WO2023012826A1

WO2023012826A1 - Accessory mounting apparatus for helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2023012826A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050697
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manish Khandelwal; Kusumesh MISHRA; Jatin Prakash NAIK
Original assignee: Mku Limited
Priority date: 2021-08-03
Filing date: 2022-08-03
Publication date: 2023-02-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet. The accessory mounting apparatus may include a curved frame. The curved frame may be adapted to attach on a front portion of an outer shell of the helmet. When attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the curved frame may extend from one side to the other side of the outer shell of the helmet. The curved frame may have a first end and a second end The first end and the second end of the curved frame may be in the form of a rail. The curved frame may further have a shroud adapter at the centre. The shroud adapter may be configured to receive a shroud. The rails and the shroud may be used to detachably mount a plurality of accessories on the helmet.

Description

ACCESSORY MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR HELMET

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of helmets, and, more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory mounting apparatus for mounting various accessories to a helmet.

BACKGROUND

Helmet is a protective device worn on the head to provide protection from various kinds of impacts. Helmets are used in a wide range of applications such as, but not limited to, recreational activities, sports, construction, and defence applications including police and military applications. Typically, during combat operations, military personnel are required to carry various accessories. Such accessories, may include, Night Vision Devices (NVD), lamps, face visors, oxygen masks, cameras, and communication devices. Such accessories provide additional capability to the helmet and/or additional protection to a wearer of the helmet. Moreover, such accessories are mounted to the helmet to allow ease in movement of the military personnel by keeping their hands free to hold other equipment.

The conventional apparatus for mounting accessories to helmets have their own drawbacks. For example, one of the drawbacks in the conventional apparatus is that they are formed by assembling two or more components. Due to the excessive number of components, the complexity of the apparatus increases. Moreover, due to the excessive number of components, the overall weight of the apparatus also increases, which eventually causes stress on the head and neck of the wearer.

In view of the above, there remains a need for a novel and innovative accessory

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) mounting apparatus for helmets that can overcome the above limitations.

OBJECTS OF INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides an accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet;

Another aspect of the present invention provides an accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet, that is light weight; and

Another aspect of the present invention provides an accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet, that supports a mandible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet is disclosed. The accessory mounting apparatus may include a curved frame. The curved frame may be adapted to attach on a front portion of an outer shell of the helmet. When attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the curved frame may extend from one side to the other side of the outer shell of the helmet. The curved frame may have a first end and a second end The first end and the second end of the curved frame may be in the form of a rail. The curved frame may further have a shroud adapter at the centre. The shroud adapter may be configured to receive a shroud. The rails and the shroud may be used to detachably mount a plurality of accessories on the helmet.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the curved frame may further have a mandible docketing port. The mandible docketing port may be in the form of a protrusion on each side of the curved frame. The protrusions may have means

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) for connecting and locking a mandible to the helmet. Further, the mandible may be connected to the protrusions via a governing arm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the governing arms may have a provision to attach at least one strap. The at least one strap on each of the governing arms may be locked to each other via at least one of a hook loop, buckle etc. Further, the at least one strap on each of the governing arm when locked, may provide stability to the mandible.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following figures, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an accessory mounting apparatus and a helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the accessory mounting apparatus attached on the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a mandible with governing arms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the accessory mounting apparatus supporting a visor and the mandible on the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view showing a strap connected to the governing arms and locked behind the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. It should be understood that the detailed description thereto is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. As used throughout this description, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words “a” or “an” mean “at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “containing” or “involving”

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term “comprising” is considered synonymous with the terms “including” or “containing” for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of’, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an accessory mounting apparatus

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) for a helmet. The accessory mounting apparatus may facilitate mounting of accessories such as, but not limited to, Night Vision Devices (NVD), lamps, face visors, oxygen masks, cameras, laser pointers, mandibles and communication devices to the helmet. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that some of the above accessories may provide additional capability to the helmet. Moreover, the other accessories may provide additional protection to a wearer of the helmet. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the accessory mounting apparatus may allow ease in the movement of the wearer by keeping their hands free to hold other equipment.

The accessory mounting apparatus may be arranged on any helmet known in the art. However, the accessory mounting apparatus may be preferably arranged on defence related helmets such as Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) Helmet, Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) and High cut Advanced Combat Helmet.

Hereinafter, the accessory mounting apparatus for the helmet is explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an exploded view and an isometric view respectively of the accessory mounting apparatus and the helmet is disclosed, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The accessory mounting apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as ‘the apparatus’) may include a frame which is preferably curved. The curved frame may be adapted to attach on an outer shell of the helmet. Specifically, the curved frame may be adapted to attach on a front portion of the outer shell of the helmet. For the purpose of explanation, when the curved frame is attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the curved frame may align with the front portion of the outer shell of the helmet. Moreover, when the curved frame is attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the curved frame may extend from one side to the other side of the helmet. According to an embodiment, the curved frame may be attached to the outer shell of the helmet via one or more bolts. In such embodiments, the curved frame may have one of more holes. According to another embodiment, the curved frame may be attached to the outer shell

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) of the helmet via a boltless arrangement.

The curved frame may further have a first end and a second end. For the purpose of explanation, when the curved frame is attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the first end may get positioned on one side of the helmet, and the second end may get positioned on the other side of the helmet. The first end and the second end of the curved frame may be in the form of a rail. In other words, the rails at the first end and the second end of the curved frame may become a part of the curved frame itself. Further, the rails at the first end and the second end may have standard slotted track to provide easy one hand mounting of standard picatinny rails, camera, lights etc.

The curved frame may further have a shroud adapter at the centre. The shroud adapter may be configured to receive a shroud. For the purpose of explanation, when the curved frame is attached on the outer shell of the helmet, the curved frame along with the shroud may be positioned on the front portion of the outer shell of the helmet. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the shroud may enable mounting of various accessories to the helmet. According to an embodiment, the shroud may have a standard configuration. The standard configuration of the shroud may enable various standardized accessories to be detachably mounted on the shroud.

The curved frame may further have a mandible docketing port. The mandible docketing port may be in the form of a protrusion on each side of the curved frame. The protrusions may have means for connecting and locking a mandible to the helmet. In an embodiment, the mandible may be locked in the respective protrusion by fit twist lock mechanism.

The mandible may be connected to the respective protrusion via a governing arm. Referring now to Fig. 3, an isometric view of the mandible with the governing arms is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) Each of the governing arms may have a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the governing arms may be engaged to the respective protrusion. The second end of each of the governing arms may be connected to the mandible. The second end of each of the governing arms may be connected to the mandible by fasteners such as, but not limited to, a rivet, adhesive, screw, nut bolt or the like.

Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the accessory mounting apparatus supporting a visor and the mandible on the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the mandible may be a ballistic mandible. The ballistic mandible may be made of material or combination of materials such as, but not limited to, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric, aramid fabric, high performance, high tenacity material like nylon etc. It provides protection from several ballistic and non-ballistic threats i.e. 7.62 x 39, 7.62 x 51, 7.62x 25, 5.56 x 45, 7.62 x 54 calibers, blunt impacts, concussive blast/shock waves from explosions etc.

According to an embodiment, each of the governing arms may have a provision to attach at least one strap. Referring now to Fig. 5, an isometric view showing a strap connected to the governing arms and locked behind the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The at least one strap on each of the governing arms may be locked to each other via at least one of a hook loop fasterner, buckle etc. Further, the at least one strap on each of the governing arm when locked, may lock the movement of the governing arms, thereby providing stability to the mandible.

In some embodiments, the curved frame may have one or more cut-out sections. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the due to the cut-out sections, the overall weight of the curved frame may reduce. Further, due to the less weight of the curved

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) frame, the stress caused on the head and the neck of the wearer may also reduce. In certain embodiments, the bottom portion of the curved frame may have a bent section. When attached on the helmet, the bent section of the curved frame may act as a hook and may rest on the front edge of the helmet. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the bent section of the curved frame may prevent the upward movement of the curved frame. In accordance with an embodiment, the curved frame may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, polymer, elastomer, metallic alloy, carbon, hybrid compounds etc.

In certain embodiments, there may be a provision to attach counterweights to the rear portion of the helmet shell or the rails. The counterweight may be attached to the helmet shell or the rails to balance the weight of the accessories mounted on the apparatus. The counterweights may be attached on helmet shell by adhesive, hock-loop etc. or may be mounted on the rails.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

Claims

Claim:

1. An accessory mounting apparatus for a helmet, the accessory mounting apparatus comprising: a curved frame having a first end and a second end, the curved frame is adapted to attach on a front portion of an outer shell of the helmet, wherein the curved frame has a slot at a central portion to attach a shroud, and the first end and the second end of the curved frame are in the form of a rail.

2. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shroud is of a standard configuration.

3. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rail at the first end and the second end is a picatinny rail.

4. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curved frame has a plurality of holes for bolting the curved frame on the helmet.

5. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a protrusion in proximity to each end of the curved frame.

6. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the protrusion has means for connecting a mandible.

7. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mandible is connected via an arm at each side of the mandible.

8. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the frame has cut out sections to reduce the overall weight of the accessory mounting apparatus.

9. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the arms have a slot to attach a strap.

10. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curved frame is made of material selected from the group consisting of polymer, elastomer, metallic alloy, carbon compounds and hybrid compounds.

11. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helmet includes a provision to fix a plurality of counterweights at the back side of the helmet shell for balancing the weight of the accessories mounted on the shroud.

12. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the counterweights are fixed on the helmet shell by means of adhesive, hock-loop or may be mounted on the rails.

13. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claims 6 and 7, wherein the mandible is made of material such as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric, aramid fabric, high performance, high tenacity material like nylon.

14. The accessory mounting apparatus as claimed in claims 6 and 7, wherein the mandible provides protection from several ballistic and non-ballistic threats such as 7.62 x 39, 7.62 x 51, 7.62 x 25, 5.56 x 45, 7.62 x 54 calibers, blunt impacts, concussive blast or shock waves from explosions.