Abstract: A helmet in which the material thickness is optimized to utilize multiple defeat mechanisms against a range of threats and to provide varying levels of protection in different areas based on the expected distribution and orientation of threats. Threat types as well as likely threat locations are both used to determine optimal material types and thickness at different points on the helmet to provide the user with the greatest overall level of personal protection possible with a helmet of a given maximum weight.

Abstract: A ballistic face guard (100) for providing additional protection to a wearer's face and neck. A ballistic face guard (100) in combination with a ballistic visor (1000) for providing additional protection to a wearer's face, neck, and eyes. A ballistic face guard (100) in combination with a ballistic visor (1000) and a military helmet (140) for providing protection to a wearer's face, neck, eyes and head.

Abstract: A mounting buckle for a safety helmet includes at least one mating member configured for attachment to a V-shaped strap having an apex, the apex of the strap being substantially flush with the abutment surface. This configuration channels the tension in the straps along continuous lines, rather than allowing the tension to dissipate in an intervening length of strap.

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.

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 is provided with 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 by means of distinct connection points both inside and outside the shell. Removable protection accessories are also provided and may be attached on the shell by way of 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 may then be locked into place using a suitable locking mechanism. A nape protection attachment, a mandibular guard attachment, a visor attachment, and other protection accessories may then be attached to the shell.

Abstract: An attachment platform for attachment to a helmet having at least four suspension mounting holes, includes a front section, a left side section, and a right side section. A plurality of primary fasteners are provided for mounting in the four suspension mounting holes of the helmet. The front section of the platform is securable alone to the helmet, by a first two of the primary fasteners extending into a first two of the mounting holes of the helmet. The front section and the side sections of the platform are securable together to the helmet, by the first two of the primary fasteners extending into the first two mounting holes of the helmet and by a second two of the primary fasteners extending into the second two mounting holes of the helmet. A novel mandible and face shield with attachment stems are provided.

Abstract: A head projector comprises a protective skirt for use with a helmet for protecting parts of a wearer's head below the peripheral edge of the helmet, such as the temporal and occipital regions. The protective skirt comprises one or more layers of high tensile strength flexible material, such as an aramid material and a securing mechanism for enabling the skirt to be suspended from the helmet in the required position. The protective skirt may extend to a position below a person's head to cover and protect a person's neck region.

Abstract: An improved edge band for a protective helmet includes a flexible woven-fiber elongate band applied to the edge of a helmet shell. The elongate band is positioned such that side edges of the elongate band extend in intimately conforming contact along a surface contour of the helmet shell. The edge band includes a matrix material in contact with fibers of the elongate band.

Abstract: A cooling cushion for use in military ACH helmets is described. The cooling cushion comprises a plurality of chambers each containing water absorbent polymer crystals.

Abstract: A helmet mount includes a helmet block, a chassis attached to the helmet block, the chassis adapted to receive the night vision device, and a vertical adjustment assembly for vertically adjusting a night vision device relative to a user's eyes while the helmet mount is secured to the helmet and the night vision device is received in the helmet mount. The vertical adjustment assembly includes a front and back plate that are slidably connected, wherein the front plate is coupled to the chassis and the back plate is coupled to the helmet mount, and a gear drive system. Rotating a lever on the gear drive system rotates the gear so that the vertical position of the chassis is changed relative to the helmet block. The gear driven system further includes at least one biasing means placed between the front plate and the back plate and may include a tapered shaft.

Abstract: An elasticized, weatherproof assembly adapted to being attached to a military helmet. Foliage and the like available for the surrounding terrain may be inserted into the assembly at points over the entire helmet. The present invention also provides a face and bug net attachable to said helmet assembly. The face and bug net may be stored in a rolled up position onto the helmet assembly or deployed. In the deployed state the face and bug net is rolled down over the face and neck, thereby camouflaging the face and neck while also providing bug protection. The present invention also provides a bundle of camouflage strips stored attached to the apex of the helmet assembly. In a deployed state, the camouflage strips extend downward over the helmet.

Abstract: A mouthpiece assembly for use in detecting impact forces on the neck and head of a user is disclosed. The mouthpiece assembly includes sensors which determine linear and rotational impact forces on the user. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouth guard having a channel sized to receive the upper teeth therein. A raised dome portion extends from the mouth guard and is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roof of the mouth. The sensors are located in the raised dome portion and the mouth guard or in other locations of the mouthpiece if mouthpiece sensors are required. An indicator is provided to provide a visual and/or audible indication when the magnitude of an impact exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A helmet, sized and shaped to receive the head of a wearer, includes a ballistic shield that is pivotally movable between a raised position for spanning and protecting the frontal area of the face of the wearer and a lowered position for spanning and protecting the mandibular area of the face of the wearer. Detent means interacting between the helmet and the shield releasably retain the ballistic shield in the lowered position and in the raised position.

Abstract: A military or police helmet system 20 has a flexible plastic liner 24 mounted to the wearer's head 26 by a strap assembly 28 . A ballistic shell 30 with a shallow front wall is fastened to the liner 24 and an eye shield assembly 32 is pivotably mounted to the liner for movement between a deployed position and a retracted position between the shell and the liner. The liner has a rear segment connected to a cap segment, with cut-out slots which allow the liner to apply pressure to the wearer's neck. A chin strap is slidable on two stiff side straps which have curved segments allowing the chin strap to move with the user's jaw. A protective face guard assembly 34 engages with the liner and has openings covered by resilient sheets which permit a marksman feel a rifle stock through the face guard.

Abstract: A marker for attachment to a helmet head covering or the like of a friendly force member, and more particularly to an on-the-go hand securable marker having at least one extension with a retaining head for inserting into a hole in the uniform with the retaining head sufficiently rigid to prevent withdrawal therefrom under field conditions with the marker having a limited wavelength reflective surface thereon to enable a person observing under nighttime conditions to determine if a person is a friendly force member by the presence of reflections of electromagnetic radiation from the marker on the friendly force member. If field conditions change one can quickly remove the marker and replace the marker with conventional camouflage materials.

Abstract: A military or police helmet system 20 has a flexible plastic liner 24 mounted to the wearer's head 26 by a strap assembly 28. A ballistic shell 30 with a shallow front wall is fastened to the liner 24 and an eye shield assembly 32 is pivotably mounted to the liner for movement between a deployed position and a retracted position between the shell and the liner. The liner has a rear segment connected to a cap segment, with cut-out slots which allow the liner to apply pressure to the wearer's neck. A chin strap is slidable on two stiff side straps which have curved segments allowing the chin strap to move with the user's jaw. A protective face guard assembly 34 engages with the liner and has openings covered by resilient sheets which permit a marksman feel a rifle stock through the face guard.

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.

Abstract: An environmental protection system for rendering biological/chemical agents harmless has a source of radiation such as an ultraviolet light source, which is configured to irradiate a reactive surface, such as one formed of titanium dioxide. The reactive surface has an oxidation potential sufficient to cooperate with the source of radiation so as to render harmless biological/chemical agents in contact with the reactive surface.