and 6B. The widened outlet allow
for a hook 47e attached to the end of the cord to reset within the
widened outlet when the cord is in the retracted position as shown
in FIG. 6B. When an accessory needs to be stabilized with the shock
cords, the user pulls and stretches the shock cord to an extended
condition, such as shown in FIG. 6A, and attaches it the accessory
(not shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B).
[0179] The side rails 46, 48 include mounting formations 376, 377
(FIG. 4) for mounting an additional rail between the formations.
FIG. 4C and 4D illustrate a top rail 378 that includes legs 378a,
378b connected to a top pod or housing 379.
[0180] The formations include a guide recess 376a and a slot 376c
(FIG. 16). To mount the top rail 378, the legs are engaged to the
mounting formations wherein narrow end portions of the legs are
inserted through the slots 378c of each formation 376, 377. The
distal end of each leg includes a hook latch 378c that retains the
legs 378a, 378b engaged with the respective side rail 46, 48. The
legs 378a, 378b can be articulated at the pod 379 to act as latch
tighteners to securely draw the hook latches 378c tightly against
the slots 376c.
[0181] Additionally, the slots 376c can be made dimensionally
identical to the slots 90 on the back rail 52. Therefore, if the
top rail is not used, the wearer has alternate locations to insert
the buckles 87 or can use the slots 376c for mounting another
component.
[0182] The pod 379 is thus held onto a top region of the helmet 34.
The pod 379 can contain electronics, communication equipment, or
other equipment or can contain a beacon or other signal generating
device which helps to identify the wearer to others as "friend"
instead of "foe", or help in locating the wearer by friendly
forces. The signal generated by the beacon can be a visual signal
or radio signal or other signal. Where the signal indicator is an
IR designator, since it is emitting IR signals, it will be seen at
night by other soldiers in the back of the helmet wearer, when the
other soldiers wear night vision goggles.
[0183] FIGS. 6 and 36 illustrate the side rails 46, 48 include
attachment formations 46a that include an upper and lower row of
depressions 46b and a dovetail slot 46c, between the rows of
depressions. A component attachment base 46d includes a plurality
of pins 46f that insert into a plurality of depressions. This
insertion fixes the front-to-back position of the base 46d. The
base 46d includes a reverse dovetail profile 46g that interlocks
with the dovetail slot 46c. The dovetail profile 46g is slid into
the dovetail slot and the pins 46f and/or the base 46d and/or the
rail 46 has sufficient flexibility that the base can be forcibly
positioned along the length of the rail until the desired position
of the base, corresponding to registration of the pins 46f into the
desired depressions 46b is reached.
[0184] The base 46d can be the mounting base for a camera,
flashlight or other equipment.
[0185] Back Rail
[0186] Further details of the back rail 52 are illustrated in FIGS.
22. The back rail 52 includes major openings 380, 382 having
pie-shaped minor recesses 380a, 382a contiguous therewith. Also
shown are goggle clips 386, 387 that engage recesses 380a, 382a by
hook portions 386a, 387a. The pie-shape of the recesses allows for
a range of angular movement of the goggle clips with respect to the
back rail 52. The back rail is mounted to the helmet by two screws
390, 392 (FIG. 4A).
[0187] The hook portions 386a, 387a allow one side of the goggles,
one hook portion, to be released from the back rail 52 while the
other hook portion retains the goggles, hanging down, onto the back
rail. This is advantageous for a wearer to disengage the goggles
without separating the goggles from the remaining helmet
equipment.
[0188] One clip 386 is shown in FIG. 23. The clip includes a body
portion 386b having slots 386c, 386d for receiving a goggle strap
end, and formed with the hook portion 386a.
[0189] The back rail can also be configured to hold a power source
such as a battery pack.
[0190] Adjustable Rear Rail System
[0191] FIGS. 45-51 illustrate an alternate embodiment of an
adjustable back rail system 852 that includes a first outer back
rail 810, an opposite second outer back rail 820, and a center back
rail 830. The first and second outer back rails are constructed in
mirror image fashion across a vertical centerline of the helmet.
The adjustable rear rail system allows the parts of the helmet
assembly 30 excluding the helmet, to be used on different sized
helmets and will accommodate the variation in helmet through hole
location, which may arise for example during helmet mass
production. The adjustable back rail system 852 is shown in an
expanded position in FIG. 47 and a retracted position in FIG. 46
for accommodating different sized helmets. The adjustable back rail
system 852 may have an adjustable range beyond that shown in FIGS.
46 and 47.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 50, each outer back rail 810, 820 has a
hook recess 872 (not shown for outer rail 820). The extending hook
tab 230 (FIG. 19A) of the side rails fit into and interlock with
the hook recesses 872 of the outer back rails.
[0193] The center rear rail has U-shaped anchor slots 842, 844
(partially shown in FIG. 47). The anchor slots 842, 844 correspond
to outer anchor slots 812, 824, respectively of the first and
second outer rear rails. The anchor slots are at least partially
alignable with the outer anchor slot for receiving anchor screws
(not shown, but similar to the screws 390, 392) to secure the back
rail system 852 to the helmet. In another embodiment the U-shaped
anchor slots may be oblong, circular, or oval shape.
[0194] The center back rail has an alignment point or line 836 for
positioning the center rear rail at the front-back center line of a
helmet. The outer back rails are positioned over outer ends 838
(second outer end not shown) of the center back rail. The outer end
838 has two engagement tabs 839a, 839b extending laterally from an
end of the center rear rail for engaging and sliding within
corresponding receiving channels 816, 818 of the outer back rail
810. Each engagement tab 839a, 839b has a forwardly extending tab
839c, 839d, respectively. The forwardly extending tabs correspond
to forwardly extending recesses 816c, 818d of the receiving
channels 816, 818, respectively.
[0195] When fitting the back rail system to the side rails and a
helmet, the center back rail is aligned with the helmet at the
alignment point 836. The side rails are attached to the outer rear
rails. The outer rear rails are placed over the outer ends of the
center back rail 830, and the engagement tabs 839a, 839b mate with
the receiving channels 816, 818. Screws are then placed through the
outer anchor slots 812, 824 and through the anchor slots 842, 844
to secure the back rail system to the helmet.
[0196] In an alternative embodiment, toothed back rail embodiment
of the adjustable back rail system, as shown in FIGS. 52-57, the
outer ends 936 (right outer end not shown) of the center back rail
930 has a plurality of locking teeth on the outward facing surface
throughout a engagement portion 938 of the outer end 936. The right
outer end is mirror image identical to the left outer end 936
across a vertical centerline of the helmet. The center back rail
930 is similar to the center back rail 830 except as described
herein. The outer end 936 has two engagement tabs 939a, 939b within
the engagement portion 938. The two tabs 939a, 939b form a U-shaped
anchor slot 942 for receiving an anchor screw or fastener (not
shown) to secure the back rail system to the helmet.
[0197] The outer back rails 910 have a corresponding toothed
section 912 having locking teeth 914 on a rearward facing portion
916 of the outer back rail 910. Locking teeth 935 of the center
back rail 930 engage the locking teeth 914 of the outer back rail
910 when the outer back rail is placed over the outer end of the
center back rail. The toothed engagement between the center back
rail and the outer back rails create a locked engagement when a
screw or other fastener holds the outer back rail securely against
the center back rail. When the a screw or fastener is loosed the
outer back rails may be adjusted laterally to accommodate different
sized helmets and/or accommodate the variation in helmet through
hole location, which may arise for example during helmet mass
production.
[0198] In another embodiment, the tab engaging channel embodiment,
as shown in FIGS. 48-51, is combined with the toothed back rail
embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 52-57, so that outer ends 838
comprise a toothed engagement portion similar to the toothed
engagement portion 938 while still having engagement tabs like
those of 839a, 839b with forwardly extending tabs 839c, 839d, and
the outer back rail 810, 820 comprising a rearward facing portion
having teeth similar to the rearward facing portion 916 while still
having forwardly extending recesses like those of 816c, 818d.
[0199] As shown in FIGS. 55-57, the center back rail 930 has slots
950, 960 for holding goggle straps and securing goggles against a
user's face or helmet. The center back rail 930 includes slots 950,
960 configured to receive buckle members 970. The buckle member 970
includes a resilient latch 972 that is depressed inwardly as the
buckle member 970 is forced in the direction F of FIG. 55 into the
slot 960 of the back rail 930, or direction E for the case of
engaging slot 950. The buckle, as shown in FIG. 58, also has
flanking supports 944a, 974b that are spaced apart in the lateral
direction from the latch 972. The latch 976 has a first raised area
977, and a second raised area 978 separated by a recessed area
979.
[0200] The slots have a first raised portion 961 with lateral
guiding segments 962a, 962b on each lateral side. A gap 963
separates the first raised portion from a main guide portion 962.
Extending longitudinally inward of the slot from the first raised
portion 961 is a second raised portion 964. The second raised
portion 964 slopes upwards in a longitudinal direction outward of
the slot as it approaches the first raised portion to form a
receiving area for receiving the second raised area 978 of the
latch 976. The buckle locks into the slot by the second raised area
978 of the latch engaging the second raised portion 964 of the slot
and the recessed area 979 of the latch engaging the first raised
portion 961 of the slot, and the first raised area 977 of the latch
engaged with an outward facing surface 961a of the first raised
portion 961. The flanking supports 974a, 974b are guided by the
lateral guiding segments 962a, 962b of the slot on one side and the
main guide portion 962 on the other when the buckle member enters
and leaves the slot. The buckle member has a strap slot 972 for
holding a strap at one end where the strap maybe connected to a
goggle at the other end. It will be understood by one skilled in
the art that in other embodiments, the back rail 52 or back rail
830 may comprise slots such as slot 950, 960 of the back rail 930,
which are configured to receive buckle members 970.
[0201] Variations in Mandibles and Guards
[0202] FIGS. 24A-24H illustrate multiple variations of the mandible
attached to the helmet. FIG. 24A illustrates the mandible 36
previously described mounted to the helmet 34. FIG. 24B illustrates
a rigid guard 502 mounted to the helmet 34. The guard has a shorter
profile than the rigid mandible. FIG. 24C illustrates a rigid guard
502 mounted to the helmet 34 and carrying a removable ballistic
resistant fabric 504 to extend protection below the guard. FIG. 24D
illustrates a rigid guard and integrated non-removable ballistic
resistant fabric 508 mounted to the helmet 34. FIG. 24E illustrates
a rigid wireframe guard 180 mounted to the helmet 34. FIG. 24 F
illustrates the wireframe guard 180 (not visible) having a
ballistic resistant fabric 510 applied over the guard. FIG. 24G
illustrates a lower semi-flexible frame 512. FIG. 24H illustrates
the lower semi-flexible frame 512 with a ballistic resistant fabric
516 to extend protection below the frame.
[0203] Semi flexible frame mandibles or guards provide the benefit
of conforming to a weapon when the wearer is aiming with a stock of
the weapon proximate the cheek.
[0204] Alternate Mandible Attachment System
[0205] FIGS. 37-39 illustrate an alternate mandible attachment
system that includes revised attachment bases 662, 664, constructed
in mirror image fashion across a vertical centerplane of the
helmet. The bases 662, 664 include revised base plates 630, which
are similar to the baseplates 230 (FIGS. 33-34) except as described
herein, and a revised helmet mount 644 compared to the mount
44.
[0206] As illustrated in FIGS. 37-39, the attachment base 662
comprises a base plate 630, and an overlying body block 632 (the
block 632 is missing in the attachment base 662 in FIG. 37 in order
to see underlying features) similar in construction and attachment
as the body block 232 shown in FIG. 32. The block 632 can include a
surface 632a which can support ends of the face shield frame 95 as
shown in FIG. 1.
[0207] The base plate 630 includes a hook 234 that engage a lower
front edge 239 of a brim gasket 240 of the helmet 34 as previously
described. The base plate 630 also includes an upstanding hook 636
having hook concavities 636a open forwardly.
[0208] The base plate 630 also includes two threaded bosses (or
bosses terminating in captured nuts) 242, 244 that fit into holes
260, 262 (FIGS. 19, 20 and 21) through the mandible 36 or frame 180
and receive screws 71, 72 that fasten together the mandible 36 (or
frame 180), the base plate 630 and the body block 632, as
previously described. The mandible provides holes 260, 262 that
receive the bosses 242, 244 and screws 71, 72 as previously
described (FIG. 20).
[0209] The body block 232 includes a slot 263 that is engaged by
the strap loop 85 of the strap assembly 76.
[0210] The mount 644 includes a concave area 644a at each end
thereof to form a shaped void 644b between the mount 644 and the
helmet 34, having an open receiving slot 644d. The shaped void is
partly defined by a hook-shaped support 644c that has a concavity
open upwardly and rearward.
[0211] To don the mandible or guard, the wearer moves the
upstanding hooks 636 of each attachment base 662, 664, with
mandible 36 or frame 180 attached, into the open receiving slots
644d of the two shaped voids 644b on opposite sides of the helmet.
The relative position of the mandible or frame with respect to the
helmet is shown in FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 38-39, each void 644b
receives the hook concavity 636a in mutual engagement with the
hook-shaped support 644c. After the hooks 636 and the supports 644c
are engaged, the mandible or frame and attachment bases are then
rotated down and back from the orientation shown in FIG. 38 to the
orientation shown in FIG. 39. The hooks 234 of the attachment bases
662, 664 will then be oriented to brace against the rim gasket 240
as the strap assemblies 76, 78 are strapped to the back rail 52 by
the buckle members 87 as previously described.
[0212] To open the mandible for hydration (drinking), the buckle
members 87 are released and the mandible can be rotated forward.
The degree of engagement of the hooks 636 and the supports 644c can
be designed that the mandible or frame can be rotated sufficiently
to hydrate without separating from the helmet.
[0213] Both the mandible hooks and the face shield frame supports
rest against the helmet brim in the same area; should there be an
impact, the load should be absorbed by the helmet.
[0214] Mandible Adjustment System
[0215] FIGS. 40-44 illustrate an alternative embodiment having a
mandible adjustment system that includes revised attachment bases
762, 764, constructed in mirror image fashion across a vertical
centerline of the helmet. The second alternate adjustable mandible
attachment system provides the ability to move the mandible between
an upper limit position, as for example shown in FIGS. 43 and 44,
and a lower limit position, as for example shown in FIGS. 41 and
43, to ensure optimal interface between the bottom portion of the
visor 94 and the mandible 36. The adjustable mandible attachment
system is adjustable to positions within a continuously variable
range between the upper limit position and the lower limit
position.
[0216] The bases 762, 764 include revised base plates 730 as shown
in FIG. 40B. The base plate 730 includes a fixed, headed pin or
rivet 780. The body block 732 includes a slot 763 that is engaged
by the strap loop 85 of the strap assembly 76. The base plate
includes a corresponding slot 763a for engaging the strap loop 85.
The base plate 730 also includes two threaded bosses (or bosses
terminating in captured nuts) 742, 744 that fit into holes 260, 262
(FIGS. 19, 20 and 21) through the mandible 36 or frame 180 and
receive screws (not shown) that fasten together the mandible 36 (or
frame 180), the base plate 730 and the body block 732.
[0217] FIG. 40B also shows an inner plate 737 that mates with an
inner side of the mandible to secure the mandible between the inner
plate and the base plate. The inner plate has two fastener holes
733a, 733b that correspond to the threaded bosses 742, 744. The
inner plate has a retainer 736 that engages the lower edge 239 of
the brim gasket 240 of the helmet 34 (see FIG. 19).
[0218] The base plate 730 has a standoff mechanism 791. The
standoff mechanism 791 has a contact plate 793, a base nut 795 and
a set screw 797. The contact plate is flexible and is positioned
between the lower edge 239 of the brim gasket 240 of the helmet 34
(see FIG. 19) or a lower edge 734 of the helmet 34 and the set
screw 797, as shown in FIG. 42. The base nut 795 is fixed to the
inside surface of the base plate 730. In one embodiment, the base
nut 795 is located at a rearward position on the base plate 730
near the slot 763. The contact plate prevents the set screw from
wearing on the lower edge of the helmet. The base nut is threaded
to receive threads of the set screw 797. The set screw has an Allen
key (not shown) at the bottom 799 of the set screw, which is
configured to receive an Allen wrench for turning the set screw.
Other turning mechanisms may also be employed.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 40B, the contact plate 793 has a T-shaped
end 793a. The opposite lateral ends of the T-shaped portion engage
a contact plate slot 731 of the base plate on one side and a
contact plate slot 736c of the inner plate on the other side. The
T-shaped portion holds the T-shaped portion of the contact plate in
position between the base plate and the inner plate and the contact
plate flexes from this location.
[0220] When the standoff mechanism is in the lowered position, as
shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the set screw is in a lowered position
with respect to the base nut. The base plate may rest against the
top of the base nut, when the standoff mechanism is in the lowered
position. When the standoff mechanism is in the lowered positioned
the mandible is in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 41. To move
the mandible upward the set screw is turned to raise the set screw
relative to the base nut. As the set screw rises, it engages the
contact plate 793 which puts pressure on the lower edge of the
helmet. As the set screw is moved upward relative to the base nut,
the base plate 730 pivots about the rivet 780 that is within the
side channel 44a, and thereby raises the mandible closer to the
front bottom edge of the helmet.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 44, the rear portion of the base plate is
driven downward as the set screw is moved upward relative to the
base nut. This causes the contact plate to flex, remaining
connected to the base plate at one end and positioned between the
set screw and the bottom edge of the helmet at an opposite end of
the contact plate. The upper and lower limit positions are
determined, at least in part, by the length of the set screw.
[0222] As shown in FIGS. 68 and 69, the helmet system may include
an protective head cap 1300. The cap has a front opening 1306 that
corresponds to the top front formation or central accessory mount
144. The central accessory mount may also be a mount for receiving
the visor mounting arrangement 42. The front opening allows the
accessory mount 144 to be received there through. The cap includes
side rail engagement members 1304 (not shown for right side). The
left side rail engagement member 1302 mirror image identical across
the vertical midplate extending front to back of the helmet
system.
[0223] A second embodiment of the side rail 1310 is shown in FIG.
70. The side raid is identical to the side rail 46 except as
described. The rail 1310 includes two raised portions 1314, 1316
and a recessed portion 1312 therebetween. The raised portions have
a plurality of first accessory engagement recesses 1308, 1309.
Similar first accessory engagement recesses 46f, 46g are shown in
rail 46 in FIG. 6. The recessed portion contains a plurality of
second accessory engagement recesses. The second engagement
recesses are larger than the first engagement recessed. The
engagement recesses can be used to secure accessories to the side
rail.
[0224] The side rail engagement members 1302 contain an attachment
mechanism for securing the protective cap to the side rails of the
helmet system as shown in FIG. 69. The attachment mechanisms may
comprise flexible protrusion on the underside of the side rail 1302
or a upper portion of the side rail 1304. The flexible protrusions
engage one or more of corresponding second or first engagement
recesses 1311, 1308 of the rail 1310. The flexible protrusion
secure the cap 1300 to the side rails until a predetermined amount
of force is applied in the H direction, as shown in FIG. 69, to
remove the cap from the side rails.
[0225] Alternatively the cap 1300 may have an attachment mechanism
having engagement members that are manually releasable by a
mechanical locking mechanism. The engagement member engages the
second or first engagement recesses 1311, 1308. The cap is
removable by releasing the mechanical locking mechanism. The
attachment mechanism may provide a sliding one-way lock engagement
that allows the cap to be slid on in the direction F as shown in
FIG. 68, but not removed without the release of the lock mechanism.
In another embodiment, the lock mechanisms by be electronically
controlled.
[0226] The cap 1300 may be made of composite material such as
KEVLAR and thermoplastic or High-density polyethylene and
thermoplastic.
[0227] Exemplary materials of construction for the helmet assembly
include:
[0228] Helmet: Aramid fiber textile with either thermoplastic
matrix or thermoset matrix
[0229] Front mount: Glass reinforced nylon for the plastic part and
Aluminum for the insert (where the visor attaches/anchors)
[0230] Side rails: Glass reinforced nylon
[0231] Back Rail: Glass reinforced nylon
[0232] Top rail: Glass reinforced nylon
[0233] Attachment bases for mandible: Glass reinforced nylon over
Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel or Titanium
[0234] Rigid mandible: It can be a combination of various materials
such as: 1) aramid fiber textile and thermoplastic or thermoset
matrix 2) aramid fiber textile and thermoplastic or thermoset
matrix wrapped in carbon fiber textile 3) High Density Polyethylene
wrapped in carbon fiber textile
[0235] Soft mandible: Semi-Flexible Frame made of Nylon while the
curtain (hanging from the frame) is made out of aramid fiber
textile (many layers).
[0236] The presently described embodiment provides flexibility in
outfitting a military helmet. The back rail can be used without the
side rails. A top rail is optional. The mandible or frame is
optional, and when used, can be used without the side rails. Other
permutations are possible with some minor modifications.
[0237] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous
variations and modifications may be effected without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that
no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated
herein is intended or should be inferred.
* * * * *