Helmet Shroud Assembly

Abstract

The shroud assembly is configured to attach to the front of a helmet or other headgear. The shroud assembly includes an interface for removably attaching an accessory mount used to couple an electronic or optoelectronic imaging device to the headgear. One example of a shroud assembly includes a polymer frame having a shape that matches the contours of the headgear and an insert formed of a metal or metal alloy. The polymer frame is molded around the insert. The polymer frame and the insert together form an interface for removably attaching the accessory mount. The interface includes an upper recess configured to serve as a support surface for an engaging latch member of the accessory mount and a lower recess configured to serve as a support surface for another engaging latch member of the accessory mount.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 429,107, filed November 30, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a shroud assembly configured to be attached to a helmet, the shroud assembly being used to connect an accessory mount to couple a night vision device to the helmet. [Background technology]

[0003] Helmets are worn to protect against head injuries in a variety of situations, from recreational activities like rock climbing to professional applications such as military and police. It is often desirable to mount accessory devices on helmets, such as night vision devices, cameras, and other electronic / optoelectronic imaging devices. A shroud is often attached to the front of the helmet and is used in conjunction with an accessory mount to facilitate the attachment of the accessory device. The accessory device is movable between a stowed position and an in-use position. The shroud is often positioned so that the attached accessory device is directly in front of the user's eyes.

[0004] Thus, a need exists for a helmet shroud assembly as disclosed herein. It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a helmet shroud assembly that is configured to address these and other needs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It should be understood that this summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosure. This summary is illustrative and not limiting, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delimit its scope. Its sole purpose is to describe and illustrate certain concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the more complete and extensive detailed description that follows.

[0006] Disclosed is a shroud assembly configured to attach to the front of a helmet or other headgear, the shroud assembly including an interface for removably attaching an accessory mount used to couple an electronic or optoelectronic imaging device to the headgear.

[0007] One example of a shroud assembly includes a polymer frame having a shape that conforms to the contours of the headgear and an insert formed of a metal or metal alloy. The polymer frame is molded around the insert. Together, the polymer frame and the insert form an interface for removably attaching an accessory mount. The interface includes an upper recess and a lower recess. The upper recess is configured to serve as a support surface for an engaging latch member of the accessory mount, and the lower recess is configured to serve as a support surface for another engaging latch member of the accessory mount.

[0008] Another example of a shroud assembly includes a polymer frame having a shape that conforms to the contours of the headgear and an insert formed of a metal or metal alloy. The polymer frame is molded around the insert. Together, the polymer frame and the insert form an interface for removably attaching an accessory mount. The interface includes an upper recess and a lower recess. The upper recess and the lower recess each have an inward-facing sidewall that is the exposed portion of the insert not covered by the polymer frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a shroud assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the shroud assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the shroud assembly insert shown in dashed lines.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the shroud assembly shown in FIG.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the shroud assembly shown in FIG.

[0013] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the shroud assembly shown in FIG.

[0014] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the insert shown in FIG.

[0015] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another isometric view of the insert shown in FIG.

[0016] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the insert shown in FIG.

[0017] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the insert shown in FIG.

[0018] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the shroud assembly shown in FIG. 1 secured to the front of the helmet and with an accessory mount attached to the shroud assembly.

[0019] [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the shroud assembly and attached accessory mount shown in FIG. 10, with the helmet omitted.

[0020] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is another isometric view of the shroud assembly and attached accessory mount shown in FIG.

[0021] [Figure 13] 13 is a rear view of the shroud assembly and attached accessory mount shown in FIG. 11. FIG.

[0022] [Figure 14] 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the shroud assembly and attached accessory mount taken along line 14-14 shown in FIG. 13.

[0023] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

[0024] 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a shroud assembly 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the shroud assembly 100 is configured to mount to the front of a helmet 102 and includes an interface 108 for removably mounting an accessory mount 104 that is used to couple a night vision device to the helmet 102. While the shroud assembly 100 will be primarily described in conjunction with night vision devices, the present shroud assembly 100 can also be used to couple monocular and binocular devices, including optical observation devices, thermal cameras, and other electronic or optoelectronic imaging devices, to the helmet 102.

[0025] Examples of accessory mounts that can be attached to interface 108 of shroud assembly 100 include the G11 and G24 mounts from Wilcox Industries Corp., which are well known to those skilled in the art. However, shroud assembly 100 can be adapted for use with other accessory mounts by providing interface 108 with retention features complementary to the desired accessory mount.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2-5 , the shroud assembly 100 includes a polymer frame 110 and a metal or metal alloy insert 112, shown in dashed lines. The shroud assembly 100 is formed by overmolding the frame 110 onto the insert 112, resulting in a one-piece shroud assembly. This results in the shroud assembly 100 having a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to conventional shrouds. More specifically, in some implementations, the shroud assembly 100 can achieve a weight reduction of over 25% compared to conventional shrouds. The frame 110 has a generally concave back surface 114 shaped to generally conform to the shape of a selected helmet or other headgear. The frame 110 is also flexible, allowing the shroud assembly 100 to conform to the exterior surface of a selected helmet to which the shroud assembly 100 is coupled. While the frame 110 of the shroud assembly 100 is flexible, the insert 112 is a rigid reinforcing element that provides additional strength and rigidity to the interface 108.

[0027] The frame 110 is formed of a nylon material that is overmolded around the insert 112, leaving a portion of the insert 112 uncovered. The frame 110 has a generally triangular structure and includes an opening 128 at each of its three corners. The three openings 128 in the frame 110 are positioned to allow the shroud assembly 100 to be attached to helmets having a three-hole pattern, such as the standard MARSOC / WARCOM three-hole pattern. Each opening 128 is a slot configured to receive a fastener (e.g., a bolt or other suitable anchor) used to secure the shroud assembly 100 to the selected helmet.

[0028] While the shroud assembly 110 is configured to mount to a helmet having a standard three-hole pattern, the shroud assembly 100 can also be secured to the helmet 102 using an adhesive (e.g., epoxy adhesive, double-sided acrylic foam tape, or other suitable adhesive). Accordingly, the shroud assembly 100 can also include plugs 130 used to block each opening 128 in the frame 110. Each plug 130 is configured to snap-fit ​​into a corresponding opening 128, thereby sealing the opening 128. When securing the shroud assembly 100 to a selected helmet 102 using adhesive, a cavity 134 in the back surface 114 of the frame 110 is filled with adhesive. The shroud assembly 100 is then secured to the helmet 102 until the adhesive cures. Note that each plug 130 also includes a cavity 136 that can be filled with adhesive used to secure the shroud assembly 100 to the helmet 102 (see FIG. 5).

[0029] The insert 112 is preferably formed by stamping, although metal injection molding and additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing) are also contemplated. The insert 112 is preferably formed from stainless steel. A preferred implementation of the insert 112 is a one-piece part. However, in other implementations, the insert 112 may be comprised of two or more parts.

[0030] As best shown in FIGS. 6-9, the insert 112 includes a top cross member 112a, a bottom cross member 112b, and two side struts (112c, 112d) interconnecting the cross members (112a, 112b). The top and bottom cross members 112a, 112b are horizontally disposed and structurally connected by the vertically aligned side struts (112c, 112d), collectively defining the boundary of the central opening 113. In some implementations, each side strut (112c, 112d) may have an arcuate length. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the top and bottom cross members 112a, 112b are positioned such that they are offset forward of the side struts (112c, 112d).

[0031] The interface 108 of the shroud assembly 100 includes retention features, such as upper and lower recesses 116 and 118, for releasably engaging latch members (106a, 106b) on an appropriately configured accessory mount 104 (e.g., a G24 mount). Each recess 116, 118 is formed by an overhang 120, 122. Each overhang 120, 122 is part of the insert 112 that is partially overmolded by the frame 110. More specifically, each overhang 120, 122 includes inward-facing sidewalls 124, 126 that are exposed portions (i.e., portions not covered by the polymer frame 110) of the top or bottom cross-member 112a or 112b of the metal insert 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In this manner, the interface 108 serves as a raised attachment point for the selected accessory mount 104. In a preferred embodiment, the inwardly facing side walls 124, 126 of each overhang 120, 122 are configured to serve as support surfaces for the mating latch members (106a, 106b) of a selected accessory mount 104 (see, e.g., Figures 12 and 13).

[0032] The interface 108 of the shroud assembly 100 also includes a pair of lateral sidewalls 132 on opposite lateral sides thereof. The lateral sidewalls 132 are an integral part of the frame 110 and are spaced apart to provide a snug interference fit between the lateral sidewalls 132 and the sides of the attached accessory mount 104. In this manner, axial rotation of the attached accessory mount 104 is minimized or prevented.

[0033] The above description of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but is not exhaustive, and is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description and the accompanying drawings.

[0034] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "implementation" or similar phrases mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in some implementations" or similar phrases in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0035] The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or by using other methods, components, materials, etc. Additionally, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

Claims

1. 1. A shroud assembly comprising: A polymer frame; an insert formed of a metal or metal alloy; Equipped with the polymer frame is overmolded onto the insert, the polymer frame and the insert cooperating to form an interface for removable attachment of an accessory mount; the interface includes an upper recess and a lower recess; the upper recess is configured to function as a support surface for an engaging latch member of the accessory mount; the lower recess is configured to serve as a support surface for another engagement latch member of the accessory mount. Shroud assembly.

2. the interface includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall defining opposite sides of the interface, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being spaced apart by a distance sufficient to provide an interference fit between the accessory mount and the first sidewall and the second sidewall; The shroud assembly of claim 1 .

3. The first side wall and the second side wall extend vertically and are disposed between the upper recess and the lower recess. The shroud assembly of claim 2 .

4. The insert comprises a top cross member and a bottom cross member. The shroud assembly of claim 1 .

5. the top cross member and the bottom cross member are structurally connected by a pair of horizontally disposed, vertically aligned side struts and collectively define a boundary of a central opening; The shroud assembly of claim 4 .

6. 1. A shroud assembly comprising: A polymer frame; an insert formed of a metal or metal alloy; Equipped with the polymer frame is overmolded onto the insert, the polymer frame and the insert cooperating to form an interface for removable attachment of an accessory mount, the interface including an upper recess and a lower recess, the upper recess and the lower recess each including an inwardly facing sidewall that is an exposed portion of the insert not covered by the polymer frame; Shroud assembly.

7. the inwardly facing sidewall of the upper recess is configured to serve as a support surface for an engagement latch member of the accessory mount, and the inwardly facing sidewall of the lower recess is configured to serve as a support surface for another engagement latch member of the accessory mount. The shroud assembly of claim 6 .

8. the interface includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall defining opposite sides of the interface, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being spaced apart by a distance sufficient to provide an interference fit between the accessory mount and the first sidewall and the second sidewall; The shroud assembly of claim 7.

9. The first side wall and the second side wall extend vertically and are disposed between the upper recess and the lower recess. The shroud assembly of claim 8 .

10. The insert comprises a top cross member and a bottom cross member. The shroud assembly of claim 6 .

11. the inwardly facing sidewall of the upper recess is part of the top cross member and the inwardly facing sidewall of the lower recess is part of the bottom cross member; The shroud assembly of claim 10.

12. the top cross member and the bottom cross member are structurally connected by a pair of horizontally disposed, vertically aligned side struts and collectively define a boundary of a central opening; The shroud assembly of claim 11 .

13. A shroud assembly comprising: a metal alloy insert; a polymer frame overmolded onto the insert; an accessory mount interface formed by the metal alloy insert and the polymer frame; Equipped with The accessory mount interface includes: an upper recess exposing an inwardly facing first sidewall of the metal alloy insert; a lower recess exposing an inwardly facing second sidewall of the metal alloy insert; Equipped with Shroud assembly.

14. The metal alloy insert comprises a top cross member and a bottom cross member connected to each other by a first side strut and a second side strut, and further wherein the top cross member and the bottom cross member are offset from the first side strut and the second side strut. The shroud assembly of claim 13.

15. The first inward-facing sidewall is part of the top cross member, and the second inward-facing sidewall is part of the bottom cross member. The shroud assembly of claim 14.

16. The top cross member, the bottom cross member, the first side strut, and the second side strut substantially define the boundaries of a central opening. The shroud assembly of claim 14.

17. The polymer frame includes a bridge extending across the central opening from the first side support to the second side support. The shroud assembly of claim 16.

18. The metal alloy insert reinforces the polymer frame around the accessory mount interface. The shroud assembly of claim 13.

19. The polymer frame having a generally concave back surface. The shroud assembly of claim 13.

20. The polymer frame further comprising a back surface, the back surface comprising a plurality of cavities. The shroud assembly of claim 13.

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