Having Article Attaching Means Patents (Class 2/6.2)
  • Patent number: 7814578
    Abstract: A helmet is provided herein for protection of the head of a user. A shell, chin bar, breath deflector, and head light are provided. The chin bar is fixed between the right and left sides of the shell. A face shield system is pivotally secured to the shell to pivot up and away from the face of the user leaving only a chin bar running below the mouth of the user in front of the face of the user. The breath deflector moves with the face shield. The light is secured to a center portion of the chin bar and includes a switch integrated with the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley S. Kosel, Timothy W. Benedict
  • Patent number: 7810168
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting arrangement is provided for mounting a vision system to a helmet. The mounting system includes a mount assembly having a latch pivot that can be removably affixed to a helmet mount. The mounting assembly further includes a base that is rotatable about the latch pivot. The base includes a tilt adjustment mechanism positioned to bear against a paddle portion extending from the latch pivot for adjusting the tilt angle of the base relative to the helmet mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: L-3 Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Reed, Tim Loring
  • Patent number: 7729063
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the angular position of an optical device with respect to a field helmet is disclosed. The mechanism includes an optical device mounting component for coupling to the optical device. A field helmet mounting component is provided for coupling to the field helmet. The field helmet mounting component is rotatably coupled to the optical device mounting component about an axis of rotation. An angular adjustment mechanism is engaged between the optical device mounting component and the field helmet mounting component. The angular adjustment mechanism includes a translating member that is moveably translatable along an axis of translation for engaging a surface of either the field helmet mounting component or the optical device mounting component. Translation of the translating member along the axis of translation induces rotation of the optical device mounting component about the axis of rotation for adjusting the angular position of the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Willey, Todd Michael Neff
  • Publication number: 20100107292
    Abstract: The invention relates to headsets comprising at least a supporting shell and a moving visor that can be displaced between two extreme positions. The headset includes a system for securing the visor in any position between the two extreme positions by friction between the visor and the supporting shell, the friction being produced by at least one microfibre felt element. The invention applies to the field of headsets in general for users of motorized craft such as in aeronautics and automobiles for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventors: Yves Chevallier, Laurent Laluque, Guy Meyer
  • Patent number: 7649701
    Abstract: A magnetically activated switch assembly is provided. The magnetically activated switch assembly includes a magnet and a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit includes a magnetically activated switch, a first set of flux conductors, and a second set of flux conductors. The first set of flux conductors has first flux conductor flanges adapted to conduct flux from ends of the magnet. The second set of flux conductors is slidingly positioned relative to the first set of flux conductors and is adapted to conduct flux from the first set of flux conductors to the magnetically activated switch. The first set of flux conductors are adapted to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise and to tilt up or down. The first magnetic circuit is adapted to conduct flux to activate the magnetically activated switch only when the first flux conductor flanges are rotationally aligned with ends of the magnet and tilted to an operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Prendergast, Charles R. Patton, III
  • Patent number: 7562658
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Madaus, Harald Vögele
  • Publication number: 20090133178
    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: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Aguero, Todd Neff, Mark Edwin Oesterreich, Roy Holmes
  • Patent number: 7461408
    Abstract: An improved head ornamentation such as a mask, cap, hat or headdress which is designed to be supported by a wearer's head and is moveable relatively thereto by the wearer's body movements or a mechanical device controlled by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barkdoll
  • Patent number: 7444683
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a night vision device to a helmet is provided that includes a helmet with a mounting device attached to the helmet, and a mounting assembly carrying a night vision device and having a helmet mounting surface for connection to the mounting device, wherein a break away connector is connected between the mounting device and the helmet mounting surface of the mounting assembly for establishing a break away connection between the helmet mounting surface of the mounting assembly and the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Prendergast, Ronald R. Soto
  • Patent number: 7234173
    Abstract: Helmet attachment apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for attaching a device to a helmet includes a first shell member coupled to a second shell member by at least one expandable member. The first and second shell members are adapted to approximately conform to first and second surface portions the helmet. When the first and second shell members are engaged with first and second engagement portions of the helmet, the expandable member is tensioned to secure the first and second shell members to the helmet. At least one of the first and second shell members includes a mount adapted to be attached to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael B. McCalla
  • Patent number: 7219370
    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: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, David G. Kent, Marion H. Van Fosson
  • Patent number: 7181776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to rotate a previously unrotatable receiver used with helmets, preferably aircraft helmets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: AVOX Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. Necci, Valentin A. Castro
  • Patent number: 7082620
    Abstract: A head protective device incorporating a sweat band bandana having a front portion secured to a head protective device and the rear portion bandana unsecured. The bandana in the first position has the free ends of the bandana overlapping and stored withthin the head encircling member of the head protective device although the ends may also extend down for tying. A second position has the bandana extending downwardly from the head protective device and the bandana has the free ends tied behind the head for the purpose of securing the head protective device against accidental removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: GWB, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Rongione
  • Patent number: 6957449
    Abstract: A helmet mount for a night vision device is provided having means to attached to headgear, such as a helmet, wherein the mount is rotatable between a use position and a stowed position about an axis that is substantially parallel to the attachment means. In one embodiment, a position adjustment assembly comprises a rotary plate, a helmet block rotationally coupled to the rotary plate and a spring-biased ball and socket system located between the helmet bock and rotary plate. In another embodiment, a tilt adjustment assembly may include a gear system wherein rotation of a lever produces rotation of a night vision device relative to a user's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6938276
    Abstract: A shroud plate for headgear is provided that may comprise a shell, an insert, a lock, a release mechanism wherein the shell extends around at least a portion of the insert has a smooth surface with rounded edges and corners and is shaped to match the contour of the headgear, and at least one attachment point wherein the attachment point is laterally movable within a restricted area. Further, the shroud plate may be attachable to headgear at a single attachment point and may be given rotational stability by an elevated ridge or a plurality of legs which may extend over or wrap around an edge of the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6912727
    Abstract: A head harness for supporting a night vision device is provided. The head harness includes a frame assembly and padding coupled to the frame assembly. The padding is configured to contact at least one of a forehead and a cheek of the face of a user of the head harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrison L. Buchanan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6883182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to rotate a previously unrotatable receiver used with helmets, preferably aircraft helmets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: AVOX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. Necci, Valentin A. Castro
  • Patent number: 6862748
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a magnet module adapted for use in an automatic shutdown assembly of a flip-up helmet mount for a night vision device, the magnet module comprising a vertically angled cavity with a substantially L-shaped profile, the cavity including a use end and a stowed end substantially opposite the use end and a bar magnet slidably received within the cavity and movable between the use end and the stowed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Norotos Inc
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6854459
    Abstract: A head enclosing gas hood for treating respiratory ailments is placeable over a patient's head for providing a gas, preferably oxygenated, to said patient. The treatment gas hood has a hood portion which is connected to a hood ring. The hood ring slides over a two-piece neck ring, the two-piece neck ring consisting of an upper neck ring and a lower neck ring retained in adjacent relationship. The hood ring slides over the two-piece neck ring and forms a sealing relationship therewith. The two-piece neck ring has a neck seal retained therein and has a sealing ring on the outer periphery thereof for engagement with the working surface of the hood ring. Ports may be provided for directing a flow of a gas into and from the interior portion of the hood where the individual's head is located. The neck seal provides an adequate seal between the neck ring and the individual's neck such that a pressurized environment may be created in the hood if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald L. Cox
  • Publication number: 20040244099
    Abstract: A helmet mount for a night vision device is provided having means to attached to headgear, such as a helmet, wherein the mount is rotatable between a use position and a stowed position about an axis that is substantially parallel to the attachment means. In one embodiment, a position adjustment assembly comprises a rotary plate, a helmet block rotationally coupled to the rotary plate and a spring-biased ball and socket system located between the helmet bock and rotary plate. In another embodiment, a tilt adjustment assembly may include a gear system wherein rotation of a lever produces rotation of a night vision device relative to a user's eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6788459
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Mark A. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6751810
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a shroud plate for headgear comprising a shell, an insert, a lock and a release mechanism wherein the shell extends around at least a portion of the insert has a smooth surface with rounded edges and corners and is shaped to match the contour of the headgear. Further, the insert is adapted to receive a lock plate, the lock is adapted to secure the lock plate to the insert, and the release mechanism allows for removal of the lock plate from the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathon R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6709062
    Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Mrugesh K. Shah
  • Patent number: 6701920
    Abstract: An oxygen head tent which is placeable over an individuals head for providing a gas, preferably oxygen, is described. The oxygen head tent has a hood portion which is connected to a hood ring. The hood ring slides over a two-piece neck ring, the two-piece neck ring consisting of an upper neck ring and a lower neck ring retained in adjacent relationship. The hood ring slides over the two-piece neck ring and forms a sealing relationship therewith. The two-piece neck ring has a neck seal retained therein and has a sealing ring on the outer periphery thereof for engagement with the working surface of the hood ring. Ports may be provided for directing a flow of a gas into and from the interior portion of the hood where the individuals head is located. The neck seal provides an adequate seal between the neck ring and the individuals neck such that a pressurized environment may be created in the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald L. Cox
  • Patent number: 6687053
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy H. Holmes, Mark A. Bryant
  • Patent number: 6662370
    Abstract: A helmet plate for interfacing between a helmet having a frontally located obstruction and a mount adjustment assembly for a night vision device. The helmet plate is comprised of a support portion having a band and a cavity for overlying the obstruction and an integral power pack housing. The integral power pack housing is disposed in relation to the support portion at such height, depth and angular position to render a night vision device attached to a mount adjustment assembly which is secured to the integral power pack housing in correct viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrison Lewis Buchanan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6619751
    Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat having a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back, and an inertia harness mechanism connected to the helmet. The helmet has an interior suitable for receiving a human head therein. In particular, the helmet has a plurality of bar members extending in transverse relationship to each other and have a curvature generally conforming to a curvature of a portion of the human head. The inertia harness mechanism is suitable for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. Pad members are secured to the ends of the each of the bar members so as to generally face the human head received within the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Mrugesh K. Shah
  • Patent number: 6616294
    Abstract: A flashlight holder for use with a conventional hart hat to releasably receive a flashlight of the type defining a faceted barrel and a head which is rotatable relative to the barrel for operation of the flashlight. The flashlight holder is designed such that a flashlight is operable with one hand when retained in the flashlight holder. The flashlight holder defines a barrel support secured to a base. The barrel support defines an interior surface and a slot configured to cooperate to closely receive and retain the flashlight barrel in a non-rotatable manner. The base of the flashlight holder defines a tab configured to be releasably engaged within a slotted receptacle defined by the hard hat. A locking projection extends from the tab for engaging a lower edge of the hard hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: David Vincent Henry
  • Patent number: 6507280
    Abstract: To provide a device capable of firmly mounting a radio communication unit to a helmet in a simple manner without impairing the beauty and handleability of the helmet when the radio communication unit is detached from the helmet. The device for mounting a radio communication unit to a helmet includes a pair of couplers having a chucking function and a pair of magnetic connectors having a magnetically chucking function. The pair of magnetic connectors are provided with electrical contacts adapted to turn conductive when in a chucked condition. Furthermore, one of the pair of couplers and one of the pair of magnetic connectors is disposed on an outer surface of the helmet, while the other of the pair of couplers and the other of the pair of magnetic connectors is disposed on a main surface of the radio communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Tabata, Yukio Miyamaru, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Publication number: 20020184691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to rotate a previously unrotatable receiver used with helmets, preferably aircraft helmets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Raymond M. Necci, Valentin A. Castro
  • Publication number: 20020148032
    Abstract: Protective helmet (1) including a main outer shell with a generally vertical plane of symmetry (P) on which an accessory, such as a clear or tinted visor or a support structure (8) for optronic equipment such as a night-vision device (9), can be fixed, characterized in that it includes connecting and locking means enabling the user to fix one or the other of the accessories to said helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Gilles Basson, Didier Schoepflin
  • Patent number: 6457179
    Abstract: A helmet mount for a night vision device with a goggle horn for attachment to the helmet mount is disclosed. The helmet mount includes an adjustable socket assembly for mounting goggle horns with varying dimensions therein, and a break away latch assembly in the lower socket that allows a goggle horn to be removed if a certain predetermined force is applied to the night vision device. Additionally, the helmet mount includes a vertical adjustment system for changing the vertical position of the night vision device relative to the user's eyes. The vertical movement can be achieved by either a rack/pin system or a gear drive system. Also provided is a locking mechanism that allows the night vision device to be easily changed from the stowed or in use position by compressing an activation button that disengages the locking mechanism and allows the night vision to be flipped up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6422513
    Abstract: One or more tubular inflatables are mounted in pockets spaced around a flight vest to assist and maintain upper body stiffness during ejection. The inflatables function to maintain the body stiff and prevent its moving from side to side during ejection. By proper positioning of the inflatables around the body, spinal compression may be prevented. In addition, connected to the flight vest is a collar-like inflatable that supports and protects the neck and head of the air crewmember from moving. The collar-like member can encircle the neck like a scarf. In another embodiment, it can also extend above the shoulders and completely encircle the helmet holding the head in a vertical position. In each embodiment, the collar-like member properly maintains the center of gravity of the air crewmember on the aircraft seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Goodrich Corpration
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Terry W. Merrifield
  • Patent number: 6378390
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus allows easy adjustment of the holding position after the apparatus is mounted. The mounting mechanism presses against, at least, two points of a target portion, e.g., the head portion of the user, with at least one holding means (3), so as to detachably mount an apparatus (1) connected to the holding means (3) on the target portion. The holding means (3) includes a roller (10) of which the moving (rotating) direction is limited by a one-way clutch or the like, thereby allowing easy position adjustment after the apparatus is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mixed Reality Systems Laboratory Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20010049837
    Abstract: A helmet comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: GORDON SLACK
  • Patent number: 6301720
    Abstract: A simplified-fitting modular helmet resistant to aerodynamic stresses. The helmet has a base helmet and module, and includes between these two parts two lateral linking devices and an upper linking device. The linking devices include a finger secured to the module inserted into a socket secured to the base helmet and latchable in the assembled position of the helmet by a device of the quarter of a revolution type. The lateral fingers permit a small lateral clearance between the two parts of the helmet. Such a helmet may find particular application as an aircraft pilot helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF Sextant
    Inventors: Alexandre Bataille, Daniel Laret, Catherine Dupin
  • Patent number: 6296204
    Abstract: A restraint system for a flight helmet that functions to hold the head steady and centrally located in the aircraft seat. The inflatable is stored on the helmet and upon activation of an ejection sequence. The inflatable member is inflated and breaks a frangible cover to rest on the shoulders. In addition, the inflatable member operates to seal the neck and, in another embodiment, to shield the face from the windblast the air crewmember encounters during ejection. The inflatable member can also function to lift the head and reduce spinal compression encountered during ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: The B. F. Goodrich Company
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Terry W. Merrifield
  • Patent number: 6249386
    Abstract: Helmet mounted system is provided which includes a helmet which is custom fitted to a user, an optical system which is removably attachable to the helmet, an attachment which is fixedly attached to the optical system, and a mount which is custom fitted and fixedly attached to the helmet. The mount is located on the helmet such that once the attachment is snap-fit onto the mount, the optical system is in place for use by the user, without any further adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvi Yona, Joseph Yaeli