Soldiers (i.e., Ground Based Trooper) Helmet Patents (Class 2/6.6)
  • Patent number: 12232553
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a helmet is disclosed. The helmet includes a helmet body. The helmet body is provided with a mounting platform. The mounting platform includes a mounting bracket and an adapter. The mounting bracket is formed with two lateral buckles for being respectively clamped into the vent holes at the sides of the helmet and a forward buckle for being inserted into the jack at the front side of the helmet. The mounting bracket is mounted on the helmet body by clamping the two lateral buckles into the respective vent holes and inserting the forward buckle into the jack. The adapter is detachably mounted on the mounting bracket. The adapter is formed with a T-shaped buckle for inserting the terminal device. The mounting structure can mount a variety of terminal devices with the mounting platform, realize a variety of functions, is quick to be assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: NINGBO JIEMAI SAFETY AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kang Qiu
  • Patent number: 12004585
    Abstract: There is provided a welding helmet (1) comprising a face protection member (3) moveable between a lowered position in which the face protection member (3) covers a wearer's face, and an upraised position, in which the face protection member (3) uncovers the wearer's face, a headband suspension system (9) for fixing the face protection member (3) to a wearer's head, a protective cap (17) comprising a flexible outer layer (19) and at least one compressible inner liner (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Björn Daniels
  • Patent number: 11523651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively attaching an accessory mount to a helmet are disclosed. A carrier may be used to position the accessory mount on the helmet. The accessory mount may be positioned on the helmet without engaging the rim of the helmet. The carrier may be compatible with various accessory mounts to permit mounting of different accessories. The accessory mount may be a powered mount for attachment to a Night Vision Device (NVD) such as Enhanced Night Vision Goggles (ENVG), or the accessory mount may be a non-powered accessory mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Galvion Ltd.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Dominic Giroux Bernier, Michael James McGinn
  • Patent number: 11452328
    Abstract: A helmet accessory mounting system includes a mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet. The mounting device includes a plurality of mounting locations configured to removeably couple to at least one accessory. A plurality of the plurality of mounting locations each includes an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mounting device. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supply to each of the electrical nodes and the electrical supply line is contained at least partially within the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Franzino, Stephen Bourque, Scott W. James, Daniel Berry, Ross Fade Barber, Zoltan S. Brutler
  • Patent number: 10743600
    Abstract: A pressure attenuating helmet is provided including separate plates having a plate thickness, an outer surface, under surface, and adjacent edges. The plates joined along the adjacent edges to the other ones of the plurality of plates, forming a helmet shell. Perforated flanges formed along the under surface at the adjacent edges of the plates, the flanges formed inwardly along a line from the adjacent edge of each of the plates extending in the direction of the thickness of the plates. Perforation in the flanges spaced equidistantly in an array along a long direction of the flanges, enabled to accept sutures and aligned flange-to-flange. A network of elastomer splines shaped and positioned to separate the adjacent plates both along the adjacent edges and the perforated flanges. Sutures through the perforations securing the plates together along the adjacent edges and foam cushions are provided between the plates and a wearers head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua Ryan Cleveland, Gina Rebecca Cleveland
  • Patent number: 10709190
    Abstract: The present application relates to helmet pads (120) comprising a ballistic protection layer (126). It also relates to a ballistic helmet (100) that comprises a helmet pad comprising a ballistic protection layer. Further, the present application also relates to a helmet pad replacement set wherein one or more of the replacement helmet pads comprises a ballistic protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Avon Rubber P.L.C.
    Inventors: Vasilios Brachos, Vincent Borbone
  • Patent number: 10660391
    Abstract: A helmet comprises an impact-absorbing shell, a band secured to the shell, and a resilient member. The band is secured to the shell at two securing locations such that an intermediate portion of the band between the two securing locations is in spaced relation to the shell. The resilient member is operatively positioned between the securing location and the impact-absorbing shell to facilitate resilient movement of the band relative to the impact-absorbing shell. The band comprises a brow assembly positioned at a front of the impact-absorbing shell and including a brow belt. The brow belt comprises a belt opening, and the resilient member is positioned in the belt opening. A portion of the belt defining the belt opening can be positioned in a groove in the resilient member. A fastener inserted through a fastener opening in the resilient member to secure the resilient member to the impact-absorbing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Krynock, Zachary Rosen, Jason Walton
  • Patent number: 9693595
    Abstract: A helmet earpiece is provided which includes a body, a first feature configured to fit with a complimentary first feature associated with a helmet, and a second feature configured to fit with a complimentary second feature associated with the helmet. The first and second features on the body may be configured to fit with the respective complimentary first and second features associated with the helmet to mount the helmet earpiece to the helmet. The first feature may include an opening, and a lock adjacent the opening. The lock has an unlocked position and a locked position, where in the unlocked position, the opening may be configured to receive the complimentary first feature associated with the helmet, and in the locked position, the lock may be configured to retain the complimentary first feature in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Dominic Giroux Bernier, Edward R. Hall
  • Patent number: 9222758
    Abstract: The helmet appliqué assembly of the present invention permits a helmet wearer to upgrade the ballistic prevention capabilities of a traditional helmet quickly and efficiently. The helmet appliqué can be provided as part of a helmet appliqué system and/or assembly that includes an internal-side connection for attaching to a helmet and an external-side connection for receiving any of various external items such as identification tags, mounts and external equipment or attachments. The appliqué element can comprise various types of material, including, for example, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Velocity Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David B. Strum
  • Patent number: 8887312
    Abstract: Helmets for military and other applications that require resistance to high energy fragments and rifle bullets are disclosed. The helmets are fabricated with a combination of ceramic, either as a monolith or as a plurality of discreet pieces, and an inner backing material having a plurality of fibrous layers such as polyolefin and/or aramid fiber layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Bhatnagar, Lori Wagner, Bradley Grunden
  • Patent number: 8853105
    Abstract: A helmet shell is formed having an outer section of fibrous layers, a middle section of fibrous layers and an inner section of fibrous layers. The outer section layers contain high tenacity abrasive fibers in a resin matrix. The middle section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of woven or knitted fabrics with a resin matrix. The inner section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of non-woven fabrics with a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight and resists penetration of rifle bullets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok Bhatnagar, Bradley L. Grunden, Brian D. Arvidson, Lori L. Wagner
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8800065
    Abstract: A helmet is provided which is to be worn on the head of a helmet wearer and can be removed from the head with a comparatively small force. Operation for removing the helmet, including preliminary operation for it, can be performed easily and quickly. A recess-projection engaging mechanism to attach a blockish inside pad to a head protecting cap portion side includes an engaging pin on the inside pad side or head protecting cap portion side, and a notched engaging hole on the head protecting cap portion side or inside pad side. When pulling the inside pad outward from inside the head protecting cap portion at least partly, the engaging pin moves relative to outside the engaging hole through a notch of the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shoei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8739313
    Abstract: Helmet mounts for mounting an associated viewing device on a helmet, includes a first pivoting segment for attachment to the helmet and a second pivoting segment for attachment to the associated viewing device. The second pivoting segment is pivotable relative to the first pivoting segment for selectively supporting the associated viewing device in a first, operational position before the eyes of a user donning the helmet and a second, stowed position above a line of sight of a viewer donning the helmet. In one aspect, the first pivoting segment includes a vertical adjust mechanism having a base plate, a pair of guide rails attached to the base plate and defining a channel therebetween, a sliding plate slidably attached to the guide rails, and a clamping mechanism for selectively applying a clamping force to secure the sliding plate at a desired position relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire, Marc J. Celona
  • Patent number: 8739319
    Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SERE Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Langan
  • Patent number: 8739317
    Abstract: A liner adapted to be interposed between the interior surface of a protective headgear and a wearer's head includes a plurality of networked fluid cells adapted to distribute and dissipate an impact force to the liner, and/or headgear with which the liner is used, across a larger area of the wearer's head as compared with the impact location, and also to dampen the tendency of the wearer's head from rebounding back from the impact location by transferring fluid through the network from fluid cells at the impact location to those in an opposed region. Discrete fluid cells interspersed among the networked fluid cells maintain the liner and/or the headgear in a predetermined orientation on the wearer's head. Fluid flow within the liner may be restricted or directed by configuring the fluid passageways. A liner may further include means for moving fluid into or out of the fluid cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Abernethy
  • Publication number: 20140123360
    Abstract: Embodiments of a protective helmet have a shell formed from a cushioning material, a cushioning spacer layer coupled to the shell and only partially covering an inner surface of the shell, a ballistic-resistant inner shell having an outer surface attached to the cushioning spacer layer and an inner surface, and an innermost cushioning pad layer attached to the inner surface of the ballistic-resistant inner shell. A flexible thin cover extending around an outer surface of the cushioning shell and with or without graphics may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Yochanan Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140115745
    Abstract: A combat helmet may be constructed of a composite material with embedded metal plates Inner and outer shells of woven fibers bound with a thermoset or thermoplastic composite may sandwich titanium or other metal plates to form the helmet. The fibers may include aramid and other fibers that may be laid up in multiple layers. The helmet may be composed of multiple flat faces, and the metal plates may be sheet metal components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Martinez
  • 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: 8667617
    Abstract: An enhanced protective helmet includes in one embodiment an outer shell and a molded lining disposed within the outer shell and contoured to surround a human head. The helmet further includes an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the molded lining. The helmet includes a connection point which can be mounted to the molded lining or otherwise extend away from the proximal end of the antenna, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna. The connection point receives a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna. The antenna is located at helmet location that is along one side of the helmet above a left or right ear of the user for optimizing antenna performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cardo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Glezerman, Avraham Kushnirov, Yossef Twina
  • Patent number: 8533870
    Abstract: A protective helmet has a helmet cap and a shock-absorbing inner fitment in the form of a grille-like basket. The basket includes bosses pointing to the inner wall of the helmet cap exercising a shock-absorbing function based on their plastic deformation under an impact. The basket may be fastened to the helmet cap with a shock-absorbing effect directly at the fastening point, by providing a fastening boss for the fastening of the basket to the helmet cap. The fastening boss includes an end face having a through opening for firm contact against the helmet cap. The helmet cap has a through opening aligned with the through opening in the end face. Correspondingly, bolt-shaped fastener abut against the outer side of the helmet cap and the inner side of the end face, and are connected such that the end face pressed against the inner wall of the helmet cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schuberth GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Barth, Erkan Serbest
  • Patent number: 8458821
    Abstract: The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user's desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user's head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Shrike Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Rivas, III, Timothy Langan
  • Patent number: 8436788
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a display system. The display system can include a display module having a configurable optical characteristic that varies from substantially transmissive to substantially reflective, at least one data capturing device configured to capture data to form a display image, and at least a first projector configured to project the display image to the display module. Therefore, the display image can be overlaid with a real image according to an optical configuration of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew P. Kier, Michael J. Dailey, Jon C. Hunter, Richard A. Sanoske, Raymond G Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130031692
    Abstract: A tool holding helmet accessory for sport helmet or military helmet. The accessory is injection molded in accordance to a helmet and is removablely mountable to a helmet. Tool holding patches are mounted on the surface of the accessory for holding various light weight tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Wayne Wratten
  • Publication number: 20130007936
    Abstract: An apparatus for recording data indicative of acceleration of a part of a person's body or other object, including first memory means for receiving acceleration data from an acceleration sensor, second memory means operatively coupled to the first memory means for receiving data from the first memory means, and a data transfer controller for controlling the transfer of data from the first memory means to the second memory means based on the acceleration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicants: Allen-Vanguard Corporation, The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey LEVINE, Doug WONG, Lock-Sui CHIN, Jean-Philippe DIONNE, Daniel CROSSMAN, Peter HERDIC, Brian HOUSTON, Robert CORSARO, Graham HUBLER, Jeffrey BYERS, Kenny OPACHKO, Alain BERDOZ, Phil FRANK, Jason KOST
  • Patent number: 8322016
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing cast titanium helmets include casting a helmet in an oversized mold. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to a hot isostatic press (HIP) process that applies heat and pressure for a predetermined period of time. The resulting oversized cast helmet is then exposed to an acid bath that chemically mills the helmet to a desired thickness and removes contaminants formed during casting of titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: David V. Kirkham, Jeffrey B. Kirkham
  • Publication number: 20120186002
    Abstract: Helmets for military and other applications that require resistance to high energy fragments and rifle bullets are disclosed. The helmets are fabricated with a combination of ceramic, either as a monolith or as a plurality of discreet pieces, and an inner backing material having a plurality of fibrous layers such as polyolefin and/or aramid fiber layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Ashok BHATNAGAR, Lori WAGNER, Bradley GRUNDEN
  • Publication number: 20120167268
    Abstract: A ballistic armor helmet has two or more shell elements which are fixed to one another to define one or more ventilation gaps. The shell elements preferably overlap to keep projectiles from entering the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: LINEWEIGHT LLC
    Inventors: Caleb Clark Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson, Scott Thompson
  • Patent number: 8209780
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an associated optical device on an associated helmet includes a first pivot arm assembly removably attachable to the associated helmet. A second pivot arm assembly is pivotally attached to the first pivot arm assembly and is rotatable about a first horizontal axis. A optical device mounting arm assembly is rotatably attached to the second pivot arm assembly. The optical device mounting arm assembly rotatable about a first vertical axis relative to the second pivot arm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Gary M. Lemire
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120060251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective helmet and a method for mitigating or preventing a head injury, in which a shock-absorbing, or shock-absorbing and comfort-providing, inner wearing unit, which can comprise liners, comfort pads, protective pads, nubbed cages and/or strapped wearing units (for example spider-shaped wearing elements, wearing straps, head bands or the like), is divided into a shell-side insert and a head-side insert, which can be counter-rotated (preferably starting from application of a predetermined force) in at least one direction, wherein a sliding surface is provided that assumes the function of a rotational surface, so that the angular acceleration introduced by a blow is drastically reduced or prevented because the head-side insert and the shell-side insert, and thus the head of the wearer and the outer helmet shell, can be counter-rotated quickly and without impediment, preferably in all directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Oliver Schimpf
  • Publication number: 20120011631
    Abstract: A headpiece assembly for use with a night vision mounting arm includes a bump shell and an interior suspension assembly for seating on the head of a human. A mounting bracket is secured to the front of the bump shell for removably attaching the night vision mounting arm to the bump shell. A ballistic shell has a bottom forming an opening and a coupling mechanism for removably securing the ballistic shell to the bump shell when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell. The ballistic shell has a front and a notch extending upwardly from the opening into the front for receiving the mounting bracket when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell so as to permit the night vision mounting arm to be attached to the bump shell during use of the ballistic shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Crossman, Jason Eric Cattell, Amir Farshid, Triet Dinh Le, Lindsay Faye Slater
  • Publication number: 20110283430
    Abstract: Headgear having a cap portion configured to fit the head of a user and cover a top portion of the user's head, the cap portion including a layer of a fabric material, and at least one piece or layer of impact absorbing material attached to the layer of fabric material, wherein the impact absorbing material provides enhanced protection from impact to the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Protective Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John Divine, Scott Alford
  • Patent number: 8046845
    Abstract: A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Chris Doyle, Greg Reitmeyer
  • Patent number: 8015626
    Abstract: A safety helmet (1) has a circumferential module ring (2), made especially of a thermoplastic plastic. The module ring (2), has a plurality of plug-in slots (3), which are located at spaced locations from one another in the direction of the module ring (2). This provides standardized simultaneous mounting possibilities for various functional accessories with plug elements complementary to the plug-in slots (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Thomas Grassl, Axel Freitag
  • Publication number: 20110218756
    Abstract: Sensing a force and/or a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a conformal sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the surface. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface to ensure accurate sensing. Examples of arbitrarily-shaped surfaces include body parts of a person (e.g., a head). A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Gilman Callsen, Roozbeh Ghaffari, William J. Arora, Bassel de Graff, Benjamin Schlatka, Jeffrey D. Carbeck
  • Publication number: 20110203024
    Abstract: This invention relates to armored protective helmets offering the wearer ballistic protection, and specifically to helmets offering lightweight ballistic protection from rifle ball ammunition. Potential applications include use by law enforcement personnel and combat soldiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur C. Morgan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110094012
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head cool and/or cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and/or comfort, and includes a liquid-absorbing material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions. One or more ventilation portions and/or devices may also be included to allow for the free flow of air, breathing of the wearer's scalp and to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. In some implementations, the article may be used in a variety of different headgear. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of a liquid by the material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Gregory T. Toth
  • Publication number: 20110083240
    Abstract: A ballistic armored component attaches to the existing retention straps of common combat helmets and provides protection to the otherwise exposed lower skull and upper neck region. A fabric covering contains a soft armor or hard armor insert, and is mounted by straps or other fasteners to existing straps found in conventional helmets. The armored component adds additional protection from ground-level or subterranean munitions, by placing a ballistic shape on the lower skull region (occipital region), providing significant additional ballistic coverage with minimal weight and bulk. The fabric shell may also be connected directly to the helmet shell, to allow the component to withdraw within the helmet when the wearer's neck is flexed rearwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: LINEWEIGHT LLC
    Inventors: Caleb C. Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100326192
    Abstract: Methods and devices for a miniature, ultra-low power impact recorder for detecting, quantifying and recording the energy of an explosive blast or ballistic projectile impact. In one embodiment, the impact recorder can included a sensor comprised of an array of electromechanical resonators that is sensitive to the vibrations produced in selected, discrete frequency ranges that approximate the spectral signature characteristics of the shockwave resulting from the ballistic impact event, even after traveling through impacted material or body tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: TOMASZ J. PETELENZ, STEPHEN C. JACOBSEN
  • Patent number: 7845353
    Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: AEIOMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven S. Bordewick, Bruce Bowman, David Markovich, Laurel D. Brandt, Mark J. Weimholt, Amy Raatikka
  • Patent number: 7827617
    Abstract: A helmet chin strap assembly includes a nape pad that is adjustably attached to straps extending below the ears of the user. The straps of the assembly are connected to a helmet by a coupling unit including an anchor strap and a plastic or polymeric reinforcement member attached to the strap. The strap and the reinforcement member are provided with aligned holes through which a threaded post is inserted to cooperate with a bolt or screw to attach the anchor strap to a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: BAE Systems Specialty Defense Systems of Pennsylvania, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Trainor, Ray Kryeski
  • Publication number: 20100275337
    Abstract: A helmet shell is formed having an outer section of fibrous layers, a middle section of fibrous layers and an inner section of fibrous layers. The outer section layers contain high tenacity abrasive fibers in a resin matrix. The middle section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of woven or knitted fabrics with a resin matrix. The inner section layers contain high strength polyolefin fibers and are in the form of non-woven fabrics with a resin matrix. The helmet is lightweight and resists penetration of rifle bullets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ashok Bhatnagar, Bradley L. Grunden, Brian D. Arvidson, Lori L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7805776
    Abstract: A face protector comprises a protective structure shaped for extending about a person's mandibular region and a mounting for mounting the face protector to a military combat helmet. The protective structure comprises a front portion and opposed left and right side portions extending from the front portion, the front portion having a free upper edge for positioning below eye level and above mouth level when mounted to the helmet, and being size to extend to below a person's chin. The front portion has inner and outer surfaces, and the mounting is positioned to space the inner surface and the upper edge away from the person's mouth and nose when mounted to the helmet to provide a gap for the passage of ambient air therebetween to permit unobstructed breathing. The protective structure comprises a ballistic resistant material for providing protection against high velocity fragments from explosive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Allen-Vanguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Crossman, Clint Alexander Hedge, Mark Smith, Justin Myles
  • Publication number: 20100242146
    Abstract: There is provided a protective helmet assembly that includes a shell, a suspension band, and an adjustable headband and a crown pad. The shell is constructed from at least PARA-ARAMID to provide ballistic protection. The adjustable headband and the crown pad each have a plurality of screw less connectors for directly securing the adjustable headband and the crown pad to the suspension band without screws. A nape pad subassembly is adjustably coupled to the shell via rear fasteners. A chin strap subassembly is adjustably coupled between the front fasteners and the nape pad subassembly by a multi-connection point coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Brad Sutter, Joseph Slivinski, Deborah Panna
  • Patent number: 7765622
    Abstract: A replacement pad kit for use in an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) system helmet comprises a plurality of replacement pads for disposition within an ACH helmet. At least one of the replacement pads comprises a fabric layer for contacting the skin of a wearer, an anti-bacterial hydrophilic foam layer, a shock absorption SRF foam layer, and a hook and loop fastener material for engaging some of the plurality of pad receiving hook and loop type fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: William A. Wiles
  • Publication number: 20100170021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a moulded article comprising the steps of forming a stack by stacking (2) or more sheets comprising monolayers of unidirectional fibers and optionally a binder; providing isostatic pressurizing means; placing the stack in the isostatic pressurizing means; and consolidating the stack under temperature and isostatic pressure into a moulded article. The invention furthermore relates to products obtainable with said process, which are very suitable for use in anti-ballistic applications and include e.g. helmets, curved panels, cones and domes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Antonius Van Es, William Adrianus Cornelis Roovers, Johann J. Van Elburg
  • Patent number: 7708852
    Abstract: A method for producing a ballistic protective armour includes superimposing a certain number of textile layers (116) in such a way that a layer structure (114) is formed, in sewing the textile layers (116) of the layer structure to each other and in pressing the layer structure (114). Prior to a sewing process, the textile layers (116) of the layer structure (114) are pre-pressed by a pre-pressing process (30) in such a way that a preform (130), whose three-dimensional shape corresponds to a final product shape, is formed and subsequently, after the sewing process (50), the preform is exposed to a heat-pressing process (100) at a temperature greater than the temperature of the pre-pressing process (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Egon Busch
  • Publication number: 20100083413
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a plurality of devices to a helmet. The mounting system comprises a mounting halo secured around the helmet, at least one rail rotatably mounted to the halo and adapted to secure a device thereto, and an adaptor bracket mounted to a rear of the helmet. The adaptor bracket is adapted to receive therein a device whose weight counterbalances the weight of night vision equipment secured to the front of the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Shawn MCGOVERN