ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR A HELMET

Abstract

An accessory attachment system for a helmet and its method of use are disclosed. The accessory attachment system for the helmet may include a base configured for attachment to a helmet and an accessory attachment portion associated with the base. The accessory attachment portion may be configured to selectively attach at least one accessory. The accessory attachment portion may also be automatically secured at, and selectively movable between, at least a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

Description

BACKGROUND

A soldier, first responder, or law enforcement officer, may wear protective headgear such as a helmet. Such a helmet may mount an accessory, such as an illuminator, camera, video recorder, laser pointer, communications component, IFF device, or other item, to aid the helmet wearer in the performance of duties in the field.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an accessory attachment system for a helmet includes a base configured for attachment to the helmet and an accessory attachment portion associated with the base. The accessory attachment portion may be configured to selectively attach at least one accessory. The accessory attachment portion may also be automatically secured at, and selectively movable between, at least a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

In another embodiment, an accessory attachment system for a helmet includes a base configured to mount to the helmet. The base may include an opening for receiving a fastener that attaches the base directly, or indirectly, to the helmet. A platform may include a rail system for attaching to an accessory. The accessory attachment system for the helmet may also include a mount supporting the platform for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The mount may extend obliquely away from the base.

In a still further embodiment, a method of adjusting a position of an accessory relative to a helmet includes providing a helmet including an accessory attachment system, wherein an accessory is mounted to the accessory attachment system. A wearer dons the helmet, and the accessory attachment system with associate accessory is moved from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present teachings can be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a helmet with an attached accessory attachment system;

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of a helmet with an attached accessory attachment system;

FIG. 1C is a schematic front view of a helmet with an attached accessory attachment system;

FIG. 1D is a schematic perspective view of the front rail system;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of an accessory attachment system;

FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of an accessory attachment system;

FIG. 3A is a schematic exploded perspective view of an accessory attachment system;

FIG. 3B is a schematic exploded perspective view of an accessory attachment system;

FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of the base and the mount of the accessory attachment portion;

FIG. 4B is a schematic bottom view of the base and the mount of the accessory attachment portion;

FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of the rotatable platform of the accessory attachment portion;

FIG. 5B is a schematic bottom view of the rotatable platform of the accessory attachment portion;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors have recognized the benefits of providing an accessory attachment system for a helmet, or other appropriate object, enabling selective, quick and easy adjustment of the positioning of such accessory. For example, an accessory may have an in-use position and a non-use position and it may be desirable for the wearer to quickly shift the accessory between such different positions. In an illustrative embodiment, a flashlight or other illumination device may be mounted to a helmet via an accessory attachment system. When not in use, the wearer may desire that the flashlight face upwardly in the direction of the helmet crown. When illumination is required, the user may wish to quickly flip the flashlight downwardly so that the flashlight faces in the direction of the front of the helmet. Further, multiple positions of the flashlight may be desired for one or both of in-use and non-use modes. In some embodiments, only multiple positions of an in-use mode or a non-use mode may be provided. Movement of the accessory attachment system from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position may be rotational, linear, non-linear or a combination of any of the foregoing.

The accessory attachment system is configured to mount a helmet accessory. The helmet accessory may include, but is not limited to, a camera, visible light source, infrared light source, laser, and any other item that may be suitable for carriage by a helmet or as may be dictated by a mission specific requirement. The accessory attachment system is not limited necessarily to any particular arrangement for mounting the accessory. A rail-type system is an appropriate arrangement to attach an accessory, with a Picatinny rail system being especially suitable. The accessory attachment system may be configured for mounting to a helmet, either directly to the helmet, or indirectly via other components associated with the helmet. In certain embodiments, the helmet may include a rail extending about some or all of the helmet outer shell and the accessory attachment system may be mounted to such a rail. The accessory attachment system may be especially shaped, if desired, to complement a shape of the helmet if directly mounted thereto or to a component, such as a rail, where indirectly mounted to the helmet. The accessory attachment system may be permanently or removably mounted to the helmet. The fixation component or medium for uniting the accessory attachment system to the helmet may be dedicated to the accessory attachment system or may be multi-functional. Regarding the latter embodiment, a fastener that extends through a helmet shell to secure an internal suspension system, a chin-strap, or other component might also be employed to secure the accessory attachment system. Alternatively, a fastener dedicated exclusively to the accessory attachment system may be employed. Non-hardware fastening approaches for mounting the accessory attachment system to a helmet also are contemplated including, without limitation, adhesive arrangements and hook and loop fastening systems.

As observed earlier, it may be desirable to adjust the location of an accessory on a helmet. To provide such selective repositioning of the accessory, an accessory attachment system may be movable between two or more predetermined positions. For example, and without limitation, a rail system used to mount an accessory to the attachment system, or another aspect of the accessory attachment system, may be rotatable between two or more predetermined positions. The rail system, or other positionally adjustable aspect of the accessory attachment system, may automatically secure, or self-lock, in each such different position. A user, may selectively apply a force to the rail system that is greater than a preselected minimum retention force to disengage the rail system, for example, and move the rail system to another position—either back to a first predetermined position or, instead, to a new third predetermined position. A detent-type mechanism may be used to releasably secure the rail system, or other positionally adjustable aspect of the accessory system, at each predetermined position.

The embodiments described below are directed to an accessory attachment system for a helmet. However, the current disclosure is not limited in this fashion, and it would be understood by one of skill in the art that the accessory attachment system could be used with any appropriate device, protective article, vehicle, or other appropriate structure.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1A-1C depict a helmet 102, and more specifically a combat helmet. The helmet includes an outer shell, and may also include, as illustrated, a front rail system 104 for attaching various helmet components and accessories, and a mounting system 110 for night vision goggles, a visor, or the like. Such a rail and goggle or visor mounting system are described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/101,320, which is incorporated herein by reference. One or more accessory attachment systems 106 may be integrated with the helmet. In some embodiments, the accessory attachment system 106 may be directly mounted onto the helmet through the use of screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, interlocking features, or any other appropriate fastener 108. Alternatively, the accessory attachment system 106 may include features to allow it to be mounted to one or more components already provided with the helmet including, for example, rail 104. In one embodiment, a base of the accessory attachment system 106 may register with a complementary structure 112 on front rail system 104. At least the portion of the accessory attachment system mounting the accessory may be movable between two or more predetermined positions. Such movement may be angular (e.g., pivotal or rotational), linear (e.g., sideways, up, or down), non-linear, or a combination of any of the foregoing. While the accessory attachment system 106 has been depicted as being located approximately adjacent to the temple portions of a wearer, it should be understood that an accessory attachment system 106 may be located at any desired portion of the helmet. Further, although illustrated as being attached to the helmet, via the rail 104, the accessory attachment system could be integrally formed either with the rail or with the helmet itself.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the accessory attachment system 200 separate from the helmet. The accessory attachment system may include a base 202 that is adapted to mount to a complementary portion of the helmet. For example, the base 202 may be shaped to attach with a complementary shaped portion 112 of the rail 104 shown in FIG. 1D. The base may include a slot 206 or other opening for receiving a fastener. In some instances, as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the slot or other opening may be located at the bottom face of a counterbore. In the embodiments shown, the accessory attachment system may include an accessory attachment portion 204 extending obliquely from an end of the base 202 such that, together, the components form a dogleg shape. As shown, at least a portion of one end of the base may be contiguous with at least a portion of one end of the accessory attachment portion. The adjacent surfaces may be shaped and arranged to allow the accessory attachment portion to freely rotate relative to the base. For example, the adjacent end portions may have complementary convex 220a and concave 220b shapes. Although illustrated with an end of the accessory attachment portion having a convex shape and an end of the base having a concave shape, the respective shapes may be reversed as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. The adjacent end portions may be spaced apart a preselected distance so that objects greater than a predetermined size are substantially prevented from entering into, or being pinched by, the cooperating surfaces.

In order to provide selective attachment of an accessory, the accessory attachment system may include an accessory mounting system 214. The accessory mounting system depicted in the figures is a Picatinny rail. The Picatinny rail is a standard military platform used for attaching weapons scopes, grenade launchers, lights, lasers, and other desirable items to a rifle. In general, a Picatinny rail may include an elongated platform with a series of transverse grooves and rails that are uniformly shaped and spaced along its length. While three rails have been shown for the Picatinny rail depicted in the figures, any number of rails could be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, while a Picatinny rail system has been described in connection with the mounting system, the current disclosure is not limited to the use of a Picatinny rail. Therefore, any appropriate mounting system may be incorporated to provide selective attachment of a desired accessory.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the accessory attachment portion may include a mount 204a and a rotatable platform 204b arranged for rotational movement relative to the mount between at least a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The rotatable platform 204b may be rotatably connected to the mount 204a by a rivet connection comprising rivet 208, boss 210, and hole 212. The boss and hole may be sized so that the rotatable platform 204b may rotate relative to the mount 204a when disposed thereon. The rivet may be positioned on shoulders 210a and 212a, see FIGS. 4A-5B. While a riveted connection has been depicted, it should be understood that the current disclosure is not limited in this fashion and that any appropriate fastener could be used including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, interlocking features, or any other appropriate fastening arrangement.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to quickly and accurately reposition an accessory connected to the mounting system. Therefore, in one embodiment, accessory attachment portion 204 may be automatically secured through the use of at least one detent mechanism. In one instance, the at least one detent mechanism may be integrated between the mount 204a and rotatable platform 204b of the accessory attachment portion 204. As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the at least one detent mechanism may comprise a plurality of indentations 216 and one or more corresponding spring biased plungers 218. The spring biased plungers 218 include a shaft 218a containing a spring, not shown, and a camming surface 218b that is outwardly biased by the spring. The spring biased plungers may be disposed in positioning holes 220. During rotation of the rotatable platform due to an applied force, camming surfaces 218b displace upwards into shafts 218a and subsequently cam out of one indentation and into the next. This camming process may continue until the rotatable platform has reached the desired position. While a spring has been disclosed as providing the outward biasing of camming surface 218b it could also be biased outwards by a compressible medium, flexible structures, or other arrangements and materials as would be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

Depending upon whether rotational, up-down, sideways, or other movement is desired, the indentations and spring biased plungers may be arranged along a line, curve, circle, or any other desired path. For example, as depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the indentations are arranged in a first circular pattern approximately every 30° and the spring biased plungers are arranged in a second corresponding triangular pattern. Depending upon the embodiment, it may be desirable that the plunger be equal in number to, or less than, the number of indentations. Without wishing to be bound by theory, providing three or more spring biased plungers equally spaced around the connection may provide a more stable rotational connection. This may be due to substantially preventing the rotatable platform from tilting relative to the boss and/or mount. However, a single spring biased plunger may also be used in such an embodiment. Furthermore, any of the above-described arrangements may permit rotation of the accessory attachment system amongst a plurality of predetermined angular positions.

Although three spring biased plungers and a dozen indentations are illustrated, any number of plungers and indentations, or other detent arrangements, may be employed as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. Furthermore, this disclosure should be viewed as broadly teaching a mechanism to reliably position and automatically secure an accessory attachment portion at two or more predetermined positions. Consequently, any number of variations could be envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art including, for example, the use of: a single detent mechanism; a flexible detent mechanism; a bolted connection; a frictional interface that may be tightened to lock the accessory attachment portion in place; or any other appropriate arrangement. Additionally, the individual positions may be located at any desirable distance, or angular orientation from one another. For example, the individual positions may be spaced apart at angles ranging between approximately 10° to 45°, or at any other desired angle.

A representative method of using the accessory attachment system will now be described. A helmet is provided including an accessory attachment system. The helmet, already bearing an accessory with the attachment system or to which an accessory is subsequently mounted, is donned by a wearer. The wearer selectively moves the accessory attachment system, with the attached accessory, from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position. The user may move the accessory attachment system by grasping and applying a force directly to the accessory attachment system, or instead by grasping and applying a force to the accessory itself. Depending upon the configuration of the accessory attachment system, the resulting movement may be a rotational motion, a non-rotational motion in a front-to-rear direction of the helmet, and/or a non-rotational motion in bottom-to-top direction of the helmet. Furthermore, the accessory attachment system may be automatically secured at the second predetermined position by a detent mechanism or other appropriate arrangement. In certain embodiments, an additional manual locking feature may be provided to further prevent movement of the accessory attachment portion between predetermined positions.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. on the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. An accessory attachment system for a helmet, comprising:

a base configured for attachment to the helmet; and

an accessory attachment portion associated with the base and configured to selectively attach to at least one accessory, wherein the accessory attachment portion is automatically secured at, and selectively movable between, at least a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position.

2. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion is selectively movable between at least the first and second predetermined positions in at least one of a rotational, up-down, and sideways directions.

3. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion is automatically secured at each position until a force greater than a preselected retention force is applied to the accessory attachment portion.

4. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion further includes a rail system to selectively attach to the at least one accessory.

5. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion further includes at least one detent mechanism to selectively secure the accessory attachment portion in each of the at least first and second predetermined positions.

6. The accessory attachment system of claim 5, wherein the at least one detent mechanism includes a first number of indentations and a second number of biased plungers, where the first number is greater than the second number.

7. The accessory attachment system of claim 5 wherein the at least one detent mechanism includes a series of indentations in a first pattern and a series of biased plungers in a second pattern, wherein the first pattern is different than the second pattern.

8. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion extends from an end of the base.

9. The accessory attachment system of claim 8, wherein the accessory attachment portion and the base form a dogleg shape.

10. The accessory attachment system of claim 1, wherein the accessory attachment portion includes a mount, a boss associated with the mount, and a rotatable platform disposed on the boss.

11. The accessory attachment system of claim 10 further comprising at least one detent mechanism integrated between the mount and the rotatable platform to automatically secure the accessory attachment portion at each of the at least first and second predetermined positions.

12. The accessory attachment system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a first end of the base is contiguous with at least a portion of a second end of the accessory attachment portion, the portion of the first end being convex or concave and the portion of the second end being the other of convex or concave.

13. The accessory attachment system of claim 1 further including a helmet, and wherein the base is attached to the helmet.

14. An accessory attachment system for a helmet, comprising:

a base configured to mount to the helmet, the base including an elongated slot extending there through for receiving a fastener;

a platform including a rail system for attaching to an accessory;

a mount supporting the platform for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, wherein the mount extends obliquely away from the base.

15. The accessory attachment system of claim 14, wherein the base and mount have a dogleg shape.

16. The accessory attachment system of claim 14, wherein the mount is integral with the base.

17. The accessory attachment system of claim 14, wherein the platform is arranged for rotational movement relative to the mount between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

18. The accessory attachment system of claim 14, wherein the platform is automatically secured in the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

19. The accessory attachment system of claim 14, wherein an end of the platform closest to the base has a concave or convex shape and an end of the base closest to the platform has the other of a concave or convex shape.

20. A method comprising:

providing a helmet including an accessory attachment system, wherein an accessory is mounted to the accessory attachment system;

donning the helmet on a wearer's head; and

moving the accessory attachment system, while the accessory is mounted thereto and the helmet is on the wearer's head, from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the moving act includes at least one of rotatably moving, moving non-rotatably in a front-to-rear direction of the helmet, and moving non-rotatably in a bottom-to-top direction of the helmet.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the moving act includes rotating the accessory attachment system from between 10° to 45°.

23. The method of claim 20, further including the act of automatically locking the accessory attachment portion in the predetermined second predetermined position.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the moving step includes moving the accessory attachment portion rotatably and at least one of linearly and non-linearly.