Display device mounting system with a rail

Abstract

A display device mounting system attachable a rail wherein the rail is mounted on a helmet that is wearable by a user. The display device mounting system is for positioning a display device, for example a heads-up display (HUD) device, in front of an eye of the user. The rail is mounted on the helmet and supports the display device mounting system while enabling the display device mounting system to translate along the rail. The display device mounting system has components including a rail attachment body connectable to the rail and at least one arm extending from the rail attachment body and rotatably connected thereto for position the display device relative to the eye of the user.

Description

DISPLAY DEVICE MOUNTING SYSTEM WITH A RAIL1 Copyright Notice

[0001] 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 Galvion Ltd.2 Background of the Invention2.1 Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to adjustable connectors for a helmet-mounted accessory and to heads-up display systems.2.2 Background

[0003] The degrees of freedom of a rigid body refers to the number of independent movements it has, minus any constraints upon movement placed upon the body. For example, a rigid body in three-dimensional space without any restrictions on its movement has six degrees of freedom. Three of the degrees of freedom are translational and allow movement of the body along x, y and z axes, in Cartesian coordinates, while the other three are rotational around each of the axes.

[0004] Heads-up display (HUD) devices are computing devices that include display screens. The display screens display information to individuals and are positioned within fields of view of the individuals. In one example, the HUD devices are mounted to helmets worn by the individuals. The individuals wearing the HUD devices are also known as users of the HUDdevices. Video images to be displayed onto a display screen are generated by or received from one or more data processing devices. The images are typically arranged into image frames wherein each image frame is a separate image displayed on the display screen. The images are refreshed at a refresh rate, e.g. measured in frames per second. Each image frame includes a plurality of image pixels, e.g. a raster image representation having an image resolution. The image resolution can be expressed as a linear resolution, e.g. pixels per millimeter; an area resolution, e.g. pixel per square millimeter; or as a total number of horizontal and vertical pixels.

[0005] Data associated with rendering each pixel may include a pixel brightness value, e.g. two values, on or off, for black and white images, or a plurality of values, e.g. ranging between on and off, for grey scale image rendering. Data associated with rendering each pixel may also include a color value or a combination of color values, e.g. representing a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) color space.

[0006] A HUD device may be mounted to a helmet or other head gear worn by a user. A helmetmounted accessory connector may be provided between the helmet and a HUD device to mechanically attach the HUD device to the helmet and to adjust the position of the HUD display screen to position the HUD display screen to a desired operating position in the field of view of the user.

[0007] Helmet-mounted HUD devices may include a transparent display or an opaque display that blocks at least a portion of a user’s view of an environment surrounding the user. HUD transparent display screen devices are used to display information in the field of view of a user while still allowing the user to look through the HUD transparent display screen to view objects in the field of view beyond the transparent display screen. However, the user may elect not to use the HUD transparent display screen in all situations, especially when the displayed information is not needed. However, conventional mechanical helmet-mounted accessory connectors lack a convenient and user-friendly attaching arrangement for quicklyand easily moving the HUD out of the field of view of the user when the HUD device is not in use and then quickly and easily moving the HUD back into the field of view when the displayed information is needed.

[0008] In practice, moving a HUD device into an operating position is difficult because the operating location and orientation of the HUD device is limited to a very small region associated with comfortable viewing by the user and preferably the user should choose the operating position. Moreover, there can be instances when a user needs to install the HUD display screen into the operating position or remove the HUD display screen from the operating position while the user is preoccupied, e.g. while driving or piloting a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft; while carrying other equipment, e.g. a weapon, radio, medical kit, tool kit, or the like; or while working in various emergency situations, e.g. in a battle, a fire zone, a medical emergency, a public safety emergency, a police emergency, and the like.

[0009] The HUD display device can include a wired connection to another device, for example to a computing device that provides information for display on the HUD device. The wire connection may limit movement of the HUD device with respect to an attachment point of the wire connection to the HUD device. While the wire connection can be detached from the HUD device, it is preferable for the HUD device to remain attached to the wire interface so that is can be easily located for rapid reattachment to the helmet-mounted accessory connector.

[0010] The technology herein has applications in the areas of HUD devices and other viewing devices that may be attached to a head-worn structure such as a helmet for providing visual information to a wearer of the head-worn structure.3 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The existing systems for mounting HUD devices and other helmet-borne accessories, including, but not limited to, other viewing devices, have limitations, some of which aresolved by the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In one example, the inventive technology includes an adjustable accessory mounting system, for example an adjustable HUD mounting system, that is positioned on a front side portion of a helmet, in some embodiments near a front portion of a side rail of a helmet, the side rail for mounting one or more accessories onto the helmet, without blocking access to the side rail. This is advantageous in that the inventive accessory mounting system does not interfere with accessories mounted on the helmet using means other than the inventive accessory mounting system, for example with accessories mounted on the side rail. In addition, the inventive accessory mounting system does not block or otherwise interfere with a front mounting location on a helmet, for example with a front mount or shroud and with accessories such as night vision goggles, visors, or other accessories that may be mounted on the front mount or front shroud.

[0012] In another example, the inventive accessory mounting system includes cable management features, for example grooves or cavities to hold a cable that interfaces with a HUD device or other powered accessory device mounted on a helmet using the accessory mounting system. In some embodiments, an inventive helmet system according to the technology disclosed herein includes other cable management features, for example a cable clip attachable to a front portion of the helmet or on a front mount location of the helmet system for managing a HUD cable that extends across a front portion of a helmet. The cable management features of the technology disclosed herein provide advantages including reducing cable snag potential and keeping cables away from a user’s face.

[0013] Embodiments of the HUD mounting system may be provided in different sizes and can include one or more vertical and / or horizontal positioning elements which each may be sized differently between different sized embodiments of the HUD mounting system. For example, a first sized embodiment of HUD mounting system can include a first horizontal positioning element having a longer or shorter length as compared to the length of second horizontal positioning element of a second sized embodiment of the HUD mountingsystem. Alternatively or in addition, a length of a first vertical positioning element of the first sized embodiment of the HUD mounting system may be different than a length of a second vertical positioning element of a second sized embodiment of the HUD mounting system. In this manner the HUD mounting system can be configured for use with different sizes and styles of helmets and to position a HUD device relative to a user’s eye when additional accessories are mounted on a helmet, for example to provide full functionality of the HUD device around a gas mask or visor, for example around a ballistic protection visor or ballistic protection glasses. In addition the HUD mounting system can be configured to position the HUD mounting device in front of an additional accessory or behind the additional accessory, i.e. between the additional accessory and the user’s eye.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a connector for mounting a viewing device on a helmet, the connector including: a rail structure attached to the helmet, the rail structure including a rail carrier and a rail, the rail attached to the rail carrier, and a mounting arrangement or assembly that is attachable to the rail, the mounting arrangement including a first body that is removably attachable to the rail, a second body, a first end of the second body coupled to the first body with a first articulating connection between the first body and the second body, and the viewing device coupled to a second end of the second body with second articulating connection between the second body and the viewing device, where the first body is translatable along a length of the rail to enable movement of the movement of the viewing device relative to the rail.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first body is slidable along a length of the rail.

[0016] Embodiments may further include a third body, wherein the second body is coupled to the first body via the third body, the third body is disposed between the second body and the first body, the third body is connected to the first body with a third articulating connection, the second body is connected to the third body with a fourth articulating connectionbetween the third body and the second body, and the first articulating connection includes the third articulating connection and the fourth articulating connection.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the second articulating connection provides at least two rotational degrees of freedom between the second body and the viewing device.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the first body is removably attachable to the rail with a fixed grip and an articulating grip that is urged toward the fixed grip by an elastically deformable member.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the first articulating connection includes a first rotatable connecting having one degree of rotational freedom and the second articulating connection comprises a second rotational connection having two or more rotational degrees of freedom.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the first articulating connection includes a hinge joint and the second articulating connection comprises a ball joint.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the first articulating connection includes a first ball joint having two or more rotational degrees of freedom and the second articulating connection includes a second ball joint having two or more rotational degrees of freedom. The first ball joint may be constrained to limit at least one rotational degree of freedom between the first body and the second body.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the rail is adapted to be releasable from the rail carrier when greater than a threshold amount of force is applied to one or more of the first body, the second body, or the viewing device.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the rail body includes a rail lock for holding the rail attached to the carrier body, wherein the rail lock is adapted to release the rail from the carrier body when a force of greater than a threshold magnitude is applied to the rail lock.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the rail body includes a rail lock for holding the rail attached to the carrier body, wherein the mounting arrangement is attached to the rail, and the rail lock is adapted to release the rail from the carrier body when a force of greater than a threshold magnitude is applied to the mounting arrangement.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, one or more of the rail structure and the mounting arrangement includes at least one cable holding feature for managing a cable electrically connected to the viewing device.

[0026] In at least one embodiment, the viewing device includes a heads up display (HUD) device having a transparent screen for viewing information overlayed on a view of an environment surrounding a wearer of the helmet.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the rail includes a plurality of interface features, each interface feature disposed at a predefined location along a length of the rail, the plurality of interface features for providing one or more positional stops along the rail, and the first body includes an engagement feature for releasably interfacing with one or more of plurality of interface features for providing releasable fixation of the mounting arrangement at one or more of the predefined locations. In at least one embodiment, engagement feature is operable by a user to enable the releasable fixation.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a connector for attaching a heads-up display (HUD) device to a helmet, the helmet including a helmet shell, a connection hole formed through the helmet shell, and a fit system attached to the helmet shell. The connector includes a rail structure including a first rail attached to the helmet; and an articulated connector body removably attachable to the first rail, the articulated connector body for attaching the HUD device to the first rail. The first rail includes a helmet facing surface and an outward facing surface opposing the helmet facing surface, the articulated connector body is attachable to the outward facing surface of the first rail, andthe first rail and a portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, wherein the first rail and the portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell using the same connector.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the helmet further includes a second rail, the second rail including a slot for attaching one or more accessories to the helmet, wherein the second rail is disposed on an outer surface of the helmet, and the first rail, the second rail, and the portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole. The first rail, the second rail, and the portion of the fit system may be attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole using the same connector. Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a connector for attaching a viewing device to a helmet, the connector including a rail structure including a rail carrier and a rail disposed on an outer surface of the helmet wherein the rail is attached to the rail carrier, a rail connector body for attaching an accessory device to the rail, the rail connector body including a first grip and a second grip, the second grip opposing the first grip, and a first connecting member for coupling the viewing device to the rail connector body, the first connecting member extending outward from the rail connector body, wherein the first connecting member is rotationally coupled to the rail connector body.

[0031] In at least one embodiment, the rail connector body further includes a deformable element, and the deformable element urges the second grip toward the first grip to removably attach the rail connector body to the rail.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the rail includes an outwardly facing surface for interfacing with the rail connector body, a first grip interface for interfacing with the first grip, and a second grip interface for interfacing with the second grip, wherein the first grip interface opposes the second grip interface across the outwardly facing surface.

[0033] In at least one embodiment, the rail includes a plurality of locating features disposed on the outwardly facing surface along a longitudinal length of the rail, the plurality of locating features for providing a plurality of positional stops along the length of the rail, and the rail connector body includes an engagement feature disposed between the first grip and the second grip for interfacing with a one of the plurality of locating features for defining a temporarily fixed position of the rail connector body relative to the rail.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the first connecting member is coupled to the rail connector body with a first rotational joint that includes a locked configuration, wherein rotation of the first connecting member relative to the rail connector body is prevented, and an unlocked configuration for enabling rotation of the first connecting member relative to the rail connecting body. The first rotational joint may include a first threaded connector and a first actuator wherein the first actuator is operable by a user to operate the threaded connector to engage the locked configuration and to loosen the threaded connector to engage the unlocked configuration.

[0035] In at least one embodiment, the connector includes a second connecting member extending from the first connecting member and coupled to the first connecting member at a rotational joint, the second connecting member is coupled to the viewing device and to the first connecting member for coupling the viewing device to the rail connector body.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the viewing device is coupled to the second connecting member with two or more rotational degrees of freedom therebetween.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a connector for attaching a heads-up display (HUD) device to a helmet, the connector including a rail attached to the helmet, the rail including an outward facing surface, a rail connector body removably attachable to the rail and slidable along a longitudinal length of the rail, the rail connector body including a proximal end and a distal end opposing the proximal end along a longitudinal axis of the rail connector body. The proximal end includes opposing first andsecond grips for attaching the rail connector body to the rail and the distal end includes a connection interface for rotatably coupling a first end of a first arm to the rail connector body, the first arm extending outward from the rail connector body.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the connector includes a second arm, wherein a first end of the second arm is coupled to a second end of the first horizontal arm and the HUD device is coupled to a second end of the second arm.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the first arm is rotationally coupled to the rail connector body at a first end of the first arm and the HUD device is coupled to the first arm at a second end of the first arm. The second end of the first arm may be coupled to the HUD device at a rotational interface having two or more degrees of freedom. The rotational interface may include an unlocked configuration for adjusting a position of the HUD device relative to the first arm and a locked configuration for preventing motion of the HUD device relative to the first arm.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the connection interface includes a plurality of depression and an elastically deformable member for interfacing with one of the plurality of depressions to index a rotation of the first arm relative to the rail connector body.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a helmet system that includes a helmet shell, a rear control module (RCM) having a processor and connectable to a power source disposed on an outer surface of the helmet shell, a HUD connector rail mounted on the outer surface of the helmet shell, a HUD mounting system removably connectable to the HUD connector rail, the HUD mounting system including a heads-up display (HUD) device coupled thereto, an electrical interface disposed on the outer surface of the helmet shell, the electrical interface electrically coupled to the RCM, and a HUD cable connected between the electrical interface and the HUD for communicating power and data signals between the HUD device and the RCM. The HUD connector rail includesat least one cable management feature and a first portion of the HUD cable is disposed within or attached to the at least one cable management feature.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the helmet system includes a cable clip mounted to a front portion of the helmet outer shell, the cable clip for securing a second portion of the HUD cable above a lower brim of the helmet shell. The helmet system may further include a shroud for attaching an accessory device to the front of the helmet shell, wherein a portion of the cable clip is attached to the shroud.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the HUD mounting system includes a rail interface body for removable coupling the HUD mounting system to the HUD connector rail, and an arm rotatably coupled to the rail interface body at a first end of the arm and coupled to the HUD device at a second end of the arm, the first end opposing the second end along a longitudinal axis of the arm. The arm may include a cable opening for receiving the HUD cable therein and a cable cavity extending within the arm from the cable opening to the second end of the arm for routing the HUD cable to the HUD device. In some further embodiments, an interface between the second end of the attachment arm and the HUD device includes a compressible seal for providing a water tight seal for the HUD device. The water tight seal may exclude water from the HUD device at a submersion depth of the HUD device of at least two meters.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a helmet system that includes a helmet shell and a helmet accessory subsystem that attaches to the helmet shell. The helmet accessory subsystem includes a rail structure having a carrier body and a rail, wherein the rail is held within the carrier body at a threshold amount of holding force. The helmet accessory subsystem also included an accessory assembly with a rail connector body and an accessory coupled to the rail connector body, wherein the rail connector body is configured to removably attach to the rail of the rail structure. When a force is applied to the accessory assembly with a magnitude greater than the threshold amount of holdingforce, the rail and the accessory assembly are configured to break away as a unit from the accessory carrier.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the carrier body includes a first rail lock and a second rail lock located at opposing ends of the carrier body along a length of the carrier body, and the left rail lock and the right rail lock each include a deformable element for urging the left rail lock and the right rail lock into a locked configuration to hold the carrier rail within the carrier body at the threshold amount of holding force when the left rail lock and the right rail lock are in the locked configuration.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the left rail lock and the right rail lock are configured to rotate around pins that are vertically arranged with respect to the carrier body, and the rail disengages from the carrier body when the left rail lock and the right rail lock are rotated with respect to their pins into an unlocked position.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the rail includes a left stop located near a left end of the rail and a right stop located neat a right end of the rail, and the left and right stops protrude outwards from a front of the rail and limit travel of the carrier rail connector therebetween.

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include an accessory connection system configured to be mounted on a helmet shell, wherein the accessory connection system includes a rail, a rail connector body attached to the rail, an accessory device attached to the rail connector body, and a carrier body mounted on the helmet shell. The carrier body is for removably receiving the rail, wherein the rail is configured to detach from the carrier body when greater than a threshold amount of force is applied to the accessory device.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the accessory device includes an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the accessory device and the second end is attached to the rail connector body. The first end of the arm may be attached to theaccessory device at a first ball and socket joint for enabling movement of the accessory device relative to the arm and the second end of the arm may be attached to the rail connector by a second ball and socket joint for enabling movement of the accessory arm relative to the rail connector body.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the rail is configured to detach from the carrier body when a force having a magnitude of 40 pounds or greater is applied to the accessory.

[0051] Exemplary embodiments of the technology described herein include a helmet accessory subsystem for a helmet, the helmet accessory subsystem including an accessory carrier including a carrier body and a carrier rail, wherein the carrier body is attached to a helmet rail of the helmet, and wherein the carrier rail is held within the carrier body at a threshold amount of holding force. The helmet accessory subsystem includes an accessory assembly including a rail connector body, wherein the rail connector body is configured to removably attach to the rail of the accessory carrier, and a breakaway unit that includes the accessory carrier and the accessory assembly. When a force is applied to the breakaway unit with a magnitude greater than the threshold amount of holding force, the breakaway unit is configured to disengage from the accessory carrier and thus from the helmet.

[0052] The above and other features of the invention 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 invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.4 Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] 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 invention. The features of the present invention will best be understood from a detailed description of the invention and example embodiments thereof selected for the purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] Fig. 1 depicts a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a helmet system according to the technology disclosed herein being worn by a user, the first exemplary embodiment of the helmet system including a first embodiment of a heads-up display (HUD) mounting system according to the technology disclosed;

[0055] Fig. 2 depicts a front side perspective view of the helmet system shown in Fig. 1;

[0056] Fig. 3 depicts a partially exploded front side perspective view of the helmet system shown in Fig. 1;

[0057] Fig. 4 depicts a side view of a first exemplary helmet side rail of the first helmet system shown in Fig. 1 according to the technology disclosed herein;

[0058] Figs. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of a first rail mounting structure according to the technology disclosed herein;

[0059] Fig. 5C depicts a top view of a first rail mounting structure shown in Figs. 5A and 5B;

[0060] Figs. 5D and 5E depict cross sectional views of first rail mounting structure shown in Fig. 5C;

[0061] Fig. 6 depicts a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 1;

[0062] Fig. 7 depicts a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 6;

[0063] Fig. 8 depicts a front exploded view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 6;

[0064] Fig. 9 depicts a rear exploded view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 6;

[0065] Fig. 10A depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig- 6;

[0066] Fig. 10B depicts a section view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 10A taken through section line 10B;

[0067] Fig. 11A depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 6;

[0068] Fig. 1 IB depicts a section view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 11 A taken through section line 1 IB;

[0069] Fig. 11C depicts a section view of the first embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 11 A taken through section line 11C;

[0070] Fig. 12 depicts front side perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a helmet system according to the technology disclosed herein;

[0071] Fig. 13 depicts a partially exploded front side perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of a helmet system shown in Fig. 12;

[0072] Fig. 14 depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of a HUD mounting system according to the technology disclosed herein;

[0073] Figs. 15A depicts a perspective views of a third rail mounting structure according to the technology disclosed herein;

[0074] Fig. 15B depicts a cross sectional view of the third rail mounting structure shown in Fig. 15 A;

[0075] Fig. 16 depicts a front exploded view of the third rail mounting structure shown in Fig. 14;

[0076] Fig. 17 depicts a rear exploded view of the third rail mounting structure shown in Fig. 14;

[0077] Fig. 18A depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 14;

[0078] Fig. 18B depicts a section view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 18A taken through section line 18B;

[0079] Fig. 18C depicts a section view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 18A taken through section line 18C;

[0080] Fig. 19A depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 14;

[0081] Fig. 19B depicts a section view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 19A taken through section line 19B;

[0082] Fig. 19C depicts a section view of the second embodiment of the HUD mounting system shown in Fig. 19A taken through section line 19C;

[0083] Fig. 20 is a block diagram of a helmet system including a breakaway helmet accessory subsystem;

[0084] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary helmet system constructed in accordance with principles of the technology disclosed herein;

[0085] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the rail mounting structure of the helmet accessory system of Fig. 21;

[0086] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram of the helmet accessory subsystem in Fig. 21;

[0087] Fig. 24 is schematic diagram of the helmet accessory subsystem as in Fig. 22, where the accessory assembly and the carrier rail are collectively shown in a breakaway configuration;

[0088] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of the attached accessory assembly in Fig. 23;

[0089] Fig. 26 is a top section view of the accessory carrier and HUD rail shown in Fig. 25, taken through section line 26 of Fig. 25;

[0090] Fig. 27 is a rear exploded perspective view of a carrier body of the accessory carrier, which shows components that enable the accessory carrier to removably hold a HUD rail within the carrier body at a threshold amount of holding force;

[0091] Fig. 28 is an exploded view of the helmet accessory subsystem in Fig. 22, where the view shows more detail for components of the accessory assembly including the HUD mounting system accessory device;

[0092] Fig. 29 is a rear exploded view of the helmet accessory subsystem in Fig. 28; and

[0093] Fig. 30 is a rear view of the helmet accessory subsystem in Fig. 28, where the view shows more detail for an arm component of the HUD mounting system accessory device.5 Description of Some Embodiments of the Invention5.1 Detailed Description of the Invention

[0094] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention 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 invention to those skilled in the art.

[0095] 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 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.5.1.1 First exemplary helmet system

[0096] Referring now to Figs. 1 through 4, a first exemplary embodiment of a helmet system 100 includes a heads-up display (HUD) mounting system 1000, which may include an accessory device mounting arrangement, for example including a group of components that may be configured or arranged together to attach an accessory device, for example a HUD device or other type of viewing device, to an object, for example to a helmet. As used herein, “HUD”may refer to a HUD device, for example a device that includes a heads up display screen or system or more generally a display device, e.g. a device for displaying visual information, for example texts or images. In at least one embodiment, a HUD device may include an opaque display device that obscures from view at least a portion of an environment surrounding a user from when the HUD device is disposed in a line of sight of the user. In at least one other embodiment, a HUD device may include a transparent display upon which information is projected and through which a user may view at least a portion of the environment surrounding the user. A transparent HUD device may be useful, for example, for displaying augmented reality (AR) information or other data overlaid on a view of the surrounding environment.

[0097] Directional axes 900 indicate an up direction, down direction, left direction, right direction, front direction, and rearward direction which correspond to an up direction, down direction, left direction, right direction, forward direction, and rearward direction for a user on which helmet system 100 is mounted. The HUD mounting system 1000 is operable by a user to dispose a viewing device in front of the user’s eye and to adjust a tilt angle of the viewing device relative to the user’s line of sight to enable proper viewing of information displayed on the viewing device. In a particular embodiment, the viewing device is a heads-up display (HUD) device 1700 including an opaque display or a transparent display screen, and may include a waveguide device. The user can adjust the HUD mounting system 1000 to position the screen of the HUD device in front the user’s eye at a desirable distance from the user’s eye and at a desired angular orientation relative to the user’s eye, described herein as an operating position. The HUD mounting system 1000, in one or more embodiments, may more generally be implemented as a helmet accessory system, or helmet accessory subsystem, for mounting accessories other than a viewing device such as a HUD device on the helmet system 100. In a still further embodiment, the HUD mounting system 1000 may be used to mount two or more accessory devices to the helmet system 100, for example to mount a HUD device 1700 along with a second accessory (not shown), for example an illumination device or imaging device.

[0098] The first helmet system 100 includes a helmet shell 105, which in embodiments includes a ballistic or non-ballistic (e.g., bump) helmet shell wherein a ballistic helmet shell refers to a helmet shell configured to resist penetration of a projectile. The helmet shell 105 has an outer surface 107. A first helmet rail 110 and a second helmet rail 115 are each mounted on the outer surface 107. In some embodiments, the first helmet rail 110 and second helmet rail 115 are mounted on opposing sides of the helmet shell 105. As to the helmet shell 105, with respect to a directional axes 900, a front 12 of the helmet shell 105 faces the viewer, a rear 14 portion of the helmet shell 105 opposes the front portion, the first helmet rail 110 is attached to a left side 16 of the helmet shell 105 and the second helmet rail 115 is attached to a right side 18 of the helmet shell 105. The first and second helmet rails 110 and 115 may be attached to the helmet shell 105 using one or more fasteners, for example one or more threaded fastener 160. Each helmet rail 110 and 115 include one or more rail slots, for example rail slot 112 of helmet rail 110, for attaching one or more accessory devices (not shown) to the helmet system 100. In some embodiments, the rail slots 112 include dovetailshaped slots, as is known in the art.

[0099] The first helmet system 100 includes a suspension system 140 attached to the helmet shell 105. The suspension system 140 is for holding the helmet system 100 on the head of a user. In some embodiments the suspension system 140 includes a fit system for adjusting a fit of the first helmet system 100.

[0100] As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the helmet system 100 includes a rear control module (RCM). A power module 155 may be removably attachable to the RCM 150. In some embodiments the power module 155 includes a battery or a module containing one or more power sources, for example one or more batteries, chemical energy production devices, fuel cells, or the like. In some embodiments the power module 155 includes a processor, for example for monitoring a power capacity or state of charge of one or more power sources of the power module 155 and for communicating information to the RCM 150 or to another device.

[0101] In exemplary embodiments the RCM 150 and power module 155 are disposed on a rear portion 14 of the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105, although they may be disposed in another location on the helmet shell 105 without departing from the inventive technology disclosed herein. In some embodiments the RCM 150 is disposed on the outer surface 107 while in some other embodiments the RCM 150 extends at least partially thought the outer surface 107 and the helmet shell 105. In at least one embodiment, the power module 155 may be removably attachable to the RCM 105 while in one or more other embodiments the power module may be fixedly attached to the RCM or contained therein. The RCM 150 includes a processor and associated memory (not shown) and is configured to receive data, process data, send data, and provide power to one or more electronic devices and / or device controllers of the helmet system 100.

[0102] The helmet system includes a HUD control interface 130, with a plurality of buttons 132 for controlling one or more aspects of operation of the HUD device 1700. The HUD control interface 130 may be mounted on or exposed through a front side portion of the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105, for example on a front left portion of the helmet shell. In some embodiments, the HUD control interface is mounted on or near the first rail 110, for example at a front or forward portion of the first rail, wherein the front portion of the first rail is positioned near a front side portion of the helmet, for example on a front left portion of the helmet shell 105. The HUD control interface 130 is electrically connected to the RCM 150 via a cable (not shown) which may be clipped to or disposed under or within a cavity of the first rail 110. In alternative embodiments, the HUD control interface 130 may be mounted at a different location on the helmet and may include or comprise an interface device that is not mounted on the helmet.

[0103] A user can actuate one or more of the buttons 132 to cause the HUD control interface 130 to send control and command signals to the RCM 150. In response to receiving one or more control and / or command signals from the HUD control interface 130, the RCM may send command or control signals to the HUD device 1700 or alter one ormore aspects of information communicated to the HUD device 1700 to be displayed on a viewing screen of the HUD device 1700. It is noted that HUD control interface 130 may function as a HUD control interface and, in at least one embodiment, alternatively or in addition as a control interface for one or more additional or alternative accessory devices; for example for one or more of a speaker, audio communication system, sensor, signal generator, camera, or night vision system.

[0104] A power and data connector 120 is connected to a power and data interface (not shown) on the second rail 115, near a front side portion of the helmet shell 105, for example on or exposed through a front left side of the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105. The power and data connector 120 is electrically connected to the RCM 150 via the power and data interface and a cable (not shown) which may be clipped to or disposed under the second rail 115 or within a cavity of the second rail 115. A cable 122 is connected between the power and data connector 120 and the HUD device 1700 to communicate power and data signals from the RCM to the HUD device 1700, including, for example, information for display on a viewing screen of the HUD. In some embodiments, the cable 122 may be used to communicate data from the HUD device 1700 to the RCM 150, for example information about the HUD device, for example operating characteristics such as a device type or device resolution of the HUD device. The cable 122 extends across a front surface of the helmet shell 105, above a lower brim 101 of the helmet shell. In some embodiments, one or more cable clips 141 for holding the cable 122 are disposed on the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell, for example on a front portion of the helmet shell to hold the cable 122 above the brim 101 of the helmet shell. In other embodiments, not shown, the cable 122 may be at least partially disposed under the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105, for example within a cavity or other space disposed under the outer surface 107.5.1.2 First exemplary rail mounting structure

[0105] The helmet system includes a first exemplary embodiment of a rail mounting structure 500. The rail mounting structure 500 is mounted on the first helmet rail 110 and includes a first carrier body 510 and a first exemplary embodiment of a HUD rail 530 (i.e. first HUD rail 530) carried by the carrier body, i.e. attached to the rail mounting structure 500 via the carrier body. In some embodiments, the first HUD rail 530 is fixedly attached to or formed as a portion of the first rail mounting structure 500, i.e. the first carrier body 510 and the first HUD rail 530 are formed as a unitary structure or are formed separately and fixedly joined together. In other embodiments, the first HUD rail 530 may be removably attached to the first carrier body 510 and to the first rail mounting structure 500. For example, the first HUD rail 530 may be attached to the first carrier body 510 using one or more of releasable fasteners, clips, hooks, magnets, or other suitable attachment structures. In some embodiments, the first HUD rail 530 may more generally serve as an accessory rail, for example for attaching an accessory device other than a HUD device or other viewing device to the helmet system 100.

[0106] The HUD mounting system 1000 is attached to the first HUD rail 530. In at least one embodiment, the HUD mounting system 1000 is removably attached to the first HUD rail 530 to attach and remove the HUD mounting system, including HUD device 1700, to and from the helmet system 100. In some embodiments, the first HUD rail 530, along with the HUD mounting system 1000 attached to the first HUD rail 530, is removably attachable to the rail mounting structure 500, e.g. the first HUD rail is removably attachable to the first carrier body 510, to attach and remove the HUD mounting system 1000 to and from the helmet system 100. As best seen in Fig. 2, the HUD mounting system 1000 is movable forward and backward relative to the helmet shell 105 along the first HUD rail 530, as indicated by arrows 6 and 8.

[0107] The rail mounting structure 500 may be disposed on a front side portion of the helmet shell 105, for example on a front left side of the helmet shell. In some embodimentsthe rail mounting structure 500 is attached to a front portion of a side rail, for example a front portion of the first side rail 110, which is mounted on the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105 on a left side of the helmet shell. The rail mounting structure 500 may be disposed below a slot 112 of the first side rail 110 so that the rail mounting structure 500 does not interfere with attachment of accessory devices to the first side rail 110 via the slot 112. In other arrangements, the rail mounting structure 500 may be disposed on a front side of the helmet shell separately from a helmet side rail, e g. 110, or may be disposed on the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105, for example on a helmet system 100 that does not include a helmet side rail attached to the helmet shell 105.

[0108] Placement of the rail mounting structure 500 on a front side surface of the helmet shell 105 provides a number of advantages. Thus placed, the rail mounting structure 500, and a HUD mounting system 1000 with attached HUD device 1700 (and / or other accessory device), do not interfere with accessories attached to a front portion of the helmet outer surface 107, for example a night vision device or visor attached to a front shroud mount (not shown). In addition, placement of the rail mounting structure 500 on the front side of the helmet disposes portions of the HUD mounting system 1000 disposed between the rail mounting structure 500 and the HUD device 1700 out of the line of sight of a user.

[0109] The rail mounting structure 500 includes features for managing the cable 122. In example embodiments, the rail mounting structure 500 includes a cable management groove 520 for holding a portion of the cable 122 (see, for example, Figs. 5A through 5E). In some embodiments, the cable management groove 520 defines a portion of a cavity between the rail mounting structure 500 and the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105 for holding a portion of the cable 122 within the cavity. The cable management groove 520 and, if present, the one or more cable clips 141 (see Fig. 1), advantageously enable management of the cable 122 to keep the cable away from the face and out of a line of sight of a wearer of the helmet system 100, and to reduce cable snag hazards.

[0110] The rail mounting structure 500 includes features for mounting the rail mounting structure to the first rail 110 and for stabilizing it once mounted, for example for preventing rotation or other displacement of the rail mounting structure 500 relative to the first rail 110. As best seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the first rail 110 includes a first rail mounting structure cavity 114 and a second rail mounting structure cavity 116. As may be seen in Figs. 3 and 5A-5D, the rail mounting structure 500 includes a mounting boss 514 which is sized and shaped to conform the shape of the first rail mounting structure cavity 114 so that when the rail mounting structure 500 is mounted on the first rail 110, interface contact between the mounting boss 514 and the first rail mounting structure cavity 114 prevents movement of the rail mounting structure 500 relative to the first rail 110.

[0111] Turning now to Figs. 3, 4, 5A, 5C, and 5D, the first rail mounting structure 500 includes a protrusion 516 on a helmet facing surface 513 of the mounting boss 514. The protrusion 516 is sized and shaped to interface with the second rail mounting structure cavity 116 to further stabilize and prevent motion of the first rail mounting structure 500 relative to the first rail 110. In embodiments, first and second rail mounting structure cavities 114 and 116 in combination form an opening through a full thickness of the first rail 110, from an outward facing surface of the first rail to a helmet facing surface of the first rail. In other embodiments, the first and second rail mounting structure cavities 114 and 116 may be partial thickness depressions in the outward facing surface of the first rail 110.

[0112] It is noted that the first rail mounting structure 500 can be mounted on a helmet system 100 that does not include a helmet rail (e.g. 110). In these embodiments, a helmet system may be provided with a rail mounting structure 500 on an outer surface of a helmet shell 105. The helmet shell 105 may include one or more of a first interface cavity 114 and second HUD interface cavity 116 for receiving and stabilizing the mounting boss 514 and protrusion 516.

[0113] In embodiments a fastener 160 is used to attach both the rail mounting structure 500 and the first rail 110 to the helmet shell 105, for example by assembling the fastener 160 through mounting hole 518 of the rail mounting structure 500, first and second rail mounting structure cavities 114 and 116 of the first rail 110, and attaching the fastener to threads or a threaded insert comprising or assembled into an attachment hole 118 of the helmet shell 105. In some embodiments the connector 160 is assembled through the attachment hole 118 and the mounting hole 518 to connect the first rail mounting structure 500 to the helmet assembly 100. In some embodiments, the same fastener 160 may be used to attach a portion of the suspension system 140 to the helmet shell 105. In some exemplary embodiments, the attachment hole 118 is used for attaching both the first rail mounting structure 500 and the suspension system 140 to the helmet system 100, for example using the fastener 160. In some embodiments one or more additional fasteners are used to attach to the first rail mounting structure 500 and a portion of the suspension system 140 helmet system 100 via the attachment hole 118. In other embodiments, the same attachment hole 118 is used for attaching the first rail 110, the first rail mounting structure 500, and a portion of the suspension system 140 to the helmet shell 105, either with the same fastener 160 and, in some embodiments, with one or more additional fasteners, for example a strap connector, that are each attached to the helmet shell 105 using the mounting hole 118. These arrangements are advantageous in that they may limit the number of attachment holes required to attach various components and accessories to the helmet shell 105, thereby reducing machining and assembly time and improving the strength protective capacity of the helmet shell 105.

[0011] Referring now to Figs. 5 A through 5E, the first rail mounting structure 500 includes a carrier body 510 with the first HUD rail 530 attached to an outward facing surface 519 of the carrier body 510. The first HUD rail 530 may be fixedly or removably attached to the carrier body 510. A cable management groove 520 is disposed on a helmet facing surface 515 of the carrier body 510 for holding a cable, for example cable 122 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, between the carrier body 510 and an outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105.

[0115] Referring now to Figs. 5A - 5E and 7, the first HUD rail 530 may be formed as a known Picatinny rail or have a cross sectional profile similar to that of a Picatinny rail. The shape of the first HUD rail is not so limited and can be formed with any suitable cross- sectional shape, for example with a rectangular, rounded or partially rounded, T-shaped, or trapezoidal shape, among others. The first HUD rail 530 includes an outwardly facing surface 533 opposed to the helmet facing surface 515 of the carrier body 510. The first HUD rail 530 includes a first, e.g., upper, grip interface feature 535 and a second, e.g., lower, grip interface feature 537. The upper and lower grip interface features 535 and 537 provide interface surfaces for attaching or assembling the upper and lower grips, 1130 and 1120 (see Fig. 7), onto the first HUD rail 530. For example, the upper grip 1130 includes an upper rail interface feature 1132 that is sized and shaped to mate with the upper grip interface feature 535 of the first HUD rail 530 when the HUD mounting system 1000 is assembled onto the first HUD rail. In a similar manner, the lower grip 1120 includes a lower rail interface feature 1122 sized and shaped to mate with the lower grip interface feature 537 of the first rail 530. The first HUD rail 530 includes divots 532 on an outward facing surface 533 of the first HUD rail 530 for aiding in positioning of the HUD mounting system 1000 along the rail, for example to provide one or more predefined positional stops of the HUD mounting system 1000 along the first HUD rail 530, as will be discussed in further detail herein. The first HUD rail 530 includes openings 534 between the rail and the carrier body 510. The openings 534 may reduce a weight of the first rail mounting structure 500.

[0116] In embodiments the first rail mounting structure 500 is formed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example using a machining process. In other embodiments, the first rail mounting structure 500 may be formed from other metals or from a plastic material, for example an injection molded or rapid prototyped plastic.5.1.3 First exemplary HUD mounting system

[0117] Referring now to Figs. 6 through 10, the first HUD mounting system 1000 will be described in further detail. The HUD device 1700 includes a viewing screen 1730. The first HUD mounting system 1000 is adapted to enable a user to position the viewing screen 1730 within the user’s line of sight at a distance from the user’s eye and at an angle relative to the user’s line of sight that may be selected by a user to provide an optimal viewing experience for the user. The first HUD mounting system 1000 enables positioning of the HUD device 1700 relative to a user’s eye to account for the user’s eye dimensions, the user’s eye box, and a viewing angle relative to the HUD device 1700 needed to view the full height and width of the viewing screen 1730.

[0118] The first HUD mounting system 1000 includes a first body, e.g., rail attachment body 1100, with upper grip 1130 and lower grip 1120 for attaching to the first HUD rail 530. The rail attachment body 1100 is disposed along a rail attachment body axis 10 that, when the HUD mounting system 1000 is assembled onto the first HUD rail 530, is disposed substantially parallel to an outer surface 533 of the first HUD rail 530, extending from top to bottom relative to the helmet shell 105, as indicated by directional axes 900. The rail attachment body 1100 includes ridges 1164 and 1165 that provide a gripping surface for a user. The rail attachment body 1100 includes a grip actuator button 1140 for displacing the lower grip 1120 relative to the upper grip 1130 to attach and detach the first HUD mounting system 1000 to and from the first HUD rail 530 and to enable movement the first HUD mounting system 1000 forward and backward along a longitudinal length of the first HUD rail, as indicated by arrow 42 (see Fig. 6), thus providing a single linear degree of freedom of motion between the first HUD rail 530 and the first HUD mounting system 1000.

[0119] In an alternative embodiment, the lower grip 1120 and upper grip 1130 are fixed in position relative to each to each other, i.e. the lower grip 1120 does not translate relative to the upper grip 1130, and the rail attachment body 1100 may be slid onto the first HUD rail 530 from a front or rear end of the first HUD rail. In this embodiment, the grip actuatorbutton 1140 may be adapted to actuate a locking mechanism (not shown) for holding the rail attachment body 1100 in place at a particular position along the first HUD rail 530 or for enabling movement of the attachment body relative to the first HUD rail.

[0120] A first arm 1300, is attached to the rail attachment body 1100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first arm 1300 extends from the rail attachment body 1100 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the rail attachment body axis 10, for example approximately 90 degrees relative to the rail attachment body axis or between 85 and 95 degrees, or between 87.5 and 97.5 or 89 and 91 degrees, relative to the rail attachment body axis. When the rail attachment body 1100 is attached to the first HUD rail 530, the first arm 1300 may extend horizontally from the rail attachment body. A first end 1310 of the first arm 1300 is rotatably attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a first articulating connection, for example at a hinge-type joint that includes a first adjustment knob 1200 and a first knob fastener 1212, which in some embodiments includes a threaded screw.

[0121] The first arm 1300 is rotatable around a longitudinal axis 10 of the rail attachment body 1100, as indicated by arrow 17, at a first articulating connection that includes the adjustment knob 1200, thereby providing one degree of rotational freedom of the first arm 1300 relative to the rail attachment body 1100. The first adjustment knob 1200 can be loosened by a user to enable rotation of the first arm 1300 relative to the rail attachment body 1100 to a user-selected position and tightened to lock the first arm 1300 at the user- selected position. The first end 1310 of the first arm 1300 includes a first cavity 1320 for receiving a protrusion 1162 of a grip housing body 1160 that forms a portion of the rail attachment body 1100 (see Figs. 9, 1 IB, and 11C). In some embodiments, a top surface of the first end 1310 includes raised features 1322 surrounding the first cavity 1320. The raised features 1322 interface with corresponding features on a bottom surface 1161 of the grip housing body 1160 surrounding the protrusion 1162 to provide resistance to rotation of the first arm 1300 relative to the rail attachment body 1100 and to aid in selecting a rotational position of the first arm. In some embodiments, a thrust bearing 1220 and wavespring 1225 are disposed between the first adjustment knob 1200 and the first end 1310 of the first arm 1300. The first end 1310 of the first arm 1310 includes a second cavity 1340 for receiving the thrust bearing 1220, wave spring 1225, and first adjustment knob 1200.

[0122] In some embodiments, an optional second arm 1500 is attached to the first arm 1300 at a hinge joint provided by hinge body 1400. A first end 1510 of the second arm 1500 is attached to the second end 1330 of the first arm 1300 at the hinge body 1400. The hinge body 1400 includes a vertical axis 20 that is substantially parallel to the rail attachment body axis 10. The first arm 1300 and the second arm 1500 extend at right angles from the hinge body 1400, substantially parallel to each other.

[0123] The hinge body 1400 includes a second adjustment knob 1410, a second knob fastener 1412, and a knob fastener receiver 1414. In some embodiments the second knob fastener 1412 includes a threaded screw and knob fastener receiver 1414 includes an internally threaded nut or an internally threaded insert.

[0124] The second arm 1500 is rotatable relative to the first arm 1300 around vertical axis 20 of the hinge body 1400, as indicated by arrow 22, thereby providing 1 degree of rotational freedom of the second arm 1500 relative to the first arm 1300. The second adjustment knob 1410 can be loosened by a user to enable rotation of the second arm 1500 relative to the first arm 1300 to a user-selected position and tightened to lock the second arm 1500 at the user-selected position.

[0125] The second arm 1500 is attached to the HUD device 1700 by a locking nut 1600 interfacing with threads 1712 on a mounting extension 1710 of the HUD device 1700. The locking nut 1600 can be loosened by a user to enable movement of the HUD device 1700 relative to the second arm 1500. A second rounded end 1520 of the second arm interfaces with a cup-shaped cavity 1720 of the HUD, as best seen in Fig. 10B. Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10B, the HUD device 1700 is rotatable around a longitudinal axis 30 of the second arm, as indicated by arrow 32. The interface of the second rounded end 1520 and the cup-shaped cavity 1720 enable adjustment of a pitch and yaw of the HUD relative to the second arm 1500, as indicated by arrows 34 and 35. This arrangement provides three rotational degrees of freedom between the second arm 1500 and the HUD device 1700, enabling a user to adjust the HUD device 1700 to position the HUD screen 1730 relative to the user’s line of sight for optimal viewing. The user can partially loosen the locking nut 1600 to provide resistance to motion of the HUD device 1700 relative the second arm 1500 to aid in fine tuning positioning of the HUD. The user can then tighten the locking nut 1600 to lock in a position of the HUD device 1700.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, the first arm 1300 includes the second arm 1500, i.e. the hinge body 1400 is absent between the rail connector body 1100 and the HUD device 1700 and the first arm 1300 extends therebetween. In this embodiment, the second end of the first arm 1300 includes a rounded interface or ball (not shown) for attaching the first arm 1300 to the HUD device 1700 with two or more, for example three, rotational degrees of freedom.

[0127] As best seen in Figs. 7, 9, and 10B, the second arm 1500 includes a cable opening 1530 to receive a cable, e.g., cable 122, for providing power and communication signals to the HUD device 1700 and a cable cavity 1535 for routing the cable to the HUD device 1700 through the second arm 1500 and into a HUD interior 1750. The HUD interior 1750 houses electronic and optical components (not shown) of the HUD device 1700. In some embodiments a compressible seal 1745, with a through hole for passage of the cable therethrough is provided. The compressible seal 1745 enables a watertight seal of the HUD device interior, for example providing a watertight seal with submersion of the HUD mounting system 1000 up to several meters of depth.

[0128] Referring now to Figs. 6, 8, 9, and 11A through 11C, in one or more embodiments, the HUD mounting system 1000 is releasably attachable to and slidably adjustable relative to the first HUD rail 530. The first HUD mounting system 1000 is quickly and easilyremovable from the first HUD rail 530 without tools. The rail attachment body 1100 is disposed along a longitudinal axis 10 and includes the grip housing body 1160. The grip housing body 1160 has an open topped grip cavity 1166 disposed along the rail attachment body axis 10 for receiving the lower grip 1120, the upper grip 1130, and a first deformable element 1150, for example an elastically deformable element, for example a compression spring. The upper grip 1130 is fixedly attached to an upper end 1161 of the grip housing body 1160 with one or more fixation elements 1168, for example with one or more set screws. In an alternative embodiment, the upper grip 1160 may be formed as a portion of the grip housing body 1160. The lower grip 1120 is disposed in the grip cavity 1166 between the upper grip 1130 and a bottom surface 1167 of the grip cavity.

[0129] The upper grip 1130 has an actuator cavity 1136 disposed along the axis 10, the actuator cavity having a spring support surface 1137 for supporting the first deformable element 1150, which is disposed within the actuator cavity. The grip actuator button 1140 is disposed partially within the actuator cavity 1136 and is slidably movable along the axis 10. An actuator knob connector 1142 connects the grip actuator button 1140 to the lower grip 1120. The spring support surface 1137 includes a through hole to allow passage of the actuator knob connector 1142 therethrough.

[0130] The connection between the grip actuator button 1140 and the lower grip 1120, via the actuator connector 1142, causes the lower grip to move along the axis 10 within the grip cavity 1166 when the grip actuator button 1140 translates along the axis 10, for example when a user pushes the grip actuator button 1140 towards the grip housing body 1160. The first deformable element 1150 is disposed between the spring support surface 1137 and the grip actuator button 1140. In some embodiments, a washer 1144 is disposed between the first deformable element 1150 and the grip actuator button 1140.

[0131] The first deformable element 1150 urges the actuator button 1140 away from the upper grip 1130, thereby translating the lower grip 1120 towards the upper grip 1130, toremovably fasten the HUD mounting system 1000 to the first HUD rail 530 when an upper rail interface feature 1132 and a lower rail interface feature 1122 both come into contact with corresponding upper and lower grip interface features 535 and 537 of the HUD rail 530, as shown in Fig. 1 IB.

[0132] In further embodiments, an optional second deformable element 1151 (shown in dashed lines in Figs. 1 IB and 11C) may be disposed between the lower grip 1120 the bottom surface 1167 of the grip cavity 1166, and may be partially contained within a bottom spring cavity 1129 of the lower grip 1120. The second deformable element 1151 may be provided instead of or in addition to the first deformable element 1150. The second deformable element 1151, when present and alone or together with the first deformable element 1150, urges the lower grip 1120 towards the upper grip 1130 along the longitudinal axis 10.

[0133] A user can apply a compressive force to the grip actuator button 1140 along the longitudinal axis 10. When the applied compressive force overcomes the urging force provided by the first deformable element 1150, and / or in some embodiments by the second deformable element 1151, the lower grip 1120 translates away from the upper grip 1130 to partially or wholly release the HUD mounting system 1000 from the first HUD rail 530, as shown in Fig. 11C.

[0134] The user can partially release the lower rail interface feature 1122 from the first HUD rail 530 to enable the HUD mounting system 1000 to slide along the first HUD rail 530. The user can fully release the lower rail interface feature 1122 from the first HUD rail 530 to enable removal or attachment of the HUD actuator assembly to or from the first HUD rail 530. In some embodiments the upper and lower rail interface features 1122 and 1132, respectively, are configured and sized to conform to and mate with corresponding contours of the rail.

[0135] In at least one embodiment, one or both of the rail attachment body 1100 and the first HUD rail 530 are adapted to provide the rail attachment body 1100 one or more positional stops along the rail, for example one or more predefined locations along the first HUD rail 530 where the rail attachment body 1100 is releasably fixated when a user slides the HUD mounting system 1000 along a length of the first HUD rail 530. In one or more embodiments, releasable fixation of the HUD mounting system 1000 at one of a plurality of positional stops along the first HUD rail 530 is provided by interface of a releasable actuator of the rail attachment body 1100, for example ball detent 1134, with one of a plurality of actuator retaining features, for example one of a plurality of divots 532, on the first HUD rail 530. The first HUD rail includes a plurality of divots 532 disposed along a length of the first HUD rail. Each divot 532 is disposed at a pre-determined positional stop location along the rail corresponding to a desired location where the HUD mounting system 1000 can be releasably fixated.

[0136] In examples, the upper grip 1130 includes a ball detent cavity 1135 into which a ball detent 1134 is press fit. The ball detent cavity 1135 is disposed between the upper rail interface feature 1132 and the lower rail interface feature 1122 when upper grip 1130 and lower grip 1120 are assembled into the grip cavity 1166. When the HUD mounting system 1000 is assembled onto the HUD rail 530, for example as shown in Fig. 1 IB, the ball detent 1134 interfaces with a divot 532 to releasably fixate the HUD mounting system 1000 at a positional stop defined by the location of a divot 532 with which the ball detent is interfaced. Other known mechanisms may be used to provide releasable fixation of the HUD mounting system 1000 relative to the first HUD rail 530, for example a worm drive configuration in which a worm gear is used to move the rail attachment body 1100 relative to corresponding threads formed on the first HUD rail 530.

[0137] Although the first HUD mounting system 1000 has been described herein having particular configurations, it is not so limited. For example, a first embodiment of the HUD mounting system 1000 includes a first arm 1300 and a second arm 1500. A second,alternative embodiment of the HUD mounting system 1000 can include only one arm, for example a first arm 1300 that is attached at a first end 1310 to the rail attachment body 1100 and at a second end 1330 to the HUD device 1700. In this arrangement the second end 1330 of the first arm may be formed as a HUD facing end, for example having a rounded end similar to the second end 1520 of the second arm 1500. Embodiments of a connection between a HUD device 1700 and an arm, e.g., second arm 1500, can include three degrees of rotational freedom, as discussed previously, or fewer degrees of freedom, for example one degree of rotational freedom around a second horizontal arm axis 30. In addition, the first arm 1300 may be attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a ball joint having three degrees of rotational freedom, or fewer degrees of rotational freedom if at least one degree of rotational freedom is constrained. In this manner, the first arm 1300 may be connected to the rail attachment body 1100 with a first articulating interface that has 2 or more degrees of freedom, for example with an unconstrained or partially constrained first ball joint interface and may be connected to the HUD device 1700 with a second articulating interface that has 2 or more degrees of freedom, for example with an unconstrained or partially constrained second ball joint interface. In a first alternative embodiment, the first end 1310 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a first joint having one degree of rotational freedom, for example a hinge joint, and a second end 1330 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the HUD device 1700 at a second joint having one degree of rotational freedom, for example a hinge joint. In a second alternative embodiment, the first end 1310 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a first joint having one degree of rotational freedom, and the second end 1330 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the HUD device 1700 at a second joint having two or more degree of rotational freedom, for example a ball joint. In a third alternative embodiment, the first end 1310 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a first joint having two or more degrees of rotational freedom, for example a ball joint, and the second end 1330 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the HUD device 1700 at a second joint having one degree of rotational freedom. In a fourth alternative embodiment, the first end1310 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the rail attachment body 1100 at a first joint having two or more degrees of rotational freedom, for example a ball joint, and the second end 1330 of the first arm 1300 is attached to the HUD device 1700 at a second joint having two or more degrees of rotational freedom, for example a ball joint.

[0138] Different embodiments of the first HUD mounting system 1000 may each be provided having different sizes, for example, multiple first HUD mounting systems 1000 may be each be provided a rail attachment body 1100 having a specified length, which may be different from the length of a rail attachment body 1100 of a different sized HUD mounting system 1000, for example to dispose the HUD device at a desired distance from the rail 530. In a similar manner, different embodiments of the first HUD mounting system 1000 may be provided each with one or more of the first arm 1300 and the second arm 1500 having a different length as compared to another embodiment of the first HUD mounting system 1000. In this manner, embodiments of the first HUD mounting system 1000 may be provided that are sized for particular uses, for example, for a size and shape of a particular helmet or to fit over or behind a mandible guard, gas mask, ballistic glassed, and / or eye protecting visor while retaining full functionality of the HUD device 1700.5.1.4 Second exemplary helmet system

[0139] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, a second exemplary helmet system 200 is shown. The second helmet system 200 includes the first HUD mounting system 1000 attached to the second helmet system 200 via a second embodiment of a HUD rail, second HUD rail 630. The second helmet system 200 includes a suspension system 240, which may include a fit system. The suspension system 240 is substantially similar to the previously disclosed suspension system 140 shown, for example, in Figs. 1 through 3. Directional axes 900 indicate an up direction, down direction, left direction, right direction, front direction, and rearward direction which correspond to an up direction, down direction, left direction, rightdirection, forward direction, and rearward direction for a user on which helmet system 200 is mounted.

[0140] The helmet system 200 includes a second embodiment of an RCM 250 mounted on or partially disposed within an outside rear surface of the second helmet system 200 and a second power module 255 which may be releasably attachable to the second RCM 250. The second RCM 250 and second power module 255 are substantially similar to the previously disclosed RCM 150 and power module 155 shown, for example, in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0141] The second helmet system 200 includes an outer structure 205 which may include an injection molded plastic, layed up carbon fiber, or other-wise formed, structure disposed on the outside of a helmet, for example over one or more ballistic protection and / or bump protection elements of the helmet system 200. The outer structure 205 includes one or more ridges 206 formed therein. Electrically conducting cables 209 (indicated by dashed lines) may be disposed under the one or more ridges to provide power and data communications between the RCM and one or more power and / or communication interfaces of the helmet system 200.

[0142] A power and data connector 220 is coupled to a power and data interface (not shown) on the outer structure 205 and a front right side of the outer structure 205. The power and data connector 220 is electrically connected to the RCM 250 via the power and data interface and a cable (not shown) which extends beneath a ridge 206 to the RCM. A cable 222 is connected between the power and data connector 220 and the HUD device 1700 across a front portion of the helmet system 200, above a brim 201 of the outer structure 205, to provide power and data signals generated by the RCM 250 to the HUD device 1700, including information for display on a viewing screen of the HUD device.

[0143] A cable clip 241 mounted on a front outer surface of the outer structure 205 or attached to a front shroud 242 attached to the outer surface may hold a portion of the cable 222 above the brim 201. The front shroud 242 may be for attaching an accessory device(not shown) to the helmet system 200, for example for attaching a night vision device or visor. . The front shroud 242 may be mounted over the cable clip 241. In this manner, the cable clip 241, and the cable 222 held in place by the cable clip, do not interfere with mounting an accessory device, for example a night vision device, on the front of the second helmet system 200. It is noted that, now referring to Fig. 1, cable clip 141 of the first helmet system 100 may be formed similar to cable clip 241 and may similarly interface with a front shroud.

[0144] A HUD structure 330 is mounted on the outer structure 205 at a HUD structure interface 208 formed on the outer structure 205, for example with one or more connectors 207 and 260. The HUD structure 330 is mounted on a front side location of the outer structure, for example on a front left side. In embodiments, the HUD structure 330 is mounted on a front portion of the outer structure on a side opposing the side on which the power and data cable connector 220 is interfaced.

[0145] The helmet system 200 includes an attachment hole 218 that passes through the outer structure 205 and that, in some embodiments, extends to an interior of the helmet system 200. The HUD structure 330 includes a mounting hole 318 passing therethrough. The HUD structure may be at least partially attached to the helmet system using the connector 260. The connector 260 may be assembled through attachment hole 218 and mounting hole 318 to connect the HUD structure 330 to the helmet system 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting hole 218 is used to connect both the HUD structure 330 and a portion of the suspension system 240 to the helmet system 200, for example using the connector 260, and in some embodiments one or more additional connectors that are attached to the helmet system 200 via the attachment hole 218. In some embodiments, the connector 260 includes a threaded connector and corresponding threaded insert that is mounted within or accessed through the attachment hole 218.

[0146] The HUD structure 330 includes a second embodiment of a HUD control interface 331, which includes a plurality of buttons 332. The second HUD control interface 331 may be actuated by a user to generate command signals for controlling one or more operational parameters of the HUD device 1700. The RCM 250 may receive command signals generated by the HUD control interface 331, for example in response to a user actuating one or more of the buttons 332 and, in response, generate one or more corresponding command signals for communication to the HUD device 1700. The HUD structure interface 208 includes an opening 211 in the outer structure 205 through which an electrical conductor 209 extending from the RCM 250 under the ridge 206 may be electrically connected to the HUD control interface 332 for communicating signals between the HUD control interface 332 and the RCM 250. The HUD structure 330 includes a groove 334 for supporting the cable 222.

[0147] The HUD structure 330 includes a second embodiment of a carrier body 600 for mounting a second embodiment of a HUD rail 630 to the HUD structure 330. The second HUD rail 630 may be fixedly attached to the second carrier body 600 using, for example, one or more threaded fasteners, adhesive, or other type of bonding. The second HUD rail 630 may be removably attached to the second carrier body 600, for example with releasable clips, magnets, or other suitable releasable engagement features.

[0148] The second HUD rail 630 includes a plurality of divots 632 for providing a plurality of positional stops for releasably fixating the HUD mounting system 1000 at predefined locations along the second HUD rail 630. In embodiments, the second HUD rail 630 is substantially similar to the previously disclosed first HUD rail 530, shown, for example, in Figs. 5 A through 5E, and the HUD mounting system 1000 may be removably attached to and slidable moved relative to the second HUD rail 630 in a similar manner as previously described in relation to the first HUD rail 530.5.1.5 Second exemplary HUD mounting system

[0149] Referring now to Figs. 14 through 19C, a second exemplary embodiment of a HUD mounting system 2000 is shown. The second HUD mounting system 2000 can be removably attached to and slidably positioned along a third exemplary embodiment of a HUD rail 730, in a manner similar to that described previously in relation to the first HUD mounting system 1000 and its interface with the first and second exemplary HUD rails 530 and 630.

[0150] As best seen in Figs. 14, 15A, and 1 B, a third rail mounting structure 700 includes the third HUD rail 730 attached to a third embodiment of a carrier body portion 710 of the third rail mounting structure 700. The third HUD rail 730 may be fixedly or releasably attached to the third carrier body 710.

[0151] The third rail mounting structure 700 includes a mounting boss 714 with a mounting hole 718 formed therethrough. The mounting boss 714 and mounting hole 718 together enable the third rail mounting structure 700 to be mounted on a helmet rail, for example on the first helmet rail 110 shown in, for example, Fig. 4, in a manner similar to that described in relation to the first rail mounting structure 500. In other embodiments, the third rail mounting structure 700 may be formed without a mounting boss 714 and the mounting hole 718 and may instead be formed with a configuration similar to that of the second rail mounting structure 600, for mounting the third HUD rail 730 on a second rail mounting structure 600 formed on an embodiment of a HUD structure 330 (see Figs. 12 and 13), in a manner similar to that discussed herein in relation to the second rail mounting structure 600.

[0152] The third HUD rail 730 includes a plurality of round divots 732 disposed on an outward facing surface 733 of the third HUD rail for aiding in positioning of the second HUD mounting system 2000 along the third HUD rail, for example for providing a plurality of first positional stops (i.e. a plurality of divots 732), at each of which the HUD mounting system 2000 may be releasably fixated. As best seen in Fig. 15A, the third HUD rail 730also includes a plurality of HUD rail protrusions 735 disposed between a helmet facing surface 739 of the third HUD rail 730 and an outward facing surface 737 of the third carrier body 710. The HUD rail protrusions 735 are formed and disposed to aid in positioning and stabilizing the second HUD mounting system 2000 along the third HUD rail 730, for example for providing a plurality of first positional stops (i.e. a plurality of divots 735), at each of which the HUD mounting system 2000 may be releasably fixated. As best seen in Figs. 14, 15A, 15B, 19B and 19C, the third HUD rail 730 includes a profile having T-shape, with a roughly rectangular shaped head portion 734 having beveled edges 731 disposed on the outward facing surface 733 thereof.

[0153] The second HUD mounting system 2000 includes a second embodiment of a rail attachment body 2100, a third embodiment of an arm 2300, and a second embodiment of a HUD device 2700. The third arm 2300 extends roughly perpendicularly from the second rail attachment body 2100, for example at a 90 degree angle relative to the axis 11, or at an angle between 87.5 and 91.5 degrees or 85 to 95 degrees relative to the axis 11.

[0154] A first end 2310 of the third arm 2300 is rotatably coupled to a distal end 2101 of the second rail attachment body 2100. The third arm 2300 is rotatable around a longitudinal axis 11 of the second rail attachment body 2100, as indicated by arrow 13, thereby providing one degree of rotational freedom of the third arm 2300 relative to the second rail attachment body 2100.

[0155] A second end 2320 of the third arm 2300 is connected to the second HUD device 2700. Second HUD device 2700 is rotatable around a longitudinal axis 31 of the second arm 2300, as indicated by arrow 33, thereby providing one degree of rotational freedom of the second HUD device 2700 relative to the third horizontal arm 2300.

[0156] The second rail attachment body 2100 includes a grip housing body 2160 with a protrusion 2162 at the distal end 2101 of the second tube body for interfacing with a cavity 2316 formed in the first end 2310 of the third horizontal arm 2300. The cavity 2316 isshaped to mate with the protrusion 2162. In embodiments, the protrusion 2162 and the cavity 2316 are both circular in cross section.

[0157] The protrusion 2162 includes a detent cavity 2165 for receiving a first threaded ball detent 2164 therein. The detent cavity 2165 is formed so that the first threaded ball detent faces outward from an outer surface 2163 of the protrusion 2162 and toward an inner surface 2315 of the cavity 2316 when the grip housing body 2160 and the third arm 2300 are assembled together. The inner surface 2315 of the cavity 2316 includes a plurality of rounded indents 2314. As best seen in Fig. 18B, the rounded indents 2314 are sized and shaped to interface with the first threaded ball detent 2164 to provide a temporarily fixed rotational position of the third horizontal arm 2300 relative to the second rail attachment body 2100. This arrangement advantageously enables a user to select from among a number of pre-defined rotational positions of the third horizontal arm 2300 without needing to loosen or tighten a fastener such as a knob, latch, or the like to do so.

[0158] The protrusion 2162 also includes one or more outwardly facing motion limiting grooves, e.g. first and second grooves 2168 and 2169. The first and second motion limiting grooves 2168 and 2169 each extend partial around a circumference of the outer surface 2163 of the protrusion 2162. The cavity 2316 of the first end 2310 of the third arm 2300 includes first and second motion limiting structures 2311 and 2312 disposed to extend radially inward into the cavity 2316 partially along a radius of the cavity 2316. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second motion limiting structures 2311 and 2312 are set screws.

[0159] As best seen in Fig. 18B, the first and second motion limiting structures 2311 and 2312 are further formed and disposed so that they interface with the first and second motion limiting grooves 2168 and 2169 when the grip housing body 2160 and third arm 2300 are assembled together. The first and second motion limiting structures 2311 and 2312, disposed in the first and second motion limiting grooves 2168 and 2169, limit rotationalmotion of the second horizontal arm 2300 relative to the second rail attachment body 2100. The first and second motion limiting structures 2311 and 2312 also function to hold the second horizontal arm 2300 and second rail attachment body 2100 assembled together.

[0160] An interface between the second end 2320 of the third horizontal arm 2300 and the second HUD device 2700 has a similar arrangement as the interface between the first end 2310 of the second horizontal arm and the second vertical tube 2100. A mounting extension 2710 of the second HUD device 2700 includes, disposed on an outer surface 2715 thereof, a motion limiting groove 2711 and a ball detent cavity 2713 for receiving a third press fit ball detent 2712. The outer surface 2715 has a round cross section.

[0161] The second end 2320 of the third horizontal arm 2300 includes a round cavity 2326 sized to receive the mounting extension 2710 therein. As best seen in Fig. 18C, one or more motion limiting structures, e.g., motion limiting structures 2321 and 2322, extend radially inward from an inner surface 2325 of the cavity 2326 to interface with the motion limiting groove 2711 when the second HUD device 2700 and third horizontal arm 2300 are assembled together. The inner surface 2325 of the cavity 2326 includes a plurality of rounded indents 2324 disposed thereupon. As best seen in Fig. 18C, the rounded indents 2324 are sized and shaped to interface with the third press fit ball detent 2712 to provide a temporarily fixed rotational position of the second HUD device 2700 relative to the third horizontal arm 2300. This arrangement advantageously enables a user to select from among a number of pre-defined rotational positions of the second HUD device 2700 without needing to loosen or tighten a fastener such as a thumb knob, latch, or the like to do so.

[0162] The second rail attachment body 2100 includes an upper grip 2130 with an upper rail interface structure 2132 and with a fourth press fit ball detent 2134 disposed in a detent cavity 2135 below the top rail interface structure, a lower grip 2120 with a lower rail interface structure 2122, a grip actuator button 2140 connected to the lower grip 2120 by an actuator button connector 2142, and a third deformable element 2150, e.g. compressionspring, all disposed within a grip cavity 2166 of the grip housing body 2160 along a longitudinal axis 11 of the second rail attachment body 2100. The upper grip 2130 is fixedly attached to and disposed at a top open end of the grip housing body 2160. The lower grip 2120 is disposed within the grip cavity 2166 between the upper grip and a bottom surface 2167 of the grip cavity. The third deformable element 2150 is disposed between a bottom surface 2167 of the grip cavity and a bottom surface 2201 of the lower grip.

[0163] The third deformable element 2150 urges the lower grip 2120 toward to upper grip 2130 to lock the second rail mounting structure 2000 on the third HUD rail 730, as shown in Fig. 19B. When a user pushes on the actuator button 2140 with a force that overcomes an urging force provided by the third deformable element 2150, the lower grip 2120 translates away from the upper grip 2130 to partially or completely release the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 from the third HUD rail 730, as shown in Fig. 19C.

[0164] The upper rail interface structure 2132 and lower rail interface structure 2122 are shaped and sized to interface with the profile shape of the third HUD interface rail 730, as best seen in Figs. 15B, 19B, and 19C.

[0165] The lower rail interface structure 2122 includes a rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 shaped and sized to interface with a one of a plurality of HUD rail protrusions 735 when the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 is assembled onto the third HUD rail 730, as shown in Fig. 19B, thereby enabling a temporarily fixed position of the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 relative to the third HUD rail 730. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of HUD rail protrusions 735 provides a positional stop for releasably fixating the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 at a particular position along a length of the third HUD rail 730. When the lower rail interface structure 2140 is in its locked configuration, the rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 may be interfaced with a particular one of the plurality of HUD rail protrusions 735 to provide releasable fixation of the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 at the particular one of the plurality of HUD rail protrusions. Auser may push on the grip actuator button 2140 to move the lower rail interface structure2122 away from the upper rail interface 2132 to release the rail protrusion receiving cavity2123 from the particular one of the plurality of HUD rail protrusions 735, thereby enabling movement of the second rail attachment body 2100, and the second HUD mounting assembly, along the third HUD rail 730. Thus, rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 is adapted as an engagement feature that is operable by the user to enable releasable fixation of the second rail attachment body 2100, and the second HUD mounting assembly at a positional stop (a one of the HUD rail protrusions 735) disposed at a predefined location along the third HUD rail 830.

[0166] The fourth press fit ball detent 2134 interfaces with a one of a plurality of divots 732 of the third HUD rail 730 to aid in positioning and enabling a temporarily fixed position of the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 along the third HUD rail 730. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of divots 732 provides a positional stop for releasably fixating the second HUD mounting assembly 2000 at a particular position along a length of the third HUD rail 730.

[0167] Some embodiments include only a fourth press fit ball detent 2134 for interfacing with a divot 732, other embodiments include only a rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 for interfacing with a HUD rail protrusion 735, and further embodiments include both a fourth press fit ball detent 2134 and a rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 for aiding in temporarily fixing a position of the second HUD mounting assembly along the third HUD rail 730.

[0168] Fig. 20 is a block diagram of a helmet system 300. The helmet system 300 has various components. These components include a helmet shell 105, a helmet rail 110, and a helmet accessory subsystem 40. The helmet accessory subsystem 40 includes a fourth embodiment of a rail mounting structure 800 and a third embodiment of a HUD mounting system 3000. The fourth rail mounting structure 800 includes a carrier body 805 and afourth embodiment of a HUD rail 830, and the third HUD mounting system 3000 includes a third embodiment of a rail attachment body 3100.

[0169] The components of the helmet system 300 are arranged as follows. The helmet rail 110 attaches to an outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105, and the helmet accessory subsystem 40 attaches to the helmet rail 110, i.e. the fourth rail mounting structure 800 is attached to the helmet rail 110. In at least one alternative embodiment, the fourth rail mounting structure 800 attaches directly to the helmet shell 105 instead of the helmet rail 110. The attachment of the helmet accessory subsystem 40 to the helmet rail 110 is indicated by reference 37. The third rail attachment body 3100 of the third HUD mounting system 3000 removably attaches to the fourth HUD rail 830 of the fourth rail mounting structure 800 (indicated by reference 39).

[0170] The fourth rail mounting structure 800 holds the fourth HUD rail 830 within the carrier body 805 at a threshold amount of holding force. For this purpose, the carrier body 805 includes locking members held under spring tension (not shown) that hold the fourth HUD rail 830 within the carrier body 805 at the threshold amount of holding force.

[0171] The fourth HUD rail 830 and the third HUD mounting system 3000 are additionally configured as a breakaway unit 19. When an amount of force is applied to the third HUD mounting system 3000 that pulls the third HUD mounting system 3000 in a direction away from the helmet shell 105, and a magnitude of the force exceeds the threshold amount of holding force within which the fourth HUD rail 830 is held within the carrier body 805, the breakaway unit 19 disengages from the fourth rail mounting structure 800. As a result, the breakaway unit 19 separates from the helmet system 300.

[0172] The breakaway unit 19 is designed to disengage from the fourth rail mounting structure 800 when an obstruction or object entangles with components of the helmet accessory subsystem 40, for example, when the individual wearing the helmet system 300 is moving but does not perceive the entanglement. The ability of the breakaway unit 19 tobreak away from the helmet system 300 may limit damage to the third HUD mounting system 3000 and can minimize injury to the individual wearing the helmet system 300 under these conditions.

[0173] Fig. 21 shows an exemplary helmet system 300. Components of the helmet system 300 are similar to components of the first helmet system 100, shown for example in Figs. 1 through 3, and like components include like reference numbers and descriptions thereof previously disclosed in relation to the first helmet system 100 are applicable to like components of the helmet system 300.

[0174] The helmet system 300 includes a helmet shell 105 and a helmet accessory subsystem 40. The helmet accessory subsystem 40 includes the fourth rail mounting structure 800 and the third HUD mounting system 3000. In the illustrated example, the third HUD mounting system 3000 includes an accessory device 1700. In example embodiments, the third HUD mounting system 3000 is a heads up display (HUD) device mounting system for attaching a HUD device 1700.

[0175] The helmet system 300 includes additional components. These components include a first helmet rail 110 and a second helmet rail 115, a rear control module (RCM) 150, a power module 155 and a control interface module (control interface) 130 with buttons 132.

[0176] The fourth rail mounting structure 800 has a carrier body 805 with an attachment flange 809, and includes left and right locking members 804A and 804B, respectively, and includes the fourth HUD rail 830. The third HUD mounting system 3000 includes the third rail attachment body 3100 and an accessory device 1700. Here, the accessory device is a HUD device 1700. An arm 3300 connects the HUD device 1700 to the third rail attachment body 3100. The third rail attachment body 3100 includes a rail locking actuator 3106 and an arm locking actuator 3108. The rail locking actuator 3106 and arm locking actuator 3108 may each include a threaded fastener, for example a thumb knob or set screw, or any suitabledevice for applying compressive force, for example a spring-loaded actuator such as a spring detent or the like.

[0177] The helmet system 300 is arranged as follows. As to the helmet shell 105, with respect to a directional axes 900, a front 12 of the helmet shell 105 faces the viewer, the first helmet rail 110 is attached to a left side 16 of the helmet shell 105 and the second helmet rail 115 is attached to a right side 18 of the helmet shell 105. The RCM 150 is mounted on or at least partially exposed through the outer surface 107 of the helmet shell 105. The RCM 150 provides control of and exchanges power and data signals with the HUD device 1700. The power module 155 includes one or more power sources, for example one or more batteries. The power module 155 provides power to both the RCM 150 and the third HUD device 1700. In some embodiments, the RCM 150 includes a processor and a first power source (not shown). In embodiments, the battery module 155 includes a removable power source (not shown) and may be removably attached to the RCM 150.

[0178] The control interface 130 may be used to control one or more operational aspects of the HUD device 1700 within the third HUD mounting system 3000, for example the control interface 130 may be used to control information displayed on the HUD device 1700. The control interface 130 is mounted on the left side 16 of the helmet shell 105 near its front 12. The power module 155 and the RCM 150 are attached to a rear 14 of the helmet shell 105. The helmet shell 105 also has an attachment hole 118.

[0179] The components of the helmet accessory subsystem 40 are arranged as follows. The fourth rail mounting structure 800 attaches to the attachment hole 118 of the helmet shell 105 via a fastener 160, which may include a threaded fastener. For this purpose, the fastener 160 passes through a hole 802 in the attachment flange 809 of the fourth rail mounting structure 800. Reference 37 indicates the attachment of the fourth rail mounting structure 800 to the first helmet rail 110.

[0180] In a number of embodiments, the fastener 160 is configured to attach both the fourth rail mounting structure 800 and a front portion of the first rail 110 to the helmet shell 105. This advantageously reduces an amount of hardware used to assemble the helmet system 300 and reduces a number of holes formed in the helmet shell 105 for assembling components of the helmet system 300 onto the helmet shell 105.

[0181] Within the fourth rail mounting structure 800, the fourth HUD rail 830 is held within the carrier body 805 via the locking members 804A, 804B, which are located on opposing ends of the carrier body 805 along its length L.

[0182] With regard to the third HUD mounting system 3000, the arm 3300 has a first, proximal, end 3310 that connects to the third rail attachment body 3100 at a first ball joint 3600 and second, distal, end 3320 that connects to the HUD device 1700 at a second ball joint 3800. The second end 3320 of the arm 3300 is opposed to the first end 3310. The first end 3310 pivotably connects to the third rail attachment body 3100 via a first ball and socket joint 3600, and the second end 3320 pivotably connects to the HUD device 1700 via a second ball and socket joint 3800.

[0183] The third rail attachment body 3100 has a rail interface 3105 formed as a channel that is designed to interface with and slide onto the fourth HUD rail 830. In the illustrated example, the channel of the rail interface 3105 is substantially C-shaped. The rail connector locking knob 3106, when loosened, allows the third rail attachment body 3100 (and thus the third HUD mounting system 3000) to slide along the length L of the fourth HUD rail 830 to adjust the location of the HUD mounting system accessory device relative to the fourth HUD rail 830. When tightened, the rail connector locking knob 3106 secures the third rail attachment body 3100 to the fourth HUD rail 830, thus securing the HUD mounting system 3000 to the fourth rail mounting structure 800. The removable attachment of the third rail attachment body 3100 to the fourth HUD rail 830 is indicated by reference 39. In this way, the rail connector locking knob 3106 operates as a first actuator of the third HUD mountingsystem 3000 for locking the rail attachment body 3100 to the fourth HUD rail 830 of the fourth rail mounting structure 800.

[0184] In addition, the arm connector locking knob 3108 secures the position of the arm 3300 at its first end 3310 relative to the third rail attachment body 3100. In this way, the arm connector locking knob 3108 operates as a second actuator for locking the first end 3310 of the arm 3300 in place relative to the third rail attachment body 3100. A user may loosen the arm connector locking knob 3108 to enable motion of the arm 3300 relative to the third rail attachment body 3100 for changing a position and angle of the HUD device 1700 relative to the third rail attachment body 3100 and may tighten the arm connector knob 3108 to lock the arm 3300 in a particular position.

[0185] Fig. 22 shows detail for the fourth rail mounting structure 800 that could not be shown in Fig. 21. With reference to directional axes 901, the fourth HUD rail 830 is shown detached / disengaged from the carrier body 805 to show a front 811 of the carrier body 805 and a rail stabilizer receptacle 803 at its front 811, centered along the length L of the carrier body 805. The attachment flange 809 rises upward from a top 801 of the carrier body 805.

[0186] In the illustrated example, the fourth HUD rail 830 is in the form of a rigid elongated bar. The bar is slightly curved outward along its length. The bar is typically made of metal. The HUD rail 830 may be formed with other cross sectional shapes in one or more embodiments. For example, the HUD rail 830 may be configured similarly to the first HUD rail 530 (see, for example, Figs. 5D and 5E), HUD rail 630 (see, for example, Figs. 12 and 13) or HUD rail 730 (see, for example Figs. 15A and 15B). The HUD rail 830 may be formed as a known Picatinny rail or have a cross sectional profile similar to that of a Picatinny rail. The shape of the first HUD rail 830 is not so limited and can be formed with any suitable cross-sectional shape, for example with a rectangular, rounded or partially rounded, T-shaped, or trapezoidal shape, among others.

[0187] The fourth HUD rail 830 has a front 832 surface, a rear surface 834, a left side 837 and a right side 839. Left stop 810A and right stop 810B protrude outward from the front surface 832 of the fourth HUD rail 830. The left stop 810A is located near the left side 837 while the right stop 810B is located near the right side 839. As their names suggest, the stops 810A, 81 OB limit a range of travel of the third rail attachment body 3100 along the length L of the fourth HUD rail 830.

[0188] The left locking member 804A and the right locking member 804B each rotate around vertically arranged pins 816. The pins pass through holes in a top portion of the locking members 804A, 804B and the locking members 804A, 804B rotate around their respective pins 816.

[0189] Fig. 23 shows the third HUD mounting system 3000 of the helmet accessory subsystem 40 securely fastened to the fourth rail mounting structure 800. For this purpose, the left locking member 804A and the right locking member 804B are in a locked position to hold the fourth HUD rail 830 within the carrier body 805 with a threshold amount of holding force. The rail connector locking knob 3106 is in a locked position to secure the third rail attachment body 3100 to the fourth HUD rail 830 at its front 811.

[0190] Fig. 24 shows third HUD mounting system 3000 disconnected from the fourth rail mounting structure 800. In one example, the individual wearing the helmet system 300 can manually move the left and right locking members 804A and 804B outward towards the left and right sides of the body 805 to disconnect the fourth HUD rail 830 from being held within the carrier body 805. This is indicated by arrows with reference 813.

[0191] In another example, a force (indicated by reference F) might be applied to the third HUD mounting system 3000 in a direction that points away from the fourth rail mounting structure 800 / in a direction outwards and away from the left side 16 of the helmet shell 105, upward relative to the helmet shell, or downward relative to the helmet shell. This can occur when the third HUD mounting system 3000 is entangled with an obstruction orobject, and the individual is moving but is unaware of the entanglement. The force F might be applied at an angle 9 that is perpendicular to a longitudinal plane 15 of the body 805 along its length L. The angle could also be less than perpendicular, however. When a magnitude of the force applied to the third HUD mounting system 3000 exceeds the threshold holding force within which the fourth HUD rail 830 is held within the carrier body 805, the third HUD mounting system 3000 and its connected fourth HUD rail 830 break away as a unit from the fourth rail mounting structure 800. In one example, the threshold amount of holding force has a range of 5 pounds to 20 pounds, and in a particular example is approximately 40 pounds.

[0192] In some embodiments, the individual may grasp a portion of the third HUD mounting system 3000, for example to the arm 3300, and apply the force (F) manually. Doing so will overcome the locking force supplied by the locking members 804A and 804B for holding the fourth HUD rail 830 within the carrier body 805. In this way, the individual can purposely remove the fourth HUD rail 830, and the third HUD mounting system 3000 including the HUD device 1700 attached to the fourth HUD rail 830, as a unit from the body 805. This may be advantageous for enabling removal of the third HUD mounting system 3000 without directly manipulating the locking members 804A and 804B.

[0193] Fig. 25 shows a rear view of the helmet accessory subsystem 40 in Fig. 23. This view shows components that could not be shown in the prior figures. A rear 821 of the carrier body 805 faces the viewer.

[0194] A pair of cable clips 841 are attached to the rear 821 of the carrier body 805, located near a bottom 823 of the carrier body 805. The arm 3300 includes an opening 3330 that forms a channel passing from an exterior of the arm to a hollow second end 3320 of the arm. The cable clips 841 may support a power and / or data cable that connects to the HUD device 1700 and the power and / or data cable may pass through into the opening 3330, through the arm 3300, and to the HUD device 1700.

[0195] Compressible members 818 interfaced with the carrier body 805 and with each of the left and right locking members 804A and 804B are visible from the rear 821 of the body 805. In some embodiments, the compressible members 818 includes springs or other members that, when partially or wholly compressed, elastically deform to provide an urging force for holding each of the locking members 804A and 804B in a locked configuration to hold the fourth HUD rail 830 within the carrier body 805 at the threshold amount of holding force, for example by urging the locking members 804A and 804B into their locked configurations.[ 001 96 ] Fig. 26 is a top section view of the fourth rail mounting structure 800, taken through section line 26 of Fig. 25, with the third rail connector body 3100 and arm 3300 omitted for clarity. This view provides more detail for the left and right locking members 804A and 804B and the compressible members 818. Also shown are the left and right stops 810A, 810B. Each rail locking member 804 A and 804B includes a rail interface 808 A and 808B, respectively, for interfacing with corresponding receptacles 838 A and 838B of the fourth HUD rail 830 to hold the fourth HUD rail 830 on the carrier body 805. Each rail locking member 804A and 804B includes an actuating interface 807 A, 807B, respectively. The actuating interfaces 807A and 807B are urged into a locked configuration by compressible members 818. When the actuating interfaces 807A and 807B are in the locked configuration, the rail interfaces 808 A and 808B are engaged with the receptacles 838 A and 838B of the third HUD rail 830. A user can push on the actuating interfaces 807A and 807B to overcome the urging forces provided by the compressible members 818 to disengage the rail interfaces 808A and 808B from the receptacles 838A, 838B to enable removal of the fourth HUD rail 830 from the carrier body 805.

[0197] The fourth HUD rail 830 includes a rail stabilizer boss 835 which interfaces with the rail stabilizer receptacle 803 of the carrier body 805. This aids a user to locate the fourth HUD rail 830 on the carrier body 805 when assembling the fourth HUD rail 830 onto the carrier body 805 and provides stabilization of the fourth HUD rail 830 when it is assembledonto the carrier body 805. In some embodiments, one or more of the rail stabilizer receptacle 803 and rail stabilizer boss 835 may include one or more of a magnet and ferromagnetic material to provide a magnetic force for helping to locate the fourth HUD rail 830 on the carrier body 805 and, in some embodiments, to provide a portion of the threshold amount of holding force for maintaining the fourth HUD rail 830 on the carrier body 805.

[0198] Fig. 27 shows a rear exploded view of the fourth rail mounting structure 800. This view shows horizontal recesses 829 provided at opposing ends of the carrier body 805 along its length L. To enable the left and right locking members 804A and 804B to provide the threshold amount of holding force to the fourth HUD rail 830, the compressible members 818 are first placed longitudinally in the recesses 829. Each pin 816 is inserted in a hole 824 at the top 801 of the carrier body 805, and then into a hole that extends vertically through each of the left and right locking members 804A and 804B. A threaded portion of the pins 816, located at a bottom of the pins, then engages with a threaded hole (not shown), located near the bottom 823 of the carrier body 805, to rotatably secure the left and right locking members 804A and 804B to the carrier body 805. When the left and right locking members 804A and 804B are assembled onto the carrier body 805, the compressible members 818 are disposed between the recesses 829 and the actuating interfaces 807A and 807B to urge the left and right locking members into their locked configuration. The compressible members 818 are each disposed between a recess 829 and a corresponding locking member (804A or 804B) to apply an urging force to the corresponding locking member for urging in an maintain the corresponding locking member in a locked configuration for holding the fourth HUD rail 830 on the carrier body 805.

[0199] Fig. 28 shows more detail for the first and second ball and socket joints 3600, 3800 of the third HUD mounting system 3000.

[0200] The first ball and socket joint 3600 includes a first ball 3303 disposed at the first end 3310 of the arm 3300. The first ball 3303 seats within a through hole 3107 near a bottom of the third rail connector body 3100. The first ball 3303 has grooves formed on its surface that are designed to engage with the ball locking actuator 3108 or with an insert disposed within the through hole 3107. The first ball 3303, and the arm 3300 attached to the first ball 3303, can rotate and translate relative to the third rail connector body 3100 as indicated by arrows 1911, 1912, and 1913. In this manner, the first ball and socket joint 3600 provides a rotatable connection between the third rail connector body 3100 and the arm 3300 having three rotational degrees of freedom. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the three rotational degrees of freedom may be partially or wholly constrained such that the first ball and socket joint 3600, in some embodiments, may provide one or two, or greater that two, rotational degrees of freedom.

[0201] The second ball and socket joint 3800 includes a second ball 3309 located at the second end 3320 of the arm 3300. The second ball 3309 enables rotation of the HUD device 1700 relative to the arm 3300 around and relative to a longitudinal axis 3311 that passes through a center of the arm 3300, as indicated by arrows 1901, 1902, and 1903. In this manner, the second ball and socket joint 3800 provides a rotatable connection between the arm 3300 and the HUD device 1700 having three rotational degrees of freedom. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the three rotational degrees of freedom may be partially or wholly constrained such that the second ball and socket joint 3800, in some embodiments, may provide one or two, or greater that two, rotational degrees of freedom. The second ball 3309 is captured by a knurled knob 3312, and the knurled knob also engages with a threaded portion 1701 of the HUD device 1700. A user may loosen the knurled knob 3312 to adjust a position of the HUD device 1700 relative to the second end 3320 the arm 3300. The user may tighten the knurled knob 3312 to lock the HUD device 1700 in position relative to the second end 3320 of the arm 3300.

[0202] Fig. 29 is a rear exploded view of the helmet accessory subsystem 40 in Fig. 28. This view shows a threaded portion 3140 of the rail locking actuator 3106 and a threaded portion 3141 of the ball locking actuator 3108. The rail interface 3105 includes a first grip 3101 and a second grip 3102 for interfacing with the fourth HUD rail 832.

[0203] Referring now to Figs. 23, 24, 28, and 29, the rail locking actuator 3106 is assembled onto fourth rail connector body 3100 at a first actuator mounting hole 3142. The threaded portion 3140 of the rail locking actuator 3106 engages with matching threads of the first actuator mounting hole 3142. A distal end of the threaded portion threaded portion 3140 of the rail locking actuator 3106 impinges on the front surface 832 of the fourth HUD rail 830 to fix a position of the fourth rail connector body 3100 relative to the fourth HUD rail 830 when the rail locking actuator 3106 is tightened to a locked position.

[0204] The ball locking actuator 3108 is assembled onto fourth rail connector body 3100 at a second actuator mounting hole 3143. The threaded portion 3141 of the ball locking actuator 3108 engages with matching threads of the second actuator mounting hole 3143. When the ball locking actuator 3108 is tightened, it tends to draw portions of the third rail attachment body 3100 towards each other to reduce an inside dimension of the through hole 3107, thereby constraining the first ball 3303 within the through hole 3107 to prevent rotation of the first ball relative to the third rail attachment body.

[0205] The HUD device 1700 includes a viewing screen 1730 that is configured to face an eye of a user for displaying information when the helmet accessory subsystem 40 is mounted on the helmet system 300.

[0206] A user can adjust a position of the HUD device 1700 in a number of particulars, for example to position the HUD device 1700 relative to an eye of the user so that the user can see the viewing screen 1730. The user can loosen the rail locking actuator 3106 to enable the third rail attachment body 3100 to slide along a length (L) of the fourth HUD rail 830, with travel of the third rail attachment body 3100 relative to the fourth HUD rail 830limited by the left and right stops 810A and 81 OB. The user can then tighten the rail locking actuator 3106 to hold the carrier rail connector in a desired position.

[0207] The user can loosen the ball locking actuator 3108 to enable rotation and motion of the first ball 3303, and the arm 3300, relative to the third rail attachment body 3100, as indicated by arrows 1911, 1912, and 1913. The user can position the arm 3300 in a selected orientation and then tighten the ball locking actuator 3108 to maintain the arm 3300 in the selected orientation.

[0208] The user can loosen the knurled knob 3312 to enable rotation and angular movement of the HUD device 1700 relative to the second end 3320 of the arm 3300, as indicated by arrows 1901, 1902, and 1903. The user can position the HUD device 1700 in a selected position and angular orientation and then tighten the ball locking actuator 3108 and the knurled knob 3312 to lock the HUD device 1700 in a selected position and angular orientation.

[0209] Advantageously, the user can remove the third HUD mounting system 3000 from the carrier body 805, as shown in Fig. 24 and subsequently replace it on the carrier body 805, as shown in Fig. 23. If the rail locking actuator 3106 , ball locking actuator 3108, and knurled knob 3312 have remained their locked positions, the HUD device 1700 will be disposed in the selected position when the third HUD mounting system 3000 is assembled back onto the carrier body 805.

[0210] Fig. 30 shows more detail for the arm 3300 of the third HUD mounting system 3000. A channel 3330 is formed within the arm 3300 along its longitudinal axis 3311 that is configured to receive power and data cables 1104. The power and data cables 1104 originate from one or both of the power module 155 and the RCM 150, pass through the channel 3330, exit the arm 3300 at its second end 3320, and connect to the HUD device 1700. The cable clips 841 hold the power and data cables 1104 in place against the carrierbody 805 of the fourth rail mounting structure 800. The cable clips 841 may be disposed below a lower brim 101 of the helmet shell 105.

[0211] A number of example embodiments of HUD mounting systems, rail mounting structures, rail carriers, and rail have been disclosed herein. The example embodiments are not limiting in their scope nor in the contents or arrangements of parts and components that make up the embodiments. For example, any one of the rail mounting structures and carrier bodies disclosed herein, for example rail mounting structures 500, 700, and 800 and carrier bodies 510, 710, 805 may be provided, in adapted, in embodiments, to releasably hold a HUD rail (e.g. any one or HUD rails 530, 630, 730, or 830) on the carrier body, for example by including one or more locking members 804A or 804B to releasably hold the HUD rail on the carrier body, as disclosed for example in relation to Figs. 21 - 30. In a like manner, any of the aforementioned rail structures and carrier bodies may be adapted to fixedly attach a rail thereto, or may be formed as a single part that includes a rail.

[0212] In other examples, any of the disclosed HUD mounting systems 1000, 2000, 3000 may include a rail carrier body (e.g., 1100, 2100, 3100) that includes an engagement feature for releasably interfacing with one or more of a plurality of interface features of a HUD rail on which the rail carrier body may be mounted. For example, any of the rail carrier bodies 1100, 2100, 3100 may include a manually operable engagement feature (e.g. rail protrusion receiving cavity 2123 of the second rail attachment body 2100) or a passively operably engagement feature (e.g. ball detent 1134 of the first rail attachment body 1100, ball detent 2134 of the second rail engagement body 2000) and any of the corresponding HUD rails (e.g. 530, 630, 730, 830) may include at least one interface feature, and in some embodiments a plurality of interface features (e.g. divots 532 of the first HUD rail 530, divots 632 of second HUD rail 630, divots 732 or HUD protrusions 735 of the third HUD rail 730). Interaction between passively or manually operated engagement feature and a one of a HUD rail interface feature may provide releasable fixation of any one of the rail carrier bodies (1100, 1200, 1300), and corresponding HUD mounting assemblies (1000,2000, 3000), at one or more predefined locations, each corresponding to a one of the at least one interface feature.

[0213] Aspects of technology and described in the disclosure, for example operations of RCMs 150 and 250 and of HUD devices 1700 and HUD control interfaces 132 and 232 may be implemented, at least in part, in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the described technology may be implemented within one or more processors, including one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components. The term “processor” or “processing circuitry” may generally refer to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combination with other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A control unit comprising hardware may also perform one or more of the techniques of this disclosure.

[0214] Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented within the same device or within separate devices to support the various operations and functions described in this disclosure. In addition, any of the described units, modules or components may be implemented together or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. Depiction of different features as modules or units is intended to highlight different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules or units must be realized by separate hardware or software components. Rather, functionality associated with one or more modules or units may be performed by separate hardware or software components or integrated within common or separate hardware or software components.

[0215] It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that, while the invention has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Various features and aspects of the above-described invention may be used individually or jointly. Further, although the invention has been described in the context of its implementation in aparticular environment, and for particular applications (e.g. for mounting and positioning HUD devices), those skilled in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention can be beneficially utilized in any number of environments and implementations where it is desirable to mount various types of display devices and / or imaging devices to head wearable structures such as helmets or the like. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the invention as disclosed herein. That said the claims and the elements therein as well as features above, can be reorganized, parsed, separated and combined in any combination to present claims to the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector for mounting a viewing device on a helmet, the connector comprising: a rail structure attached to the helmet, the rail structure comprising a rail carrier and a rail, the rail attached to the rail carrier; and a mounting arrangement attachable to the rail, the mounting arrangement comprising: a first body removably attachable to the rail; a second body, a first end of the second body coupled to the first body with a first articulating connection therebetween; and the viewing device coupled to a second end of the second body with a second articulating connection therebetween, wherein the first body is translatable along a length of the rail to enable movement of the viewing device relative to the rail.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first body is slidable along a longitudinal length of the rail.

3. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a third body, wherein: the second body is coupled to the first body via the third body, the third body disposed between the second body and the first body, wherein the third body is connected to the first body with a third articulating connection, the second body is connected to the third body with a fourth articulating connection between the third body and the second body, and the first articulating connection comprises the third articulating connection and the fourth articulating connection.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the second articulating connection provides at least two rotational degrees of freedom between the second body and the viewing device.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first body is removably attachable to the rail with a fixed grip and an articulating grip that is urged toward the fixed grip by an elastically deformable member.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first articulating connection comprises a first rotatable connecting having one degree of rotational freedom and the second articulating connection comprises a second rotational connection having two or more rotational degrees of freedom.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first articulating connection comprises a hinge joint and the second articulating connection comprises a ball joint.

8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first articulating connection comprises a first ball joint having two or more rotational degrees of freedom and the second articulating connection comprises a second ball joint having two or more rotational degrees of freedom.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the first ball joint is constrained to limit at least one rotational degree of freedom between the first body and the second body.

10. The connector of claim 1, wherein the rail is adapted to be releasable from the rail carrier when greater than a threshold amount of force is applied to one or more of the first body, the second body, or the viewing device.

11. The connector of claim 1, wherein the rail body comprises a rail lock for holding the rail attached to the carrier body, wherein the rail lock is adapted to release the rail from the carrier body when a force of greater than a threshold magnitude is applied to the rail lock.

12. The connector of claim 1, wherein the rail body comprises a rail lock for holding the rail attached to the carrier body, wherein the mounting arrangement is attached to the rail, and the rail lock is adapted to release the rail from the carrier body when a force of greater than a threshold magnitude is applied to the mounting arrangement.

13. The connector of claim 1, wherein one or more of the rail structure and the mounting arrangement comprise at least one cable holding feature for managing a cable electrically connected to the viewing device.

14. The connector of claim 1, wherein the viewing device comprising a heads up display (HUD) device having a transparent screen for viewing information overlay ed on a view of an environment surrounding a wearer of the helmet.

15. The connector of claim 1, wherein, the rail comprises a plurality of interface features, each interface feature disposed at a predefined location along a length of the rail, the plurality of interface features for providing one or more positional stops along the rail, and the first body comprises an engagement feature for releasably interfacing with one or more of plurality of interface features for providing releasable fixation of the mounting arrangement at one or more of the predefined locations.

16. The connector of claim 15, wherein the engagement feature is operable by a user to enable the releasable fixation.

17. A connector for attaching a heads-up display (HUD) device to a helmet: the helmet comprising a helmet shell, a connection hole formed through the helmet shell, and a fit system attached to the helmet shell; and the connector comprising: a rail structure comprising a first rail attached to the helmet; and an articulated connector body removably attachable to the first rail, the articulated connector body for attaching the HUD device to the first rail; wherein: the first rail comprises a helmet facing surface and an outward facing surface opposing the helmet facing surface; the articulated connector body is attachable to the outward facing surface of the first rail; and the first rail and a portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole.

18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the first rail and the portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell using the same connector.

19. The connector of claim 17, the helmet further comprising a second rail, the second rail comprising a slot for attaching one or more accessories to the helmet, wherein the second rail is disposed on an outer surface of the helmet, and the first rail, the second rail, and the portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole.

20. The connector of claim 19, wherein the first rail, the second rail, and the portion of the fit system are attached to the helmet shell at the connection hole using the same connector.

21. A connector for attaching a viewing device to a helmet, the connector comprising: a rail structure comprising a rail carrier and a rail disposed on an outer surface of the helmet wherein the rail is attached to the rail carrier; a rail connector body for attaching an accessory device to the rail, the rail connector body comprising a first grip and a second grip, the second grip opposing the first grip; anda first connecting member for coupling the viewing device to the rail connector body, the first connecting member extending outward from the rail connector body, wherein the first connecting member is rotationally coupled to the rail connector body.

22. The connector of claim 21, the rail connector body further comprises a deformable element, wherein the deformable element urges the second grip toward the first grip to removably attach the rail connector body to the rail.

23. The connector of claim 21, the rail comprising an outwardly facing surface for interfacing with the rail connector body, a first grip interface for interfacing with the first grip, and a second grip interface for interfacing with the second grip, wherein the first grip interface opposes the second grip interface across the outwardly facing surface.

24. The connector of claim 23, wherein: the rail comprises a plurality of locating features disposed on the outwardly facing surface along a longitudinal length of the rail, the plurality of locating features for providing a plurality of positional stops along the length of the rail; and the rail connector body comprises an engagement feature disposed between the first grip and the second grip for interfacing with a one of the plurality of locating features for defining a temporarily fixed position of the rail connector body relative to the rail.

25. The connector of claim 21, wherein the first connecting member is coupled to the rail connector body with a first rotational joint comprising: a locked configuration wherein rotation of the first connecting member relative to the rail connector body is prevented; and an unlocked configuration for enabling rotation of the first connecting member relative to the rail connecting body.

26. The connector of claim 25, wherein the first rotational joint comprises a first threaded connector and a first actuator wherein the first actuator is operable by a user to operate the threaded connector to engage the locked configuration and to loosen the threaded connector to engage the unlocked configuration.

27. The connector of claim 21, further comprising a second connecting member extending from the first connecting member and coupled to the first connecting member at a rotational joint, the second connecting member coupled to the viewing device and to the first connecting member for coupling the viewing device to the rail connector body.

28. The connector of claim 27, wherein the viewing device is coupled to the second connecting member with two or more rotational degrees of freedom therebetween.

29. A connector for attaching a heads-up display (HUD) device to a helmet, the connector comprising: a rail attached to the helmet, the rail comprising an outward facing surface; a rail connector body removably attachable to the rail and slidable along a longitudinal length of the rail, the rail connector body comprising a proximal end and a distal end opposing the proximal end along a longitudinal axis of the rail connector body; the proximal end comprising opposing first and second grips for attaching the rail connector body to the rail; the distal end comprising a connection interface for rotatably coupling a first end of a first arm to the rail connector body, the first arm extending outward from the rail connector body.

30. The connector of claim 29, the connector comprising a second arm, wherein: a first end of the second arm is coupled to a second end of the first arm and the HUD device is coupled to a second end of the second arm.31 . The connector of claim 29, further wherein the first arm is rotationally coupled to the rail connector body at a first end of the first arm, and the HUD device is coupled to first arm at a second end of the first arm.

32. The connector of claim 31, wherein the second end of the first arm is coupled to the HUD device at a rotational interface having two or more degrees of freedom, the rotational interface comprising an unlocked configuration for adjusting a position of the HUD device relative to the first arm, and a locked configuration for preventing motion of the HUD device relative to the first arm.

33. The connector of claim 29, wherein the connection interface comprises a plurality of depression and an elastically deformable member for interfacing with one of the plurality of depressions to index a rotation of the first arm relative to the rail connector body.

34. A helmet system comprising: a helmet shell; a rear control module (RCM) comprising a processor and connectable to a power source disposed on an outer surface of the helmet shell;a HUD connector rail mounted on the outer surface of the helmet shell; a HUD mounting system removably connectable to the HUD connector rail, the HUD mounting system comprising a heads-up display (HUD) device coupled thereto; an electrical interface disposed on the outer surface of the helmet shell, the electrical interface electrically coupled to the RCM; and a HUD cable connected between the electrical interface and the HUD for communicating power and data signals between the HUD device and the RCM; wherein the HUD connector rail comprises at least one cable management feature, a first portion of the HUD cable disposed within or attached to the at least one cable management feature.

35. The helmet system of claim 34, further comprising a cable clip mounted to a front portion of the helmet outer shell, the cable clip for securing a second portion of the HUD cable above a lower brim of the helmet shell.

36. The helmet system of claim 35 further comprising a shroud for attaching an accessory device to the front of the helmet shell, wherein a portion of the cable clip is attached to the shroud.

37. The helmet system of claim 34, wherein the HUD mounting system comprises: a rail interface body for removable coupling the HUD mounting system to the HUD connector rail; and an arm rotatably coupled to the rail interface body at a first end of the arm and coupled to the HUD device at a second end of the arm, the first end opposing the second end along a longitudinal axis of the arm.

38. The helmet system of claim 37, wherein the arm comprises a cable opening for receiving the HUD cable therein and a cable cavity extending within the arm from the cable opening to the second end of the arm for routing the HUD cable to the HUD device.

39. The helmet system of claim 38, wherein an interface between the second end of the attachment arm and the HUD device comprises a compressible seal for providing a water tight seal for the HUD device.

40. The helmet system of claim 39, wherein the water tight seal excludes water from the HUD device at a submersion depth of the HUD device of at least two meters.

41. A helmet system comprising:a helmet shell; a helmet accessory subsystem that attaches to the helmet shell, the helmet accessory subsystem comprising: a rail structure comprising a carrier body and a rail, wherein the rail is held within the carrier body at a threshold amount of holding force; and an accessory assembly comprising a rail connector body and an accessory coupled to the rail connector body, wherein the rail connector body is configured to removably attach to the rail of the rail structure, wherein when a force is applied to the accessory assembly with a magnitude greater than the threshold amount of holding force, the rail and the accessory assembly are configured to break away as a unit from the accessory carrier.

42. The helmet system of claim 41, wherein the carrier body includes a first rail lock and a second rail lock located at opposing ends of the carrier body along a length of the carrier body, and the left rail lock and the right rail lock each comprising a deformable element for urging the left rail lock and the right rail lock into a locked configuration to hold the carrier rail within the carrier body at the threshold amount of holding force when the left rail lock and the right rail lock are in the locked configuration.

43. The helmet system of claim 41, wherein the left rail lock and the right rail lock are configured to rotate around pins that are vertically arranged with respect to the carrier body, and wherein the rail disengages from the carrier body when the left rail lock and the right rail lock are rotated with respect to their pins into an unlocked position.

44. The helmet system of claim 41, wherein, the rail comprises a left stop located near a left end of the rail and a right stop located neat a right end of the rail, and the left and right stops protrude outwards from a front of the rail and limit travel of the carrier rail connector therebetween.

45. An accessory connection system configured to be mounted on a helmet shell, wherein the accessory connection system comprises: a rail;a rail connector body attached to the rail; an accessory device attached to the rail connector body; and a carrier body mounted on the helmet shell, the carrier body for removably receiving the rail; wherein the rail is configured to detach from the carrier body when greater than a threshold amount of force is applied to the accessory device.

46. The accessory connection system of claim 45, wherein the accessory device comprises an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the accessory device and the second end is attached to the rail connector body.

47. The accessory connection system of claim 46, wherein the first end of the arm is attached to the accessory device at a first ball and socket joint for enabling movement of the accessory device relative to the arm and the second end of the arm is attached to the rail connector by a second ball and socket joint for enabling movement of the accessory arm relative to the rail connector body.

48. The accessory connection system of claim 45, wherein the rail is configured to detach from the carrier body when a force having a magnitude of 40 pounds or greater is applied to the accessory.

49. A helmet accessory subsystem for a helmet, the helmet accessory subsystem comprising: an accessory carrier comprising: a carrier body and a carrier rail, wherein the carrier body is attached to a helmet rail of the helmet, and wherein the carrier rail is held within the carrier body at a threshold amount of holding force; and an accessory assembly comprising a rail connector body, wherein the rail connector body is configured to removably attach to the rail of the accessory carrier; and a breakaway unit that includes the accessory carrier and the accessory assembly, wherein when a force is applied to the breakaway unit with a magnitude greater than the threshold amount of holding force, the breakaway unit is configured to disengage from the accessory carrier and thus from the helmet.

Images