Abstract: Suspension systems for helmet assemblies provide enhanced stability and adjustability for installation in helmets across different platforms. A suspension system may include an upward stabilizing member extending from a support portion of the suspension system and a pivotally attached downward stabilizing member. The pivotal attachment between upward and downward stabilizing members allows the suspension to be appropriately incorporated into helmets that are subject to manufacturing and specification variability, while still providing flexibility for fit adjustments to the suspension system.

Abstract: A visor for a helmet includes a lens having a top edge that slopes downward from a top center point to first right and left curve points, at the first curve points the top edge begins to slope more aggressively toward second right and left curve points, and more aggressively toward right and left side edge points. A plane of sight along the vertical extent of the lens is displaced above the plane intersecting the side edge points. The lens has a thickness defined between an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface; the inner and outer surfaces having different radii of curvatures. The lens tapers from the center toward the outer edges.

Abstract: Helmet systems and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, an opaque, ballistic rated visor is attached to a helmet such that the visor covers a wearer's eyes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods relate to wearable armor plate assemblies having armor plate sections which are rigidly connected to one another. The resulting assembly may prevent undesired movement of one or more armor plates relative to the overall assembly. In some embodiments, carriers hold armor plates, and the carriers are rigidly connected to each other. The armor plate assembly may maintain a human torso shape, or other shape, when not being worn by virtue of the rigid connection of the armor plate sections. In some embodiments, the rigid connections allow for pivoting of the armor plate sections relative to each other. The armor plate assembly is supported by a belt in some embodiments.

Abstract: Attachment systems for attaching accessories to a helmet shell and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, an attachment system may include a first attachment portion mounted to a helmet shell and extending through an opening in an associated accessory. The attachment system also may include a second attachment portion that is selectively connectable to the first attachment portion. A surface of the second attachment portion facing the helmet shell engages with a bearing surface of the accessory to selectively attach the accessory to the helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the first and second attachment portions may be selectively connected to one another using a connector that moves the second attachment portion both vertically and horizontally relative to the first attachment portion when the connector is tightened.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a visor assembly having a lens and a fastening element with a pair of latching prongs each with a resiliently displaceable prong end; a casing attached to the helmet and having a pair of channels each for receiving the a latching prong and a pair of fixtures, each fixture for engaging a respective prong end when displaced outwardly; and a lock having a pair of locking prongs, each locking prong being insertable into one channel from an opposite end as the latching prongs and each locking prong having a locking prong end that is positionable under a respective latching prong to prevent displacement of the latching prong end inwardly to disengage from the respective fixture.

Abstract: Integrated helmet systems provide convenient and modular use of electronic devices with a protective helmet. In addition to ease of use, weight savings and space savings also may be realized in certain embodiments. A flexible printed circuit board is used as a power bus to deliver electrical power from a battery pack to various electronic devices. Examples of devices used with protective helmets include: night vision goggles; helmet-mounted display units; ear phones; communication headsets; camera systems; biometric sensors; microprocessors; identify friend or foe devices (IFFs); and GPS devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively attaching an accessory mount to a helmet are disclosed. A carrier may be used to position the accessory mount on the helmet. The accessory mount may be positioned on the helmet without engaging the rim of the helmet. The carrier may be compatible with various accessory mounts to permit mounting of different accessories. The accessory mount may be a powered mount for attachment to a Night Vision Device (NVD) such as Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG), or the accessory mount may be a non-powered accessory mount.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a visor on a helmet includes a visor assembly having a lens and a fastening element with a pair of latching prongs each with a resiliently displaceable prong end; a casing attached to the helmet and having a pair of channels each for receiving the a latching prong and a pair of fixtures, each fixture for engaging a respective prong end when displaced outwardly; and a lock having a pair of locking prongs, each locking prong being insertable into one channel from an opposite end as the latching prongs and each locking prong having a locking prong end that is positionable under a respective latching prong to prevent displacement of the latching prong end inwardly to disengage from the respective fixture.

Abstract: A helmet assembly including a mandible bracket configured to connect a mandible to a helmet, with at least one strap connected to the mandible bracket and configured to extend from the mandible bracket to a helmet. The assembly includes at least one strap guide having a strap engaging portion connected to the strap along a length of the strap for connecting the strap to a helmet. The strap guide is removably attachable to the helmet, and in some embodiments the strap guide may be attached and/or removed through movement along a lengthwise direction of the strap, including in a horizontal direction. The assembly may secure an accessory other than a mandible to the helmet, and sufficient force on the accessory may remove the strap guide from the helmet.

Abstract: Integrated helmet systems provide convenient and modular use of electronic devices with a protective helmet. In addition to ease of use, weight savings and space savings also may be realized in certain embodiments. A flexible printed circuit board is used as a power bus to deliver electrical power from a battery pack to various electronic devices. Examples of devices used with protective helmets include: night vision goggles; helmet-mounted display units; ear phones; communication headsets; camera systems; biometric sensors; microprocessors; identify friend or foe devices (IFFs); and GPS devices.

Abstract: A cord tensioning device has three modes of operation: a tightening mode, a release to loosen and then hold mode, and a release mode for relieving all tension in the cord. In the tightening mode, the shape of ratchet pawls and ratchet teeth allow a cord winding spool to rotate in only a tightening direction. In the release to loosen and then hold mode, an actuator associated with the knob releases the ratchet pawl from the ratchet teeth in a reverse direction, but upon release of the knob, the pawl re-engages the ratchet teeth to prevent further loosening. In this manner, the tension can be incrementally loosened. In the release mode, the pawls are disengaged from the ratchet teeth, even after release of the knob, and the spool can continue to rotate within the base when an external tension is applied to the cord.

Abstract: Methods and devices for attaching a battery to a helmet and attaching a battery to an additional device are disclosed. A battery may be mounted to the rear center of a helmet. Attaching and detaching a battery to and from a helmet may be performed with a tool or by hand. The battery may be used to power multiple devices through separate contacts, and a device may be attached to the battery while the battery mounted to a helmet. The battery also may be detached from the helmet and serve as a portable energy source.

Abstract: Suspension systems for helmet assemblies provide enhanced stability and adjustability for installation in helmets across different platforms. A suspension system may include an upward stabilizing member extending from a support portion of the suspension system and a pivotally attached downward stabilizing member. The pivotal attachment between upward and downward stabilizing members allows the suspension to be appropriately incorporated into helmets that are subject to manufacturing and specification variability, while still providing flexibility for fit adjustments to the suspension system.

Abstract: A contact surface, such as a seating surface on a mandible guard is adjustable such that variations in helmet geometry and/or mandible geometry can be accommodated. The mandible guard may be fixedly attached to a helmet with an attachment arm, yet be configured to permit adjustment of the height of the contact surface to reduce or eliminate a gap between the helmet and a guard portion of the mandible guard. A tilt arrangement may be provided between the attachment arm and the guard portion of the mandible guard to allow a wearer to adjust a pitch angle of the guard portion relative to the attachment arm.

Abstract: A helmet accessory attachment system may include an attachment portion comprising a biasing element, a position member, and a movable member. The movable member may be selectively moveable between a home position which is a first distance from the position member and a release position which is a second distance from the position member. The biasing element may bias the movable member toward the home position. The helmet accessory attachment system also may include a mounting portion attachable to a helmet. The mounting portion may include a first channel to receive the movable member at a first opening and a second channel to receive the position member at a second opening. A third distance between the first opening of the first channel and the second opening of the second channel may be greater than the first distance from the movable member to the position member in the home position.