Helmet side shroud assembly including a modular accessory interface

Abstract

To provide a helmet side shroud assembly having a modular interface configured to mechanically and electrically couple an accessory or peripheral modules.SOLUTION: In an embodiment, a side shroud assembly is a component or a connection point of a larger helmet-mounted accessory platform that provides power, centralized control, and communication between attached devices. In an embodiment, a specification of a modular interface is managed or controlled by an Interface Control Document (ICD). In an embodiment, the shroud assembly includes a dedicated interface in addition to the modular interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,307, filed on January 21, 2024. The foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a helmet accessory mounting portion, and more specifically, to a helmet side shroud assembly or an auricle - type shroud assembly having a modular interface configured to mechanically and electrically couple an accessory or a peripheral device module. In embodiments, the shroud is a component or connection point of a large - scale helmet - mounted accessory platform that provides power, centralized control, and communication between attached devices.

[0003] In embodiments, the specifications of the modular interface are managed or controlled by an Interface Control Document (ICD). The ICD is, in effect, a rulebook or standardization plan that describes the parameters and requirements that developers must comply with to ensure that the accessory device module functions as intended with respect to the shroud, and in certain embodiments, that the cooperation of the side shroud assembly as a component of a large - scale helmet - mounted accessory platform and other attached peripheral devices functions as intended. In embodiments, the shroud assembly includes a dedicated interface in addition to the modular interface.

[0004] One advantage of this development is that the modular interface enhances the scalability and upgradability of the helmet - mounted accessory platform, especially with the emergence of new technologies.

[0005] Another advantage of this development is the enhanced functionality provided by such additional accessory device modules.

[0006] A further advantage of this development is the enhanced ability to configure or customize the helmet system to meet mission-specific requirements.

[0007] Upon reading and understanding this disclosure, additional advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] Additional advantages and benefits of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by reading and understanding the following description of the preferred embodiments. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A modular side shroud assembly for a helmet-mounted system associated with a helmet includes a main housing configured to be removably attached to a side of the helmet. The main housing has a rear end disposed toward the rear of the helmet upon attachment and a front end disposed toward the front of the helmet upon attachment. A shroud circuit is disposed within the main housing and configured to be electrically coupled to the helmet-mounted system upon attachment. A modular interface portion is disposed at the front end of the housing, and the modular interface is configured to removably couple an accessory device that complies with a related Interface Control Document (ICD) to the modular side shroud assembly in accordance with the ICD and to electrically couple the accessory device to the shroud circuit.

[0010] The present invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, as well as in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]

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[0012] Next, with reference to the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, one or more examples thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is shown as a method of explaining the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as representative criteria for teaching those skilled in the art for use in substantially any appropriately detailed structure as a basis for the claims and for variously using the concepts of the present invention. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are intended to provide an understandable description of the development. In fact, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield still other embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to cover changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0013] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least second or more. As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., an open transitional phrase). As used herein, the terms "coupled" or "operatively coupled" are defined as being connected either indirectly or directly.

[0014] When used in this application, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "left", "right", and other directional descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of exemplary embodiments (s) of the present invention and are not intended to limit its structure to any particular position or orientation.

[0015] All numbers in this specification are assumed to be modified by the term "about" unless otherwise stated. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like or similar components throughout the several views, and FIG. 1 shows a side accessory mounting shroud assembly 108 attachable to a helmet 104 (see FIG. 13). In an embodiment, the shroud assembly 108 is configured as a right-side shroud assembly. The shroud assembly 108 is coupled to the helmet 104 by a threaded fastener 102 passing through a gap opening 106 within a housing 110 of the shroud assembly 108, which engages a mating threaded or tapped opening or insert (not shown) within the helmet 104. The preferred embodiment shown is of a right-side shroud assembly 108, but a left-side configuration is also contemplated, and the left-side embodiment is a mirror image, but otherwise corresponds in structure and function to the shroud assembly 108 described herein.

[0017] In an embodiment, the right shroud assembly 108 is incorporated and used with the left shroud assembly described in co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 621,230, filed on January 16, 2024, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 954,745, filed on November 21, 2024, the entire contents of each being incorporated herein by reference. Also in this case, in an alternative embodiment, the right shroud assembly 108 described herein may be configured as the left shroud assembly, and it will be recognized that the left shroud assembly shown in the above applications Nos. 63 / 621,230 and 18 / 954,745 may be configured as the right shroud assembly.

[0018] The shroud 108 has a main housing 110. The helmet 104 may be a military helmet, a bulletproof helmet, a field helmet, a tactical helmet, a combat helmet, an aviation helmet, or the like. In an embodiment, the side shroud assembly 108 is a component or connection point of a large helmet accessory mounting platform 115. In an embodiment, as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 500,657, filed on November 2, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,496, filed on November 23, 2022, where the holders are common, the shroud assembly 108 is a component or connection point of a helmet accessory mounting platform. In an embodiment, the shroud assembly 108 is a component of a helmet accessory mounting platform that is a WILCOX (registered trademark) Universal Helmet Mounting Assembly (UHMA).

[0019] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, refer now to FIG. 2. The shroud assembly 108 includes a headset interface 112 that includes a headset interface socket 124 for removably coupling a communication headset or earphone assembly having complementary interface plugs (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the headset interface 112 includes a plug-in (align and rotate) type mating plate or connection collar 136 for providing a removable mechanical connection to the headset. A plurality of electrical contacts 150 (concentrically annular in the illustrated embodiment, e.g., circular contacts) provide not only an audio interface between the associated headset and the shroud assembly 108, but also transmit power, data signals, power negotiation signals, data negotiation signals, and the like.

[0020] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, refer to FIG. 3. The shroud assembly 108 includes a modular interface portion 114 for removably and operably coupling an accessory device module 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory device module 118 includes a user- depressible push button 120 for operating or controlling the function of one or more accessory device modules 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the module 118 is a combat recording camera system having a record button 120 for starting and stopping recording and an internal electronic memory such as a flash memory, an SD card. In an embodiment, the camera system includes a lens assembly for capturing video material and a sensor array (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) array) for converting incident light into an electrical signal representing a video image. In an alternative embodiment, the combat recording camera system functions as a digital video recorder (DVR) for communicating with the shroud assembly 108 and recording and storing video data received from a camera module that communicates with the shroud assembly 108. This camera module is located at other locations on the helmet attachment system and communicates with the shroud assembly 108 or other external video feeds. Power, data, and control signals are transmitted and received between the unit 118 via a connector 250 (see FIG. 6) within the interface portion 114 and an electrical connector interface 274 (see FIG. 12) on the unit 118.

[0021] Other exemplary modular accessory devices 118 include, but are not limited to, cameras, thermal cameras, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanners, directional antennas, rangefinders, laser pointers, infrared (IR) illuminators, flashlights, sensors, or groups of sensors. Groups of sensors include barometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, satellite-based positioning receivers (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) receivers), temperature sensors, light sensors, microphones, etc. The modular accessory device 118 also includes a two-way radio, a music player, a controller or actuator (e.g., a button pad or keypad) for controlling one or more other accessory devices or peripheral devices mounted on the helmet or otherwise coupled to the helmet system, a tear gas canister module (e.g., tear gas, MACE (trademark), pepper spray, or other irritant), a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) (e.g., TASER (trademark)), or a self-defense module such as a gun / gunfire / projectile weapon module, but is not limited thereto. Exemplary modular accessories are described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 11,419,382, issued August 23, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments, alternative exemplary accessory modules 118 may be as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 28-35 of the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 11,419,382.

[0022] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 - 3, refer to FIGS. 4 - 12. The modular interface portion 114 includes a substrate panel 126 having a substrate portion 134 and an upright raised edge portion 224. The substrate panel 126 may be formed from any suitable material including metal, polymer, or composite material. In an embodiment, the substrate panel 126 is formed from aluminum. In an embodiment, all important ICD dimensions are hosted on the substrate panel 126. In this way, the substrate panel 126 includes all the necessary physical and functional characteristics such as connector placement, attachment points, alignment surfaces, etc. that conform to the specifications outlined in the ICD, so that developers can design modular devices that are compatible with the platform.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 134 includes a first opening 248 that receives a multi - contact electrical connector 250. The electrical connector 250 has a plurality of connection pads or terminals 280. The electrical connector 250 is disposed on a circuit board or substrate 252 within a shroud assembly housing 110 within the modular interface portion 114. The circuit board or substrate 252 including the electrical connector 250 is disposed within a complementary recess 266 formed in the housing 110 inside the modular interface portion 114.

[0024] The raised edge portion 224 includes a recess 254 and a notch 255 such as a channel or groove on its first side. The recess 254 is configured to receive a tab or protrusion 258 disposed at the proximal end of the accessory module 118. The notch 255 is configured to engage a complementary shoulder 260 formed on the housing 110. A plurality of threaded fasteners 262 pass through respective aligned clearance openings 264 in the housing 110 and engage an aligned one of a plurality of mounting bosses 268 formed on the substrate 134. A plurality of elongated protruding ribs 270 are formed on the substrate 134 and engage complementary recesses or channels 256 formed on the mating surface 300 of the accessory module 118. The ribs 270 and channels 256 function as an alignment mechanism to ensure proper alignment of the accessory module 118 within the modular interface portion 114. In an embodiment, as described below, a chamfer 271 is formed on the inner edge of the rib 270 to accommodate rotational insertion of the accessory module 118 into the modular interface portion 114 of the shroud assembly. It will be appreciated that other shapes and geometries of alignment mechanisms may be used to provide the desired alignment.

[0025] The electrical interface 274 is disposed on the surface of the accessory module 118 facing the substrate 134. The electrical interface 274 includes conductive pins 276 that function as electrical paths for transmitting control signals, power, and data between the accessory module 118 and the shroud assembly 108. In an embodiment, the pins 276 are spring-loaded pins, such as pogo pins. The pins 276 are disposed within or embedded in an insulator 278 that provides electrical insulation between the pins 276. The insulator 278 is formed from an insulating material such as a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, or other suitable dielectric material. The pins 266 are arranged in a pattern or layout corresponding to the pattern or layout of connection pads or connection terminals on the connector 250 within the interface portion 114 of the shroud assembly 108.

[0026] The modular interface portion 114 further includes a quick-release latching assembly for removably securing the modular accessory 118 in place within the shroud assembly 108. As described above, the first attachment point for securing the accessory module 118 is the recess 254 that receives the protrusion 258. The second attachment point between the accessory module 118 and the shroud assembly 108 is the latched key 282 that is rigidly fixed to the accessory module 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the latched key 282 includes a threaded end 284 that engages an opening 286 such as a tapped opening, a threaded insert nut, etc. within the accessory module 118.

[0027] The latched key 282 also includes a reduced-diameter strut 288 that extends from the housing of the accessory module 118. An enlarged-diameter head 290 is disposed at the distal end of the reduced-diameter strut 288. In an embodiment, a tool engagement mechanism 292 such as a slot, a hexagonal recess, a Torx® (star-shaped) recess, a Phillips head (cross-shaped) recess, etc. is provided to facilitate securing the latched key 282 to the accessory module 118. In an embodiment, the enlarged-diameter head 290 has a chamfered and / or rounded edge 294 to facilitate insertion into the latching assembly on the modular interface portion 114.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the edges of the channel 256 have a chamfered, angled, and / or rounded shape to facilitate alignment during engagement with the rib 270. During operation, the chamfered, angled, or rounded peripheral edge 296 provides a slightly enlarged entrance to the channel 256, allowing for some initial misalignment between the rib 270 and the channel 256, and during the engagement process, the gradient, slope, or roundness of the peripheral edge guides the rib 270 into its respective channel 256.

[0029] As best seen in FIG. 6, a quick release latch assembly for removably securing an accessory module 118 within a modular interface portion 114 includes a slide plate 302 slidably disposed on a concave surface 304 formed within a housing 110 within the modular interface portion 114. An opening 306 is formed in the slide plate 302. The opening 306 extends in an axial direction indicated by arrow 326 shown in FIG. 6. The upper edge of the opening 306 has a chamfer, chamber, or rounding 308. By the release handle 310 protruding beyond the housing 110, the user can manually release the latch mechanism to remove the attached accessory module 118.

[0030] An axially extending spring element 312 is received within a channel 314 disposed on the opposite side of the concave surface 304 and respective notches 316 formed on the opposite side of the slide plate 302. Arms 318 extend laterally at the ends of the slide plate 302. For each spring element 312, one end is pressed against a surface 320 within the housing 110 and the other end is pressed against respective ones of the arms 318. The spring element 312 is pressed against the arm 318, biasing the slide plate 302 to a locked or latched axial position.

[0031] A central recess 322 is formed in the surface 304. The recess 322 is aligned with a second opening 324 in the substrate 134. The second opening extends slightly axially to accommodate a rotational insertion of the accessory module 118 into the modular interface portion 114 of the shroud assembly, as described below. The opening 306 in the slide plate 302 is offset from alignment with the opening 324 and the recess 322 in the slide or axial direction as indicated by arrow 326.

[0032] During operation, when attaching the accessory module 118 to the shroud assembly interface portion 114, the convex portion 258 is first inserted into the receiving portion 254 of the raised edge portion 224. Thereafter, the distal end of the accessory module 118 is pivoted or rotated downward as indicated by the arrow 328 shown in FIG. 3. When the distal end of the accessory module 118 is pivoted or rotated downward, the latched key 282 enters the opening 324 of the plate 134. In an embodiment, the opening 324 extends axially a sufficient distance to provide a margin or clearance corresponding to the rotational path of the latched key 282 when the latched key 282 enters the opening 324.

[0033] When the head portion 290 of the latched key 282 enters the opening 324, the inclined surface 294 of the head 290 engages the inclined surface 308 of the misalignment opening 306. When the inclined surfaces 294 and 308 are in relative motion, due to the wedging action, the slide plate 302 is axially translated against the biasing force of the spring element 312, aligning the opening 306 axially with the opening 324 and the recess 322. When the opening 306 is sufficiently axially aligned with the opening 324 and the recess 322, the enlarged diameter head 390 can move beyond the opening 306 and enter the recess 322 at the base of the modular interface portion 114. Next, the biasing of the spring element 312 pushes the slide plate 302 back to the latched position, and the edge of the opening 306 engages the reduced diameter strut 288 to fix the enlarged diameter head 290 in a predetermined position within the recess 322. When placed in the latched position, the slide plate 302 firmly holds the latched key 282 in a predetermined position under the influence of the spring element 312, securely and stably holding the accessory module 118 within the interface portion 114 until intentionally released.

[0034] To remove the accessory module 118 from the interface portion 114, the handle 310 is manually pulled axially against the biasing of the spring element 312. By this action, the enlarged diameter head 294 is released and the head 294 can move out from the recess 322 through the opening 306. When the latched key 282 is released, the protrusion 258 is disengaged from the recess 254 and the spring element 312 pushes the slide plate 302 back to its original position.

[0035] The shroud assembly 108 enables connection of various types of modules and utilizes a modular quick disconnect interface 114 that includes a common electrical interface 250 that enables a common end user device (EUD) such as a mobile device (not shown) to program and / or control the modules. For this reason, the system can have a plurality of replaceable modules or a group of replaceable modules.

[0036] In an embodiment, a controller or actuator on one component coupled to the entire helmet accessory system 115 can be used to control or operate an accessory device or peripheral on another component coupled elsewhere on the entire helmet accessory system 115. As shown in FIG. 13, as a non-limiting example, the side shroud assembly 108 can be used with a second side shroud assembly 330 disposed on the opposite side of the helmet 104. In an embodiment, the two side shroud assemblies 108 and 330 communicate via a common network or bus such as a rear bridge component (not shown) disposed at the rear of the helmet 104, and this rear bridge component may be a component of the helmet accessory mounting platform 115.

[0037] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the second side shroud assembly 330 includes a rotary switch 332 having four rotational positions, although other types of switches and actuators such as keypads, button pads, etc. are contemplated. During operation, the rotary switch 332 of the second shroud assembly 330 can be pre-programmed using an EUD to control an accessory module 118 attached to the side shroud assembly 108. For example, the illustrated module 118 may be replaced with a self-defense module having a chemical irritant (e.g., tear gas) canister, and the rotary switch 332 can be programmed by an end user, e.g., via an EUD, to rotate the rotary switch 332 to position 3 to activate the chemical irritant canister on the shroud assembly 108. It is recognized that the foregoing examples are presented for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that various modifications, alternatives, and other configurations are possible. In an embodiment, the second side shroud assembly also has an audio interface 125 for removably coupling a headset assembly (not shown). By using the first side shroud 108 and the second side shroud 330 together, a binaural headset function is provided by the platform 115 (see FIG. 15).

[0038] FIG. 14 illustrates a central network controller 340, shown as being attached to a weapon handguard or rail interface 342. The central network controller can be attached elsewhere, such as on top of a helmet, or can be worn by the user, and can be recognized as being on, for example, clothing, a vest, a backpack, or other equipment worn by the user. In an embodiment, the central network controller 340 is coupled to a helmet accessory attachment platform 115 (see FIG. 15) via a (wired or wireless connection) and provides additional means for controlling an accessory module 118 attached to the attachment platform 114. In an embodiment, the central network controller 340 functions as a central hub for controlling and communicating with other accessory devices associated with the helmet accessory attachment platform 115. In certain embodiments, the central network controller 340 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 381,937, filed on October 19, 2023, entitled "Central Network Controller for Weapon Accessory Devic", which is co-owned, and the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] In an embodiment, each accessory component or attachment is configured to be manually controlled or, alternatively or additionally, to be controlled by pre-programmed instructions. In an embodiment, the program instructions are stored in a memory unit associated with a processing unit embedded within the central network controller 340. In certain embodiments, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system is provided to manage the execution of such program instructions. In an embodiment, the use of AI-driven program automation results in improved adaptability, responsiveness, and intelligent decision-making capabilities.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 15, a helmet 104 having an accessory mounting platform 115 is shown. The helmet mounting assembly 117 is fixed to the front shroud assembly 119, defining the front connection interface of the platform 115, which may further include side shrouds 108, 330, and a rear interface bracket or bridge (not shown), and is used to bridge the shrouds 119, 108, and 330 together. The head-up display (HUD) assembly 121 is coupled to the helmet mounting assembly 117 and can be positioned in front of the user's eyes. The HUD assembly 121 includes information or indicia related to accessory modules 118 or other accessories that are mounted compatibly in place, or peripheral devices coupled to the platform 115, and is configured to display the relevant information or indicia in a human-readable format, including but not limited to. The HUD assembly 121 may be shown and described in co-owned U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 623,303, filed on January 21, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] Exemplary types of information or indicia that can be displayed include, but are not limited to, details related to one or more accessory devices, including the name, type, and / or function of the device, the operating status, or real-time information about the device. In particular, it includes, but is not limited to, confirmation of the appropriate attachment device, its readiness for use, related diagnostic information, and the like.

[0042] It should be appreciated that the display is not limited to an HUD or near-eye display as shown in FIG. 15. Alternatively or additionally, similar information may be presented on one or more other display types, such as a display of a weapon system, a display of a smartphone or other mobile device connected to or paired with the accessory mount platform 115 (e.g., via a Bluetooth or other RF interface), a display of a smartwatch, smart glasses, or other wearable technology, or an embedded display within a vision device such as an Enhanced Night Vision Goggle Binocular (ENVG-B). It may be presented on a built-in display, a thermal camera (e.g., a thermal sight), a Short-Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) camera (e.g., a SWIR sight), an optical scope, and a sight. In certain embodiments, information regarding the accessory module 118 or other attached accessory is output to eyewear having a wireless near-eye display. For example, as shown and described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 11,808,537, issued November 7, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0043] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments (s). By reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, modifications and variations may be made by others. The invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A modular side shroud assembly for a helmet attachment system related to a helmet, comprising: A main housing configured to be removably attached to a side portion of the helmet, the main housing having a rear end disposed toward the rear portion of the helmet during attachment and a front end disposed toward the front portion of the helmet during attachment; A shroud circuit disposed within the main housing and configured to be electrically coupled to the helmet attachment system during attachment; A modular interface portion disposed at the front end of the housing and configured to removably couple an accessory device conforming to a related Interface Control Document (ICD) to the modular side shroud assembly in accordance with the ICD and to electrically couple the accessory device to the shroud circuit.

2. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, wherein the modular interface is configured to removably couple a plurality of modular and replaceable accessory devices to the modular side shroud assembly, and the modular side shroud assembly includes an electrical connector disposed within the modular interface portion for electrically coupling the plurality of modular and replaceable accessory devices to the shroud circuit.

3. The modular interface portion comprises: A substrate panel having a substrate portion and an upright raised edge portion, wherein one or more physical and functional characteristics defined by the ICD are defined by the substrate panel; The substrate includes a first opening for receiving an electrical connector electrically coupled to the shroud circuit; The substrate panel includes the substrate panel having a raised edge portion defining a recess on its first side and a notch defined on a second side opposite to the first side thereof; The recess is configured to receive a tab or a protrusion disposed at a proximal end of an accessory module; The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, wherein the notch is configured to engage a complementary shoulder formed on the main housing.

4. The module - type side shroud assembly according to claim 3, wherein the substrate passes through the aligned gap openings of the main housing and is fixed to the main housing by a plurality of threaded fasteners that engage with the aligned mounting bosses formed on the substrate.

5. The module - type side shroud assembly according to claim 3, wherein the substrate includes one or more ribs configured to engage with each of one or more recesses formed in the mating surface of the accessory module, and the one or more ribs and the one or more recesses function as an alignment mechanism to reliably and properly align the accessory module within the module - type interface portion during installation.

6. The module - type side shroud assembly according to claim 5, further including chamfers formed on each of the one or more ribs, the chamfers being configured to accommodate rotational insertion of the accessory module into the module - type interface portion.

7. The module - type side shroud assembly according to claim 3, further including an electrical interface disposed within a first opening formed in the substrate.

8. The module - type side shroud assembly according to claim 3, further including a quick - release latching assembly for removably fixing the module - type accessory to the module - type interface portion.

9. The quick - release latching assembly includes a slide plate slidably disposed between the substrate and a concave surface formed in the main housing within the module - type interface portion, the slide plate being axially slidable, an opening formed in the slide plate, a release handle coupled to the slide plate and protruding beyond the main housing when the accessory module is installed, enabling manual release of the latching assembly by a user to remove the accessory module, one or more spring elements received within corresponding one or more channels disposed within one or more notches formed in the concave surface and on the slide plate, the one or more notches defining respective one or more arms extending in the short - hand direction. One or more spring elements, each having one end pressed against a surface within the housing and the other end pressed against each of the one or more arms, to bias the slide plate toward the latched axial position. Including a central recess formed in the concave surface and aligned with a second opening formed in the substrate. The one or more spring members are configured to align the second opening of the slide plate with the first opening and the central recess. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 8, wherein the slide plate is manually slidable to align the second opening of the slide plate with the first opening and the central recess.

10. The quick release latching assembly is Firmly fixed to the accessory module, A key with a latch including a threaded end engaged with a complementary opening in the accessory module and a strut extending from the housing of the accessory module. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 8, further including an enlarged diameter head disposed at the distal end of the strut.

11. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 10, wherein the enlarged diameter head includes a tool mating mechanism.

12. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 9, wherein the enlarged diameter head has a chamfered and / or rounded end.

13. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 9, wherein the opening of the slide plate extends axially a sufficient distance to provide a gap corresponding to the rotational path of the key with a latch when the key with a latch enters the opening of the slide plate.

14. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear end of the housing is configured to be operably coupled to a rear bridge interface of the helmet attachment system.

15. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, further including a headset interface between the rear end and the front end for removably coupling a communication headset.

16. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 15, wherein the headset interface includes a plug-in attachment portion for removably coupling the communication headset.

17. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a user-pressable push button configured to control the operation or one or more functions of the accessory device in combination with the accessory device.

18. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 17, wherein the accessory device is a video recording system having a manual recording button, and the video recording system selected from a camera recording system has a built-in camera and is configured to record a recorded digital video including a video signal captured by the built-in camera and a video signal received from an external source selected from the group consisting of an external camera and an external video feed.

19. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 17, wherein the accessory device is one or more devices selected from the group consisting of a camera, a thermal camera, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanner, a directional antenna, a rangefinder, a laser pointer, an infrared (IR) illuminator, a flashlight, a sensor, a sensor set, a barometer, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a satellite-based positioning receiver, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a microphone, a two-way radio, a music player, a controller, an actuator, a button pad, a keypad, a self-defense module, a tear gas canister module, a conducted electrical weapon module, and a projectile weapon module.

20. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, wherein the accessory device is programmable and controllable by an end-user device.

21. The modular side shroud assembly further includes a second side shroud assembly in communication with the modular side shroud assembly, and the second side shroud assembly The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, including one or more programmable switches configured to control the accessory module when the accessory module is attached to the modular side shroud assembly.

22. A second side shroud assembly in communication with the modular side shroud assembly; A first headset assembly coupled to the modular side shroud assembly; A second headset assembly coupled to the second side shroud assembly, wherein the first headset assembly and the second headset assembly cooperate to define a binaural headset, the modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1.

23. A central network controller configured to perform one or both of control and communication of the accessory device; The helmet accessory mounting system; A helmet mounting assembly configured to be mounted to a front shroud assembly associated with the helmet; The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 1, combined with any one or more of a human-visible display.

24. The modular side shroud assembly according to claim 23, wherein the human-visible display is a head-up display (HUD).

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