Patent Application
20180092424
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to helmet assemblies, and more particularly to helmets employing retention and/or fit adjustment systems.
Individuals at risk of exposure to trauma to the head (e.g., soldiers, emergency responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, etc.) may wear protective headgear, such as a helmet, to protect the wearer against head injury. For example, in modern combat, military helmets are used to withstand high-impact ballistics. For some applications, it may be desirable to mount one or more accessories, such as a visor, illuminator, camera, video recorder, laser pointer, communications device, identification friend or foe (IFF) device, optical system, or other item(s), to one or more regions of a helmet to aid the helmet wearer in the performance of duties while in the field.
Protective helmets may be provided with a retention and/or fit adjustment system to retain and stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head. Such systems are particularly desirable for military combat helmets to ensure the helmet remains relatively stable on the wearer's head while performing physically demanding tasks. Stability can become an even greater concern when accessories are mounted to the helmet which increases the overall weight and can affect the balance of the helmet on the wearer's head. In some cases, retention and stabilization are provided by a strap harness system that combines retention with an adjustable fit in a single integrated system.
According to one aspect, a helmet assembly comprises a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system is configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system is configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system includes a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell.
According to another aspect, a method is provided for adjusting a helmet assembly to a wearer's head. The helmet assembly includes a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system is configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head, and the retention system is configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system includes a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. The method comprises acts of (a) removing the fit system from the helmet shell, and (b) wearing the helmet assembly without the fit system.
Aspects of the invention are described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals reference like elements, and wherein:
It should be understood that aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to certain illustrative embodiments and the figures. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.
Various embodiments are described in connection with a helmet assembly, such as a military combat helmet. However, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and may be employed with other types of helmets, particularly helmets suitable for high impact activities. For ease of understanding, the helmet assembly is described in connection with a military combat helmet, which may be a ballistic or non-ballistic helmet.
The present disclosure relates to helmet assembly retention and fit systems that provide stability to the helmet assembly relative to the head of the wearer.
The present disclosure also relates to retention and fit systems having the ability to be incorporated into a number of different types of helmet assemblies. In some embodiments, the retention and fit systems are particularly suited for use with military helmets or other helmets suited for high impact activities.
When helmet assemblies including retention and fit systems described herein are worn, the systems may provide and maintain stabilization between the head of the wearer and the rigid shell that forms a protective barrier around the head. Applicant has appreciated that, at times, when using a visual accessory such as night vision goggles or a helmet-mounted display, a wearer of certain helmet assemblies may experience motion sickness due to movements of the visual accessory. In particular, pitch and yaw rotations of the helmet on the head of a wearer may cause movements of the visual accessory relative to the wearer's eye(s). For instance, when a wearer of a helmet equipped with a night vision camera looks through the lens of the camera and engages in routine maneuvers, due to the weight of the helmet and/or equipment, there may be a tendency for the helmet to move or rotate in a manner that moves the visual equipment relative to the wearer's eye(s), leading to motion sickness and/or decreased effectiveness of the visual equipment.
Wearers of helmet assemblies equipped with retention and fit systems in accordance with the present disclosure may be less prone to suffer motion sickness or other types of discomfort during use due to stability provided by the retention and fit systems. Stability may be particularly beneficial in helmet assemblies that incorporate additional features (e.g., electronics, optics, eyewear, etc.) that add weight to the helmet or apply torque to the wearer. Without the stability provided by aspects of the present disclosure, during use, the helmet assembly may be subject to undesirable movement during use (e.g., bounce, rotation, pitch, and yaw).
A helmet assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure may include a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system may be configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head, and the retention system may be configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system may also be configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. Such an arrangement allows a wearer, if desired, to remove the fit system from the helmet without adversely impacting the ability to stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head.
The stability attributed to the retention system, particularly when the fit system is removed from the helmet, may be enhanced using a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about and engage a rear portion of the wearer's head. The retention system may include a pair of rear strap segments attached to regions of the helmet shell which are spaced apart along a rear portion thereof. To further enhance the stability provided by the retention system, the stabilizer may couple the rear strap segments together at a location spaced away from the attachment regions of the helmet shell so as to restrict separation of the strap segments from each other.
The fit system may be configured to cooperate with the retention system to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The stabilizer of the retention system may include an occipital pad configured to be positioned adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital pad may couple the rear strap segments together to restrict separation of the strap segments from each other. The occipital pad may be detachably connectable to the fit system to selectively integrate the retention system with the fit system for stabilizing the helmet assembly on a wearer's head.
The fit system may include an adjustable fit band extending circumferentially about at least a portion of the helmet shell. The fit band may include a pair of free ends which are detachably coupled to third regions of the helmet shell located forward of the first regions of the helmet shell.
The adjustable fit band may include band segments adjustably coupled together for changing the length of the fit band. An adjuster may be provided for adjusting the band segments relative to each other. The length of the fit band may be adjusted by rotating the adjuster, although other adjuster configurations may be implemented with the fit system.
The fit band may include an occipital portion for positioning adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital portion of the fit band may be positionable between the occipital pad and the helmet shell. In this manner, the fit band may be adjusted to press and/or release the occipital pad against and/or from the wearer's head. The occipital portion of the fit band may be detachably connected to the occipital pad of the helmet shell.
The fit band may include one or more stabilizing arms for coupling the occipital portion to the helmet shell. The stabilizing arms may be adjustably coupled to the helmet shell for adjusting the position of the occipital portion of the fit band relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head.
As shown in
In one embodiment as shown in
The strap harness may include a pair of first strap segments 30, 32 and a pair of second strap segments 34, 36. As illustrated, the first strap segments 30, 32 may be attached to first regions 38, 40 of the helmet shell along the side portions thereof, and the second strap segments 34, 36 may be attached to second regions 42, 44 of the helmet shell along the rear portion thereof. As shown in
As shown, a first end of each strap segment may be coupled to the helmet shell at the corresponding first and second regions of the shell. In one embodiment, each strap segment may be coupled to the helmet shell using a strap anchor 48 provided at the first end of each strap segment. The strap anchor 48 may be slidably connected to the strap segment with the strap anchor being attached to the shell. In this manner, each strap segment may be slid relative to its corresponding strap anchor to accommodate adjustments, such as length adjustments, to the strap harness. In this regard, the strap harness may include one or more adjustment devices 50 for tightening, loosening and locking the strap segments relative to the wearer's head. For example, and without limitation, the adjustment devices 50 may include lock/release components and/or adjustment clips. It is to be understood, however, that any suitable attachment and/or adjustment technique may be utilized for coupling and/or adjusting the strap harness relative to the helmet shell, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
Second ends of the first and second strap segments located on each side of the helmet shell may be coupled together at first and second junctions 52, 54. As illustrated, the first strap segments extend toward the second strap segments in a direction extending away from the helmet shell and converge at the junctions. The strap segments may be joined utilizing any suitable technique including, but not limited to, stitching and/or mechanical fasteners as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
A chin strap 56 may be integrated with the strap harness to help retain and stabilize the helmet assembly on the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the chin strap 56 may be integrally formed by crossing and extending the first and second strap segments 30, 34 beyond the first junction 52, which forms one end of the chin strap, and rejoining the strap segments at a distance away from the first junction to form the opposite end of the chin strap.
A closure device 58 may be provided for locking and unlocking the chin strap. A first component of the closure device may be coupled to the second end of the chin strap and a second component of the closure, which is releasably connectable to the first component, may be coupled to the second junction 54. In one embodiment, the closure device 58 may include a side release buckle, although other suitable closure devices may be utilized as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
The strap segments may be fabricated from any suitable material as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the strap segments may be formed from nylon strap webbing as is known in the art.
The retention system 24 may include a stabilizer 60 configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. In one embodiment, the stabilizer 60 couples the second strap segments 34, 36 together at a location spaced away from the second regions 42, 44 of the helmet shell to restrict separation of the second strap segments from each other.
As best shown in
In one embodiment, the stabilizer 60 may include an occipital pad that is configured to be positioned adjacent and engage the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital pad may be used to couple the second strap segments 34, 36 together to restrict their separation from each other. The occipital pad may be configured to be detachably connected to the fit system. In one embodiment, a fastener 63 may be located on a rearward facing surface of the occipital pad 60 for detachably connecting to a corresponding fastener on the fit system. As discussed further below, with this arrangement, the fit system may cooperate with the retention system to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head.
The occipital pad 60 may be fabricated from any material suitable for providing comfort and cushioning to the wearer's head from forces transmitted by retention and fit systems as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the occipital pad may be fabricated from a relatively soft, resilient foam or elastomeric material covered with a fabric material suitable for such applications.
In one embodiment as shown in
In one embodiment, the fit band 64 may include an occipital portion 66 that is positionable adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn. The fit band 64 may include first and second band segments 68, 70 which extend in a lateral direction from the occipital portion 66 and terminate in free ends 72, 74 which are detachably coupled to the helmet shell to permit longitudinal adjustment and/or removal of the fit system. The fit band 64 may also include one or more stabilizing arms 76, 78 which extend in an upward direction from the occipital portion 66 and terminate in free ends 80, 82 which are detachably coupled to the helmet shell to permit vertical adjustment and/or removal of the fit system. In one embodiment, the fit band may include first and second stabilizing arms.
The fit band components may be fabricated from any suitable material as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the occipital portion, the stabilizing arms and the band segments may be molded from one or more plastic materials and configured to provide a desired blend of rigidity, flexibility and strength for the various components. For example, it may be desirable for the occipital portion to be relatively rigid, while the band segments and the stabilizing arms have more flexibility for changing shape as the position and/or size of the fit band is adjusted to suit the needs of a particular wearer.
For some applications, it may be desirable for the fit band to include padding for providing cushion and/or grip to the wearer's head. In one embodiment shown in
The band segment padding may be fabricated from any suitable material which provides cushioning and/or gripping properties as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the padding may be molded from a relatively soft, resilient elastomeric material.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The first and second band segments 68, 70 may be adjustably coupled together in a manner to permit adjustment of the length of the fit band 64. As is to be appreciated, shortening the fit band results in tightening the fit band about a wearer's head, while lengthening the fit band results in loosening the fit band.
In one embodiment shown in
The occipital portion 66 of the fit band may include a housing 108 for slidably receiving end portions of the band segments. As shown in
The pinion 106 may include a plurality of teeth 120 which extend through an opening in the housing 108 to engage the upper and lower racks of teeth 110, 112, as shown in
As shown in
For some applications, it may be desirable to reduce the incidence of the fit band being inadvertently loosened on a wearer's head. In one embodiment, the fit band 64 may include a locking arrangement which permits the fit band to be readily tightened by rotating the knob in one direction (e.g., clockwise) while preventing the fit band from easily loosening until the wearer purposely applies sufficient force to rotate the knob in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise).
As illustrated in
As indicated above, for some applications, it may be desirable to detachably connect the retention system to the fit system at the rear portion of the helmet adjacent the occipital region of a wearer's head for stabilizing the helmet. As described above, a fastener 63 may be located on a rearward facing surface of the occipital pad 60. A corresponding fastener may be provided on the fit band. In one embodiment shown in
For example, and without limitation, the fasteners 63, 140 may include a touch fastener, such as VELCRO®, which securely connect the occipital pad to the occipital portion of the fit band while permitting separation of the pad from the fit band when desired. As should be appreciated, one of the fasteners 63, 140 may be a hook-type fastener and the other of the fasteners may be a loop-like fastener. It is also to be understood that other detachable connecting arrangements between the retention system and the fit band may be employed as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
The helmet shell may include one or more features which are conducive for employing the helmet assembly in one or more a particular applications. For example, and without limitation, it may be desirable to provide a military combat helmet with features that permit attachment of accessories to the helmet.
In one embodiment illustrated in
Attaching accessories could create an imbalance of the helmet on a wearer's head and potentially lead to undesirable movement (e.g., bounce, rotation, pitch, and yaw) of the helmet during operational maneuvers. The impact of such imbalances on undesirable movement may be reduced using retention and fit systems, such as described above, to retain and stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head.
In one embodiment shown in
The helmet shell may be fabricated from any suitable material for a particular application as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the shell may be fabricated from ballistic material for military combat applications. For non-ballistic protection, the helmet shell may be fabricated from plastic and/or composite materials as should be apparent to one of skill.
In one embodiment as shown in
The impact liner 160 may be fabricated from any material suitable for absorbing high impact forces delivered to the helmet shell as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the impact liner may be molded from a high density foam material.
The impact liner may be attached to the shell using any suitable fastening technique as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For certain applications, the impact liner may be permanently attached to the shell. For other applications, it may be desirable for the impact liner to be detachable from the shell to permit replacement of the impact liner or sections of the liner. For example, and without limitation, the impact liner sections may be secured to the shell using an adhesive and/or fasteners, such as screws, rivets, hook-and-loop or other touch fasteners.
In one embodiment as shown in
The comfort liner 170 may be fabricated from any material suitable for cushioning the wearer's head from impact forces absorbed by the impact liner as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the comfort liner may be fabricated from a relatively soft, resilient foam or elastomeric material covered with a fabric material suitable for such applications.
The comfort liner may be attached to the shell using any suitable fastening technique as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. The comfort liner may be detachably attached to the shell to permit replacement of the comfort liner or selected comfort pads. For example, and without limitation, the comfort pads may be secured to the impact liner using hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO, or other touch fasteners, although other detachable fastening arrangements are contemplated.
A representative embodiment of the helmet assembly and a representative procedure for removing the fit system is now described.
As illustrated in
When a wearer prefers to wear the helmet assembly without a fit system, the fit band may be removed from the helmet shell. As illustrated in
With the fit system 26 removed from the helmet assembly as shown in
For purposes of this patent application and any patent issuing thereon, the indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and/or variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.
The foregoing description of various embodiments are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto.
