Patent Application
20250076633
The present invention pertains to bridge devices designed to connect receiving devices to requisite optical and imaging gear. Herein, “receiving devices” refers to both stationary and mobile apparatuses necessitating attachment to optical and/or imaging systems. Such receiving devices encompass helmets used in military combat, reconnaissance, construction, hiking, climbing, and hunting; weaponry including rifles, bazookas, field cannons, missile systems, and armored fighting vehicles (AFVs); professional tools like surveying equipment, and other devices for laser sighting, imaging, and measurement; as well as multimedia production equipment like cameras, remote digital viewfinders, and similar devices. The term “gear” denotes optical and imaging apparatuses. The term “optical” denotes equipment associated with vision (e.g., scopes, night vision devices) and vision-simulating technologies (e.g., laser designation and infrared guidance). The term “imaging” denotes devices for viewing (e.g., thermal imagers, video displays), tagging, and filming.
Most prior art bridge devices provide both connection and positioning and typically provide flip-up capabilities to provide a sighting position and a stowing position for the optical or imaging device(s). They do not provide for complex motion of the optical and imaging devices or other advantages and options as in the present invention. By using a central rail located above the eye level, with independently slidable and lockable pods, the present invention enables infinite positioning of the pod(s) within the length of the rails on a substantially horizontal path so that a user may move the pods (with their attachments) for optimal positioning. Thus, if one user has a size 6¼ hat size head and another user has a size 9 hat head, each user can move the pod(s) horizontally back and forth (toward and away from head center) to position the imaging and optical devices precisely in front of each eye (ease of centering, and locking in a desired position, to wit, interpupillary positioning adjustability). Additionally, the present invention devices have rotational components on their pods to allow users to fine-tune optical and imaging device positioning and flip up and stow the optical and imaging devices. Further, the present invention provides for interchangeable auxiliary devices-arms that go between the pods and the optical and imaging gear, or alternatively, one or more optical and imaging gear devices are attached directly to a pod. This affords ease of changeability of the end devices (optical and imaging gear) so that the pods and auxiliary arms can accommodate different types and brands of gear, as well as rotate to a stowed position. The term “arm” as used herein is to be taken broadly to connect the end gear to the pod, and the arm need not have an arm shape. Said “arm” can take any form necessary to connect the attachment point of any specific optical or imaging device to the pod and may consist of one or more sections, parts, and adapters. The arm has a proximal end to the pod, the end that connects to the pod, e.g., at a rotational shaft or universal joint, and the arm has a distal end that connects to the gear. By using five components, the central rail, the receiving device connector, the pod, the arm, and the gear, interchangeability and complex movement are provided.
The following patents are representative of the field pertaining to the present invention:
U.S. Pat. No. 11,612,207 to Teetzel et al. describes a ballistic helmet system having an integrated circuit layer electrically coupled to one or more powered devices, where the ballistic helmet is configured to operate and control the powered devices. The ballistic helmet system comprises a base layer configured to retain the circuit layer. The circuit layer comprises one or more circuit substrates, which may be formed of a flexible material capable of withstanding elevated temperatures that may result from the bonding and curing process of the helmet components.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,531,592 to Teetzel et al. describes a helmet- or head-mounted video recording system that is provided for mounting on a piece of head gear such as a head-protective helmet. The system includes a camera module attachable to the head gear, including a first video camera integrated into the camera module for generating a video signal. A recording module is removably attachable to the head gear and is adapted to receive the video signal and store data representative of the video signal. A power supply module is removably attachable to the head gear and is electrically connectable to the camera module and the recording module.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,370 to Teetzel et al. shows pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device. In one aspect, a breakaway connector, which is selectively configurable between breakaway and non-breakaway 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 the tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow the 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, an optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight and a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,370 to Buchanan Jr. describes a helmet plate for interfacing between a helmet having a frontally located obstruction and a mount adjustment assembly for a night vision device. The helmet plate is comprised of a support portion having a band and a cavity for overlying the obstruction and an integral power pack housing. The integral power pack housing is disposed in relation to the support portion at such height, depth, and angular position to render a night vision device attached to a mount adjustment assembly, which is secured to the integral power pack housing in the correct viewing position.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,029 to Dobbie et al. describes a man-portable video-enhanced night vision goggle comprised of a head mount assembly, an image-intensified video camera, and a display. A thermal camera may also be provided, and the images from the video camera and the thermal camera may be electronically fused on the display.
Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.
The present invention is directed to a bridge device for attachment to a receiving device, such as a receiving helmet, weapon or instrument mounting assembly, to provide imaging and optical equipment attachment and articulation and to provide interpupillary positioning adjustability and complex movement for the imaging and optical equipment, including in-sight and out-of-sight movement, and including reciprocal lateral movement from one eye to the other. This present invention bridge device includes a central bridge rail with at least one track, the central bridge rail having a length of at least two inches to provide sufficient distance for lateral movement of the imaging and optical equipment from one eye of a user to the other eye of a user. This track may be a single track or double or more, and may be continuous or broken, and may be a male or a female track for holding the other of a male and female attachable pod or pods, described below.
The present invention bridge device also includes a receiving device connector attached to the central bridge rail for connection of the bridge device to the receiving device. Typically, the receiving device (helmet or otherwise) has a mounting assembly that protrudes out horizontally, and the present invention connector is adapted accordingly, but its angle can be altered or made adjustable to connect with other, differently oriented receiving devices.
The present invention bridge device also includes at least one pod slideably and lockably attached to the at least one track of the central bridge rail. The pod(s) have the ability to slide along or lock at any position on the track to provide interpupillary positioning adjustability for whatever gear is attached, and, when only one pod is present, the pod may be shifted from the left eye to the right eye position and vice versa. Each pod has a rotational component for attachment and rotation of an auxiliary arm. An auxiliary arm is attached to the pod at one end (herein referred to as the proximal end because it is proximal to and rotationally attached to the pod) and is attached at its distal end to one or more gear items, i.e., imaging and optical devices.
In some embodiments of the present invention bridge device, the bridge device components are made of materials selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, composites, carbon fiber and combinations thereof. Preferred metals are selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and alloys containing those metals. Each component of the present invention bridge device may be constructed of the same or different materials.
In some embodiments of the bridge device, the at least one track is one of a male and female part of a male and female interconnected slotted track, and the at least one pod is the other of a male and female slotted track. In some embodiments, there are at least two parallel tracks.
In some embodiments of the present invention bridge device, the at least one pod rotational component is a lockable axle for attachment and for rotation of the auxiliary arm in a single plane. In other embodiments, the pod rotational component is a universal joint for attachment and rotation of the auxiliary arm in multiple planes.
In some embodiments of the present invention bridge device, the receiving device connector is selected from the group consisting of a dovetail mount, a screw-on mount, a snap-on mount, a spring mount, a quick-release mount, a fixed mount, and a toggle mount.
In alternative embodiments, the present invention bridge device for attachment to a receiving device, such as a receiving helmet mounting assembly, to provide auxiliary arm attachment and articulation and to provide interpupillary positioning adjustability for the auxiliary arm and the imaging and optical equipment for complex movement, including in-sight and out-of-sight movement, and including reciprocal lateral movement from one eye to the other, includes the components set forth above: the central bridge rail, the receiving device connector, and at least one pod, all as described above, there is also at least one auxiliary arm attached to the at least one pod. The at least one auxiliary arm is rotatably attached to the pod so as to rotate and to include a first portion with a rotational attachment component for attachment to the pod and a second portion with an imaging and optical equipment attachment component for attachment of imaging and optical equipment selected from the group consisting of imaging and optical equipment, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary arm is selected from the group consisting of an extended arm, a stub arm, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary arm image and optical equipment attachment component is selected from the group consisting of a screw component, a snap-on component, a slide component, a quick-release component, a spring-lock component, a toggle-lock component, a friction-lock component and combination thereof.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
The receiving device connector, i.e., the component that attaches the present invention bridge device to the helmet or other receiving device mounting assembly, block 107, is attached to the central bridge rail. It may be mounted at any workable position but is preferably center-mounted atop the central bridge rail. As mentioned, there is at least one pod, block 109, that connects (directly or via an arm) to the imaging and/or optical devices, and the pod is mounted on at least one track of the central bridge rail. The pods have rotational components, block 111, for attachment of an auxiliary arm or for direct connection with gear, block 113. The rotational component is typically an axle or pin but could be any form of universal joint as well. With regard to any attachments described herein, floppy, free movement is undesirable, so some form of built-in or created friction is used, such as tight fits, friction coatings, gaskets, O-rings, washers, ratcheted or grooved connections, swivel or screw locks, etc.
The device materials of construction may be any one or more of those described above, but here are aluminum components.
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Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the actual shape of the central bridge rail, auxiliary arms, pods, receiving device connector, etc., may be any of numerous shape possibilities as long as its functionality as described is not affected adversely.
