U.S. patent application number 13/624458 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for method and apparatus for mounting a vision system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Engrogg, Andrew Russell, Kenneth Solinsky. Invention is credited to Daniel Engrogg, Andrew Russell, Kenneth Solinsky.
Application Number | 20140084120 13/624458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50337923 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140084120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solinsky; Kenneth ; et
al. |
March 27, 2014 |
Method and Apparatus for Mounting a Vision System
Abstract
A vision system for mounting an imaging assembly to a helmet
through a helmet adapter and a mounting assembly. The mounting
assembly includes a receiver for removably mounting an imaging
assembly. The receiver is coupled to a cross-slide assembly
providing fore-aft and side-to-side movement of the imaging
assembly relative to the helmet. A stow pivot/slide assembly is
coupled between the cross-slide assembly and the helmet adapter for
moving the imaging assembly between a stowed and a deployed
position. The vertical position and tilt angle of the imaging
assembly is also adjustable by the stow pivot/slide assembly.
Inventors: |
Solinsky; Kenneth; (Bedford,
NH) ; Russell; Andrew; (Amherst, NH) ;
Engrogg; Daniel; (Bow, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Solinsky; Kenneth
Russell; Andrew
Engrogg; Daniel |
Bedford
Amherst
Bow |
NH
NH
NH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50337923 |
Appl. No.: |
13/624458 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/227.1 ;
248/226.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/042 20130101;
A42B 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/227.1 ;
248/226.11 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. An attachment system for securing a mount to a helmet
comprising: a front assembly configured to be coupled to a front
portion of a helmet; a rear assembly configured to be coupled to a
rear portion of a helmet; a first elongate member having a first
end coupled to said front assembly and a second end coupled to said
rear assembly; and a second elongate member coupled to said first
elongate member to establish a cable channel therebetween along at
least a portion of said first elongate member between said first
end and said second end.
2. The attachment system of claim 1, wherein the second elongate
member is an upper strap and said first elongate member is a lower
strap when the attachment system is coupled to a helmet.
3. The attachment system of claim 1, wherein said first elongate
member and said second elongate members comprise textile
materials.
4. The attachment system of claim 1, wherein said front assembly
comprises a helmet adapter plate, and a front hook coupled to said
helmet adapter plate and configured for coupling to a front portion
of a helmet; and wherein said rear assembly comprises a battery
pack hub and buckle assembly and a rear hook coupled to said
battery pack hub and buckle assembly, and configured for coupling
to a rear portion of said helmet, said first elongate member
extending between said adapter plate and said battery pack hub and
buckle assembly.
5. The attachment system of claim 4, wherein said battery pack hub
and buckle assembly is coupled to said rear hook by an adjustable
strap.
6. The attachment system of claim 4, further comprising a power
cable extending from said battery pack hub and buckle assembly
toward said adapter plate at least partially disposed in said cable
channel.
7. The attachment system of claim 4, further comprising a battery
pack for retaining at least one battery, said battery pack hub and
buckle assembly configured to provide a mechanical interface to
said battery pack.
8. The attachment system of claim 4, wherein said rear hook
comprises hook and loop fasteners on at least a portion of a front
and a back surface thereof, said hook and loop fastener on said
back surface configured to secure said rear hook to said helmet and
said hook and loop fastener on said front surface configured to
secure said rear hook to a helmet liner.
9. An attachment system for securing a vision system to a helmet
comprising: a first elongate member having a first end for coupling
to a feature on a front of a helmet and a second end for coupling
to a feature on a rear of the helmet; and a second elongate member
coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel
therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member
between the first end and the second end.
10. The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the second elongate
member is an upper strap and said first elongate member is a lower
strap, the lower strap maintained in contact with a top surface of
a helmet along a substantial portion of its length.
11. The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the first elongate
member and the second elongate member comprise webbings that are at
least partially sewn together.
12. The attachment system of claim 9, wherein said feature on a
front of the helmet comprises a hook on the front of the helmet and
said feature on a rear of the helmet comprises a hook on the rear
of the helmet.
13. The attachment system of claim 12, wherein the first end of the
first elongate member is coupled to said hook on the front of the
helmet through a helmet adapter plate and the second end is coupled
to said hook on the rear of said helmet through a battery pack hub
and buckle assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of and claims the benefit
under 35 U.S.C 120 to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/721,884, filed Jun. 15, 2007. The entire disclosure of the
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally related to vision systems
and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for mounting a
vision system to, for example, a helmet.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vision systems, such as night or low light vision systems,
include image intensification, thermal imaging, and fusion
monoculars, binoculars, bioculars, and goggles, whether hand-held,
weapon mounted, or helmet mounted. In a helmet mounted
configuration, the helmet may include a helmet mount fixed thereto
for removably receiving an associated mount affixed to the vision
system. Both the helmet mount and the vision system mount may be
configured to allow for fit and location adjustment of the vision
system. For example, the helmet and vision system mounts combined
may allow vertical adjustment, fore and aft adjustment,
interpupilary distance adjustment, tilt adjustment, and may allow
rotation of the vision system to a stowed area adjacent a top
surface of the helmet.
[0004] Facile orientation of the vision system to a user's fit and
location preferences is a desirable feature in a vision system. One
difficulty associated with providing these features has been the
limited physical space available for mounting. This difficulty has
been exacerbated by the advancement of fusion systems. Fusion
vision systems are typically used by military and law enforcement
personnel and include image intensification tubes, focal plane
arrays, and displays that take up space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other objects, features and advantages, reference
should be made to the following detailed description, which should
be read in conjunction with the following figures wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vision system consistent with one
embodiment of the present invention mounted to a helmet;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vision system of FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 2A is a front exploded view of the vision system of
FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 2B is an isometric exploded view of the vision system
of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the mount assembly of the
vision system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of the mount assembly of
the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a portion of the mount assembly
of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount
assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the mount
assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the receiver of the vision
system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a rear isometric view of the dovetail of the
imaging assembly of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of the dovetail of the
imaging assembly of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 11 is side view of the mount assembly of the vision
system of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 12 is an isometric exploded view of a portion of the
cross-slide assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an in-sight/deployed
position of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a side view illustrating an out-of-sight position
of the mount assembly of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view illustrating details
of the stow pivot of the mount assembly of the vision system of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 16 is an exploded isometric view of the stow pivot and
slide assembly of the mount assembly the vision system of FIG.
1;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a rear isometric view of the mounting interface
of the vision system of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 18 is an isometric view showing the attachment of the
mounting interface of the vision system of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the vision system shown in
FIG. 1, not including the helmet;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a front-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a rear-side isometric view of the helmet adaptor
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a portion of the helmet
adaptor plate assembly of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the helmet adaptor plate and
front hook assembly of the helmet adaptor plate assembly of FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a rear hook assembly of the
helmet adaptor assembly of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a power
cable and a strap assembly consistent with the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the strap assembly of FIG. 25;
[0034] FIG. 27 is side elevation view of the strap assembly of FIG.
26;
[0035] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the strap assembly of
FIG. 26;
[0036] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery
pack hub and buckle consistent with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the battery pack hub and buckle of
FIG. 29;
[0038] FIG. 31, is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack hub
and buckle of FIG. 29;
[0039] FIG. 32 is an exploded rear view of the battery pack hub and
buckle of FIG. 29;
[0040] FIG. 33 is a rear view of the battery pack hub and buckle of
FIG. 29;
[0041] FIG. 34 is a partial exploded rear view of the battery pack
hub and buckle of FIG. 29;
[0042] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery
pack hub and buckle and strap assembly consistent with the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 36 is a rear, partial exploded view of the battery pack
hub and buckle of FIG. 29;
[0044] FIG. 37 depicts an embodiment of a connector suitable for
use in connection with a battery pack hub consistent with the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 38 depicts an embodiment of wiring detail between a
cable and a connector consistent with the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 39 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a battery
pack hub and buckle and strap assembly coupled to a rear hook
assembly consistent with the present invention; and
[0047] FIG. 40 illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack
consistent with the present invention mounted to a helmet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vision system 100 consistent with
one embodiment of the invention mounted to a helmet 101 through a
helmet adapter assembly 2000. FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B are assembly and
exploded views of the vision system 100. The vision system 100 may
include a mount assembly 102 and an imaging assembly 104 removably
affixed to the mount assembly 102. A receiver 106 may provide a
mechanical and electrical interface between the mount assembly 102
and the imaging assembly 104. As described in greater detail
herein, the receiver 106 may include surfaces defining first 108
and second 110 slots, e.g. dovetail slots, for receiving associated
dovetails 114, 112, respectively, associated with, and/or coupled
to, the imaging assembly 104 for removably securing the imaging
assembly 104 to the mount assembly 102.
[0049] As depicted, the imaging assembly 104 may be configured as a
monocular, including an image intensification channel 116 and a
thermal channel 118. Processing electronics associated with the
image intensification channel 116 and the thermal channel 118 may
be disposed within a housing 120, which may be sealed/waterproof to
protect the electronics from contaminants and water.
[0050] The system 100 may be powered by one or more batteries
disposed in a removable battery pack 103 coupled to the helmet 101.
Power from the batteries may be provided to the imaging assembly
104 through an electrical connection extending through the mount
assembly 102 and to the imaging assembly 104. The electrical
connection may be established, at least in part, through one or
more cables 140, extending to hot shoes 122, 124 associated with
each of the slots 108, 110, as shown in FIGS. 3-8. The hot shoes
122, 124 may provide an interface for providing connection to the
imaging assembly 104 through corresponding hot shoes 126 associated
with each of the dovetails 112, 114, shown in FIG. 10. Information
from the image intensification (I.sup.2) channel 116 may be fused
with the information from the thermal channel 118 and may be
presented for viewing through the eyepiece 130. The eyepiece 130
may include one or more ocular lenses.
[0051] FIGS. 3-7 illustrate an exemplary mount assembly 102. The
illustrated exemplary embodiment includes a cross-slide assembly
400 coupled to a stow pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406 through a
mount arm 404. As described in greater detail herein, the mount
assembly 102 may allow adjustment of the fore, aft, tilt, and
vertical position of the imaging assembly 104 relative to the
helmet 101. In addition, the SPS assembly 406 may facilitate
pivoting of mount arm 404 to move the cross-slide assembly 400 and
the imaging assembly 104 affixed thereto between a stowed, or
out-of-sight, position adjacent a top surface of the helmet, as
shown in FIG. 14, and an operable, or in-sight, position, as
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 13.
[0052] According to one aspect, the power to the imaging assembly
104 may be disconnected when the imaging assembly 104 is in the
stowed position. According to this aspect, the mount assembly 102
may include a magnet and a Hall Effect switch package 602, as shown
in FIG. 6, a Reed switch, etc. When the imaging assembly 104 is in
the stowed position, the magnet may cause a change in the magnetic
flux imparted to the Hall Effect switch 602, thereby placing the
Hall Effect switch 602 in a state (open/closed) to turn off the
imaging assembly electronics, or put the imaging assembly in a
lower power consumption mode. When the imaging assembly 104 is
moved into the operable position, the flux imparted to the Hall
Effect switch 602 may place the Hall Effect switch 602 in a state
to enable the imaging assembly electronics.
[0053] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the receiver 106 of FIG. 1.
The illustrated exemplary receiver 106 includes a body portion 800,
a lever 802, a lever receiver 804, first 122 and second 124 hot
shoes, a release pin 806, and a torsion spring 808. In one
embodiment, the receiver 106 may be constructed from a 7075 T6
aluminum alloy to provide a high elastic modulus and high bearing
strength.
[0054] The hot shoes 122, 124 may be received within an opening 810
in the body portion 800 and may be fixed within the body portion
800 to extend from associated openings 812, 814 to expose contacts
816 to associated contacts 1000 on the hot shoes 126 of dovetails
112, 114. The hot shoe contacts 816 may provide power and ground
connections from the batteries, as well as power and ground
connections from the Hall Effect switch 602. The contacts 816 may
be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a plating system of
copper, electroless nickel and gold to provide low electrical
contact resistance and corrosion and wear capability. In one
embodiment, the gold layer may by about 2.5 micrometers in
thickness. Molded plastic inserts may be used to support the hot
shoes/contacts. The inserts may be bonded to an aluminum receiver
using 3M 2216 epoxy, and may be constructed from a 20% glass fiber
reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) plastic, such as ULTEM available
from GE Plastics, to provide tolerance to thermal stress and
corrosion and wear capability.
[0055] Electrical connections from the batteries and the Hall
Effect switch 602 may be made through the conductors of cable 140,
which may extend through an opening 818 in the body portion 800 for
connection to associated pins 820 on the back of the hot shoes 122,
124. The receiver hot shoes 122, 124 and the dovetail hot shoes 126
may be configured to provide appropriate electrical connection to
the imaging assembly 104 through the dovetails 112, 114 and
corresponding slots 108, 110 on either side of the receiver 106,
i.e., with the dovetail 114 received within slot 108 or with the
dovetail 112 received within slot 110.
[0056] The lever receiver 804 may be at least partially received
within the opening 810 and may be secured to the body portion 800.
The lever 802 may include first 830 and second 832 arms having
first 831 and second 833 detents, respectively, and an actuating
tab 834. The lever 802 may be positioned over the lever receiver
804 with openings 836, 838 in the arms 830, 832 aligned with
corresponding openings 840, 842, respectively, in projections
provided on the lever receiver 804. The release pin 806 may extend
through openings 836, 838, 840, 842 and through a central opening
844 in the torsion spring 808 to secure the lever 802 to the lever
receiver 804, e.g. as shown in FIG. 6. One end 846 of the torsion
spring 808 may extend into an opening 848 in the lever receiver 804
and the other end 850 of the torsion spring 808 may be positioned
against an inside surface of the actuating tab 834. The lever 802
may thereby be pivotally coupled to the body portion 800, via the
lever receiver 804, about the release pin 806 against a bias of the
torsion spring 808. When the lever 802 is in a rest position, the
detents 831, 833 may extend into the slots 108, 110, respectively,
of the receiver 106.
[0057] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the dovetail 112. Since both
dovetails 112, 114 may be similar in construction, for clarity only
the dovetail 112 is shown. The dovetails 112, 114 may be
constructed of a high strength material such as a 7075 T6 aluminum
alloy, and may be mounted directly to side surfaces of the imaging
assembly 104, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Electrical connections
from contacts 1000 of the dovetail hot shoe 126 may be provided to
the imaging assembly 104 through associated conductors 900 and a
connector interface 902.
[0058] As shown, the dovetail 112 may include a configuration for
mating with the slot 110 of the receiver 106. In the illustrated
exemplary embodiment, the dovetail 112 has a generally tapered and
dovetailed configuration. The tapered geometry along the length of
the dovetails may allow for initial misalignment during insertion
of the dovetail 112 into a corresponding slot 110, and may also
allow for manufacturing variances between imaging assemblies and/or
mounting assemblies, while still permitting the dovetails 112, 114
to mate tightly with the mating slots 108, 110 of the receiver 106,
thereby establishing a rigid connection. Other mating
configurations may also, and/or alternatively, be provided.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a top surface of the dovetail
112 may include a detent opening 904 therein. When the dovetail 112
is mated with the slot 110, the actuating tab 834 of the mount may
be depressed to rotate the detents 831, 833 of the lever 802 out of
the slots 108, 110. Once the dovetail 112 is fully engaged with the
slot 110, the actuating tab 834 may be released to allow the detent
833 to at least partially extend into the detent opening 904 of the
dovetail 112. Positioning of the detent 833 within the detent
opening 904 may secure the imaging assembly 104 to the mount
assembly 102. The imaging assembly 104 may be removed from the
mount assembly 102 by depressing the actuating tab 834 to remove
the detent 833 from the detent opening 904. The imaging assembly
104 may then be separated from the receiver 106 of the mount
assembly 102 by sliding the dovetail 112 out of the slot 110. The
detent and detent opening may cooperate to provide a latch and/or
retainer configured to releasably or removably retain the imaging
assembly 104 to the body portion 800 of the receiver 106.
[0060] Advantageously, in a vision system 100 consistent with the
present invention, the imaging assembly 104 may be positioned on
either side of the receiver 106 via cooperating dovetails 112, 114
and slots 108, 110. Positioning the imaging assembly on either side
of the receiver 106 may allow the imaging assembly to be
selectively disposed in front of either the right eye or the left
eye of a user. Furthermore, attachment and removal of the imaging
assembly 104 from the mount assembly 102 may be accomplished with
one hand.
[0061] Turning now to FIG. 6 and FIGS. 11-12, a cross-slide
assembly 400 consistent with the present invention may provide the
capability to precisely locate the imaging assembly 104 in a plane.
The cross-slide assembly may be used to position the imaging
assembly 104 at the proper eye relief for a range of users in front
of either the right or left eye. Fore and aft travel of the cross
slide assembly 400 may be configured to accommodate the eye relief
distances of the imaging assembly 104 required for any particular
application, e.g. for use with general purpose protective masks,
laser protective eyewear and/or wind, sand and dust goggles.
[0062] The illustrated cross-slide assembly 400 may include a
nested dovetail set, as shown in FIG. 6, and may be constructed
from 7075 T6 aluminum alloy members. Adjustment of the cross-slide
assembly 400 may be accomplished by two lead screws 604, 606. Lead
screw 604 may provide fore-aft adjustment of the cross-slide
assembly 400, and lead screw 606 may provide adjustment of the
interpupillary (lateral) position of an imaging assembly 104
coupled to the cross-slide assembly 400. Thumb wheels 608, 610, 611
may be associated with respective lead screws 604, 606, and may
facilitate turning of the lead screws 604, 606. In particular, the
fore-aft lead screw 604 may drive a fore-aft shuttle 1202 along a
fore-aft slide 1204 between forward and aft stops 1206, 1208. A
side-side shuttle, including and/or provided by guides 621 coupled
to the receiver 106, may be slidably positioned in associated rails
622 on the fore-aft shuttle 1202. The interpupillary lead screw 606
may extend through a threaded portion 614 on the receiver 106 and
may be supported on the fore-aft shuttle 1202 for driving the
side-side shuttle, including the receiver 106, across the fore-aft
shuttle 1202 between left 616 and right 618 stops. In one
embodiment, the lead screws 604, 606 may drive associated slides
with a 4 start, 32 pitch thread. This may provide the accuracy
required to locate the eyepiece at an appropriate rate of
travel.
[0063] Tolerances and surface finishes of the cross-slide assembly
400 may be established to create a smooth motion. Mechanical play
between fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft slide 1204 may be
minimized during the assembly process by providing Actel glides
1210 disposed between the fore-aft shuttle 1202 and the fore-aft
slide 1204. The glides 1210 may be nested within pockets 1212 of
the fore-aft shuttle and may be shimmed to provide a maximum
clearance of, for example, 0.001 of an inch. Similar glides 620 may
be disposed between the guides 621 coupled to the receiver 106 and
the associated rails 622 and/or the fore-aft shuttle 1202.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 11, the mount arm 404 may support the
cross-slide assembly 400 and may provide the load path to the stow
pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406. In one embodiment, the mount
arm 404 may be constructed from a 7075 T6 aluminum alloy. As shown,
for example, in FIGS. 3-4 and 11, the mount arm 404 may be coupled
to the pivot housing 402 of the SPS assembly 406 by two 3/32
stainless steel spring pins 420, 422 and two flat head fasteners
424, 426, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4. The pins 420, 422 may create a
line fit between the mating parts with minimized mechanical play.
The flat head screws 424, 426 give rotational strength to actuate
the pivot mechanics.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the cross-slide assembly 400 may be
coupled to the mount arm 404 by two shoulder screws 640, 642.
Assembly play may be managed at this interface by o-rings 650, 654,
which may apply a preload to the mating surfaces. This technique
may maintain the stability of the mount assembly 102 and imaging
assembly 104. The cross-slide assembly 400 may be tightened against
the mount arm 404 by a tilt adjustment lever 644 that rotates about
a pin or screw 646. Rotation of the lever 644 may present an
eccentric cam surface 656 for reliably tightening and releasing the
connection between the mount arm 404 and the cross-slide assembly
400 to allow pivoting of the cross-slide assembly 400 relative to
the mount arm 404 about the shoulder screws 640, 642.
[0066] In the foregoing manner, a pivot connection may thus be made
to the cross-slide assembly 400 to allow the user to adjust the
tilt of the mount assembly 102. In the prone position, tilt
adjustment may aid the user by reducing the required rotation of
the head to perform surveillance. This capability may significantly
reduce head and neck fatigue.
[0067] The stow pivot and slide (SPS) assembly 406, as shown for
example in FIGS. 3-4 and 11, may allow the user to pivot the mount
assembly 102 into a stow position and to make vertical adjustments
of the imaging assembly 104 to optimize the location of the
eyepiece 130 for the user's individual requirements. It also
completes the load path of the imaging assembly 104 and mount
assembly 102 by attaching to the helmet adaptor assembly 2000.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the illustrated exemplary
system 100 is configured to latch in both out-of-sight and in-sight
positions without the need for user to push, pull or twist any
button, lever or knob. This function is provided by the pivot
assembly 1500 of the SPS assembly 406 shown in FIG. 15. Biased
members, such as ball detents 1502 in the pivot assembly 1500 may
engage associated features, such as lateral grooves 1504, in a
pivot drum 1506, which may be coupled to the mount arm 404, to hold
the mount arm 404 and imaging assembly 104 latched in place without
the need for additional mechanics. Each ball detent 1502 may be
preloaded with 25 lb of force, e.g. by springs 1508 which acts on
the pivot drum 1506. In either the out-of-sight or the in-sight
position, the ball detents 1502 may engage in one of the lateral
grooves 1504 to hold the imaging assembly 104 securely in
place.
[0069] When the user pulls the mounting arm 404 to place the mount
assembly 102 in the alternative position, the ball detents 1502 may
retract from the lateral groove 1504. The ball detents 1502 may run
in a raceway around the pivot drum 1506 until they engage in a
second lateral groove. This action may latch the imaging assembly
104 in the alternative position. According to one embodiment, the
ball detents 1502 may thus be configured to break free if the user
pulls the imaging assembly 104 and/or the mount assembly 102 out of
either fixed position. According to one embodiment, the lateral
grooves 1504 may be angularly spaced approximately 135 degrees
apart on the pivot drum 1506.
[0070] Correspondingly, the angular separation between the
out-of-sight position and the in-sight position may also be
approximately 135 degrees. Once the ball detents 1502 break free of
the first lateral groove 1504, the mount may rotate 135 degrees and
latch in place when the ball detents 1502 engage the second lateral
groove. FIG. 13 shows the mount in an in-sight position, and FIG.
14 shows the mount in an out-of-sight position. Various other
suitable angles may also be employed.
[0071] With reference now to FIGS. 15-16, a slide assembly 1600 of
the SPS assembly 406 may allow the mount assembly 102, via the
pivot housing 402, to translate up and down to facilitate the
positioning of the imaging assembly 104. In the illustrated
embodiment, the slide action of the slide assembly 1600 is
established by a cooperating dovetail profiles between the pivot
housing 402 and the slide 1604.
[0072] The pivot housing 402 may be fixed in a plurality of
alternative heights relative to the slide 1604 by a release
assembly 1605. A pawl 1510 on a release tab 1608 may engage an
array of slots, e.g., horizontal slots 1606, to maintain the pivot
housing 402 at one of a plurality of alternative heights. The
release tab 1608 may be fixed to the pivot housing 402 by a pin
1512 and a mounting frame 1514. The release tab 1608 may be
depressed to rotate about the pin 1512 releasing the pawl 1510 from
the horizontal slots 1606 to free the pivot hosing 402 for vertical
adjustment relative to the slide 1604.
[0073] With reference also to FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, a latch plate
1612 of the SPS assembly 406 may attach the mount assembly 102 to a
helmet interface. Consistent with one embodiment, the helmet
interface may be an adaptor plate 1800 of the helmet adaptor
assembly (HAA) 2000, shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 19-21. The
latch plate 1612 may be supported by a fastener through an existing
mounting hole in the front of the helmet 101. Additional stability
may be provided by a front hook 2002 of the adaptor plate 1800
which may anchor the helmet adaptor assembly 2000 to the brim of
the helmet 101. The mount assembly 102 may lock into the adaptor
plate 1800.
[0074] The mount assembly 102 may be locked into the helmet adaptor
plate 1800 by a stationary tab 1700 and spring loaded latch 1702 of
the latch plate 1612. The tab 1700 may be engaged into a pocket at
the top of the adapter plate 1800 and then the mount assembly 102
may be rotated downward to catch the latch 1702 in a latch receiver
2004. Precision tolerancing between the helmet adaptor plate 1800
and the latch plate may minimize the mechanical play at the
interface. Remaining mechanical play may be reduced and/or
eliminated by a light preloaded applied by a compliant pressure pad
disposed between the adaptor plate 1800 and the latch plate 1612.
According to one embodiment, the compliant pressure pad may be a 60
durometer SANTOPRENE thermoplastic elastomer pressure pad. The
mount assembly 102 may be released from the adaptor plate 1800 by
depressing the release lever 1704 of the latch plate 1612 to
release the latch 1702 from the latch receiver 2004 and pulling the
mount assembly 102 free.
[0075] The SPS assembly 406 may be constructed from materials
selected to balance the system weight and the stiffness and
strength requirements for the specific component. In one
embodiment, the pivot housing 402, pivot drum 1506, and latch plate
1612 may be constructed from 7075 T6 aluminum.
[0076] Turning again to FIG. 1 and also to FIGS. 19-21, the helmet
adapter assembly 2000 may include a helmet adapter plate 1800
coupled to the front hook 2002, a cable strap assembly 2006
extending from the adapter plate 1800 to a battery pack hub and
buckle 2008, and a rear hook 2010 coupled to the battery pack hub
2008. FIGS. 22-23 show the adapter plate 1800 and front hook 2002
assembly and FIG. 24 shows the rear hook 2010 assembly. The front
and rear hooks 2002, 2010 may be configured to engage the front and
rear rims of the helmet 101. The cable strap assembly 2006 may be
tightened against the battery pack hub and buckle 2008 to tighten
the helmet adaptor assembly 2000 against the helmet 101. As shown
in FIG. 24, the rear hook 2010 may be provided with a hook and loop
fastener 2400, such as a VELCRO brand fastener, on front 2402 and
back 2404 surfaces thereof for fastening the back surface 2404
against a corresponding hook and loop fastener affixed to the
inside surface of the helmet 101 and for fastening the front
surface 2402 against a helmet liner or padding (not shown).
[0077] As shown in FIG. 25 a power cable 2500 may extend from the
battery pack hub and buckle 2008 through the strap assembly 2006
and to a connector 2502 coupled to the cable 2500 as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 37-38. The connector 2502 may be coupled to the
helmet adapter 1800, e.g. as, shown in FIGS. 19-23, to provide an
interface for an electrical connection from the battery pack 103 to
the vision system 100 through corresponding contacts 1620 coupled
to the SPS 406, e.g., such as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The
contacts 1620 may be constructed from a brass 360 alloy with a
plating system of copper, electroless nickel and gold.
[0078] The cable 2500 may be secured to the helmet 101. In one
embodiment consistent with the present invention, the cable 2500
may be secured to the helmet 101 in such a manner as to avoid risk
of the cable snagging on elements that may contact the helmet 101.
According to one such embodiment, the strap assembly 2006 may be
configured to provide a cable channel 2801 for covering at least a
portion of the cable 2500. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 26-28,
the strap assembly 2006 may include a first elongate member, such
as an upper webbing 2800, and a second elongate member, such as a
lower webbing 2802. The upper webbing 2800 may be wider than the
lower webbing 2802. The edges of the upper webbing 2800 may be
stitched to the edges of the lower webbing 2802 to establish a
cable channel 2801 between the upper and lower webbings 2800, 2802.
The edges of the upper and lower webbings 2800, 2802 may be
continuously and/or intermittently stitched together. Alternative
techniques may also be employed for continuously and/or
intermittently coupling the upper and lower webbings 2800, 2802
together along at least a portion of the expanse thereof. As shown
for example in FIGS. 20-21 and 25, the cable 2500 may be passed
through this channel 2801 from the battery pack hub and buckle 2008
and may be terminated by the connector 2502.
[0079] The battery pack hub and buckle 2008, as, shown in FIGS.
30-39, may provide a mechanical interface to a battery pack 103 and
an electrical interface between one or more batteries in the
battery pack 103 and the cable 2500. As shown for example, in FIGS.
33-36 the cable 2500 may be terminated in the battery pack hub 2008
by electrically connecting conductors 3300 of the cable 2500 to
associated contacts 3200 exposed at a front surface 3202 of the
battery pack hub and buckle 2008. The contacts 3200 may be
positioned to electrically connect to associated contacts on a
battery pack 103. As shown in FIG. 39, the battery pack hub and
buckle 2008 may include a buckle portion 3900 for receiving a strap
3902 to adjustably couple the rear hook 2010 to the battery pack
hub and buckle 2008.
[0080] An exemplary embodiment of a battery pack 103 is shown in
FIGS. 1, 19, and 40. As shown, the battery pack 103 may be
contoured to the helmet 101, and may be waterproof as well as sand
and dust proof. The battery pack 103 may removably attach to the
battery pack hub and buckle 2008. In one embodiment, the battery
pack 103 may hold four "AA" size batteries. According to one
embodiment, all of the batteries may be installed in the same
orientation, e.g. with a plus (+) end up to provide ease of
installation. Symbols on the outside of the housing as well as (+)
plus marks inside the top housing may clearly indicate correct
battery orientation.
[0081] In addition to being contoured to fit the helmet 101, the
sides and edges of the battery pack 103 may be tapered. By
contouring the battery pack 103 to closely follow the shape of the
helmet 101, the battery pack 103 may benefit from the structural
integrity of the helmet 101 for support. The unique shape of the
battery pack 103 may minimize any snag hazards. According to an
embodiment consistent with the present invention, the battery pack
cover may attach to the battery pack body by means of one or more
thumbscrews 4002. In an embodiment herein, the one or more
thumbscrews 4000 may be shrouded to minimize any snag hazard while
at the same time permitting easy manipulation and/or opening of the
battery pack 103 by users wearing gloves of any kind. In one
embodiment, the battery pack may be constructed from a 20% glass
filled polyetherimide, such as ULTEM. A thumbscrew 4000 may
releasable secure the battery pack 103 to the battery pack hub and
buckle 2008, e.g. by operating a threaded, bayonet, etc.,
securement feature which may engage opening 3901. Various
alternative configurations may also be employed for releasably
engaging the battery pack to the battery pack hub and buckle
assembly.
[0082] According to an aspect, the present disclosure may provide
an attachment system for securing a mount to a helmet. The system
may include a front assembly configured to be coupled to a front
portion of a helmet and a rear assembly configured to be coupled to
a rear portion of a helmet. The system may also include a first
elongate member having a first end coupled to the front assembly
and a second end coupled to the rear assembly. A second elongate
member may be coupled to the first elongate member to establish a
cable channel therebetween along at least a portion of the first
elongate member between the first and second ends.
[0083] According to an aspect, the present disclosure may provide
an attachment system for securing a vision system to a helmet. The
attachment system may include a first elongate member having a
first end for coupling to a feature on a front of a helmet and a
second end for coupling to a feature on a rear of the helmet. The
attachment system may additionally include a second elongate member
coupled to the first elongate member to establish a cable channel
therebetween along at least a portion of the first elongate member
between the first end and the second end.
[0084] According to one aspect, the present disclosure may provide
a vision system mount assembly including a receiver configured to
be removably coupled to an imaging assembly. The vision system
mount assembly may further include a cross-slide assembly coupled
to the receiver, in which the cross-slide assembly may be
configured to move the imaging assembly in a first plane. A stow
pivot/slide assembly may be configured to pivot the imaging
assembly between a first position and a second position, and may
further be configured to move the imaging assembly in a second
plane. The vision system mount assembly may also include a mount
arm extending between the stow pivot/slide assembly and the
cross-slide assembly.
[0085] According to another aspect, a receiver for mounting an
imaging assembly may be provided including a body portion, and
first and second mounting features capable of removably coupling an
imaging assembly to the body portion. The receiver may also include
a retainer configured to releasably retain the imaging assembly to
the body portion. The retainer may be biased toward an engaged
position.
[0086] According to yet another aspect, a cross-slide assembly for
coupling a vision system to a helmet may be provided. The
cross-slide assembly may include a fore-aft slide configured to be
coupled to the helmet. A fore-aft shuttle may be slidably coupled
to the fore-aft slide and may include at least one rail. The
cross-slide assembly may also include a side-side shuttle that may
be slidably coupled to the rail. The side-side shuttle may be
configured to be coupled to an imaging assembly.
[0087] According to a further aspect, a stow pivot/slide assembly
may be provided including a slide assembly coupled to a helmet. The
stow pivot/slide assembly may also include a pivot assembly having
a pivot housing that may be slidably coupled to the slide assembly,
and a pivot drum. The pivot assembly may further include a detent
configured to releasably secure the pivot drum in at least a first
and a second position relative to the pivot housing.
[0088] According to still another aspect, a helmet adapter assembly
for a vision system may be provided. The helmet adapter assembly
may include a helmet adapter plate, a front hook coupled to the
helmet adapter plate and configured for coupling to a front portion
of a helmet. The helmet adapter assembly may also include a rear
hook configured for coupling to a rear portion of the helmet. A
battery pack hub and buckle assembly may be coupled to the rear
hook. The helmet adapter assembly may also include a strap
extending between the adapter plate and the battery pack hub and
buckle assembly.
[0089] According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure may
relate to a system for attaching a vision system to a helmet. The
system may include a helmet interface coupled to the helmet, and a
mount assembly coupled to an imaging system. The mount assembly may
include a latch plate, in which the latch plate may be releasably
coupled to the helmet interface.
[0090] According to yet another aspect, a strap assembly may be
provided. The strap assembly may include an upper webbing and a
lower webbing coupled together to establish a cable channel
therebetween at least along a portion of the lower webbing. The
strap assembly securing a battery pack to a helmet between a front
rim and a rear rim.
[0091] Although several embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited
hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in
the art that various modifications can be made without materially
departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the
invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way
of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention
is not to be limited thereby.
* * * * *