Having Article Attaching Means Patents (Class 2/6.2)
  • Patent number: 12059048
    Abstract: A shroud assembly for headgear includes a frame having a first side configured to face toward an exterior surface of the headgear and a second side opposite the first side and configured to face away from the headgear, the first side having a shape that matches a contour of the headgear. An insert separately formed from the frame is removably attached to the first side of the frame, the insert configured for removable attachment to a mounting assembly. The frame includes first and second spaced apart walls disposed on the front side of the frame on opposite sides of the insert, the first and second walls spaced a sufficient distance apart to provide an interference fit between the mounting assembly and the first and second spaced apart walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Patent number: 12003709
    Abstract: Visual data transmission by an air-gapped system, including: transmitting, by an air-gapped system comprising at least one first computing device, a visual encoding of data via a display; detecting, during capture of the visual encoding of the data by a second computing device via a camera, an error; generating, by the second computing device in response to the error, and alert; and retransmitting, in response to a user input to the air-gapped system, at least a portion of the visual encoding of the data via the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reinhold Geiselhart, Rene Blath, Frank Kuster
  • Patent number: 12003892
    Abstract: A medical image assistance system and a medical image assistance method are provided. During a medical process, an image capturing apparatus located at a local location captures a first image and transmits the first image to a control device located at the local location, and the control device transmits the first image captured by the image capturing apparatus to an electronic apparatus located at a remote location. The electronic apparatus performs a marking operation on the first image to generate a second image, and transmits the second image to the control device. The control device transmits the second image to a head-mounted display apparatus located at the local location so that the head-mounted display apparatus simultaneously displays the second image and a real-time local image. The first image and the second image are at least partially the same in content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Chien Wu, Chen Hsiang Shih, Yi-Fa Wang, I-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 11937895
    Abstract: An embodiment of a mind-view communication apparatus includes a first portable unit and a second portable unit. The first portable unit includes an eyeglass frame, at least one first optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one scene image corresponding to a field of view of a user, and at least one second optical unit disposed on the eyeglass frame for capturing at least one eye image corresponding to at least a portion of at least one eye of the user. The second portable unit is in communication with the first portable unit and includes at least one processor configured for receiving the at least one scene image and the at least one eye image, determining a direction within the field of view to which the at least one eye is directed based upon the at least one eye image, and generating a subset of the at least one scene image based on the determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Optics Innovation LLC
    Inventor: Masoud Vaziri
  • Patent number: 11918836
    Abstract: A magnetic pass-through controller of an in-helmet display includes internal components inside a helmet. The internal components include a magnet assembly holding one or more internal magnets and a swing arm affixed to the magnet assembly and affixed to the in-helmet display. External components outside the helmet include an external magnet housing holding one or more external magnets and an adjuster for manual rotation. The adjuster is coupled to the external magnet housing such that the manual rotation of the adjuster causes a corresponding rotation of the external magnet housing. Magnetic coupling between the one or more internal magnets and the one or more external magnets causes the corresponding rotation also in the magnet assembly and the swing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jake Rohrig
  • Patent number: 11892616
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a goggle helmet mount, includes: a helmet block attachable to a helmet; a chassis including a battery pack case configured to house a battery, and being rotatably coupled to the helmet block such that the chassis is rotatably positionable in a lowered position and in a raised position; and an electrical path electrically coupled to the battery pack case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: NOROTOS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Prendergast, Ronald R. Soto
  • Patent number: 11848515
    Abstract: A magnetic connector has a plug core disposed around a plug contact set and a receptacle core disposed around a receptacle contact set. The plug core defines a generally elongated circular plug core edge. The receptacle core defines a generally elongated concentric-circular receptacle core edge. The receptacle core edge defines an air gap, and the plug core defines an anchor configured to insert into the air gap. A coil is disposed around the receptacle core, and the coil, the plug core and the air gap define a magnetic circuit. The coil is electrically energized so as to form a magnetic field within an air gap, lock the anchor within the air gap and lock the plug contact set to the receptacle contact set accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Massi Joe E. Kiani, Marcelo M. Lamego, Cristiano Dalvi, Hung The Vo
  • Patent number: 11815695
    Abstract: An image display system includes a wearable device including a display configured to display an image in a field of vision of a user and a first sensor configured to detect an absolute movement of the display, and a mobile terminal including a second sensor configured to detect an absolute movement of the vehicle. The image display system further includes an image controller including a computer installed in the mobile terminal to display a subject image on the display in an AR display mode. The image controller is configured to determine a display position of the subject image on the display based at least on the absolute movement of the display detected by the first sensor and the absolute movement of the vehicle detected by the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Aoki, Ryusuke Ohta, Tomohiro Inada, Hitoshi Muraki
  • Patent number: 11789276
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a device housing and a headband that is configured to support the device housing with respect to the user. A first connector part is connected to the headband, wherein the first connector part includes a first electrical connector portion. A second connector part is connected to the device housing, wherein the second connector part includes a second electrical connector portion. The first connector part and the second connector part are movable between a connected position, in which the first electrical connector portion is in engagement with the second electrical connector portion, and a disconnected position, in which the first connector part is spaced from the second connector part and the first electrical connector portion is not in engagement with the second electrical connector portion. The headband is able to rotate with respect to the device housing in the connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Darshan R. Kasar
  • Patent number: 11611735
    Abstract: A digital loupe system is provided which can include a number of features. In one embodiment, the digital loupe system can include a stereo camera pair and a distance sensor. The system can further include a processor configured to perform a transformation to image signals from the stereo camera pair based on a distance measurement from the distance sensor and from camera calibration information. In some examples, the system can use the depth information and the calibration information to correct for parallax between the cameras to provide a multi-channel image. Ergonomic head mounting systems are also provided. In some implementations, the head mounting systems can be configurable to support the weight of a digital loupe system, including placing one or two oculars in a line of sight with an eye of a user, while improving overall ergonomics, including peripheral vision, comfort, stability, and adjustability. Methods of use are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Photonic Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Hegyi
  • Patent number: 11515664
    Abstract: A magnetic connector has a plug core disposed around a plug contact set and a receptacle core disposed around a receptacle contact set. The plug core defines a generally elongated circular plug core edge. The receptacle core defines a generally elongated concentric-circular receptacle core edge. The receptacle core edge defines an air gap and the plug core defines an anchor configured to insert into the air gap. A coil is disposed around the receptacle core, and the coil, the plug core and the air gap define a magnetic circuit. The coil is electrically energized so as to form a magnetic field within an air gap, lock the anchor within the air gap and lock the plug contact set to the receptacle contact set accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: MASIMO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Massi Joe E. Kiani, Marcelo M. Lamego, Cristiano Dalvi, Hung The Vo
  • Patent number: 11385469
    Abstract: A wearable display apparatus has a support that mounts the display apparatus against the head of a viewer; a ball joint that is fitted within the support and coupled to a clamp that extends from the support; a slide that is translatable within the clamp in a first direction and that holds a display module for forming the display image; and a display coupled to the display module and rotatable in a first arc about a vertical axis that extends in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and further rotatable in a second arc about a horizontal axis that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Vuzix Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler W. Porter, Russell D. Page, Paul J. Travers, Robert J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 11224259
    Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Marc Schmidt, Zach Runzo, Anton Sutovsky, Michael Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11206341
    Abstract: A fusion night vision system has a plurality of hinged joints that allow an operator to adjust the distance between the left eye piece and the right eyepiece while allowing a row of pixels from a display to be maintained viewable through the right eye piece parallel with an imaginary line formed by an optical axis of the left eye piece with an optical axis of the right eye piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Reed, Joseph W. Robbins
  • Patent number: 10959478
    Abstract: A head and facial protection system comprising a helmet and an attachable eye protection, said helmet comprising an inner and outer surface, a core between the inner and outer surfaces, a first and a second forehead mount, and a left and right post; wherein the eye protection secures to the first and second forehead mounts and the left and right posts to enable adjustment of the attachable eye protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Hummingbird Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Robert H. Stolker
  • Patent number: 10863145
    Abstract: A helmet with video acquisition device and display, comprising a helmet shell on which at least one video acquisition device is fixed, and a display arranged at one end of a front piece of the helmet; further comprising elements to allow the movement of the display laterally with respect to the active position in which the display is arranged completely in front of the eyes of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ENERGY LASER S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Donato
  • Patent number: 10786692
    Abstract: A respirator device having an elastomeric sleeve is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a respirator device as described herein includes a rigid nozzle element and a body including a receiver having an elastomeric sleeve. The elastomeric sleeve defines a channel, and the elastomeric sleeve is configured to deform around the nozzle element when the nozzle element is inserted into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: David M. Blomberg
  • Patent number: 10653016
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a facial-interface cushion for a head-mounted display may include (1) positioning a foam layer between a recessed mold member and an insertion mold member of a mold assembly, with the foam layer overlapping at least a portion of a mold channel extending along an arcuate path, the foam layer including a reticulated foam material, (2) forcing the insertion mold member against the foam layer in a direction toward the recessed mold member such that at least a portion of the foam layer is forced into the mold channel toward a channel bottom surface, forming a shaped foam element having a curved surface within the mold channel, (3) heating the shaped foam element to soften the shaped foam element and form the facial-interface cushion, and (4) removing the facial-interface cushion from the mold assembly. Various other facial-interface cushions, systems, and methods for head-mounted displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Sullivan, Shane Michael Ellis
  • Patent number: 10542787
    Abstract: A helmet assembly 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 easy manual force acting on the face shield to reposition the face shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GALVION Ltd.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Martin Bélanger, Richard Coomber, Stephan Morency
  • Patent number: 10432840
    Abstract: A fusion night vision system has a plurality of hinged joints that allow an operator to adjust the distance between the left eye piece and the right eyepiece while allowing a row of pixels from a display to be maintained viewable through the right eye piece parallel with an imaginary line formed by an optical axis of the left eye piece with an optical axis of the right eye piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: L-3 Communication-Insight Technology Division
    Inventors: Matthew Reed, Joseph W. Robbins, IV
  • Patent number: 10334903
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a helmet that includes an outer shell, a heads-up information system that comprises a display, and an attachment assembly. The heads-up information system is movable from a storage position within the outer shell to a use position in which the display of the heads-up information system is visible by a user, without obstructing the field of vision of the user, when the helmet is worn by the user. The attachment assembly is coupled to outer shell and the heads-up information system, and is operable to move the heads-up information system between the storage position and the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Abdollahi, Raymond C. M. Leung
  • Patent number: 10162168
    Abstract: An improved monocular/binocular bridge and helmet mounting device employing same for an optical device are provided. The mounting device herein includes a mount with a bridge attachment for providing multiple options for a monocular or binocular viewing. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pupillary/interpupillary positioning of attached viewing device(s) moves the devices linearly from side-to-side. Multiple options are provided for moving attached devices to any of multiple stowed positions out of the user's line of sight when the optical device is not in use. The bridge attachment and multiple stow positions also allow the unit to be adapted for a variety of viewing devices. A mounting bracket on the viewing device allows the viewing device to be selectively attached to a helmet mount or firearm accessory mounting rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Travis S. Mitchell, Nathaniel G. Wright
  • Patent number: 10051909
    Abstract: An intelligent safety helmet with front play of rearview is provided. The helmet includes a helmet body and several ventilation holes designed on it. The helmet body is set in the back with a rearview camera electrically connected with the intelligent hardware set in its front. The intelligent hardware includes a removable main bracket installed on one side of the helmet body, and the main bracket is installed with an optoelectronic device and a front-facing camera in the front via a rocker arm module, so that the user can use the front-facing camera to take pictures and store them in the memory or activate the rearview camera and project the image onto the optoelectronic device for view of rear conditions by the user. The user can use a transmissive optical module set in front of the eyes to play the pictures taken by the back-facing camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 9913507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a helmet that includes an outer shell, a heads-up information system that comprises a display, and an attachment assembly. The heads-up information system is movable from a storage position within the outer shell to a use position in which the display of the heads-up information system is visible by a user, without obstructing the field of vision of the user, when the helmet is worn by the user. The attachment assembly is coupled to outer shell and the heads-up information system, and is operable to move the heads-up information system between the storage position and the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hamad Abdollahi, Raymond C. M. Leung
  • Patent number: 9769551
    Abstract: A headphone includes an ear-cup housing having an internal surface defining an internal chamber, a hole extending through the ear-cup housing, and a cable anchor device within the ear-cup housing proximate the hole. The cable anchor device includes a first support member attached to the internal surface on a first side of the hole, a second support member attached to the internal surface on a second side of the hole opposite the first side, and a cross member extending between the first support member and the second support member. A method of fabricating a headphone having such a cable anchor device includes inserting a cable through a cable hole extending through the ear-cup housing and wrapping the cable around the cross member of the cable anchor device at least once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Skullcandy, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Kelly, David G. Vogt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9631899
    Abstract: A helmet assembly is provided including a front mount configured to attach to the front of the helmet above a brim of the helmet, a mandible for protecting a portion of the user's face, a lower edge rim mounting portion such as a halo attached along the lower edge of the helmet for securing the mandible to a helmet and providing power and data conduits. The front mount provides a center top mounting arrangement that operatively connects a center top location of the face shield to a center front mount on the helmet. The mount provides frontal bracket portions for mounting accessories. The helmet assembly provides a helmet shell with a curved shape having a surrounding reinforcing ridge. A reeling system is provided for adjusting front and lower chin straps. Other improvements in helmet assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Edward R. Hall, Michael James McGinn, Dominic Giroux Bernier, Richard Coomber, Curtis Herman
  • Patent number: 9625989
    Abstract: A head mounted display is used in a state of being mounted on a user's head and includes a convex lens disposed at a position facing the user's cornea when the head mounted display is mounted. An infrared light source emits infrared light toward the convex lens. A camera captures an image including the user's cornea in a subject. A housing houses the convex lens, the infrared light source, and the camera. The convex lens is provided with a plurality of reflection regions that reflects infrared light in an inside of the convex lens. The infrared light source causes a pattern of infrared light to appear on the user's cornea by emitting infrared light to each of the plurality of reflection regions provided in the convex lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FOVE, Inc.
    Inventors: Lochlainn Wilson, Bakui Chou, Keiichi Seko
  • Patent number: 9532621
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventors: David Redpath, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Stéphane Lebel
  • Patent number: 9101175
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: David Redpath, Marie-Pierre Gendron, Stéphane Lebel
  • Patent number: 9005120
    Abstract: A vital signs monitor system is integrated with personal protective equipment (“PPE”) so that upon wearing the PPE, the monitor is placed in an operational position to monitor a vital sign. In one embodiment, the vital signs sensor comprises a thermal sensor located at a mouth guard to automatically make operational contact with tissue under the tongue when the mouth guard is worn. A second vital signs monitor comprising reflective pulse oximetry devices senses oxygen saturation and heart rate. Vital signs data are communicated to an RF module located in an associated helmet for transmission to a remote location. A gateway at that remote location receives the transmitted vital signs data and forwards that data to a data collection, organization, and access system that is programmed to make the vital signs data available over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Richard H. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8984665
    Abstract: An improved helmet mounting device for an optical or other viewing device is provided. The helmet mount includes a mounting assembly removably attachable to the helmet and a pivoting assembly having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and a second end opposite the first end. A fore and aft adjustment assembly is attached to the second end of the pivoting assembly and a left and right adjustment assembly is rotatably attached to the fore and aft adjustment assembly. The left and right adjustment assembly is pivotal relative to the fore and aft adjustment assembly about a first generally vertical axis. An optical device mounting member is attached to the left and right adjustment assembly and the optical device mounting member is removably attachable to the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Marc J. Celona, Dominic R. Goupil, Gary M. Lemire, James W. Teetzel, Justin D. Harris
  • Patent number: 8834394
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a device for reducing brain and cervical spine injury includes a headpiece sufficiently designed to secure to a user's head, the headpiece having a first attachment member; a support harness sufficiently designed to secure to the user's torso, the support harness having a second attachment member; and a telescoping member having a main tube and a series of progressively smaller diameter tubes nested within each other, wherein the smaller diameter tubes are adapted to extend and compress in a linear plane by the intake and outflow of fluid, wherein the telescoping member has a first engaging member for engaging the first attachment member, and wherein the telescoping member has a second engaging member for engaging the second attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jamshid Ghajar
  • Patent number: 8826463
    Abstract: Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, David G. Kent, Marion H. Van Fosson
  • Publication number: 20140243630
    Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are methods of monitoring individuals that include securing a photoplethysmography probe to at least one of a pre-auricular region and a post-auricular region of the individual and obtaining photoplethysmography signals from the photoplethysmography probe. Photoplethysmography probes and helmets related to such methods are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melker, Neil Euliano, Brian Fuerhlein
  • Patent number: 8813269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sports helmet including a quick release connector assembly for the faceguard that allows for rapid disconnection of the faceguard from the helmet shell. The connector includes a bracket, and a coupler mechanism featuring an elongated pin, a head component, a spring, a retractable engaging element and a washer. The connector assembly is moveable between a use position wherein the faceguard is secured to the shell by the bracket and the coupler mechanism, and a released position wherein the bracket and the faceguard are disconnected from the shell. An inwardly directed actuation force that lacks a rotational component is applied to the elongated pin to move from the use position to the released position. In addition, the sports helmet includes an adjustable pad assembly comprised of an inflatable bladder and a pad member, wherein the bladder displaces the pad member towards the center of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bologna, Thad M. Ide, Nelson Kraemer, Ralph J. Infusino
  • Patent number: 8689366
    Abstract: A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 8671467
    Abstract: Systems and devices for protecting a user's head and for integrating accessories with a head protection system. The head protection system uses a rigid shell worn on the user's head and the rigid shell has a power/data bus located inside a preconfigured channel inside a halo housing attached to the shell. This power/data bus is accessible to peripherals using distinct connection points both inside and outside the shell. Removable protection accessories are also provided and attachable to the shell using an attachment subsystem located on the inside edge of the shell. The attachment subsystem has a number of recesses which mate with tabs on the removable protection accessories. Once attached to the shell, the removable protection accessories are lockable into place using a suitable locking mechanism. A nape protection attachment, a mandibular guard attachment, a visor attachment, and other protection accessories may be attached to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as Represented by the Minister of National Defence
    Inventors: David W. Tack, Harold A. Angel
  • Patent number: 8555424
    Abstract: A helmet comprises a shell, a visor, a face seal, a biasing means and two guiding mechanisms. The two guiding mechanisms, each located on a different side of the shell, connect the visor to the shell. Under a bias of the biasing means, the guiding mechanisms are operative to guide the visor along a pre-determined trajectory defined by the geometry of the guiding mechanisms. Each one of the two guiding mechanisms is further provided with a guiding track arrangement which comprises a first track portion and a second track portion. The first slider slidingly engages the first track portion while the second slider slidingly engages the second track portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Danny Higgins
  • Patent number: 8495763
    Abstract: Safety helmet of the type comprising a chin guard rotatably pivoted to the shell between a pulled down position, at the lower end of the front opening of the shell, and at least one raised position over said front opening, and at least one reversible locking device of the chin guard in such at least one raised position, the reversible locking device comprising at least one follower, integrally rotatable with the chin guard, and at least one corresponding countering element, constrained with at least one degree of freedom to the shell, or vice versa, such countering element being intended for its engagement with the aforesaid at least one follower at least in proximity of said raised position of the chin guard, as well as means for manually regulating the position and/or the motion of said at least one countering element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Nolangroup S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Gafforio, Gabriele Tomasoni, Alberto Salvetti
  • Patent number: 8201275
    Abstract: A protective goggle assembly includes a protective goggle having two side straps, each side strap comprises a free end and a first surface attachment region adjacent to the free end on at least one surface of each side strap; and a strap assembly that encircles the user's head, on each side of the strap assembly a second surface attachment region is provided that is configured to engage the first surface attachment region of the side straps. Free ends of the base band of the strap assembly are connected to an elastic ring to form a complete encircling band. The base band has a tail for securing the base band in position on a helmet. The complete encircling band is configured to fit around a soldier's helmet and the elastic ring being configured to fit over and around a night vision goggle mount at a front of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Revision Military Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Packard, Kimberly Borsa, Adam North Lazar, James Patrick Radigan
  • Patent number: 8181269
    Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus including a night vision goggle rotatable between operative and inoperative positions. Retractable stop means are included on the mount for obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its inoperative to operative position without obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its operative to its inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Aguero, Todd Michael Neff, Mark Edwin Oesterreich, Roy Holmes
  • Patent number: 8166577
    Abstract: Provided is a helmet including a half helmet-shaped helmet main body including a main body through hole at each side thereof; a shield that is rotated vertically at a front side of the helmet main body and inserted into the helmet main body and has a through hole at each end thereof so as to be detachably connected to the helmet main body; and a holder having a penetrating connection shaft at its lower surface, the penetrating connection shaft capable of being inserted through the main body through hole and the shield through hole from the outside of the helmet main body and connecting the shield to the helmet main body so as to be rotated vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: HJC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Seob Lee
  • Patent number: 8113200
    Abstract: A respirator mask has a removably mounted support frame that adjustably and removably mounts a corrective lens frame. The corrective lens frame further has a molded bridge with a biasing member embedded therein. A pivotal tab on the support frame is received in one of a plurality of detents on the lens frame for releasably securing the lens frame in the desired position on the support frame. Laterally disposed mounting lugs on the support frame are received in integrally molded pockets in the respirator mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Avon Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Davis
  • Patent number: 8028344
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of the helmet shell so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer's head. The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a “bulge” or protrusion over the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Artisent, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Charles H. Rogers, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Patent number: 7996917
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for universally rotatably adjusting a night vision device with respect to a helmet is provided that includes a first attachment mechanism for connection to the night vision device; a second attachment mechanism for connection to the helmet; and a universally rotatable joint for universally rotatably adjusting the night vision device with respect to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 7958567
    Abstract: A safety fastener for mounting fitting equipment such as suspension and retention systems onto a ballistic helmet. The nut portion of the fastener fits substantially within a grommet that is attached to a strap that forms part of the suspension or retention systems. The nut retains, rather than clamps, the grommet to the helmet. The grommet can be pulled off the nut. The pull-out force is less than the fastener fracture force. The configuration of the fastener allows ballistic threat energy to be absorbed by helmet deformation and delamination along with grommet pull-out to provide energy dissipation in stages which avoids the creation of secondary projectiles from the fastener itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Sutter, Charles F. Acker, David Burke
  • Patent number: 7945967
    Abstract: A bridge assembly couples a vision system to a helmet or headgear to allow a user to alternatively align an eyepiece of the vision system in front of a left or right eye of a user. The bridge assembly includes a receiver for removably mounting the vision system. The receiver is coupled to a slide assembly providing side-to-side movement of the vision system relative to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: L-3 Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Ross F. Barber, Ronald W. Ciccone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7913695
    Abstract: An improved mouth guard designed for use with protective equipment such as helmets and other head gear is disclosed. The invention provides a convenient means to temporarily affix the mouth guard to sports equipment, or other object when the mouth guard is removed, rather than using a conventional or traditional tethering strap. The disclosed mouth guard can be quickly removed from a user's mouth and quickly attached to a helmet component, player's finger, or other piece of equipment to allow the mouth guard to remain rigidly affixed to the player without a loose tethering strap such as used in conventional mouth guards. The invention also is applicable to other mouth guard devices which may be used for dental treatment applications to secure a dental appliance temporarily when removed from the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: John J. Moore, Timothy Moore
  • Patent number: 7908667
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fixture secured, securable to, or integral with the outer shell of a helmet of the type that has a bulge or protrusion on a side thereof to facilitate convenient positional adjustment, attachment and removal of multiple accessories include a fixture for securely receiving an accessory, wherein the fixture comprises a rail for slidably and adjustably receiving a plurality of accessories thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Artisent, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Rogers, Charles H. Rogers, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110055993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a helmet including a protective shell. The protective shell includes an upper part and a lower part extending towards the bottom of the helmet. The upper part includes a sandwich composite material including two skins, disposed on either side of a core, themselves including a plurality of composite tissue layers, The lower part includes a monolithic composite material. The invention applies in a general manner to protective helmets and more particularly in the field of aeronautics where the rigid structure allows head equipment to be fixed directly onto the protective shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicants: THALES, ARTS
    Inventors: Joël BAUDOU, Philippe VIOT