WO2023095176A2

WO2023095176A2 - An apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2023095176A2
Application number: PCT/IN2022/051040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kusumesh MISHRA; Manish Khandelwal; Jatin Prakash NAIK
Original assignee: Mku Limited
Priority date: 2021-11-29
Filing date: 2022-11-29
Publication date: 2023-06-01
Also published as: WO2023095176A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet. The apparatus may include a front frame having a shroud, that may be positioned on the front of an outer shell of the helmet. The apparatus may further include a rear frame having a toggling ratchet, that may be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet. The apparatus may further include a first side rail and a second side rail, positioned on the first side and the second side respectively of the outer shell of the helmet. The first side rail and the second side rail may be connected to the front frame and the rear frame wherein the connection of the first side rail and the second side rail with the front frame and the rear frame is a hinge connection.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING ACCESSORIES TO A 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 apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet.

BACKGROUND

Helmet is a protective device worn on a head of a user 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 such accessories to helmets have their own drawbacks. For example, one of the drawbacks in the conventional apparatus is that they come in fixed shape and size. Due to this, such apparatus cannot be used with helmets of different sizes. The other drawback seen in the conventional apparatus is that they have a rigid structure. Due to their rigid structure, such apparatus requires considerable space when carrying. Yet another common drawback seen in the conventional apparatus is that they are bolted to the helmet. Bolting the apparatus to the helmet requires drilling a hole in the shell of the helmet, which eventually reduces the strength of the helmet. In view of the above, there remains a need for a novel and innovative apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet that can overcome the above limitations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet, that is easily collapsible;

Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet, that can fit a helmet of any size;

Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet, that can be arranged on a helmet via a boltless arrangement; and

Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet, that is convenient to carry and occupies less space when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet is disclosed. The apparatus may include a front frame having a shroud. The front frame may be positioned on the front of an outer shell of the helmet. The shroud may be used to attach certain accessories on the front of the helmet. The apparatus may further include a rear frame having a toggling ratchet. The rear frame may be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet. The toggling ratchet may be used to tighten or loosen the apparatus on helmet. The apparatus may further include a first side rail connecting the front frame and the rear frame. The first side rail may be positioned on a first side of the outer shell of the helmet. The apparatus may further include a second side rail connecting the front frame and the rear frame. The second side rail may be positioned on a second side of the outer shell of the helmet. Further, the connection of the first side rail with the front frame and the rear frame is a hinge connection, and the connection of the second side rail with the front frame and the rear frame is a hinge connection.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, the first side rail and the second side rail may be formed of subparts that may be connected to each other via hinges.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for mounting accessories to the helmet may be arranged on the helmet via a boltless arrangement.

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 THE 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 isometric view of an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the apparatus for mounting the accessories to the helmet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE 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," 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.

Reference Numerals associated with Technical Features:

100 - apparatus for mounting accessories

102 - front frame

104 - rear frame

106 - first side rail

108 - second side rail The embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for mounting accessories to a helmet. The apparatus may be arranged on an outer shell of the helmet. For the purpose of explanation, the apparatus when arranged on the outer shell of the helmet, may circumscribe the outer shell of the helmet. In other words, the apparatus when arranged on the outer shell of the helmet, may form a continuous body secured to the outer shell of the helmet.

The apparatus may facilitate mounting of accessories such as, but not limited to, Night Vision Devices (NVD), lamps, face visors, oxygen masks, cameras, 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 apparatus may allow ease in the movement of the wearer by keeping their hands free to hold other equipment.

Furthermore, the apparatus may facilitate mounting of the accessories without making any hole on the helmet shell. Such an arrangement may maintain the rigidity and the ballistic strength of the helmet, as drilling holes on the helmet reduces the ballistic strength of the helmet. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the apparatus may be arranged on any helmet known in the art. However, the apparatus may be generally 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 apparatus for mounting accessories to the helmet is explained in detail. Referring now to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, an isometric view and an exploded view respectively of the apparatus for mounting accessories to the helmet is disclosed. The apparatus for mounting accessories to the helmet (hereinafter referred to as ‘the apparatus’) may include a front frame. The front frame may have a shroud on which certain accessories can be mounted. For the purpose of explanation, the shroud may have such a configuration that various standardized accessories can be detachably mounted on it. The front frame along with the shroud may be positioned on the front of the outer shell of the helmet. In other words, when the apparatus is arranged on the helmet, the front frame may be positioned on the front of the outer shell of the helmet. The front frame may further have a first end and a second end.

The apparatus may further include a rear frame. The rear frame may have a toggling ratchet. In an embodiment, the toggling ratchet may be a part of the rear frame itself. In another embodiment, the toggling ratchet may be separately attached to the rear frame. The wearer of the apparatus may operate the toggling ratchet to tighten or loosen the apparatus on the helmet. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the toggling ratchet may enable the apparatus to be used with a helmet of any shape. For example, based on the size of the helmet, the size of the apparatus may be increased or reduced to suit the size of the helmet. The rear frame along with the toggling ratchet may be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet. In other words, when the apparatus is arranged on the helmet, the rear frame may be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet. For the purpose of explanation, the rear frame may be positioned diametrically opposite to the front frame. Further, similar to the front frame, the rear frame may also have a first end and a second end.

The apparatus may further include a first side rail. The first side rail may connect with the front frame and the rear frame. Specifically, the first side rail may have a first end and a second end. When connected with the front frame and the second frame, the first end of the first side rail may connect with the first end of the front frame, and the second end of the first side rail may connect with the first end of the rear frame. The first side rail may be positioned on a first side of the outer shell of the helmet. For the purpose of explanation, the first side rail may be positioned on the left side of the helmet. It should be noted that the connection of the first side rail with the front frame and the rear frame may be a hinge connection. Therefore, the first side rail may be foldable with respect to the front frame and the rear frame at the connecting points.

The apparatus may further include a second side rail. The second side rail may also connect the front frame and the rear frame. Specifically, the second side rail may have a first end and a second end. When connected to the front frame and the rear frame, the first end of the second side rail may connect with the second end of the front frame, and the second end of the second side rail may connect with the second end of the rear frame. The second side rail may be positioned on a second side of the outer shell of the helmet. For the purpose of explanation, the second side rail may be positioned on the right side of the helmet. The connection of the second side rail with the front frame and the rear frame may also be a hinge connection. Therefore, the second side rail may be foldable with respect to the front frame and the rear frame at the connecting points.

Further, both the first side rail and the second side rail may have standard slotted track to provide easy one hand mounting of standard picatinny rails, camera, lights etc. Moreover, both the first side rail and the second side rail may have at least one hook configured to mount on the edge of the helmet. The hooks may prevent the apparatus from rising and may hold the apparatus in the position. In certain embodiments, the hook may be also provided on the rear frame. It should be noted that the position of the hooks may not be restricted to the above and may be provided at different positions on any part of the apparatus.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the hinge connection of the first side rail with the front frame and the second frame, and the hinge connection of the second side rail with the front frame and the second frame may allow the apparatus to collapse at the connecting points. Due to the collapsible nature of the apparatus, the apparatus may be convenient to carry and may consume less space when not in use. In certain embodiments, at least one of the front frame, the rear frame, the first side rail and the second side rail may be further formed of subparts where the subparts may be connected to each other via hinge connections. Such an arrangement may allow the apparatus to fold from a plurality of points which would eventually increase the collapsing capability of the apparatus.

In certain embodiments, the front frame, the rear frame, the first side rail and the second side rail may be detachably connected to each other. The front frame, the rear frame, the first side rail and the second side rail may be detachable from the connecting points. Due to the detachable nature of the apparatus, it may be convenient to carry the apparatus when not in use.

The apparatus may further include a provision for accommodating counterweights. The provision may include at least one threaded insert that may accommodate counterweights. In a preferred embodiment, the threaded insert may be provided in the rear frame. However, the threaded insert can be provided in any part of the apparatus. The counterweight may be put on the apparatus to balance the weight of the accessories mounted on the apparatus. The counterweight may have a threaded projection which can be screwed or unscrewed from the threaded insert based on the requirement.

In accordance with an embodiment, the front frame, the rear frame, the first side rail and the second side rail may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, polymer, elastomer, metallic alloy, carbon, hybrid compounds etc.

As per a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus (100) for mounting accessories to a helmet, the apparatus (100) comprises a front frame (102) comprising a shroud, the front frame (102) may be configured to be positioned on the front of an outer shell of the helmet; a rear frame (104) comprising a toggling ratchet, the rear frame (104) may be configured to be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet; a first side rail (106) connecting the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) may be configured to be positioned on a first side of the outer shell of the helmet; a second side rail (108) connecting the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104), the second side rail (108) may be configured to be positioned on a second side of the outer shell of the helmet. The connection of the first side rail (106) with the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104) may be a hinged connection, and the connection of the second side rail (108) with the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104) may be a hinged connection.

As per another embodiment of present invention, at least one of the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) further comprises hinged connections.

As per another embodiment of present invention, the connections may be other hinged connections such as knuckle hinges and the like, but not limited to only hinged connections.

As per another embodiment of present invention, the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) may be arranged on the outer shell of the helmet via a boltless arrangement.

As per another embodiment of present invention, the shroud acts as a universal connector and may be configured to connect binoculars, visors, goggles, camera, and the like.

As per another embodiment of present invention, the apparatus (100) may be tightened or loosened on the outer shell of the helmet via the toggling ratchet.

As per another embodiment of present invention, the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) are made of at least one of a High-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) material, a Nylon material, a Polyester material, and an Acetal material.

As per another embodiment of present invention, a band encircles the helmet and is detachably mounted thereon.

As per another embodiment of present invention, a frontal shroud is detachably mounted on an operative front of the band.

As per another embodiment of present invention, a pair of rails comprises a left-side rail detachably connected to an operative left surface of said band, and a right-side rail detachably connected to an operative right surface of said band.

As per another embodiment of present invention, at least one counterweight is removably mounted on an operative back portion of said band.

As per another embodiment of present invention, each of said frontal shroud and said pair of rails comprise a modular fixation mechanism to allow one or more accessories to be removably attached to the helmet.

As per another embodiment of present invention, said counterweights comprises threaded projections to facilitate removable mounting of the counterweights on said band by screwing into or unscrewing from said molded threaded insert configured on the band. As per another embodiment of present invention, said toggle ratchet is configured to facilitate adjustable clamping and tightening of the band on helmets of different sizes, such as small, medium, large, extra-large, etc.

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.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for mounting accessories to a helmet, the apparatus (100) comprising: a front frame (102) comprising a shroud, the front frame (102) may be configured to be positioned on the front of an outer shell of the helmet; a rear frame (104) comprising a toggling ratchet, the rear frame (104) may be configured to be positioned on the rear of the outer shell of the helmet; a first side rail (106) connecting the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) may be configured to be positioned on a first side of the outer shell of the helmet; a second side rail (108) connecting the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104), the second side rail (108) may be configured to be positioned on a second side of the outer shell of the helmet, characterized in that, the connection of the first side rail (106) with the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104) may be a hinged connection, and the connection of the second side rail (108) with the front frame (102) and the rear frame (104) may be a hinged connection. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) further comprises hinged connections. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the connections may be other hinged connections such as knuckle hinges and the like, but not limited to only hinged connections. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) may be arranged on the outer shell of the helmet via a boltless arrangement. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shroud acts as a universal connector and may be configured to connect binoculars, visors, goggles, camera, and the like. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) may be tightened or loosened on the outer shell of the helmet via the toggling ratchet. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame (102), the rear frame (104), the first side rail (106) and the second side rail (108) are made of at least one of a High-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) material, a Nylon material, a Polyester material, and an Acetal material. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a band encircles the helmet and is detachably mounted thereon. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a frontal shroud is detachably mounted on an operative front of the band. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein a pair of rails comprises a left-side rail detachably connected to an operative left surface of said band, and a right-side rail detachably connected to an operative right surface of said band. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one counterweight is removably mounted on an operative back portion of said band. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claims 9 and 10, wherein each of said frontal shroud and said pair of rails comprise a modular fixation mechanism to allow one or more accessories to be removably attached to the helmet. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said counterweights comprises threaded projections to facilitate removable mounting of the counterweights on said band by screwing into or unscrewing from said molded threaded insert configured on the band. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said toggle ratchet is configured to facilitate adjustable clamping and tightening of the band on helmets of different sizes.

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