Patent Application
20160088891
The present invention generally relates to a helmet cover assembly, and in some embodiments, a helmet cover assembly having one or more accessory mounting devices.
Helmets for head protection are worn in a variety of environments and for various purposes including adventure, sporting, police and military purposes. An example of a ballistic helmet 10 used in the military is shown in
In one embodiment there is a helmet cover assembly comprising: a cover configured to extend over a helmet; at least one mounting device coupled to the cover; and one or more straps coupled to the at least one mounting device and configured to tighten the cover to the helmet. In one embodiment, the at least one mounting device includes at least two mounting devices and the one or more straps are coupled between the at least two mounting devices, wherein the one or more straps are configured to pull the at least two mounting devices together and tighten the cover to the helmet. In one embodiment, the at least two mounting devices are coupled to one another by one or more fixed length straps. In one embodiment, the at least two mounting devices are coupled to the cover only through the use of the one or more straps.
In a further embodiment, the helmet cover assembly comprises a helmet retention system configured to retain the helmet to a user's head, the helmet retention system being coupled to the cover through the use of one or more straps. In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more straps is coupled to the at least one mounting device and configured to couple to an inner surface of the helmet. In one embodiment, the at least one mounting device includes a first rail, a second rail, and a shroud, the first rail being coupled to the second rail by an adjustable strap configured to pull the first rail and the second rail together to tighten the cover to the helmet, the first rail being coupled to the second rail by a first fixed length strap, and the shroud being coupled to the first rail by a second fixed length strap and coupled to the second rail by a third fixed length strap.
In one embodiment, one of the at least one mounting device includes a bolt configured to be coupled to the helmet through a bolt hole in the helmet. In one embodiment, the cover includes a window receiving the at least one mounting device and configured to allow the at least one mounting device to directly contact an outer surface of the helmet. In one embodiment, the cover extends over an entire outer surface of the helmet. In one embodiment, the cover extends over a peripheral edge of the helmet and is attachable to the helmet using only the one or more straps and one or more hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the cover extends over a peripheral edge of the helmet and is attachable to a liner of the helmet using only the one or more straps and one or more hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the cover is comprised of a non-elastic material.
In another embodiment there is a helmet cover assembly comprising: a cover configured to extend over a helmet; a first mounting device coupled to a first lateral side of the cover; a second mounting device coupled to a second lateral side of the cover; and an adjustable length strap coupled to the first mounting device and the second mounting device and configured to adjust the distance between the first mounting device and the second mounting device. In another embodiment, there is a helmet cover assembly comprising: a cover configured to extend substantially over an entire outer surface of a helmet, the cover including a plurality of hook and loop fasteners configured to attached to corresponding hook and loop fasteners on an inner surface of the helmet; a first mounting rail coupled to a first lateral side of the cover; a second mounting rail coupled to a second lateral side of the cover; a fixed length strap extending between the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail, the cover extending at least partially over at least a portion of the fixed length strap; an adjustable length strap coupled to the first mounting device and the second mounting device and configured to adjust the distance between the first mounting device and the second mounting device; and a retention system coupled to the first mounting device and the second mounting device.
The following detailed description of embodiments of the helmet cover assembly, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the drawings:
The present subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures and examples, in which representative embodiments are shown. The present subject matter can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 is configured to cover all or at least a majority of exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 when mounted onto helmet 200. Exterior surface 210 refers to the surface of helmet 200 which faces away from the user's head during use. In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 is configured to fit snuggly over exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 when mounted onto helmet 200 such that no or minimal clearance exists between helmet cover assembly 100 and exterior surface 210. In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 generally includes a cover 110 to which one or more accessory mounts may be attached, for example, a left mounting rail 120, a right mounting rail 130, and/or a front shroud 140. In some embodiments, attaching the one or more accessory mounts (e.g., 120, 130, 140) to cover 110 avoids the need to attach these accessory mounts directly onto helmet 200, which in turn may eliminate or at least reduce the need for drilling holes into helmet 200 that could compromise or weaken helmet 200 according to certain embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, having the one or more accessory mounts attached to cover 110 rather than directly to helmet 200 can provide for a quicker and/or more convenient method of adding and/or removing the one or more accessory mounts to or from helmet 200 since, for example, no additional tools may be required (e.g., drill, screw driver, etc.), and the one or more accessory mounts can be added or removed from helmet 200 all at the same time rather than individually.
In some embodiments, cover 110 is configured to substantially match the contour of exterior surface 210 of helmet 200. In some embodiments, cover 110 extends over all of or substantially all of exterior surface 210 of helmet 200. In other embodiments, cover 110 may include one or more cutouts to expose one or more areas of exterior surface 210. In some embodiments, cover 110 further extends over all or at least a portion of peripheral edge 220 of helmet 200. Peripheral edge 220 refers to the rim of helmet 200 which defines the opening through which the user may place his/her head during use of helmet 200. In some embodiments, cover 110 primarily includes one or more flexible panels that are configured to wrap around exterior surface 210 of helmet 200. In some embodiments, cover 110 is constructed from one or more textile or fabric panels. In some embodiments, cover 110 is constructed from one or more panels which may be made from, for example, cotton, canvas, linen, twill, synthetic fabrics (e.g. nylon, polyester), ripstop fabrics, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, when cover 110 is separated from helmet 200, cover 110 may be folded, rolled, or crumpled to reduce volume for easier packing For example,
As shown in
As discussed above, in some embodiments one or more accessory mounts can be attached to cover 110. The one or more accessory mounts are configured to couple with various accessory devices and allow the accessory devices to be removably mounted onto cover assembly 100 and, in turn, onto helmet 200 during use. Some non-limiting examples of accessory devices include night vision goggles, lights, beacons, face shields, headsets, cameras, communication devices, sensors, eye protection goggles or visors, oxygen masks and other devices known in the art that may be mounted onto helmets. In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 may be configured such that it can substantially support the weight of and forces exerted on the accessory devices as if the accessory mounts were attached directly to helmet 200. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts are not configured to be directly secured onto helmet 200, but rather attached to cover 110 which in turn can be secured to helmet 200. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts may lack any holes for screw or bolt mounting onto helmet 200. In alternative embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts may include one or more holes for accepting a screw or bolt for fastening onto helmet 200. In some embodiments the one or more holes, if present on the one or more accessory mounts, may be positioned to align with preexisting holes in a helmet (e.g., positioned to align with bolt 12 of helmet 10 of
In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts include hook or loop patches. As shown in
In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts may include, for example, a mounting rail such as Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) or Picatinny rail, and other mounts such as brackets for mounting night vision goggles (NVG) or other equipment. These accessory mounts may be included in the helmet cover assembly 100 in addition to the hook or loop patches (e.g., patches 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d). The one or more accessory mounts may be made from a substantially rigid plastic material and may be curved or shaped to generally match a contour of exterior surface 210 of helmet 200. As shown in
As particularly shown in
Shroud 140, as depicted in
According to certain preferred embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts (e.g., left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, shroud 140) are attached to cover 110 using a plurality of straps. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts are only attached to cover 110 using the plurality of straps. In some embodiments, the one or more accessory mounts are attached to each other using the plurality of straps. The plurality of straps are preferably a webbing material (e.g., nylon webbing), though other similar materials may also be suitable. In some embodiments, the straps are flexible but not elastic. In some embodiments, the straps do not substantially stretch. In alternative embodiments, the straps may be elastic. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of up to one inch (25.4 mm). In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 10 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 11 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 12 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 13 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 14 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 15 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 16 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 17 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 18 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 19 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 20 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 21 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 22 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 23 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 24 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of about 25 mm to about 26 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 16 mm, at least 17 mm, at least 18 mm, at least 19 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 21 mm, at least 22 mm, at least 23 mm, at least 24 mm, at least 25 mm, or at least 25 mm. In some embodiments, each strap may have a width of less than 26 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 24 mm, less than 23 mm, less than 22 mm, less than 21 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 19 mm, less than 18 mm, less than 17 mm, less than 16 mm, less than 15 mm, less than 14 mm, less than 13 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 11 mm, or less than 10 mm. Each strap may have substantially the same width, or the straps may have different widths.
Referring again to
In some embodiments, a portion of front straps 150a and 150b passes beneath the exterior of cover 110 (as shown in dashed lines) such that the portion of front straps 150a and 150b is positioned between the exterior of cover 110 and exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 during use. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with slits through which front straps 150a and 150b may extend. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with one or more pairs of slits for each of front straps 150a and 150b. The slits may be positioned adjacent to the accessory mounts (e.g., left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, shroud 140) according to some embodiments. For example, front strap 150a may pass through a first slit on left panel 114 positioned by slot 124a and a second slit on central panel 112 positioned by slot 144a. Similarly, front strap 150b may pass through a first slit on right panel 116 positioned by slot 134a and a second slit on central panel 112 positioned by slot 144b. In some embodiments, a majority of front straps 150a and 150b extends beneath the exterior of cover 110. This can, for example, reduce that chance that front straps 150a and 150b will snag on objects. Moreover, by weaving front straps 150a and 150b through the slits of cover 110, this allows for cover 110 to be secured onto front straps 150a and 150b. As discussed cover 110 may include one or more prefabricated slits, cutouts, or other openings for receiving straps and accessory mounts. Such openings may have a sewn or otherwise reinforced edge to prevent fraying of cover 110 around the periphery of the opening.
In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly includes a central strap 152. In some embodiments, central strap 152 connects left mounting rail 120 with right mounting rail 130. In some embodiments, central strap 152 is a fixed length strap. In some embodiments, central strap 152 extends from a central portion of left mounting rail 120 to a central portion of right mounting rail 130 as shown, for example, in
In some embodiments, a portion of central strap 152 passes beneath the exterior of cover 110 (as shown in dashed lines) such that the portion of central strap 152 is positioned between the exterior of cover 110 and exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 during use. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with slits through which central strap 152 may extend. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with one or more pairs of slits through which central strap 152 may extend. The slits may be positioned adjacent to the accessory mounts (e.g., left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130) according to some embodiments. For example, central strap 152 may pass through a first slit on left panel 114 positioned by slot 124b and a second slit on right panel 116 positioned by slot 134b. In some embodiments, a majority of central strap 152 extends beneath the exterior of cover 110. This can, for example, reduce that chance that central strap 152 will snag on objects. Moreover, by weaving central strap 152 through the slits of cover 110, this allows for cover 110 to be secured onto central strap 152. In further embodiments, as shown in
In further embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, a portion of rear strap 154 passes beneath the exterior of cover 110 (as shown in dashed lines) such that the portion of rear strap 154 is positioned between the exterior of cover 110 and exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 during use. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with slits through which rear strap 154 may extend. In some embodiments, cover 110 is provided with one or more pairs of slits through which rear strap 154 may extend. The slits may be positioned adjacent to the accessory mounts (e.g., left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130) according to some embodiments. For example, rear strap 154 may pass through a first slit on by slot 134c and a second slit positioned by slot 124c. This can, for example, reduce that chance that central strap 152 will snag on objects. Moreover, by weaving rear strap 154 through the slits of cover 110, this allows for cover 110 to be secured onto rear strap 154.
In some embodiments, rear strap 154 may be configured to allow for adjustment of the tightness of helmet cover assembly 100 around helmet 200. In some embodiments, rear strap 154 is an adjustable length strap. As shown in
In some embodiments, moving end tab 154a in an opposite direction may allow helmet cover assembly to be loosened around helmet 200 (e.g., when it is desired to remove helmet cover assembly 100 from helmet 200). In some embodiments, end tab 154a is provided with loops or hooks configured to fasten onto hook or loop patch 160d. In some such embodiments, end tab 154a may be fastened onto hook or loop patch 160d once the desired tightening has been achieved to prevent loosening of helmet cover assembly 100. In further embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 may further include a removable outer patch or flap (not shown) which may be positioned over end tab 154a. For example, end tab 154a may be sandwiched between hook or loop patch 160d and the outer patch or flap. Such an outer patch or flap, in some embodiments, may help prevent inadvertent detachment of end tab 154a from hook or loop patch 160d and loosening of helmet cover assembly 100. The outer patch or flap may include hooks or loops configured to fasten onto hook or loop patch 160d.
In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 may additionally or alternatively include a cabling system configured to connect together the one or more accessory mounts (e.g., left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, shroud 140). In some such embodiments, the cabling system includes a cable or cord that is connected to each of left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, and shroud 140 and which may be tightened to cinch left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, and shroud 140 together. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is looped between left mounting rail 120 and right mounting rail 130 and/or shroud 140. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is crisscrossed between left mounting rail 120 and right mounting rail 130. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is a nylon cable. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is woven into cover 110. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is configured to be at least partially positioned between cover 110 and exterior surface 210 of helmet 200 during use. In some embodiments, the cable or cord is directly connected to left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, and/or shroud 140. In other embodiments, the cable or cord is connected to one or more straps that are attached to left mounting rail 120, right mounting rail 130, and/or shroud 140. In further embodiments, the cabling system includes a tightening strap that when pulled, applies tension to the cable or cord to tighten the cabling system.
In some embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 may further be secured to helmet 200 by one or more components which extend into the interior of helmet 200 during use. In some embodiments, at least a portion of cover 110 is configured to extend into the interior of helmet 200. In some embodiments, cover 110 includes one or more flaps that extend into the interior of helmet 200 to help secure helmet cover assembly 110 to helmet 200. As shown in
In yet further embodiments, helmet cover assembly 100 may include one or more fastening straps which are configured to extend into the interior of helmet 200 during use. The one or more fastening straps may be made of the same materials and have the widths described for the other straps present in helmet cover assembly 100 (e.g., front straps 150a and 150b). In some embodiments, the one or more fastening straps are configured to extend from an accessory mount into the interior of helmet 200. As shown in the illustrated embodiments of
In further embodiments, helmet 200 may include a helmet liner which may be placed in the interior of helmet 200. The helmet liner may be sized and shaped to fit between interior surface 230 of helmet 200 and the user's head during use to provide additional protection, shock absorption, and/or cushioning. In some embodiments, the helmet liner may be made from or include a foam material, for example, expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, open or closed cell polyurethane, etc. In some embodiments, the helmet liner includes a plurality of foam pads that may be positioned at different locations within the interior of helmet 200. A non-limiting example of a helmet liner is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,958,573, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the helmet liner may be positioned within the interior of helmet 200 such that one or more of the fastening straps (e.g., 156a, 156b, 158a, and/or 158b) are sandwiched between the helmet liner and interior surface 230 of helmet 200. The helmet liner may be removably attached to helmet 200 by way of hook or loop patches 240. In other embodiments, it may be possible to attach one or more of the fastening straps (e.g., 156a, 156b, 158a, and/or 158b) directly to the helmet liner. For example, the helmet liner may be provided with hook or loop patches that can attach to end portions 157a, 157b, 159a, and/or 159b. In some such embodiments, the helmet liner is attached to the interior surface 230 of helmet 200 (e.g., via hook or loop patches 240), and end portions 157a, 157b, 159a, and/or 159b of fastening straps 156a, 156b, 158a, and/or 158b are attached directly to the helmet liner. One exemplary embodiment is depicted in
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/055,138 filed Sep. 25, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/099,254 filed Jan. 2, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/206,879 filed Aug. 19, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62055138 | Sep 2014 | US | |
| 62099254 | Jan 2015 | US | |
| 62206879 | Aug 2015 | US |
