Interface for attaching an object to headgear

Abstract

A shroud for attaching an object to a helmet includes a fastener for attaching An interface for attaching an object to headgear includes a shroud for attaching an object to a helmet. The shroud includes a frame. The frame includes a central portion, a first extension extending from a first lateral side of the central portion, a second extension extending from a second lateral side of the central portion, wherein the first side opposes the second side across the central portion. A first channel is disposed between the central portion and the first side extension and a second channel is disposed between the central portion and second side extension. The channels allow the side extensions to flex relative to the central portion for attaching the shroud to the helmet.

Description

1 Cross-Reference To Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 744,957 filed on January 14, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.2 Copyright Notice

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice shall apply to this document: Copyright ©< 2024-2025, Galvion, Ltd.3 Background of the Technology 3.1 Field of the Technology

[0003] The exemplary, illustrative technology herein relates to systems, software, and methods for attaching objects to headgear.

[0004] The technology herein has applications in fields wherein a user may wish to attach an object to headgear that may be worn by the user. In a non-limiting example involving military headgear, for example ballistic or bump helmets designed to be worn by a warfighter, the technology herein has applications in attaching accessories, for example vision devices and visors, to the military headgear as well as attaching other objects, for example electrical conductors for providing power or exchanging communication signals and flexible elements, for example bungees or paracords for supporting an attached accessory or other component that may be mounted on or supported by the headgear.3.2 The Related Art

[0005] Known technology includes shrouds for attaching helmet mounts to helmets. Known shrouds may attach, to a helmet, a helmet mount to which an accessory device, for example a night vision device, may be attached, thereby attaching the accessory to the helmet.4 Summary of the Technology

[0006] The technology, described below, solves a number of problems with known systems. In examples, the inventive interface described herein includes a low-profile shroud that is light weight and configured with smooth outer surfaces, or a smooth monolithic outer surface, for preventing snags. The shroud may be useful for attaching a helmet mount to headgear, for example to a helmet that may be worn by a warfighter.

[0007] In some embodiments, the shroud includes a plastic frame having a number of apertures, openings, and channels through portions of the frame that reduce a weight of the frame. The shroud may also include a plate for mounting a night vision device (NVD) or other accessory to the shroud, and thereby to the helmet, for example by attaching a helmet mount to which the NVD may be attached to the plate.

[0008] The frame may be formed to perform some functions that otherwise would be performed by the plate. The plate may be formed of metal. The frame may be formed from a light weight polymer. The plate is formed with less material than a known plate, for example by including multiple apertures in the plate and by including sections of the plate having a reduced cross-sectional thickness. The frame is formed to provide support to the plate to, in part, enable proper function of the plate.

[0009] The plate may be formed with one or more openings through the plate to reduce a weight of the plate. The one or more openings include features, for example one or more ramps, for guiding portions of a helmet mount into receptacles for the helmet mount located on the plate. The plate may be formed with portions having a reduced thickness compared to other areas of the frame to reduce weight. The frame may be designed to interface with the portions of the plate having reduced thickness, for example to provide support for those reduced thickness portions of the frame.

[0010] The shroud may include fasteners to attach the shroud to the helmet. The fastener may be ballistic fasteners, for example fasteners that configured to resist impact by a projectile, for example configured not to fracture or to be displaced into an interior a helmet when struck by a ballistic round. The ballistic fasteners may be formed from a material that is resistant to ballistic impact. The ballistic fasteners may be disposed on an outward facing surface of the shroud and each may include a head portion that is larger than a mounting hole on a helmet shell to which the ballistic fasteners may be assembled to prevent the ballistic fastener from traveling into the interior of the helmet shell where it might otherwise become a secondary ballistic projectile. Advantageously, the ballistic fasteners may be configured to snap fit with corresponding fastener apertures on the frame such that the ballistic fasteners remain attached to the frame when the shroud is removed from a helmet, for example to change or replace a component of the shroud, for example a plate.

[0011] The shroud may include one or more electrical interfaces and electrical conductors for receiving power and / or communication signals and for exchanging the power and / or communication signals with an accessory device that is attached to the shroud, or to an accessory mount that is attached to the shroud.

[0012] In an embodiment, a shroud for attaching an object to a helmet is provided. The shroud may include a fastener aperture for receiving a fastener for attaching the shroud to the helmet, wherein the fastener aperture has a first snap lock feature for engaging with a second snap lock feature of the fastener to attach the fastener to the shroud such that the fastener remains attached to the shroud when the shroud is disassembled from the helmet.

[0013] In a further aspect, the shroud may include a central portion and a first side extension extending laterally from a first lateral side of the central portion. The first side extension may include a first fastener aperture. The frame may include a second side extension extending laterally from a second lateral side of the central portion. The second lateral side may oppose the second lateral side across the central portion. The second side extension may include a second fastener aperture. Each of the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture may include a first snap lock feature for engaging with the second snap lock feature of the fastener to attach the fastener to the shroud.

[0014] In a further aspect, the fastener may remain attached to the shroud when the shroud is disassembled from the helmet.

[0015] In a further aspect, the fastener may include a head configured to be disposed outside of the helmet and a shaft configured to pass through a mounting hole of the helmet. The head may be larger than the mounting hole to prevent the head from traveling into the interior of the helmet. The mounting hole may pass from an exterior surface of the helmet to an interior of the helmet. The shaft may include an unthreaded portion and a threaded portion. When the fastener is attached to the shroud and disposed in the mounting hole, the unthreaded portion may be disposed in the mounting hole and the threaded portion may be disposed in the interior of the helmet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the head is two to four times larger than the mounting hole. In some embodiments, the head has a rectangular plan shape. In some further embodiments, the head is formed with a dome shaped top surface.

[0017] In a further aspect, the head portion may include a flat bottom surface, the bottom surface facing the helmet when the shroud is attached to the helmet, and a domed top surface, the top surface opposing the bottom surface. In a further aspect, the at least one of the one or more fasteners may include a head and a shaft, the shaft depending from the head. The shaft may include a protrusion extending radially outward from the shaft, the protrusion defining a groove between the head and the protrusion, The snap lock feature of the fastener may include the groove.

[0018] In a further aspect, the fastener may include a radiused transition portion connecting the protrusion to the shaft, wherein a ratio of a radius of curvature of the radiused transition portion to an outer diameter of the shaft is 0.3 or greater.

[0019] In an embodiment, a shroud for attaching an object to a helmet is provided. The shroud may include a frame. The frame may include a central portion, a first side extension extending laterally from a first lateral side of the central portion. The first side extension may include a first fastener aperture for receiving a first fastener. The frame may include a second side extension extending laterally from a second lateral side of the central portion. The second side extension may include a second fastener aperture for receiving a second fastener. The first lateral side may oppose the second lateral side across the central portion. The shroud may include an upper extension extending in an upward direction from the central portion. The frame may include a first channel disposed between the central portion and the first side extension, and a second channel disposed between the central portion and second side extension. The first channel and second channel may allow the first side extension and the second side extension to flex relative to the central portion for attaching the shroud to the helmet. The first fastener aperture and second fastener aperture may each include a first snap lock feature for attaching a fastener to the shroud.

[0020] In a further aspect, the shroud may include a fastener for attaching the shroud to the helmet, the fastener comprising a second snap lock feature for interfacing with a first snap lock feature to attach the fastener to the shroud.

[0021] In a further aspect, the frame may include a third channel disposed between the central portion and the upper extension. The third channel allows the upper extension to flex relative to the central portion.

[0022] Is another aspect, the first channel, second channel, and third channel may each form a passageway bounded by a helmet facing surface of the shroud and by an outer surface of the helmet when the shroud is mounted on the helmet.

[0023] In further aspects, the shroud may include a first plate for receiving a helmet mount and the first plate may be removably attachable to the frame. The first plate may include a hook for interfacing with the frame and at least one plate fastener receptacle for receiving a plate fastener. The frame may include a hook receptacle for receiving the hook, and the first plate may be attached to the frame with the hook disposed in the hook receptacle and a frame fastener at least partially disposed in the at least one plate fastener receptacle.

[0024] In an embodiment, a shroud for attaching an object to a helmet is provided. The shroud may include a frame with one or more attachment openings for attaching the frame to the helmet. The shroud may include a first plate for receiving a helmet mount. The first plate may be removably attachable to the frame. The first plate may include a hook for interfacing with the frame and at least one plate fastener receptacle for receiving a plate fastener. The frame may include a hook receptacle for receiving the hook. The first plate may be attached to the frame with the hook disposed in the hook receptacle and a frame fastener at least partially disposed in the at least one plate fastener receptacle.

[0025] In a further aspect, the frame may include one or more plate fastener openings. Each plate fastener opening corresponds to a plate fastener receptacle when the first plate is assembled onto the frame. The first plate is attached to the frame with a plate fastener passing through each plate fastener opening.

[0026] In a further aspect, the at least one plate fastener receptacle may be disposed on a helmet facing surface of the first plate and the plate fastener receptacle may pass from a helmet facing surface of the frame towards an outward facing surface of the frame.

[0027] In a further aspect, the shroud includes a second plate. The second plate includes a hook and at least one plate fastener receptacle. The first plate can be removed from the frame and the second plate can be assembled onto the frame.

[0028] In an embodiment, a shroud for attaching an object to a helmet is presented. The shroud may be configured to be disposed on an outer surface of the helmet. The shroud includes a plurality of channels; each channel disposed between a helmet facing surface of the shroud and the outer surface of the helmet when the shroud is disposed on the helmet. The shroud includes a plurality of apertures, one or more of the plurality of apertures passing through the shroud between a helmet facing surface of the shroud and an outward facing surface of the shroud. Each channel forms a passageway partially bounded by the outer surface of the helmet and a helmet facing surface of the shroud. At least one channel is connected to at least one aperture.

[0029] In some further embodiments, each of the plurality of channels may open into at least one aperture.

[0030] In a further aspect, the shroud may be configured such that a flexible member can be passed through a first aperture, a first channel, and a second channel.

[0031] In some embodiments, the shroud may further include a central portion, a first side extension extending from a first lateral side of the central portion, a second side extension extending from a second lateral side of the central portion, and an upper extension extending upward from the central portion. A first channel of the plurality of channels may be disposed between the central portion and the first side extension, a second channel of the plurality of channels may be disposed between the central portion and second side extension, and a third channel of the plurality of channels may be disposed between the central portion and the upper extension.

[0032] In a further aspect, the first side extension may include a first aperture, the first aperture connected to the first channel, the second side extension includes a second aperture, the second aperture connected to the second channel, and the third side extension includes a third aperture, the third aperture connected to the third channel.

[0033] In another further aspect, the central portion may include a central aperture, a bottom wall, and a fourth channel disposed between the central aperture and the bottom wall and extending between the first lateral side of the central portion and the second lateral side of the central portion.

[0034] In a further aspect, the shroud may be configured for receiving a flexible member that passes through the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel.

[0035] The above and other features of the technology disclosed herein including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts, and other advantages, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular method and device embodying the technology disclosed herein are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the technology disclosed herein. The principles and features of this technology disclosed herein may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the technology disclosed herein.5 Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis has instead been placed upon illustrating the principles of the technology disclosed herein. The features of the present technology disclosed herein will best be understood from a detailed description of the technology disclosed herein and example embodiments thereof selected for the purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first helmet system that includes a first embodiment of a shroud including a first embodiment of a plate according to the technology disclosed herein; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the helmet system of Fig. 1 with the shroud disassembled from a helmet shell; Figure 3 shows a side schematic view of the helmet system of Fig. 1, further including a helmet mount and accessory device; Figure 4 shows a partial section view of the helmet system of Fig. 1, taken through section line 4-4 of Fig. 1; Figure 5 shows a partial section view of the helmet system of Fig. 1, taken through section line 5-5 of Fig. 1; Figure 6A shows a side view of an attachment fastener of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the attachment fastener of Fig. 6A; Figure 7A shows a front perspective view of the shroud of Fig. 1, disassembled from the helmet shell of Fig.1; Figure 7B shows a rear perspective view of the shroud of Fig. 7A; Figure 8 depicts an exploded view of the shroud of shown of Fig. 7A; Figure 9A shows a front perspective view of the plate of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 9B shows a rear perspective view of the plate of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 10A shows a rear perspective view of the shroud of Fig. 7A, with the plate disassembled from a frame of the shroud; Figure 10B shows a from perspective view of the shroud of Fig. 10A, with the plate partially assembled onto the frame; Figure 11 shows a front view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 12A shows a left view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 12B shows a right view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 13 shows a bottom view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 14 shows a top view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 15A shows a rear view of the shroud of Fig. 1; Figure 15B shows a rear view of the shroud of Fig. 1, with an object; Figure 16 shows a rear perspective view of the shroud of Fig. 1, with a flexible element; Figure 17 shows a first perspective view of the helmet system of Fig. 1 with multiple objects attached to the shroud; Figure 18 shows a side schematic view of a second helmet system that includes a second embodiment of a shroud including a second embodiment of a plate according to the technology disclosed herein; Figure 19A shows a front perspective view of the second embodiment of a plate of Fig. 18; Figure 19B shows a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of a plate of Fig. 18; Figure 20A shows a front perspective view the second embodiment of a shroud of Fig. 18; Figure 20B shows a rear perspective view the second embodiment of a shroud of Fig. 18; Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a helmet system according to the technology disclosed herein; Figure 22A shows a front view of a third embodiment of a plate according to the technology disclosed herein; and Figure 22B shows a front view of a fourth embodiment of a plate according to the technology disclosed herein. 6 Description of Some Embodiments of the Technology disclosed herein 6.1 Detailed Description of the Technology disclosed herein

[0037] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the singular forms of the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms: "includes," "comprises," "including," and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence of or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Further, it will be understood that when an element, including component or subsystem, is referred to and / or shown as being connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. Further, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are included to differentiate between elements of a claim and do not add limitations to the claim.

[0038] The technology disclosed herein now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are shown. This technology disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology disclosed herein to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Referring now to Figs. 1 through 10B, a helmet system 100 includes a helmet shell 105 having a front surface 108, a rear surface 112, a top surface 118, a first side (left) surface 114 and a second side (right) surface 116. A mount for attaching an object to the helmet system, for example a shroud 1000, is disposed on the helmet shell 105. The shroud may be disposed on the front surface 108 of the helmet shell. The shroud 1000 includes one or more mount fasteners 1600 to fasten the shroud onto the helmet shell 105. In embodiments, each mount fastener 1600 is made from a material that is resistant to impact by a ballistic projectile. In these embodiments, a mount fastener 1600 may be referred to as a ballistic fastener. The helmet shell 105 may include an edge trim 107 which covers all or a portion of a bottom edge of the helmet shell 105.

[0040] As best seen in Fig. 2, the helmet shell 105 may include three mounting holes 110, 120, and 130. The three mounting holes 110, 120, and 130 may be arranged in a standard three-hole shroud mounting pattern, as is known in the art. The shroud 1000 may include three mount fasteners 1600 to mount the shroud 1000 onto a helmet shell 105 that includes the three mounting holes 110, 120, 130. In an alternative embodiment, the helmet shell may include three anchors (not shown) mounted on the front surface 108 of the helmet shell, for example adhered to the front surface, and disposed in a pattern similar to that shown for mounting holes 110, 120, and 130, for receiving and attaching the mount fasteners 1600 to the helmet shell. In other embodiments, the shroud 1000 may be attached to the helmet shell 105 with more or few fasteners, e.g. mount fasteners 1600, for example one, two, four, or five fasteners and the helmet shell 105 may include a corresponding number of mounting holes, e.g. 110, or mounting anchors.

[0041] The shroud 1000 includes a frame 1200 and a plate 1400. The plate 1400 may be attached to the frame 1200, which in turn is mounted on the helmet shell 105 with the mount fasteners 1600. The frame 1200 includes a first, outward facing, surface 1247 and a second, helmet facing, surface 1249. The frame 1200 includes a central portion 1259 with a central aperture 1248.

[0042] The frame 1200 may include a first side extension 1210, for example a left side extension, that extends in a first lateral direction from the central portion 1259 of the frame, for example toward a first side 114, for example a left side, of the helmet shell 105 when the shroud 1000 is disposed on the helmet shell 105.

[0043] The frame 1200 may include a second side extension 1220, for example a right side extension, that extends in a second lateral direction from the central portion 1259 of the frame, for example toward a second side 116, for example a right side, of the helmet 105 when the shroud 1000 is disposed on the helmet shell 105.

[0044] The frame 1200 may include an upper extension 1230 that extends upwards from the central portion 1259 of the frame, for example toward a top surface 118 of the helmet shell 105 when the shroud 1000 is mounted on the helmet shell 105.

[0045] Each of the first side extension 1210, the second side extension 1220, and the upper extension 1230 includes a fastener aperture 1212 for receiving a mount fastener 1600. Each mount fastener 1600 is assembled into a corresponding mounting hole 110, 120, or 130 of helmet shell 105 to attach the shroud 1000 to the helmet shell 105.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plate 1400 is removably attachable to the frame 1200. In other embodiments, the frame 1200 and the plate 1400 may be formed as a single structure. In an example embodiment, a shroud 1000 may be formed by overmolding a frame 1200, for example formed from a polymer material, on or around a pre-formed plate 1400, for example a plate formed from a metal or metal alloy, for example an aluminum alloy, magnesium, or steel.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the frame 1200 is formed from a light weight polymer material, for example from a nylon, e.g., a glass filled nylon, e.g. a 13% glass filled nylon. In other embodiments the frame 1200 may be formed from any suitable polymer, for example ABS. The frame may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, for example by injection molding, including overmolding on a pre-formed frame, machining, or an additive manufacturing process.

[0048] The plate 1400 may be formed from a metal or metal alloy, for example from aluminum, magnesium, or steel. The plate 1400 may be formed using any suitable manufacturing process, for example machining, die casting, or additive manufacturing. In some embodiments, the plate 1400 may be formed from a polymer material. In some of these embodiments, the plate 1400 and frame 1200 may be formed at the same time as a monolithic polymer structure.

[0049] Referring now to Fig. 3, the shroud 1000 may be operable to attach an accessory device 150 to the helmet system 100. The accessory device 150 may be attached to a helmet mount 140, which in turn may be attached to the shroud 1000. In embodiments, the accessory device 150 may include a night vision device (NVD), for example night vision goggles (NVG), a visor, daytime vision system, a light, a camera, or a combination of two or more items. The helmet mount 140 may comprise any known helmet mount for attaching an accessory device to a shroud. The helmet mount 140 may be adjustable to allow a user to position the accessory device 150 in front of the user's face, for example in front of one or both eyes, or in another desired position.

[0050] As also shown in Fig. 3, an embodiment for a mount fastener 1600, may be used to attach mounts or other equipment to a helmet system 100, alternatively or in addition to attaching a shroud, for example shroud 1000, to the helmet system. For example, a first mount fastener 1600A may be used to attach a front portion of a side rail 122 to the helmet system while a second mount fastener 1600B may be used to attach a rear portion of the side rail to the helmet system. An embodiment of the side rail 122 may include one or more instances of a fastener aperture 1212, for example fastener apertures 1212B and 1212C for receiving the mount fasteners 1600. The fastener apertures 1212B and 1212C are similar in design and function as fastener aperture 1212 discussed in relation to, for example, Figs. 2 and 4 through 8. In examples the mount fasteners 1600A and 1600B may be attached to the side rail 112, or to another type of mount or equipment attachable to the helmet system 112, such that they remain attached to the side rail 112 or other mount when it is disassembled from the helmet system 112.

[0051] Referring once again to Figs. 1 through 10B, the plate 1400 includes a receiving area 1430 for receiving the accessory mount 140. The receiving area 1430 is bordered by an upper horizontal protrusion 1410 having an upper recess 1412 and a lower horizontal protrusion 1420 having a lower recess 1422. In some embodiments, the upper horizontal protrusion 1410 and lower horizontal protrusion are formed as part of the plate 1400.

[0052] The helmet mount 140 may be removably attached to the shroud 1000 by assembling a mounting plate, or lock plate, 142 of the helmet mount onto the shroud 1000. An upper lip 144 of the lock plate 142 may be assembled into the upper recess 1412 of the plate 1400 and a lower lip 146 of the lock plate 142 may be assembled into the lower recess 1422 of the plate 1400. The frame 1200 includes a first vertical wall 1240 disposed between the first side extension 1210 and the receiving area 1430. The frame 1200 includes a second vertical wall 1242 disposed between the second extension 1220 and the receiving area 1430. The first and second vertical walls 1240 and 1242 oppose each other across the receiving area 1430 and are for providing support to a helmet mount (e.g. 140, refer to Fig. 3) when the helmet mount is assembled into the receiving area 1430.

[0053] The plate 1400 includes a first plate aperture 1440 and a second plate aperture 1442. One or both of the first plate aperture 1440 and second plate aperture 1442 may be for receiving a portion of the accessory mount 140. The first and second plate apertures 1440 and 1442 provide a number of advantages, for example enabling the plate 1400 to be fabricated using a reduced amount of material as compared to standard plates and for the plate 1400 to weigh less than if one or both of the plate apertures 1440, 1442 were absent.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, the plate 1400 may include more or fewer apertures. For example, other embodiments of the plate 1400 may include one, three, four, or five apertures. Referring for example to Figs. 22A and 22B, a third embodiment of a plate 1402 includes three apertures 1441, 1443, and 1444. A fourth embodiment of a plate 1403 includes a single aperture 1445. The number, shape, and locations of apertures, e.g. 1441 through 1445, of the plates, for example plate 1400 and alternative plates 1402 and 1403, may be configured to mate with corresponding features of a particular lock plate 142 of a particular helmet mount 140 (see Fig. 3).

[0055] Referring to Figs. 1 through 10B, 22A, and 22B, in some embodiments of the shroud 1000, a different embodiment of a plate, for example one of 1400, 1402, 1403, may be attached to the frame 1200 to correspond to a particular helmet mount 140 that a user attaches to the helmet system 100. Advantageously, a user can remove a first embodiment of a plate 1400 from the shroud 1000 and replace it with a different embodiment of a plate, e.g. 1402 or 1403, to enable different embodiments of a helmet mount 140 to be attached to the shroud 1000 and to the helmet system 100.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 1 and 3, the helmet system 100 may include a first side rail 122, attached to the first side surface 114 of the helmet shell 105 and a second side rail 132 attached to the second side surface 116 of the helmet shell. Each side rail 122, 132, may be attached to the helmet shell 105 with one or more, for example two, threaded fasteners 125.

[0057] A first flexible member 124 is attached to the first side rail 122. The first flexible member 124 may include a connecting element 126 disposed at a distal end of the first flexible member, i.e. at an end of the first flexible member that is not attached to the first side rail 122. A second flexible member 134 is attached to the second side rail 132. The second flexible member 134 may include a connecting element 136 disposed at a distal end of the first flexible member, i.e. at an end of the first flexible member that is not attached to the first side rail 122. The connecting elements 126, 136 of the flexible members 124 and 134 may be attached to the shroud 1000. Each flexible member 124, 134 may include a string, bungee, rope, or an elastically deformable elongate member, for example one or more elastically deformable strings wrapped in a cloth sheath. Each connecting element 126, 136 may include any suitable hook, for example an open hook, a carabiner, or a spring-loaded hook.

[0058] Some embodiments of the shroud 1000 include one or more resilient members, also known herein as bumpers, disposed in or adjacent to the receiving area 1430 for reducing vibrations and noise when a helmet mount 140 is attached to the shroud 1000. Referring, for example, to Figs. 1 through 4 and 7A through 9B, one or more embodiments of the plate 1400 includes a resilient members 1460 disposed to protrude from the outward facing surface 1447 of the plate. In an example embodiment, the resilient member 1460 has an oval shape and is disposed horizontally on the plate 1400.

[0059] One or more embodiments of the frame 1200 includes one or more, for example 2, resilient members 1260 and 1262, for example bumpers, each protruding from the outward facing surface 1247 of the frame 1200. In an example embodiment, the resilient members 1260 and 1262 each have an oval shape and are disposed vertically on the frame, one on each side of the central aperture 1248, between the central aperture and one of the vertical walls 1240 and 1242, respectively.

[0060] The resilient members, for example bumpers, 1460, 1260, and 1262 are disposed within the receiving area, i.e. between the upper horizontal protrusion 1410, the lower horizontal protrusion 1420, the first vertical wall 1240, and the second vertical wall 1242 such that when the helmet mount 140 is assembled onto the shroud 1000, the lock bumpers are disposed between the lock plate 142 and the shroud.

[0061] The resilient members or bumpers may be formed from a resilient material, for example a rubber or other elastomer. In one or more embodiments, the bumpers 1260, 1262, and 1460 are replaceable. For example, a first bumper may be removed from the shroud 1000 and may be replaced with a second bumper. In other embodiments, one or more of the bumpers may be added to the shroud during an overmolding process. For example, a frame 1200 may be overmolded around bumpers 1260 and 1262. In a like manner, an embodiment of a plate formed from a polymer material may be overmolded around bumper 1460.

[0062] Although three bumpers, i.e. 1260, 1262, and 1460, are shown, the technology disclosed herein is not so limited. For example, an alternative embodiment of a plate 1400 can include two or more bumpers, or no bumpers. An alternative embodiment of a frame 1200 can include zero, one, or three or more bumpers. Advantageously, a first embodiment of a plate 1400 that includes a first number of bumpers can be removed from the frame 1200 and replaced by a second embodiment of a plate 1400 having more or fewer bumpers, or bumpers arranged in a different pattern as compared to the first embodiment of the plate. This allows a user to select a plate 1400 having a bumper arrangement suitable for a particular embodiment of a helmet mount 140.

[0063] When the helmet mount 140 and accessory 150 are attached to the helmet system, a user may attach one or more flexible members (e.g. 124 and / or 134) to one or more of the helmet mount 140 and the accessory device 150. As shown in Fig. 3, the first connecting element 126 may be hooked onto a hooking receptacle 148 or another portion of the helmet mount 140. Alternatively, or in addition, a hooking member (e.g. 126) may be hooked onto a hooking receptacle 152 of the accessory device 150 or otherwise attached to the accessory device, for example by wrapping a portion of a flexible member around a portion of the accessory device. One or more flexible elements may be attached to one or both of the helmet mount 140 and the accessory device 150 to provide stability, for example to the accessory device 150, when it is attached to the helmet system 150, either in an in-use or in a stowed position, for example by exerting a stabilizing force when the flexible element, e.g. 124 and / or 134, is stretched to attach a corresponding connecting element, e.g. 126 and / or 136, to the accessory 150 or the helmet mount 140.

[0064] Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, helmet-contacting portions of the helmet facing surface 1249 are contoured to match a contour of an outer surface of the helmet shell 105, for example a contour of the front surface 108 corresponding to the location of the mounting holes 110, 120, and 130.

[0065] As shown, for example, in Figs 3, 4, 5, 7A, and 8, each of the first side extension 1210, the second side extension 1220, and the upper extension 1230 include a fastener aperture 1212 that passes through a thickness of the frame between the outward facing surface 1247 and the inner, or helmet-facing, surface 1249. In embodiments, the fastener apertures 1212 have an oval shape which provides a loose tolerance for assembling the frame 1200 onto the helmet shell 105 while aligning mount fasteners 1600 with mounting holes, 110, 120, and 130, of the helmet shell 105.

[0066] A mount fastener recess 1215 is associated with each fastener aperture 1212. Each mount fastener recess 1215 is formed on the outward facing surface 1247, surrounding an associated fastener aperture 1212. A mount fastener recess 1215 is shaped to conform to the shape of a head 1650 of a mount fastener 1600 (see, for example Figs. 4 - 6B) and is configured to support and confine the head 1650 and to prevent rotation of the mount fastener 1600 relative to the frame 1200. In embodiments, a head 1650 of a mount fastener 1600 has a rectangular shape, e.g. in a plan view taken towards the outer surface 1651 of the head (see Figs. 8 and 11, for example), and a mount fastener recess 1215 has a corresponding rectangular shape. In some embodiments, a mount fastener recess 1215 is formed as a groove with a rectangular shaped cross section.

[0067] A mount fastener 1600 passes through a fastener aperture 1212 of the frame 1200, through a mounting hole, e.g. 130, and into an interior 117 of the helmet shell 105. The interior 117 of the helmet shell 105 may be bounded by an inner surface 115 of the helmet shell. A nut 1605 is assembled onto a threaded portion 1630 of the mount fastener 1600 to secure the mount fastener. In an embodiment, the nut 1605 may be disposed against the inner surface 115 of the helmet shell.

[0068] The fastener apertures 1212 and mount fasteners 1600 are configured to snap fit together so that when a mount fastener 1600 is assembled into a fastener aperture 1212, it remains assembled on the frame 1200 when the frame is removed from the helmet shell 105, as can be seen for example in Figs. 7A and 7B.

[0069] Referring now to Figs. 4 - 6B and 8, each fastener aperture 1212 includes a ridge 1216 disposed on an inner wall of the fastener aperture 1212 between the outer surface 1247 and the helmet facing surface 1249 of the frame 1200. In some embodiments, the ridge 1216 is disposed along an entire inner surface of the fastener aperture 1212, as may best be seen in Fig. 8. The ridge has an upper surface 1218 and a lower surface 1219, opposing the upper surface.

[0070] The mount fastener 1600 has a head 1650 having an upper surface 1651 and a lower surface 1652 and a shaft 1632 depending from the lower surface 1652 in a normal direction relative to the bottom surface. The shaft 1632 has a distal threaded portion 1630 and a proximal unthreaded portion 1631. The unthreaded portion includes a shaft protrusion 1620 extending radially outward from the shaft 1632. In some embodiments, the shaft protrusion 1620 is formed as a ring protruding from and encircling the shaft 1632. A groove 1610 is disposed between the bottom surface 1652 of the head 1650 the shaft protrusion 1620. The groove 1610 may form a locking feature, for example a snap lock feature, of the mount fastener 1600 for engaging with a corresponding locking feature, for example a snap-lock feature, of a mount, for example of a shroud 1000. In examples, a fastener aperture 1212 of the shroud 1000 includes a ridge 1216 that forms, at least in part, a first snap lock feature and a mount fastener 1600 includes a groove 1610 that forms a second snap lock feature wherein when the fastener is assembled into the fastener aperture 1212 the first snap lock feature, for example ridge 1216, interfaces with the second snap lock feature, for example groove 1610, to attach the mount fastener 1600 to the mount, for example to the shroud 1000. It is noted that the shaft protrusion 1620 of the mount fastener 1600 may form a portion of the second snap lock feature. Referring, for example, to Figs. 5 and 6A, the shaft protrusion 1620 include a radiused transition R2 between the shaft protrusion 1620 and the shaft 1632. The ridge 1216 and shaft protrusion 1620 may each be formed to provide an interference fit therebetween. The radiused transition R2 may enable the shaft protrusion 1620 to translate through the mounting aperture 1212 and past the ridge 1216 wherein the ridge may be at least partially deformed by the shaft protrusion 1620 and then at least partially rebound, or snap back, following passage of the shaft protrusion 1620 past the ridge 1216, thereby enabling a snap lock interface for attaching the mount fastener 1600, for example to a mount, for example to shroud 1000.

[0071] The shaft protrusion 1620 and the ridge 1216 of the fastener aperture 1212 are sized and shaped such that when the mount fastener 1600 is assembled into a fastener aperture, the ridge 1216 forms an interference fit with the shaft protrusion 1620. The ridge 1216 is configured to flex to allow the shaft to protrusion 1620 to move past the ridge and then rebound such that it is disposed within the groove 1610, thereby holding the mount fastener 1600 within the fastener aperture 1212. The arrangement provides a number of advantages, including allowing the mount fasteners 1600 to remain attached to the frame 1200 when the shroud 1000 is removed from the helmet shell 105, which avoids possible loss of the mount fasteners and makes removal and reattachment of the shroud, which may be necessary to remove and / or replace a plate 1400, less cumbersome than if the mount fasteners 1600 were not attached to the frame 1200. In addition, of the shaft 1632 is dislodged from mount fastener 1600, for example following the mount fastener 1600 being impacted, the groove 1610 may remain interfaced with the ridge 1216 to prevent a portion of the mount fastener 1600 from being dislodged from the mount 1000, for example to become a projectile.

[0072] The mount fasteners 1600 provide a number of advantages. A ballistic mount fastener 1600, or ballistic fastener, or at least the head 1650 of a ballistic fastener, may be formed from a ballistic material, i.e. a material that is capable of resisting impact from a bullet, shrapnel, or other ballistic projectile, for example stainless steel (e.g. 304, 316, or 302 HQ stainless steel), AR500 steel, or another high strength metal or metal alloy, a ballistic polymer, or ballistic composite structure. The ballistic mount fastener 1600 provides the helmet system 100 with additional ballistic protection, specifically over mounting holes 110, 120, and 130 that may form holes that pass through one or more ballistic layers of the helmet shell 105 when the helmet shell is a ballistic helmet.

[0073] Advantageously, the head 1650 of a mount fastener 1600 is formed to be larger than the diameter of a mounting hole, e.g. 130, thereby preventing the ballistic mount fastener 1600 from passing through the helmet shell 105 in the event that it is impacted by a ballistic projectile. This prevents the ballistic mount fastener 1600 from itself becoming a ballistic projectile within the helmet interior 117, where it could harm a wearer of the helmet system 100.

[0074] Referring, for example, to Figs. 2, 5, 6A and 6B, a mounting hole, e.g. mounting hole 130, may have a diameter of approximately 4mm. A first dimension L, e.g. a length, of the head 1650 of a mount fastener 1600 may be between 8 and 14mm, for example between 10 and 12mm, for example approximately 11.4mm. A second dimension W, e.g. a width, of the head 1650 may be between 6 and 10mm, for example between 7 and 8mm, for example approximately 7.4mm. The head 1650 may be approximately 2 to 4 times larger than the mounting hole 130, which may prevent the ballistic mount fastener 1600 from traveling though the mounting hole if it is struck with a projectile.

[0075] The mount fastener 1600 may be formed with features that prevent the shaft 1632, or portions of the shaft, from being separated from the head 1650, for example when the mount fastener is damaged, for example when the mount fastener or an object to which is fastened, is struck by a ballistic projectile. In at least one aspect, a first radiused transition is formed between the head and a portion of the shaft 1632, for example between the head and the groove 1610 portion of the shaft, as indicated by reference R1 in Fig. 6A. The groove 1610 may have an outer diameter, indicated by D1 in Fig. 6A. The first radiused transition R1 may function to relieve stress between the head 1650 and the shaft 1632 to reduce a tendency of the shaft to break away from the head. In a non-limiting example embodiment, a ratio of a radius of the first radiused transition R1 to a diameter D1 of the groove portion D1 may be approximately 1:9, for example between 1:8 and 1:10, i.e. the radius R1 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 times the diameter D1, for example between approximately 0.10 to 0.13 times the diameter D1, although the inventive technology herein is not so limited. In a particular example, the radius R1 may be approximately 0.5mm while the diameter D1 may be approximately 4.5mm.

[0076] In another aspect, the mount fastener 1600 may include a second radiused transition between the shaft protrusion 1620 and the unthreaded portion 1621 of the shaft 1632, as indicated by reference R2 in Figs. 5 and 6A. The unthreaded portion of the shaft 1631 may have an outer diameter, indicated by reference D2 in Fig. 6A. The second radiused transition R2 may function to relieve stress between the head shaft protrusion 1620 and the shaft 1632 to reduce a tendency of one or more portions of the shaft, for example the unthreaded portion 1631 and / or the threaded portion 1630, to break away the head. In a non-limiting example embodiment, a ratio of a radius of curvature of the second radiused transition R2 to a diameter D2 of the unthreaded portion 1631 of the shaft may be approximately 1:3, for example between 1:2.5 and 1:3.5, i.e. the radius of curvature of the radiused transition R2 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 times the diameter D2, for example between 0.3 and 0.7 times the diameter D2, although the concepts disclosed herein are not so limited. In a particular example, the radius R2 may be approximately 1.0mm while the diameter D2 may be approximately 3.0mm. In some embodiments, the shaft protrusion 1620 may have an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft 1632. For example, a ratio of an outer diameter of the shaft 1632 to the outer diameter of the shaft protrusion 1620 may be approximately 3:5. In other embodiments, a ratio of an outer diameter of the shaft protrusion 1620 may range from 3:5 to 1:1. In embodiments wherein the outer diameter of the protrusion 1620 is the same of the outer diameter D2 of the shaft 1632, the radiused transition R2 is not present. In these embodiments, the groove 1610 may be formed in a shaft having a constant diameter.

[0077] In embodiments, the outer diameter of the shaft protrusion 1620 may larger than an inner diameter of the mounting hole 130, which may advantageously aid in preventing the shaft from displacing into the helmet if it becomes detached from the head 1650, for example by a ballistic impact. In embodiments,

[0078] As may best be seen in Fig. 5, the second radiused transition R2 as well as the unthreaded portion 1631 may be disposed in a mounting hole, for example mounting hole 130, when assembled onto the shroud 1000 and helmet shell 105. The threaded portion 1630 of the shaft 1632 may extend through the inner surface 115 of the helmet shell 105 and into an interior 117 of the helmet shell 105.

[0079] In a further aspect, the outer surface 1651 of the mount fastener may be curved to deflect energy from an impact, for example from a ballistic impact. For example, referring to Figs 5 and 6A, the outer surface 1651 may have a first radius of curvature R3 in a first direction, for example from side to side, as indicated by references A and B in Fig. 5. The outer surface 1651 may have a second radius of curvature R4 in a second direction, for example from front to back, as indicated by references C and D in Fig. 6A. In a particular embodiment, the first radius of curvature R3 of the outer surface 1651 may be equal or approximately equal to the second radius of curvature R4 of the outer surface. In example embodiments, to outer surface 1651 may be substantially dome shaped. This dome shape may be particularly advantageous for deflecting energy from impacts, for example ballistic impacts, from multiple different directions relative to the outer surface 1651. In an example embodiment to first radius of curvature R3 of the outer surface 1651 is approximately 20mm, for example between 18mm to 22mm, and the second radius of curvature R4 of the outer surface 1651 is approximately 20mm, for example between 18mm and 22mm.

[0080] Returning now to Figs. 4 through 10B, the frame 1200 includes the first surface 1247 and the second surface 1249, as previously discussed. The first surface 1247 may be an outward facing surface, i.e. a surface that faces away from the helmet shell 105. The second surface 1249 may be a helmet facing surface that opposes the first surface across a thickness of the frame 1200.

[0081] The plate 1400 includes a first surface 1447, a first side wall 1451, a second surface 1449 which opposes the first surface 1447 across a thickness of the plate corresponding a to a height of the first side wall 1451, a third surface 1453, and a second side wall 1455. The third surface 1453 is offset from the second surface 1449 by a distance corresponding to a height of the second side wall 1455. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the height of the first side wall 1451 may be approximately 1.5mm, for example from 1.5 to 2.5mm, and the height of the second sidewall 1453 may be approximately 2.0mm, from 1.5 to 2.5mm. The second surface 1449 and third surface 1453 may be helmet facing surfaces, i.e. they may face the helmet shell 105, and the first surface 1247 of the frame, when the plate 1400 is assembled onto the frame 1200 and the frame 1200 is mounted on the helmet shell 105. The first surface 1447 of the plate 1400 may be an outward facing surface, i.e. it may face away from the helmet shell 105.

[0082] The frame 1200 includes a first plate receiving surface 1244 and a second plate receiving surface 1245, which both oppose the second surface 1249 and which may both be outward facing surfaces. The first plate receiving surface 1244 includes a first perimeter wall 1251. The first plate receiving surface 1244 and the first perimeter wall 1251 are shaped to match a contour of the first side wall 1451 of the plate 1400. The first plate receiving surface 1244 is offset from the first surface 1247 toward the second surface 1249, thereby forming a plate-shaped depression in the frame 1200 for receiving the plate.

[0083] The second plate receiving surface 1245 includes a second perimeter wall 1257. The second plate receiving surface 1245 and the second perimeter wall 1257 are shaped to match at least a portion of contour of the second side wall 1455 of the plate 1400. The second plate receiving surface 1245 is offset from the first plate receiving surface 1244 toward the second surface 1249, thereby forming a plate-shaped depression in the frame 1200 for receiving the plate 1400.

[0084] Plate fasteners 1243 are passed through plate fastener opening 1241 of the frame 1200 and into plate fastener receptacles 1491 located on a helmet-facing surface of the plate 1400, for example on surface 1453, to secure the plate on the frame. In some embodiments the plate fasteners 1243 are threaded fasteners and the plate fastener receptacles 1491 include corresponding threads to mate with the threads of the plate fasteners. Other types of fasteners may be used, for example one or more push-lock fasteners, press fit fasteners, or other known fasteners. In some embodiments, two plate fasteners 1243 are used to fasten the plate 1400 to the frame 1200 but the technology disclosed herein is not so limited. In alternative embodiments, three or more plate fasteners 1243 may be used to fasten the plate 1400 to the frame and in some further embodiments, one plate fastener 1243 is used and in still further embodiments, no plate fasteners are used. The shroud 1000 advantageously requires fewer plate fasteners 1243 than known shrouds, which may include three or more, for example four, plate fasteners.

[0085] Referring to Figs. 4 and 8, the plate bumper 1460 may be assembled into a plate bumper receptacle 1450. A first frame bumper 1260 may be assembled into a first frame bumper receptacle 1250 and a second frame bumper 1262 may be assembled into a second frame bumper receptacle 1252. In some embodiments, the plate bumpers and plate bumper receptacles each have a snap fit arrangement which can be seen in Fig. 4 in relation to the frame bumper 1460 and frame bumper receptacle 1450. This allows the bumpers, e.g. 1460, 1260, and 1262, to be assembled onto the shroud by pressing a bumper into a corresponding bumper receptacle (1450, 1250, and 1252 respectively). Each bumper 1260, 1262, 1460 can be independently removed and replaced.

[0086] Referring to Figs. 8 through 10B, the plate 1400 may be assembled onto the frame 1200. When the plate 1400 is assembled onto the frame 1200, the second surface 1449 of the plate may be disposed on and at least partially supported by the first plate receiving surface 1244 of the frame, and the third surface 1453 of the plate may be disposed on and at least partially supported by a second plate receiving surface 1245 of the frame. When the plate 1400 is assembled onto the frame 1200, the second side wall 1455 of the plate may be at least partially enclosed by the second perimeter wall 1251 of the frame and the first side wall 1451 of the plate may be at least partially enclosed by the first perimeter wall 1251 of the frame. This arrangement provides nested support of the plate 1400 by the frame, securely holding the plate in place and preventing lateral (e.g. left and right) or axial (e.g. up and down) motion of the plate relative to the frame 1200.

[0087] Referring to Figs. 9A through 10B, an example method for assembling an embodiment of plate 1400 onto the shroud 1200 is shown. The plate 1400 includes a hook 1470 which may be configured to pass through a hook receptacle 1295 of the frame 1200. The hook receptacle 1295 may be disposed between a first, e.g. upper, crossbar 1292 and a second, e.g. lower, crossbar 1296 of the frame 1200. A user may assemble the hook 1470 into the hook receptacle 1295 and then rotate the plate 1400 toward the frame 1200 (as indicated by arrow 12 in Fig. 10B) to assemble the plate onto the frame. The plate 1400 may be assembled onto the frame 1200 for example when the second surface 1449 of the plate may be disposed on first plate receiving surface 1244 of the frame and the third surface 1453 of the plate may be disposed on the second plate receiving surface 1245 of the frame, for example on a portion of the second plate receiving surface included on the first crossbar 1292, as shown for example in Figs. 4, 7A, and 7B. The plate fasteners 1243 may then be assembled onto the shroud 1000 to at least partially fasten the plate 1400 to the frame 1200, as previously discussed.

[0088] The plate 1400 may be removed from the frame 1200 by removing plate fasteners 1243, tilting the plate away from the frame, i.e. in a reverse direction of arrow 12, and then removing the hook 1470 from the hook receptacle 1295.

[0089] The hook 1470 includes an interface surface 1471. As may best be seen in Fig. 4, when the plate 1400 is assembled onto the frame 1200, the hook interface surface 1471 of the hook 1470 may be disposed on a helmet-facing surface of the second crossbar 1296 and a portion of a helmet facing surface of the plate 1400, for example a portion of the third surface 1453 may be disposed on an outward facing surface of the first crossbar 1292. The interfaces between the hook 1470 and the second crossbar 1296 and between the helmet facing surface 1453 of the frame and the first crossbar 1292 of the frame provides a secure connection between the frame 1200 and the plate 1400. This secure connection eliminates a need for additional hardware, e.g. additional plate fasteners 1243, to secure the plate 1400 to the frame 1200, advantageously reducing the number of parts associated with the shroud 1000 and simplifying installation of the plate 1400 on the frame 1200.

[0090] Referring now to Figs. 4 and 9A, in some embodiments, the upper recess 1412 of the upper horizontal protrusion 1410 includes an upper ramp portion 1413 for guiding an upper portion of a lock plate, for example lock plate 142 (see Fig. 3), into the upper recess. The ramp portion 1413 is useful for aiding assembly of the lock plate, e.g. 142, onto the plate 1400. In some embodiments, the lower horizontal protrusion 1420 includes a lower ramp portion 1423 for guiding a lower portion of a lock plate, e.g. 142, into the lower recess 1422. The upper ramp portion 1413 and lower ramp portion 1423 are useful for aiding assembly of the lock plate, e.g. 142, onto the plate 1400. In some embodiments, a lock plate 142 may include a bottom, spring-loaded tab (not shown) as is known in the art and the lower ramp portion 1423 is useful for temporarily compressing the spring-loaded tab as the lock plate is being assembled onto the shroud 1000. The plate apertures 1440 and 1442 include angled surfaces that are configured to guide portions of a lock plate, e.g. 142, into the upper recess 1412 and into the lower recess 1422. For example, the second plate aperture 1442 may include a sloped surface 1446 for guiding a top tap of a lock plate into the upper recess 1412.

[0091] Turning now to Figs. 11 -17, the shroud 1000 includes a plurality of features for attaching objects to the frame and for passing objects between the frame and a surface of a helmet. These features include apertures that pass through the frame 1200, for example between a helmet facing surface 1249 and an outward facing surface 1247 of the frame 1200. Additional apertures may pass through other portions of the frame 1200, for example through a bottom wall 1276 of the frame 1200.

[0092] The frame 1200 includes a first, outward facing, surface 1247 and a second, helmet facing, surface 1249, as previously discussed. The frame includes a first, e.g. left side 1208, a second, e.g. right, side 1209, a top 1211, and a bottom 1213. The frame 1200 may include one or more side walls that extend from the first surface toward the helmet 105.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, a first side wall 1281 is formed on a first lateral side of the first side extension 1210, facing the top 1211 of the frame 1200. A second side wall 1282 is formed on a second lateral side of the first side extension 1210, facing the bottom 1213 of the frame 1200. A third side wall 1283 is formed on the central portion 1259 of the frame 1200, on the first side 1208 of the frame and disposed between the first side extension 1210 and the bottom wall 1276 of the frame. A fourth side wall 1284 is formed on the central portion 1259 of the frame 1200, on the second side 1209 of the frame and disposed between the second side extension 1220 and the bottom wall 1276 of the frame.

[0094] A fifth side wall 1285 is formed on a first lateral side of the second side extension 1220 facing the bottom 1213 of the frame 1200. A sixth side wall 1286 is formed on a second lateral side of the second side extension 1220 facing the top 1211 of the frame 1200.

[0095] A seventh side wall 1287 is formed on the second side 1209 of the frame on a first lateral side of the upper extension 1230 and a portion of the central portion 1259 of the frame 1200. An eighth side wall 1288 is formed on the first side 1208 of the frame on a second lateral side of the upper extension 1230 and a portion of the central portion 1259 of the frame 1200.

[0096] In embodiments, a first aperture 1214 is formed on the first side extension, a second aperture 1224 is formed on the second side extension 1220, and a third aperture 1234 is formed on the upper aperture. Each of the first, second, and third apertures (1214, 1224, and 1234) pass through the frame between the first surface 1247 and the second surface 1249. In some embodiments, a fourth aperture 1271 and a fifth aperture 1273 pass through the bottom wall 1276 of the frame. In one or more embodiments, the bottom wall 1276 includes an opening 1274 that is partially enclosed by the frame 1200 and, when the frame is assembled onto the helmet 105, partially enclosed by an outer surface of the helmet, for example by the front surface 108. In one or more embodiments, the opening 1274 is useful for partially attaching an object to the shroud 1000, for example for attaching a visor support object 400 to the shroud.

[0097] Referring still to Figs. 11 - 17, in one or more embodiments, the frame 1200 includes one or more channels, each of which are partially enclosed by the frame and, when the frame is assembled onto a helmet, e.g., onto helmet shell 105, partially enclosed by a surface of the helmet, for example by the front surface 108. It is noted that in Fig. 11, the channels are shown with dashed lines, indicating that they are disposed beneath the first, outward facing, surface 1247 of the frame and beneath portion of the plate 1400.

[0098] Referring to Figs. 4 and 11 -17, when the shroud 1000 is attached to the helmet shell 105, one or more helmet facing surfaces, e.g. one or more portions of the helmet facing surface 1249, of the frame 1200 are disposed in contact with, or in near contact with, a surface of the helmet, for example front surface 108. Referring now, to Figs. 15A and 15B, non-limiting example portions of the second, helmet facing, surface 1249 that may be in contact, or near contact with an outer surface, e.g. 108, of the helmet shell 105 are shown in hatch pattern. These helmet-contacting surfaces include surfaces 1310, 1320, 1330, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1317, and 1319. In embodiments, when the frame 1200 is attached to the helmet shell 105, the example portions of the second surface 1249 (i.e. 1310 through 1319) are no more than a small distance from the surface of the helmet, for example no more than 1 to 3 mm from the front surface 108, for example no more than 1mm or no more than 2mm from the front surface.

[0099] A number of channels, e.g. channels 1250, 1252, 1254, and 1256 are formed between the helmet-contacting (or near contacting) surfaces (1310, 1320, 1330, 1312, 1313, 1314, 1315, 1317, and 1319). This is advantageous in that objects passing through or contained within the channels may not slip out of the channels and under a helmet-contact surface and thus remain confined to a channel, or to a passage enclosed by the channel and an outer surface, e.g. 108, of the helmet shell 105.

[0100] A first channel 1350 is disposed between first side wall 1281 and the second side wall 1282. The first channel 1350 extends under a portion of the first side extension 1210 that is proximal to the central portion 1249 of the frame. A second channel 1352 is disposed between fifth side wall 1285 and the sixth side wall 1286. The second channel extends under a portion of the second side extension 1220 that is proximal to the central portion 1249 of the frame. A third channel 1354 is disposed between seventh side wall 1287 and the eighth side wall 1288. The third channel extends under a portion of the upper extension 1230 that is proximal to the central portion 1249 of the frame. A fourth channel 1356 is disposed between the third side wall 1283 and the fourth side wall 1284 and is disposed under a lower portion of the central portion 1259 of the frame, i.e. disposed between the central aperture 1248 and the bottom wall 1276.

[0101] In some embodiments, each channel 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356 may be configured to receive one or more objects, for example one or more flexible elements, e.g. one or more of a paracord, rope, bungee, or cable. In some embodiments, the channels are formed from portions of the helmet facing surface 1249 that are offset from a surface of the helmet shell 105, e.g. offset from the front surface 108, when the shroud 1000 is assembled onto the helmet shell. In non-limiting example embodiments, an inner surface of a channel, e.g. of one or more of 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356, may be offset from the helmet surface, e.g. 108, by approximately 2 to 5 mm, or 2.4 to 4.2 mm, for example approximately 3mm. Each channel may have a width of 2 to 8 mm, for example 5 to 8mm, for example from approximately 6.4 to 7.3mm.

[0102] The channels 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356 are useful as conduits for passing objects under or through the shroud 1000. For example, one or more objects may be passed through one or more of the channels. In an example, one or more objects that include a flexible member may be passed through one or more channels, as shown, for example, in Figs. 15B - 17. In examples, the flexible members may include one or more of an elastic cord, a bungee cord, a paracord, a woven rope or cord, an electrical cable, a flexible circuit board, and any other suitable flexible member.

[0103] In examples, a flexible member may be passed through two or more channels. For example, referring to Fig. 16 a flexible member 1297 may be passed through multiple channels, e.g. channels 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356. The flexible member 1297 may be assembled onto the shroud 1000 while the shroud is detached from the helmet shell 105, as shown in Fig. 16, or may be attached to the shroud while it is mounted on the helmet shell, as shown in Fig 17. Flexible member 1297 may provide a number of advantages, for example by providing multiple locations for attaching another flexible member to the shroud 1000, for example by hooking onto the flexible member 1297 between channels, for example by attaching to a portion of the flexible member disposed between channel 1352 and channel 1356 or a portion of the flexible member disposed between channel 1354 and channel 1352.

[0104] Referring now to Fig. 15B, a flexible member may pass through one, two, three, or four channels. Object 1299 represents a flexible member which may include one or more of segments 1290, 1293, 1294, and 1298. A flexible member formed with a single segment may pass through one channel. For example, a flexible member made up of segment 1290 may pass through channel 1350 and a flexible member made up of segment 1294 may separately pass through channel 1352.

[0105] A flexible member formed with two segments may pass through two channels. For example, a flexible member formed from segments 1293 and 1294 may pass through channels 1354 and 1352 while another flexible member made up of segments 1298 and 1290 may separately pass through channels 1356 and 1350.

[0106] A flexible member formed with three segments may pass through three channels. For example, a flexible member formed from segments 1290, 1294, and 1292 may pass through channels 1350, 1354, and 1352.

[0107] An object 1295 may pass under portions of the frame 1200 and the plate 1400 in a horizontal direction. An object 1289 may pass under portions of the frame 1200 and the plate 1400 in a vertical direction. Objects 1295 and 1289 may include electrical cables or flexible circuit boards useful for providing electrical connections to the shroud 1000 or to an object connected to the shroud, for example to a helmet mount 140 (see Figs. 3, 18, and 15B). In embodiments, objects 1295 and 1289 may include flexible members, for example bungee cords or paracords that further extend through one or more channels and / or apertures.

[0108] Each of the flexible members forming object 1299 may pass through one or more channels and out of the shroud 1000, for example out of a first aperture and / or into a second aperture and from there pass through one or more additional channels or portions of channels.

[0109] Each channel may connect or overlap with one or more apertures, which may allow a user to pass a flexible member through one or more apertures and one or more channels or one or more portions of one or more channels. In example embodiments, as may be seen in Figs. 11, 15A, and 15B, channel 1354 connects with aperture 1234, channel 1350 connects with aperture 1214, and channel 1352 connects with aperture 1224. In some embodiments, channel 1356 connects with multiple apertures, for example with apertures 1270, 1271, 1272, and 1273. It is noted that channel 1356 also connects with opening 1274, aperture 1271 connects with aperture 1270, and aperture 1273 connects with aperture 1272. Connections between channels, apertures, and openings provide pathways through which one or more objects, for example one or more flexible members, may be passed through the shroud 1000.

[0110] This arrangement of interconnected channels, apertures, and opening is advantageous for allowing flexible members, or other objects, to be added to the shroud 1000. For example, a user may pass a flexible member through channel 1354, channel 1350, and aperture 1224. Referring to Fig. 17, flexible member 1280 may pass through channel 1354, into aperture 1214, and through channel 1350.

[0111] The arrangement of interconnected channels and interconnected apertures provides multiple locations for clipping objects, for example hook-ended bungees or paracords, onto the shroud 1000 and for tying one or more flexible elements, for example one or more bungees or paracords to the shroud. For example, object 1388 may be attached to the shroud 1000 through channel 1356 and aperture 1271 while object 1386 may be attached to the shroud through aperture 1272 and aperture 1270. Object 1385 may be attached to the shroud 1000 through channel 1356 and aperture 1273 while object 1382 may be attached to the shroud through channel 1352 and aperture 1224.

[0112] It is understood that although a certain number of apertures and channels have been illustrated herein, the technology disclosed herein is not so limited. An embodiment of a shroud according to the technology may include more or fewer channels, more or fewer apertures, and more or fewer openings. In non-limiting examples, an embodiment may include channels 1350, 1352, and 1354 without including channel 1356. Another embodiment may include channels 1350 and 1352 but not channels 1354 and 1356. Still further embodiments may include apertures 1214, 1224, and 1234 but not apertures 1271 and 1273. Another embodiment may not include opening 1274.

[0113] In a number of embodiments, one or more of the channels, for example channels 1350, 1352, and 1354, form flexible portions of the shroud, which may be advantageous for assembling the shroud onto a helmet shell 105, for example by allowing the shroud to flex to better fit the helmet shell and / or a pattern of mounting holes (e.g. 110, 120, 130 - see Fig. 2) on the helmet shell. In examples, the channel 1350 allows side extension 1210 to flex relative to the central portion 1259 of the frame 1200. In a similar manner, channel 1352 allows side extension 1220 to flex relative to the central portion 1258 and channel 1354 allow the upper extension 1230 to flex relative to the central portion 1259.

[0114] Referring to Figs. 3, 11, 13, and 14, the vertical sidewalls 1240 and 1242 are configured to be rigid, for example not to flex under expected in-use loads, to provide support to a lock plate 142 that may be attached to the receiving area 1430 of the shroud (see Fig. 3). As can be seen, for example, in Figs. 13 and 14, the vertical sidewalls 1240 and 1242 of the frame 1200 are each formed with a substantially planar surface 1261 facing the receiving area 1430 and a radiused surface 1263 facing away from 1430. The radiused surfaces 1263 provide support for the vertical sidewalls 1240 and 1242 to prevent them from flexing under load. The flexible portions of the shroud 1000, for example corresponding to channels 1350 and 1352, enable the frame 1200 to flex, which may increase a distance between the sidewalls 1240 and 1242, for example when the shroud is attached to the helmet shell 105, or when a lock plate is assembled onto the shroud, to provide clearance, and prevent an interference fit, between the lock plate and the side walls 1240 and 1242.

[0115] Referring now to Figs. 18 - 20, a second embodiment of a helmet system 101 may include a second embodiment of a shroud 1001 that includes one or more electrical contacts providing power to and / or exchanging communication signals with an accessory device 150 that is attached to the helmet system, for example by mounting the accessory device on a helmet mount 141 that is subsequently attached to the shroud 1001, in a similar manner to as described in relation to Fig. 3.

[0116] Embodiments of the helmet system 101 include a remote compute module (RCM) 170 which may be disposed on a rear surface 112 of the helmet shell 105. The RCM includes one or more of a processor 171, associated memory 172, and a power source 173, for example including one or more batteries. In at least one embodiment, a power pack 175 including one or more removable power sources 176, for example one or more batteries, may be removably attached to the RCM 170 to provide power to the RCM from the one or more removable power sources 176.

[0117] The RCM 170 may be operable to send and / or receive communication signals to and from the accessory device 150, for example to receive images or a video feed generated by the accessory device or send information for display on a viewing screen of the accessory device. The RCM 170 may be operable to provide, to the accessory device 150, power from one or more of the power source 173 and the removable power pack 175.

[0118] The helmet mount 141 includes a lock plate 142 for interfacing the helmet mount with the shroud 1001. The helmet mount 141 may include a mount electrical interface 145 and one or more electrical conductors 143 electrically connecting the mount electrical interface 145 with the accessory device for communicating one or more of power and / or communication to or from accessory device 150. The helmet system 101 may include a helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 disposed upon a surface, e.g. front surface 108, of the helmet shell 105 or exposed through an opening on the surface of the helmet shell.

[0119] The helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 may be electrically connected to the RCM 170 for receiving power therefrom and for exchanging communication signals therewith. In some embodiments, the helmet mounted electrical interface 174 may be electrically connected with the RCM 170 by an electrical conductor 177 that extends over a surface of the helmet shell 105, for example over or under a top surface 118 of the helmet shell. In other embodiments, the helmet mounted electrical interface 174 may be electrically connected with the RCM 170 by an electrical conductor 178 that is partially supported by a side rail, for example by side rail 122. The electrical conductor 178 may be partially disposed within a channel between the side rail 122 and the helmet shell, as indicated by dashed lines. The electrical conductor 178 may alternatively be clipped onto or otherwise supported by an outer surface of the side rail 122. In still further embodiments, the helmet mounted electrical interface 174 may be electrically connected with the RCM 170 by an electrical conductor 179 that passes beneath a surface or portion of the helmet, for example beneath an edge trim 107 of the helmet system 101, as indicated by dashed lines.

[0120] The electrical conductors 177, 178, and 179 may include one or more of electrical cables, flexible circuit boards, or any electrical conductor suitable for exchanging power and / or communication signals between the RCM 170 and the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174. An embodiment of the helmet system 101 may include one of the electrical conductors 177, 178, and 179 but may not include all three. For example, a first embodiment of a helmet system 101 includes electrical conductor 177 and does not include electrical conductors 178 and 179, a second embodiment of a helmet system 101 includes electrical conductor 178 and does not include electrical conductors 177 and 179, and a third embodiment of a helmet system 101 includes electrical conductor 179 and does not include electrical conductors 177 and 178.

[0121] The shroud 1001 may include a first electrical interface 1482 for electrically connecting with the mount electrical interface 145 of the helmet mount 141 and a second electrical interface 1480 for electrically connecting with the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174. In some embodiments a second embodiment of a plate 1401 includes the first electrical interface 1482 and second electrical interface 1480, as shown for example in Figs. 19A and 19B. The first electrical interface 1482 may be disposed on an outward facing surface 1477 of the plate 1401 and the second electrical interface 1480 may be disposed on a helmet-facing surface, e.g. 1453, of the plate 1401. The first and second electrical interfaces 1482 and 1480 may be electrically connected together across a thickness of the plate 1401 between the outward facing surface 1477 and the helmet facing surface 1453. In some embodiments, the first and second electrical interfaces 1482, 1480 are formed as a monolithic structure that spans the thickness of the plate 1401.

[0122] In embodiments, the second electrical interface 1480 is disposed on a portion of the plate 1401 that corresponds to the location of the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 when the shroud 1001 is attached to the helmet shell 105 so that the second electrical interface 1480 is electrically connected with the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174. When the helmet mount 141 is attached to the shroud 1001, the first electrical interface 1482 is electrically connected to the mount electrical interface 145 to facilitate exchange of power and / or communication signals between the RCM 170 and the accessory device 150 through the mount electrical interface 145, the first electrical interface 1482, the second electrical interface 1480, the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174, and one or more of the electrical conductors 177, 178, and 179.

[0123] Referring to Figs. 19A through 20B, the second embodiment of a plate 1401 may be assembled onto the frame 1200. The second embodiment of the plate 1401 may include features similar to those of the first plate 1400, shown for example in Figs. 9A and 9B and may be assembled onto the frame 1200 in a manner similar to the plate 1400, as discussed for example in relation to Figs. 10A and 10B. For example, referring to Figs. 19A and 19B, the second embodiment of a plate 1401 includes a hook 1470, a first surface 1447, a first side wall 1451, a second surface 1449 which opposes the first surface 1447 across a thickness of the plate corresponding to the first side wall 1451, a third surface 1453, and a second side wall 1455. The third surface 1453 is offset from the second surface 1449 by a distance corresponding to the second side wall 1455. The second surface 1449 and third surface 1453 may be helmet facing surface, i.e. they may face the helmet shell 105, and the first surface 1247 of the frame, when the plate 1400 is assembled onto the frame 1200 and the frame 1200 is mounted on the helmet shell 105. The first surface 1447 of the plate 1401 may be an outward facing surface, i.e. it may face away from the helmet shell 105. In embodiments, the first electrical interface 1482 is disposed on the first surface 1447 and the second electrical interface 1480 is disposed on the third surface 1453. As may be seen for example in Fig. 20B, when the second embodiment of the plate 1401 is assembled onto the frame 1200, the second electrical interface 1480 is exposed through the central opening 1248 of the frame 1200 so that it can be electrically connected to the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the first electrical 1482 interface and the second electrical interface 1480, and / or one or more other electronic components, may be provided as a drop-in electronics unit that may be added to an aperture of a frame, for example as a drop-in unit configured to be assembled into aperture 1440 or 1441 of the frame 1400.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 21, a third embodiment of a helmet system 102 including an embodiment of the helmet shell 105 is shown. An embodiment of a helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 disposed on a front surface 108 of the helmet shell 105, or exposed through an opening on the front surface. A shroud 1000 is disposed on a front surface 108 overlaying the helmet-mounted electrical interface. It is noted that the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 may be exposed through aperture 1440 of the plate 1400, thereby enabling an electrical interface of a helmet mount, e.g. 145 (see Fig. 18), to be electrically connected with the helmet-mounted electrical interface.

[0125] In one or more embodiments, the helmet-mounted electronics interface 174 may be configured to electrically connect with a drop-in electronics unit 1519 that includes an embodiment of the second electrical interface 1482 disposed on an outward facing surface 1521 and an embodiment of the second electrical interface (e.g. 1480) disposed on a helmet facing surface 1523 (not shown). The drop-in electronics unit 1519 may be disposed within aperture 1440 for connecting the second electrical interface disposed on the helmet facing surface 1523 with the helmet-mounted electronics interface 174. The helmet mount electrical interface 145 of the helmet mount, e.g. 141, may be electrically connected with the first electrical interface 1482 of the drop-in electronics unit 1519 when the helmet mount is attached to the shroud. In other embodiments, for example as shown in Fig. 18, the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174 is disposed such that the second electrical interface 1480 of the second plate 1401 is electrically connected with the helmet-mounted electrical interface 174.

[0126] Referring now to Figs. 4, 9A - 11, 13, 15A - 15B, and 18- 20B, the hook 1470 includes a helmet-facing protrusion 1473 that is disposed between the plate and the helmet shell 105. The protrusion 1473 may be useful for interfacing with a visor mount or other accessory device or accessory mount. In embodiments, an accessory or accessory mount (e.g. visor mount 400; see Fig. 17) may be assembled onto shroud 1000, and in particular may be assembled in contact with the protrusion 1473, through the opening 1274 in the bottom wall 1276 of the frame 1200. In some example embodiments, the protrusion 1473 may include one or more electrical contacts 1475 which may be useful for electrically interfacing with an accessory device or accessory mount. Advantageously, a shroud (e.g., 1000 or 1001) that includes a plate (e.g., 1400 or 1401) may include a mechanical or electro-mechanical interface for a night vision device on an outward facing surface, e.g. 1447, of the plate and a mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical interface for an accessory device or accessory mount (e.g., 1470, 1471, and 1473) on a helmet-facing surface, e.g. 1453, of the plate. An object, for example one or more of 1289, 1290, 1293, 1294, 1295, and 1298, that includes electrical conductors may be passed through one or more of the openings and / or channels of the frame 1200 to electrically connect with the electrical contacts 1475 and / or with the accessory or accessory mount. In this manner, the channels, apertures, and openings included on the frame 1200 (for example channels 1350, 1352, 1354, and 1356, opening 1274, and apertures 1270, 1271, 1272, and 1273) are useful for providing access to electronics integrated with the shroud. For example, the channels, apertures and openings may be useful for receiving cables or other electrical conductors that may be electrically interfaced with one or more of the electrical contacts 1475 of the hook protrusion 1473, an electrical interface (1480 or 1482) of a plate 1401, or with an accessory device or accessory mount, for example accessory mount 141.

[0127] The frame 1200 is advantageously configured to provide access to a large area of a helmet-facing surface of a plate, e.g. 1400 or 1401. For example, referring to Fig. 7B, the plate 1400 is exposed through the central aperture 1248 of the frame 1200. This may be particularly useful for providing access to one or more features located on a helmet facing surface of a plate, for example, and referring to Fig. 20B, to electrical contacts 1480 disposed on a rear surface 1453 of plate 1401.

[0128] It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that, while the technology disclosed herein has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the above-described technology disclosed herein may be used individually or jointly. Further, although the technology disclosed herein has been described in the context of its implementation in a particular environment, and for particular applications (e.g. for attaching objects to headgear, and in particular embodiment to helmets), those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present technology disclosed herein can be beneficially utilized in any number of environments and implementations where it is desirable to attach a first object, for example a vision device, to a second object, for example a piece of head or body-worn equipment. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the technology disclosed herein as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A shroud for attaching an object to a helmet, wherein the shroud comprises: a fastener aperture for receiving a fastener for attaching the shroud to the helmet, wherein the fastener aperture has a first snap lock feature for engaging with a second snap lock feature of a fastener to attach the fastener to the shroud, such that the fastener remains attached to the shroud when the shroud is disassembled from the helmet, wherein the fastener is for attaching the shroud to a helmet.

2. The shroud of claim 1, further comprising: a central portion; a first side extension extending laterally from a first lateral side of the central portion, the first side extension comprising a first fastener aperture; a second side extension extending laterally from a second lateral side of the central portion, wherein the first lateral side opposes the second lateral side across the central portion, the second side extension comprising a second fastener aperture; wherein each of the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture comprises a first snap lock feature for engaging with the second snap lock feature of the fastener to attach the fastener to the shroud.

3. The shroud of claim 1, further comprising the fastener, wherein the fastener comprises a head configured to be disposed outside of the helmet and a shaft configured to pass through a mounting hole of the helmet, wherein the head is larger than the mounting hole to prevent the head from traveling into the interior of the helmet.

4. The shroud of claim 3, wherein the mounting hole passes from an exterior surface of the helmet to an interior of the helmet, the shaft comprises an unthreaded portion and a threaded portion, and when the fastener is attached to the shroud and disposed in the mounting hole, the unthreaded portion is disposed within the mounting hole and the threaded portion is disposed within the interior of the helmet.

5. The shroud of claim 3, where the head has a rectangular plan shape.

6. The shroud of claim 5, wherein one or more of a length and a width of the head is two to four times larger than the mounting hole.

7. The shroud of claim 5, wherein the head is formed with a dome shaped top surface.

8. The shroud of claim 3, wherein the head has a flat bottom surface, the bottom surface facing the helmet when the shroud is attached to the helmet, and a domed top surface, the top surface opposing the bottom surface.

9. The shroud of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a head and a shaft, the shaft depending from the head, the shaft comprising a protrusion extending radially outward from the shaft, the protrusion defining a groove between the head and the protrusion, wherein the first snap lock feature of the fastener comprises the groove.

10. The shroud of claim 9, wherein the fastener further comprises a radiused transition portion connecting the protrusion to the shaft, wherein a ration of a radius of curvature of the radiused transition portion to an outer diameter of the shaft is 0.3 or greater.

11. A shroud for attaching an object to a helmet, the shroud comprising a frame, wherein the frame comprises: a central portion; a first side extension extending laterally from a first lateral side of the central portion, the first side extension comprising a first fastener aperture for receiving a first fastener; a second side extension extending laterally from a second lateral side of the central portion, wherein the first lateral side opposes the second lateral side across the central portion, second side extension comprising a second fastener for receiving a second fastener; a first channel disposed between the central portion and the first side extension; and a second channel disposed between the central portion and second side extension, wherein the first channel and second channel allow the first side extension and the second side extension to flex relative to the central portion for attaching the shroud to the helmet, and the first fastener aperture and second fastener aperture each comprise a first snap lock feature for attaching a fastener to the shroud.

12. The shroud of claim 11, further comprising a fastener for attaching the shroud to the helmet, the fastener comprising a second snap lock feature for interfacing with a first snap lock feature comprising one or more of the first fastener aperture and the second fastener aperture to attach the fastener to the shroud.

13. The shroud of claim 11, further comprising a third channel disposed between the central portion and the upper extension, wherein the third channel allows the upper extension to flex relative to the central portion.

14. The shroud of claim 13, wherein the first channel, second channel, and third channel each form a passageway bounded by a helmet facing surface of the shroud and by an outer surface of the helmet when the shroud is mounted on the helmet.

15. The shroud of claim 11, further comprising a first plate for receiving a helmet mount, the first plate removably attachable to the frame; wherein the first plate comprises a hook for interfacing with the frame and at least one plate fastener receptacle for receiving a plate fastener, the frame comprises a hook receptacle for receiving the hook, and the first plate is attached to the frame with the hook disposed in the hook receptacle and a frame fastener at least partially disposed in the at least one plate fastener receptacle.

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