Having Eye Shield (e.g., Goggles, Visor, Etc.) Patents (Class 2/6.3)
  • Patent number: 11758962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting system for mounting one or more accessory devices to a helmet. The system including a pair of mounting rails for attachment on respective sides on exterior of the helmet shell; and a clamping arrangement for attachment on exterior of the helmet shell between the pair of mounting rails substantially in the back portion of the helmet shell, wherein the clamping arrangement is coupled to at least one of the mounting rails via a coupling having an adjustable length for enabling attachment to helmet shells having various properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAVOX COMMUNICATIONS OY AB (LTD)
    Inventor: Jaakko Havola
  • Patent number: 11303880
    Abstract: A near eye display device includes a sparse array of intensity modulated light beam emission and steering points disposed on a transparent lens, capable of forming a wide field of view composite image directly on the retina with variable degrees of apparent depth controlled by an image forming timing signal. The active regions of the beam emission and steering elements is configured so as not to generate optical aberrations of transmitted ambient light that is apparent to the eye. The display may be applied to small form factor stereoscopic head worn display systems and used in conjunction with Augmented Reality software applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Manor Financial, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Shanks, Andrew Kemendo
  • Patent number: 10959004
    Abstract: A headset attachment. The headset attachment is removably connectable to a headset and includes means to conceal a mouth of an individual wearing the headset. The headset attachment includes a pair of members each pivotably attached to a hinge. A cover is connected to each member of the pair of members. The cover is configured to transition between an expanded configuration and a retracted configuration. In the expanded configuration, the cover conceals the mouth of the individual, and in the retracted configuration, the cover does not conceal the mouth of the individual. The headset attachment is useful for selectively concealing a mouth of an individual to prevent a third party from lip-reading or eavesdropping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas Ketzner
  • Patent number: 10191296
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for making and using laser pointers and laser illuminators with reduced risk of optical sensor damage such as eye injuries due to laser radiation from the pointer or illuminator, while scattered beams from the laser pointer or laser illuminator are visible to the optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co.
    Inventors: Nelson V. Tabirian, David E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9167859
    Abstract: Systems for mounting a helmet-mounted device to a helmet are disclosed. One such system comprises a frame configured to be movably coupled to the helmet, and an interconnect mechanism rotatably coupled to the frame. The interconnect mechanism is configured to receive the helmet-mounted device. The interconnect mechanism is rotatable relative to the frame between a use position for the helmet-mounted device and a stow position for the helmet-mounted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Seth Bandy, William Eric Garris, Timothy Trudeau, Christopher Leitzsch, Todd M. Neff
  • Patent number: 9113673
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Lamanna, George D. Hedges, Timothy G. Allard
  • Patent number: 9032548
    Abstract: In this invention, a visor is configured to be inserted into a slit of a movable plate. One of an engaging projecting portion and an engaging concave portion is provided on the visor, and the other is provided on the movable plate. When the visor pivots in a first direction about the engaging projecting portion, a concave corner portion of the visor comes into contact with a first position regulating portion of the movable plate, thereby impeding the pivotal movement of the visor. When the visor pivots in a second direction, the outer wall surface of the visor comes into contact with wall portions of the movable plate, thereby impeding the pivotal movement of the visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Isobe
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140223628
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lamanna, George D. Hedges, Timothy G. Allard
  • Patent number: 8797236
    Abstract: Provided is automatic shading goggles in that a welding helmet is manufactured in a goggle shape, so that the size thereof is compact and the weight thereof is light and a shading degree of a LCD lens can be selectively adjusted in any one mode of a welding mode for shielding a harmful light generated during welding operation and a security mode for shielding a visible ray, so that it can reduce a burden of the weight applied to a worker, block a strong light during welding operation, and easily distinguish the surrounding objects, when the welding operation is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Servore Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Woon Su Seo
  • Patent number: 8745762
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lamanna, George D. Hedges, Timothy G. Allard
  • Patent number: 8375462
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an aviation helmet includes a lens, lens/strap anti-tear interface assemblies, retainer plates, and attachment strap assemblies. A friction strip mounted on the brim of the helmet operates to increase the friction between the visor lens and the helmet. The combined function of the friction strip and the configuration of the strap assemblies operate to maintain the visor in a deployed (as-worn) positioned in front of the wearer's face, even during high speed wind blasts of up to 600 KEAS (Knots Equivalent Air Speed).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lamanna, George D. Hedges, Timothy G. Allard
  • Patent number: 8341771
    Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus capable of manipulating a sun visor, which is opened and closed at a front side of a front opening of a helmet main body, from a top portion of the helmet is provided. The opening/closing apparatus includes a sliding member in which its one end portion is coupled to a central top end portion of the sun visor, and a grip helping the sliding member to move forwards and backwards is formed at another end portion, a guide holder that is attached to an inner top portion of the helmet main body and guides a forward and a backward movement of the sliding member, and a damper that is a saw-toothed member and is attached to one side of the guide holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: HJC Corporation
    Inventor: Chang Seob Lee
  • Patent number: 8286270
    Abstract: A helmet for receiving a compatible visor comprises a shell and two guiding mechanisms. Each guiding mechanisms is located on a different side of the shell and is adapted to receive the compatible visor. The guiding mechanisms guide the compatible visor along a confined path extending from a retracted position, where the compatible visor is proximate a frontal portion of the shell and substantially outside a field of view of the wearer, to a deployed position where the compatible visor is substantially below a frontal lower edge and within the field of view of the wearer. The guiding mechanisms guide at least a lower portion of the compatible visor substantially towards a rear portion of the shell when the compatible visor is in the deployed position. The compatible visor has a lens, a face seal and one mounting interface on each side of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Danastem Sports Enr.
    Inventor: Danny Higgins
  • Patent number: 8272070
    Abstract: Conical face shields, sports helmets, and methods for orienting a conical face shield in a sports helmet are described. In embodiments, the conical face shield has at least two opposing arcuate edges, at least two opposing side edges, and a shield. The arcuate edges each have a first end, a second end, and an edge surface extending between the first end and the second end. Further, the edge surface of the first arcuate edge and the edge surface of the second arcuate edge include an arc segment and the arc segment of the edge surface of the first arcuate edge is part of an ellipse with a greater semi-minor axis than the semi-minor axis of the ellipse forming the arc segment of the edge surface of the second arcuate edge. In various other embodiments, the conical face shield may be horizontally and/or vertically tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan I. Brown, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8250669
    Abstract: Protective helmet of the type comprising a first outer visor to intercept the viewing aperture of the helmet mounted rotatably on said helmet, a second visor mounted, inside said first outer visor, rotatably on the cap of the helmet, and a device for actuation and mounting of said second visor on said cap, said second visor including a shielding portion and two ends at the sides of said shielding portion and being at least partly elastically deformable. The inner visor comprises, at least at one side end thereof, a fork and, at or in proximity of one or other of the side ends thereof, at least one externally projecting tooth. Correspondingly, said device for actuation and mounting comprises at least one pin for engaging, directly or indirectly, with said fork and at least one circular guide inside which said projecting tooth of said second visor is removably coupled in a sliding manner, said at least one pin and said at least one circular guide being integral and/or integrated with said cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Opticos, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Gafforio, Gabriele Tomasoni, Alberto Salvetti
  • Patent number: 8225431
    Abstract: There is disclosed a protective head gear comprising a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, a face protector covering at least a portion of the face of the wearer, and an adapter comprising an elongate cross member for securing the face protector to the helmet along the brim. There is also disclosed an adapter for attaching a face protector having a pair of strap receiving slots molded therein to a helmet, comprising a cross member secured to the helmet, and a pair of support arms for insertion into the strap receiving slots. Additionally, there is disclosed face protective gear for use with a helmet having a brim positioned above the eyes of the wearer, comprising a cross member comprising a lip molded along an upper edge, and a pair of goggles depending from the cross member When the cross member is secured to the helmet, the lip overlaps the brim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eye Tactical Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Cyr
  • Patent number: 8214919
    Abstract: Control device for positioning a visor for protective helmets, wherein the visor is rotatable from a configuration fully superimposed on the front opening of the protective helmet to a configuration of partial or total disengagement from said opening. The device includes structure to reversibly lock the visor in at least one position relative to the front opening. The structure to lock the visor includes a control element anchored, with at least a degree of freedom, to the visor, coupled to which is at least one tooth or pin, for engagement with at least one stop or seat, integral with the cap of the helmet. The control element is movable between a first stable position in which it controls engagement of the tooth with the relative stop or seat, and at least a neutral position in which it controls disengagement of said tooth from the relative stop or seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Opticos S.R.I.
    Inventors: Luca Gafforio, Gabriele Tomasoni, Alberto Salvetti
  • Patent number: 8209778
    Abstract: The headgear of the present invention includes a headcover with a headcover attaching part on right and left sides of the headcover, wherein a goggle attaching part provided at a back side of an end portion of a belt of a goggle is detachably attached to the headcover attaching part so that the goggle can be attached to the headcover. The goggle of the present invention includes a goggle attaching part at a back side of an end portion of a belt, wherein the goggle attaching part is detachably attached to a headcover attaching part provided at right and left sides of the headcover so that the goggle can be attached to the headcover of the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimio Matsumoto
  • 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: 8104891
    Abstract: A face protector includes a one piece shield in which an optical center is displaced away from the normal straight ahead line of sight toward an activity specific line of sight to minimize image shift that occurs when a direction of gaze passes across the edge of the shield. An apex of the shield is formed at a forwardmost point of the shield, or a virtual extension of the shield, when the shield is in an as worn position on a wearer. In particular examples, an optical axis extends through the optical center, at a non-zero angle to the normal straight ahead line of sight and substantially parallel to the activity specific line of sight, with the optical center being placed away from the apex. In particular examples, the optical axis is closer to (or coincident with) an activity specific line of sight of one of the right or left eye. The face protector is particularly useful in activities such as sports, for example hockey, football, or baseball which involve activity specific lines of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8075133
    Abstract: The invention is a filtering, transparent device for preventing damage to healthy eyes and for the prophylaxis and therapy of pseudophakic eyes and/or eyes with macular and retinal neurodegeneration and is the result of applying a yellow filter to the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of a protective helmet, to protect the eyes from the short wavelengths of the visible spectrum (500 to 380 nm). The invention avoids the difficulties and risks of existing ways of protecting healthy eyes or eyes subjected to cataract surgery, and improve the protection of eyes suffering retinal neurodegeneration, simply by applying a filter to the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of any protective helmet. The invention consists of combining the transparent or translucent surface(s) of the visor of any protective helmet with a yellow filter that absorbs short wavelengths of light from 500 to 380 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Universidad Complutense de Madrid
    Inventor: Celia Sanchez Ramos
  • Patent number: 8032946
    Abstract: The invention provides a shield structure which is compatible for a plurality of helmets in spite that an auxiliary shield mounting mechanism has a comparatively simple structure, is less expensive, and provides a good appearance as a whole. According to one aspect of the invention, each of left and right auxiliary shield mounting mechanisms which are disposed on a main shield includes an inner auxiliary shield mounting portion and outer auxiliary shield mounting portion in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiko Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7934497
    Abstract: A modular helmet-mask assembly for protecting a user's head and face from hazards such as from chemical and biological warfare agents. The invention includes an impact resistant helmet; a face protection assembly, which can be attached and detached from the helmet; and a transparent, impact resistant lens. The face protection assembly includes an impact resistant face protection shell with a vision port, through which the transparent lens can be positioned; a flexible nosecup assembly positioned to engage the mouth and nose of the user, which also includes a breathe-through airflow assembly and filter unit; and a flexible face seal which surrounds the nosecup assembly and lens and engages the face of the user. An adjustable head harness is attached to the shell or face seal, for adjustably securing the face seal and nosecup to the user's face to maximize comfort and protection while preventing fogging of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Corey M. Grove, Stephen E. Chase
  • Patent number: 7908668
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to safety eyewear disposed in a safety helmet and including a transparent panel for positioning in front of the eyes of the wearer. At each side of the panel, arms are provided which, at their ends are pivotally connected, on the one hand to the panel and, on the other hand, to the helmet. The arms also each have an interjacent joint at a point between their respective ends. The disclosure also relates to a safety helmet provided with safety eyewear in accordance with the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Svenska Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jan Folkesson
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090133179
    Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus wherein night vision goggles can be coupled and uncoupled to its power pack without the use of tools and wherein the power pack can be coupled and uncoupled to a helmet without the use of tools. When an aviator wearing a helmet with night vision apparatus so mounted, is ejected from his aircraft both the goggles and the power pack are released from the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Aguero, Todd Neff, William Eric Garris, Roy Holmes
  • 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: 7315254
    Abstract: A night vision device is disclosed. The device includes a housing that houses an intensifier tube and a proximity sensor mounted on the housing. An ON/OFF switch is operatively coupled to the intensifier tube and to the proximity sensor such that operation of the ON/OFF switch to the “ON” position automatically activates the proximity sensor. A method of operating the night vision device with the proximity sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Smith, Mark E. Oesterreich
  • Patent number: 7260850
    Abstract: Eyewear, such as goggles, includes a frame, a lens supported by the frame, and an outrigger that is pivotally mounted to sides of the frame. An elastic band is mounted to the outrigger. The elastic band is made from two band arms that are connected on one end to form a loop, and at the opposite end, the arms have loose ends, but can be attached and detached from the outrigger. The attachable and detachable aspect of the band provides the opportunity to interchange the band when the band is worn or broken, or alternatively, a completely different style of band can be used with the eyewear. For example, a traditional looking band having a stretchable elastic textile band can be substituted for the band with two arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: K-2 Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Ambuske, Andrew Logan, Scott McManigal
  • Patent number: 7207072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a helmet and a basic helmet concept with highly flexible construction of use in a number of different situations. The helmet can provide varying degrees of protection and can very easily alternate between the various forms of protection. In addition the individual parts of the helmet can easily be replaced. The helmet consists of an outer helmet with a head-protecting part (1) which essentially covers the side, top and back of the head, a chin guard (39 in front of the lower part of the face and a transparent visor (2) which covers the field of vision of the person using the helmet, together with an inner helmet which is connected to the outer helmet and which inner helmet abuts against the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt
    Inventors: Odd Halsnes, Knut H. Aas, Rune Lausund
  • Patent number: 7020903
    Abstract: A combination eye and ear protection apparatus includes an eye protection portion which includes respective ends, an ear protection portion which includes a pair of ear-covering portions, and a pair of bridge portions connected between the respective ends of the eye protection portion and outer portions of the respective ear-covering portions. The eye protection portion includes a frame which includes frame ends, and lenses are received in the frame. The bridge portions include VELCRO bridge-to-ear-cover connectors and the ear-covering portions include complimentary VELCRO ear-cover-to-bridge connectors. With the combination eye and ear protection apparatus of the invention both ear protection and eye protection are provided for a wearer without the eye protection assembly interfering with good ear protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Bill Artzberger
  • Patent number: 6986162
    Abstract: A facemask assembly for night vision goggles comprises a frame assembly, a mount assembly for attachment of the night vision goggles, an adjustment strap assembly, and a neck pad assembly, wherein the frame assembly is generally C-shaped and contoured to extend across the upper forehead of a user, with each end of the generally C-shaped frame assembly extending down around the outside of the eyes and to the hollow of the cheeks of a user, below the cheek bones and above the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Norotos, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Soto, David A. Robinson, Jonathon R. Prendergast, John E. Soto, Pascal A. Barth
  • Patent number: 6961959
    Abstract: A protective mask includes a mask body made from an anti-infrared plastic material and formed with a window frame. The window frame defines a window. A viewing member is mounted detachably in the window frame so as to cover the window, and permits vision therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Wang-Lee
  • 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: 6820285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a helmet with retractable visors for fast day/night reconfiguration. For that, the helmet (1) is designed at the articulations of the visors to allow the use of articulations that can be disassembled without tools. The day visor (15) is thus made modular and removable and is mounted on the helmet by a translational movement in a direction (F) allowing the upper part (16) to engage in a saggital guide rail of the helmet and allowing rotation axes of the helmet to engage in the articulation part of the lateral arms (8) of the visor, locking being effected by hand using a pivoting lever (8). For night missions, the day visor is removed and replaced with a night module mounted on the helmet using the same type of articulation. The invention applies in particular to helmets for aircraft pilots, allowing unprepared ejection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Alexandre Bataille, Guy Meyer
  • Patent number: 6795977
    Abstract: Protective helmet includes a main outer shell having a generally vertical plane of symmetry. At least a first accessory is removably connected to the main outer shell. At least a second accessory is removably connected to the main outer shell. A connecting and locking system is included. When the first accessory is removed, the second accessory can be removably connected to the main outer shell via the connecting and locking system, and when the second accessory is removed, the second accessory can be removably connected to the main outer shell via the connecting and locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Gilles Basson, Didier Schoepflin
  • Publication number: 20040031089
    Abstract: With reference to FIG. (2), a helmet (2) for an aircraft crew member (1) is provided with a device (10) for forming an eye-shielding curtain (11) of air in front of the crew members eyes. The air exhausts to the ambient atmosphere (9) by way of an escape path (12) beneath the lower edge of the visor (4), as indicated by arrow (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Richard James Holmes
  • Publication number: 20030097702
    Abstract: A safety visor is produced by etching of metal and comprises a grid which defines a large number of light-permeating holes (7, 8, 9). The safety visor has at least two zones (2, 3, 4) where the holes (7, 8, 9) are of different areas and/or configuration. An upper central zone (2) has greater light transmission than the remaining zones (2, 4) of the safety visor. The C-C spacing for the hole (7, 8, 9) is constant in both the vertical and lateral directions regardless of in which region of the safety visor the holes (7, 8, 9) are located. In one preferred embodiment, the holes (7, 8, 9) are hexagonal with two approximately parallel sides which are longer than the remaining sides and are directed in the vertical direction of the safety visor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Folkesson
  • Publication number: 20030000001
    Abstract: A multi-phase headset (50) for aircraft crew members is provided which includes an inflatable gas mask unit (54) and a visor unit (56), supported on the head of a user (60) by mounting assembly (52). The overall headset (50) also has a selectively and/or automatically operable motive and control assembly (60). Preferably; the mounting assembly (52) includes a pair of ear pieces (62, 64) and a strap assembly (66) to allow positioning of the headset (50) on the user's head, with the mask and visor units (54, 56) adjacent the crown of the user's head. In the event of an emergency, the mask unit (54) is lowered and the mask body (124) is inflated for delivery of breathable gas to the user (60). Also, the visor unit (56) may be lowered to a use position atop mask unit (54). The pneumatically or electrically operated motive and control assembly (60) serves to move the mask and visor units (54, 56) between their retracted and deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas K. McDonald, Gary R. Hannah, Kirsten Frogley
  • Patent number: 6468644
    Abstract: Disclosed is a helmet or a safety cap for protecting the rider's head and a method of manufacturing the same, in which the main body of the helmet has a dual-structure so as to reduce work process when an outer surface of the helmet is painted, and weight thereof. The main body of the helmet has a dual-structure in that an outer surface thereof is formed of a thermoplastic for an aesthetic enhancement and an inner surface thereof is formed of FRP or a mixture of aramide fiber, polyethylene fiber, vinylon, carbon fiber. Thus-formed dual structure of the helmet body contributes to enhancement in impact resistance and convenience in painting, decreasing an overall weight of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hong Jin Crown Corporation, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Ki Hong, Myung-Ho Jung, Dae-Ki Park, Seung-Han Park
  • Patent number: 6292953
    Abstract: An interchangeable latch system for configuring a custom fitted inner helmet as a standard platform for mounting different outer helmets thereon. The latch system includes a pair of strikers mounted onto temple panels of the inner helmet and tracks or channel assemblies mounted onto facing inner surfaces of the outer helmet. A fitting fixture may be used to custom fit the inner helmet so that the strikers are located at a preset distance and orientation from the wearer's eyes. For outer helmets equipped with helmet mounted displays, the display may be distanced and oriented from the tracks based on the known striker-to-eye distance, to establish a desired viewing distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Beautz
  • 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