Earcup mount for a helmet

Abstract

An earcup mount for a helmet includes a mount arm configured to receive an earcup. A base configured to be coupled to a helmet is coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis. A knob is coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis. The knob includes an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob. The mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 063758-02-5176-WOTITLE

[0001] Earcup Mount for a HelmetCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 706,834 filed October 14, 2024 entitled “Earcup Mount for a Helmet”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present invention generally relates to an earcup mount, more particularly, to an adjustable earcup mount for a helmet system having a rail mount.SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment there is an earcup mount for a helmet, the earcup mount including a mount arm configured to receive an earcup, a base configured to be coupled to a helmet, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis, and a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob, the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis.

[0005] In some embodiments, the earcup mount further includes a rail mount coupled to the base opposite the knob, the rail mount configured to adjustably couple the base to a mounting rail of the helmet. In some embodiments, the base is rotatable relative to the rail mount about the second axis. In some embodiments, the knob has a first range of rotation about the second axis in which the knob rotates relative to the base while the base remains fixed in position relative to the rail mount and a second range of rotation about the second axis in which rotation of the knob causes the base to rotate relative to the rail mount. In some embodiments, the first range of rotation is between about 0 degrees to about 108 degrees and the second range of rotation is between about 108 degrees to about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the rail mount includes a dovetail tenon configured to be received within a dovetail groove of the rail mount.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. In some embodiments, the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, thesecond mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis. In some embodiments, the earcup mount further includes a yoke configured to receive the earcup, the yoke being coupled to the first and second mount arms, the yoke is rotatable relative to the first and second mount arms about a third axis, and the yoke is slidable relative to the first and second mount arms. In some embodiments, the yoke is slidable relative to the first and second mount arms independent of one another. In some embodiments, the second inclined slot does not intersect the first inclined slot. In some embodiments, the inclined slot is disposed on the sidewall along a helical path.

[0007] In another embodiment there is an earcup mount for a helmet, the earcup mount including a mount arm configured to receive an earcup, a base configured to be coupled to a helmet, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis, a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob, and a rail mount coupled to the base, the rail mount including a dovetail tenon configured to adjustably couple the base to a mounting rail of the helmet, the base being rotatable relative to the rail mount, the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, the second mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis. In some embodiments, the second inclined slot does not intersect the first inclined slot. In some embodiments, the inclined slot is disposed on the sidewall along a helical path.

[0009] In some embodiments, the knob has a first range of rotation about the second axis in which the knob rotates relative to the base while the base remains fixed in position relative to the rail mount and a second range of rotation about the second axis in which rotation of the knob causes the base to rotate relative to the rail mount. In some embodiments, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

[0010] In another embodiment there is a helmet assembly including a helmet shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet assembly, a mounting rail coupled to an outer surface of the helmet shell, an earcup mount coupled to the mounting rail, the earcup mount including a mount arm, a base coupled to the mounting rail of the helmet shell, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis, and a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob, the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis and an earcup coupled to the mount arm of the earcup mount.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, the second mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following detailed description of embodiments of the earcup mount for a helmet will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0013] In the drawings:

[0014] Fig. l is a left-side perspective view of a helmet assembly including an earcup mount in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a right-side perspective view of the helmet assembly of Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the earcup mount of Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the earcup mount of Fig. 1;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the earcup mount of Fig. 1 with the knob omitted;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the earcup mount of Fig. 1 with an earcup mounted thereto and coupled to a mounting rail while the knob is in a start position;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the earcup mount of Fig. 1 with an earcup mounted thereto and coupled to a mounting rail while the knob is rotated to a first stop position;

[0021] Figs. 8-9 are front views of the helmet system of Fig. 1 worn by a user illustrating a use of the earcup mount in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure with the earcup shown transitioning from the start position (Fig. 8) partially toward the first stop position (Fig. 9);

[0022] Figs. 10-12 are perspective views of the helmet system of Fig. 1 illustrating movement of an earcup coupled to the earcup mount from the start position (Fig. 10) to the first stop position (Fig. 11) to a second stop position (Fig. 12); and

[0023] Figs. 13-15 are perspective views of an earcup mount in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Helmet systems incorporating hearing-protection headsets and / or communication headsets typically include mounting systems for coupling the headsets to a helmet such that when worn by a user the headsets are placed over the user’s ears. Additionally, head shape, head size, ear size, and ear position vary among different users. Conventional mounting systems for headsets often fail to allow for adjustments to compensate for variations among different users. Accordingly, conventional mounting systems often cause earcups of the headsets to be uncomfortable for users, cause the earcups to not form a proper protective seal, and to restrict movement of the earcups between predefined positions that may not be suitable for all users.

[0025] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-12 an earcup mount, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure enables for fine-tune adjustment of an earcup 16 coupled thereto relative to a wearer’s head. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure enables a user to easily adjust clamping pressure of an earcup 16 against their head when worn. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure is configured to be easily coupled to and decoupled from an existing rail mount included in a helmet system. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure is configured to enable a user to adjust a position of earcups mounted thereto with a single hand. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure is configured to enable a user to adjust a position of earcups mounted thereto without decoupling the earcups from the earcup mount 100 and / or a helmet shell the earcup mount 100 is coupled to.

[0026] Referring to Figs. 1-2, there is shown an embodiment of the earcup mount 100 coupled to a helmet assembly 10. The helmet assembly 10 may include a helmet shell 12, at least one mounting rail 14, at least one earcup 16, and at least one earcup mount 100 coupling the earcup 16 to the mounting rail 14. In some embodiments, the helmet assembly 10 includes two mounting rails 14, two earcups 16, and two earcup mounts 100. In some embodiments, the helmet assembly 10, including the helmet shell 12, may be configured to have one or more features applicable to an advanced combat helmet (ACH), an enhanced combat helmet (ECH), a modular integrated communications helmet (MICH), a tactical ballistic helmet (TBH), a lightweight marine helmet, a police general duty helmet, a personnel armor system for ground troops (PASGT), or an aircrew helmet, such as an HGU-56 / P rotary wing helmet, an HGU 55 / P fixed wing helmet, an aircraft helmet, an aviation helmet, a helicopter helmet, or any other aircrew helmet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mounting rails 14 may be coupled to an outer surface 18 of the helmet shell 12. The mounting rails 14 may be coupled to the outer surface 18 of the helmet shell 12 opposite one another. For example, the mounting rails 14 may be coupled to the left and right side surfaces of the helmet shell 12, respectively. In some embodiments, each mounting rail 14 includes a recessed groove 20 for coupling accessories thereto. The recessed groove 20 may be a dovetail groove configured to receive corresponding accessories having a dovetail tenon. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 is received within the groove 20 of a respective mounting rail 14 and includes a dovetail tenon as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, one or more accessories not illustrated in Figs. 1-2 may be coupled to the mounting rails 14 simultaneously with the earcup mount 100. For example, and without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, accessories such as visors, power sources, optical accessories, and / or illumination accessories may be coupled to the mounting rail 14 simultaneously with the earcup mount 100. In some embodiments, one or more comfort pads and / or impact attenuation pads may be coupled to the interior surface of the helmet shell 12. In some embodiments, the mounting rail 14 is a powered rail configured to provide power to and / or data communication with accessories mounted to the mounting rail 14. Examples of a mounting rail for use with helmet systems is described in U.S.Patent No.: 7,849,517, titled Mounting System for Accessories on a Safety Helmet, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0028] In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 is integrally formed with the mounting rail 14. For example, a portion of the earcup mount 100 may be a unitary construct with the mounting rail 14 and / or fixed in position relative to the mounting rail 14. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 is mounted to a helmet shell 12 using a mounting device and / or mounting means otherthan a mounting rail 14. For example, the earcup mount 100 may be mounted directly to the helmet shell 12 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws) coupling the helmet shell 12 and earcup mount 100. Tn some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 may be coupled to the helmet shell 12 via a different type of mounting rail 14. For example, in one embodiment the earcup mount 100 is mounted to the helmet shell 12 via a picatinny mounting rail. In other embodiments, the earcup mount 100 is integrally formed with the helmet shell 12. For example, the earcup mount 100 may be a unitary construct with the helmet shell 12.

[0029] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3-4, the earcup mount 100 may include the mount arm(s) 102a, 102b, a base 104 configured to receive the mount arm(s) 102a, 102b, and a knob 106 coupled to the base 104. The mount arm(s) 102a, 102b may be configured to receive an earcup. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 1, the mount arms 102a, 102b couple the earcup 16 to the earcup mount 100. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 includes two mount arms 102a, 102b each coupled to the base 104 and protruding outwardly therefrom. In other embodiments, the earcup mount 100 may include a single mount arm coupled to the base 104 and protruding outwardly therefrom. In such embodiments, the singular mount arm may be similar to mount arm 102a and / or 102b in size, shape, position, orientation and / or configuration. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are wireforms. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are wireforms with a diameter of about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b have a diameter of between about 1.5 mm to about 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are a generally rigid wire or cable. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are comprised of hardened steel material. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are configured to electrically connect an earcup to the earcup mount 100. For example, the mount arms 102a, 102b may include one or more of a power cable and / or data cable embedded therein and configured to establish electrical communications with an earcup such that the earcup may receive power and / or data communications. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b include a corresponding earcup bracket 103a, 103b configured to couple an earcup to the mount arms 102a, 102b.

[0030] The base 104 may be configured to couple the earcup mount 100 to a helmet. For example, the base 104 is configured to be coupled to the helmet shell 12 of the helmet assembly 10 shown in Fig. 1. In some embodiments, the earcup mount 100 includes a rail mount 108 coupled to the base 104 opposite the knob 106. For example, the rail mount 108 is attached to the base 104 at a rear surface thereof opposite a front surface where the knob 106 is connected to the base 104. The rail mount 108 may be configured to adjustably couple the base 104 to a mounting rail of the helmet. For example, the rail mount 108 includes dovetail mating features for connecting with the dovetailgroove 20 of the mounting rail 14. The rail mount 108 may be configured to allow the earcup mount 100 to be slid along the recessed groove 20 of the mounting rail 14, thereby coupling the earcup mount 100 to the helmet shell 12. For example, the rail mount 108 may include a dovetail tenon configured to be received within the recessed groove 20 of the mounting rail 14 such that the earcup mount 100 may slide along the recessed groove 20 while the rail mount 108 remains in connection with the recessed groove. Although the rail mount 108 in the figure is configured to mate with a dovetail groove, it may be configured to mate with other mounting or fastening structures as desired. For example, the rail mount 108 may include mating features corresponding to a mounting or fastening structure such as, but not limited to, a picatinny rail, weaver rails, hook-and-loop fastener, or any other type of mounting platform or fastening system, which may be incorporated in a mounting rail of a helmet system for which the earcup mount 100 is intended.

[0031] The knob 106 may be coupled to the base 104 and configured to adjust the position of the mount arms 102a, 102b relative to the base 104. In some embodiments, the knob 106 is coupled to and at least partially surrounds the base 104. For example, the base 104 may be received within a receptacle at the rear surface of the knob 106 such that the knob 106 extends circumferentially around the base 104 and substantially encloses the base 104 therein. In some embodiments, a fastener 105 couples the base 104, knob 106 and rail mount 108 to one another. For example, a fastener 105 may extend through apertures in the base 104, knob 106 and rail mount 108, thereby coupling each to one another. In some embodiments, the fastener 105 is a threaded fastener (e.g., screw, bolt). The rail mount 108 may include a corresponding threaded aperture configured to engage with the threaded fastener 105. In some embodiments, when coupled to one another, the base 104 may abut against the rail mount 108 and knob 106.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 3 and 5 in some embodiments, the mount arm(s) 102a, 102b are rotatable relative to the base 104 to allow for adjustment of an earcup coupled thereto. The mount arms 102a, 102b may be coupled to the base 104 and rotatable about a first axis Al (illustrated in Fig. 5) relative to the base 104. In some embodiments, the base 104 includes respective channels 110a, 110b configured to receive the mount arms 102a, 102b. The channels 110a, 110b may be recessed along an outer surface of the base 104, and the mount arms 102a, 102b may be received at least partially within the respective channels 110a, 110b. In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are rotatably coupled to the base 104 via the channels 110a, 110b. For example, the channels 110a, 110b may include respective apertures extending circumferentially around the first axis Al and through which terminal ends of the mount arms 102a, 102b are positioned.

[0033] In some embodiments, the knob 106 may be operable to enable a user to adjust an angle of an earcup 16 connected to the mount arms 102a, 102b. The knob 106 may be configured to effect rotation of the mount arms 102a, 102b relative to the base 104. The knob 106 may be rotatable relative to the base 104 about a second axis A2. In some embodiments, the second axis A2 is generally perpendicular to the first axis Al. In some embodiments, the knob 106 includes an inclined slot (e.g., inclined slot 112a, inclined slot 112b) through which a respective mount arm 102a or 102b extends. In some embodiments, the knob 106 includes first and second inclined slots 112a, 112b corresponding to the first and second mount arms 102a, 102b. In some embodiments, the first and second inclined slots 112a, 112b are offset from one another. In some embodiments, the first and second slots 112a, 112b do not intersect or join with one another.

[0034] The inclined slots 112a, 112b may extend at least partially around a sidewall 114 of the knob 106. For example, the slots 112a, 112b may extend partially circumferentially around the sidewall 114 by about 108° as measured about the second axis A2. In some embodiments, the inclined slots 112a, 112b extend downwardly from a top surface of the knob 106 towards a bottom surface thereof. In some embodiments, the slots 112a, 112b are disposed on the sidewall 114 along a generally helical path. In some embodiments, the knob 106 includes a plurality of ribbed elements 116 protruding from the sidewall 114 and configured to aid a user in gripping the knob 106 when rotating the knob 106.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 6-7, rotation of the knob 106 about the second axis A2 causes the mount arm(s) 102a, 102b to rotate about the first axis Al. The mount arms 102a, 102b may extend from the base 104 through and abut the respective inclined slots 112a, 112b in the knob 106. As the knob 106 is rotated about the second axis A2, the inclined slots 112a, 112b abut against the respective mount arms 102a, 102b causing the mount arms 102a, 102b to rotate about the first axis Al. For example, and as illustrated in Fig. 6, the knob 106 is rotated counterclockwise causing the mount arms 102a, 102b to rotate about the first axis Al to the position illustrated in Fig. 7. Further to this example, as the knob 106 is rotated, each of the first and second mount arms 102a, 102b engages the corresponding first and second inclined slots 112a, 112b, causing the first and second mount arms 102a, 102b to rotate simultaneously about the first axis Al in the same direction.Accordingly, and as illustrated in Figs. 6-7, the earcup 16 coupled to the earcup mount 100 is rotated outwardly away from the mounting rail 14 about axis Al . The knob 106 may be rotated clockwise from the position illustrated in Fig. 7 back to the position illustrated in Fig. 6 to cause the mount arms 102a, 102b to return to the position shown in Fig. 6.

[0036] In some embodiments, the knob 106 is configured to be retained in a rotated position within a range of rotation about the second axis A2. The knob 106 may be rotatable about the second axis A2 within a first range of rotation that includes a start position (e.g., illustrated in Fig. 6) and a first stop position (e g., illustrated in Fig. 7). In some embodiments, the start position may be characterized by the position in which the mount arms 102a, 102b abut against the terminal end of the corresponding slots 112a, 112b that are proximate to a bottom surface of the knob 106. In some embodiments, the first stop position may be characterized by the position in which the mount arms 102a, 102b abut against the terminal end of the corresponding slots 112a, 112b that are proximate to the top surface of the knob 106. In some embodiments, the start position and first stop position may also be characterized by the mounting arms 102a, 102b not rotating about the second axis A2. In some embodiments, the first range of rotation for the knob 106 is between about 0° to about 108° as measured about the second axis A2 and where 0° corresponds to the start position. In some embodiments, the first range of rotation for the knob 106 is between about 0° to about 90°.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mount arms 102a, 102b are rotatable about the first axis Al within a range of rotation corresponding to the first range of rotation of the knob 106. In some embodiments, the range of rotation of the mount arms 102a, 102b is between about 0° to about 30°. For example, when the knob 106 is in the start position, the mount arms 102a, 102b may not be rotated about the first axis Al (e.g., at substantially 0° rotation about the first axis Al). Further to this example, when the knob 106 is in the first stop position, the mount arms 102a, 102b may be rotated about the first axis Al by about 30°. The earcup 16 may be rotatably fixed to the mount arms 102a, 102b with regard to rotation about the first axis Al. Accordingly, the earcups 16 may be rotatable relative to the mounting rail 14 within the same range of rotation as the mount arms 102a, 102b. In this manner, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure may enable a user to rotate the earcups 16 towards or away from a wearer’s head as desired within a predefined range of rotation.

[0038] The earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure may enable a user to rotate an earcup coupled thereto within a range of motion not defined by a finite set of indexed positions. In some embodiments, engagement of the knob 106 and base 104 (not shown in Figs. 6-7) enables the knob 106 to be retained in any rotated position within the first range of rotation. The knob 106 may abut against the base 104 when rotating within the first range of motion such that friction between the knob 106 and base 104 retains the knob 106 at a desired rotated position. For example, the knob 106 may be rotated from the start position toward the first stop position by any amount and retained in position via the engagement of the base 104 and knob 106. The earcup mount 100 of the presentdisclosure may enable a user to precisely rotate an earcup 16 coupled to the earcup mount 100 about the first axis Al as desired.

[0039] In other embodiments, the inclined slots 1 12a, 112b include a series of stepped surfaces, divots, projections or a combination thereof to facilitate a predefined set of indexed positions for rotation of the mount arms 102a, 102b about the first axis Al. For example, the inclined slots 112a, 112b in alternative embodiments may include a series of divots formed along the sloped sidewalls of the inclined slots 112a, 112b corresponding to a series of indexed positions. Further to this example, as the knob 106 is rotated, the mount arms 102a, 102b may slide along the inclined slots 112a, 112b and into a respective divot corresponding to an indexed rotated position of the mount arms 102a, 102b about the first axis Al.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 8-9, there is illustrated an example of a user adjusting the angle of earcups via the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure. In Fig. 8, the user is wearing the helmet assembly 10 while the earcup mounts 100 are in a start position. For example, the knobs 106 of both earcup mounts 100 are in the start position in Fig. 8, and the earcups 16 abut against the user’s head. In Fig. 9, the user rotates the knob 106 of the left earcup mount 100 causing the earcup 16 to rotate away from the rail 14 and the user’s head, in generally the same manner as discussed above. In Fig. 9, the left earcup 16 is no longer contacting the user’s head, which may allow the user to more easily hear ambient noise and / or allow the user to vent the space between their ears and the earcup to relieve a buildup of heat and / or sweat resulting from prolonged use of the earcup. The earcup mount 100 may enable the user to easily adjust the earcup 16 as desired by gripping the knob 106 with one hand and rotating it, as discussed above. Accordingly, the earcup mount 100 of the present disclosure may enable a user to easily and quickly adjust an earcup 16 mounted thereto with the user of a single hand.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 10-12, the earcup mount 100 may be configured to rotate an earcup coupled thereto from a usage position to a stowage position. In Fig. 10, the earcup 16 is in a use position in which the knob 106 is in the start position described above. In Fig. 11, the knob 106 is rotated about the second axis A2 from the start position to the first stop position in generally the same manner as discussed above with reference to Figs. 6-7. Accordingly, in Fig. 11, the earcup 16 coupled to the earcup mount 100 rotates about the first axis Al away from the helmet shell 12 and / or mounting rail 14. In Fig. 12, the knob 106 is rotated from the first stop position to a stowage position in which the earcup 16 is rotated about the second axis A2 towards a rear surface of the helmet shell 12.

[0042] In some embodiments, and referring briefly to Figs. 3-5, the base 104 may be rotatable relative to the rail mount 108 about the second axis A2. The base 104 may be rotatably coupled to the rail mount 108 such that the base 104 may rotate with the knob 106 within a predefined range of rotation. The knob 106 may have a second range of rotation about the second axis A2 in which rotation of the knob 106 causes the base 104 to rotate relative to the rail mount 108. The second range of rotation of the knob 106 may be from the first stop position to a second stop position in which the earcup 16 is in a stowage position. While rotating about the second axis A2 within the first range of motion (e.g., 0° to 108°), the knob 106 may rotate relative to the base 104 and the base 104 may remain substantially fixed in position relative to the rail mount 108. While rotating about the second axis A2 within the second range of motion (e.g., about 108° to about 180°), the base 104 may rotate with the knob 106 and relative to the rail mount 108. In some embodiments, the first range of motion is between about 0° to 108° and the second range of motion is about 90° to 180°.

[0043] In some embodiments, the engagement of the mount arm(s) 102a, 102b with the inclined slots 112a, 112b of the knob 106 and the channels 110a, 110b of the base 104 causes the base 104 to rotate with the knob 106 within the second range of rotation. For example, in the first stop position, the mount arms 102a, 102b abut terminal ends of the slots 112a, 112b such that further rotation towards the second stop position causes the mount arms 102a, 102b received within the channels 110a, 110b to rotate about the second axis A2 with the knob 106. Accordingly, engagement of the mount arms 102a, 102b and the channels 110a, 110b of the base 104 causes the base 104 to rotate about the second axis A2 with the mount arms 102a, 102b. For example, and referring back to Figs. 11-12, the knob 106 is rotated about the second axis A2 from the first stop position to a second stop position, thereby causing the mount arms 102a, 102b to position the earcup 16 in a stowage position.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 13-15, there is shown an earcup mount, generally designated 200, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The earcup mount 200 may be generally the same as the earcup mount 100 except that it may include a yoke 209 configured to receive the earcup 16. The yoke 209 may be coupled to the first and second mount arms 202a, 202b of the earcup mount 200. The first and second mount arms 202a, 202b may be substantially the same as the first and second mount arms 102a, 102b. The first and second mount arms 202a, 202b may be coupled to a knob 206 that is generally the same as knob 106 and in generally the same manner as mount arms 102a, 102b.

[0045] The yoke 209 may be rotatable relative to the first and second mount arms 202a, 202b about a third axis A3. In some embodiments, the yoke 209 is slidable relative to the first and second mount arms 202a, 202b. In some embodiments, the yoke 209 is slidable relative to the first andsecond mount arms 202a, 202b independent of one another. The first mount arm 202a and / or second mount arm 202b may be engaged with an outer surface of the yoke such that the position of the yoke 209 may be moved relative to the knob 206. For example, and as illustrated in Figs. 14-15, the yoke 209 is moved relative to the mount arms 202a, 202b, thereby causing the earcup 16 coupled to the yoke 209 to be tilted relative to the mount arms 202a, 202b. In this manner, the earcup mount 200 of the present disclosure may enable a user to adjust the tilt of an earcup 16 relative to the mount arms 202a, 202b.

[0046] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0047] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0048] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An earcup mount for a helmet, the earcup mount comprising: a mount arm configured to receive an earcup; a base configured to be coupled to a helmet, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis; and a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob, wherein the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis.

2. The earcup mount of claim 1 further comprising: a rail mount coupled to the base opposite the knob, the rail mount configured to adjustably couple the base to a mounting rail of the helmet.

3. The earcup mount of claim 2, wherein the base is rotatable relative to the rail mount about the second axis.

4. The earcup mount of claim 3, wherein the knob has a first range of rotation about the second axis in which the knob rotates relative to the base while the base remains fixed in position relative to the rail mount and a second range of rotation about the second axis in which rotation of the knob causes the base to rotate relative to the rail mount.

5. The earcup mount of claim 4, wherein the first range of rotation is between about 0 degrees to about 108 degrees and the second range of rotation is between about 108 degrees to about 180 degrees.

6. The earcup mount of claim 2, wherein the rail mount includes a dovetail tenon configured to be received within a dovetail groove of the rail mount.

7. The earcup mount of claim 1, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

8. The earcup mount of claim 1, wherein the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes: a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, the second mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, wherein the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis.

9. The earcup mount of claim 8 further comprising: a yoke configured to receive the earcup, the yoke being coupled to the first and second mount arms, wherein the yoke is rotatable relative to the first and second mount arms about a third axis, and wherein the yoke is slidable relative to first and second mount arms.

10. The earcup mount of claim 9, wherein the yoke is slidable relative to the first and second mount arms independent of one another.

11. The earcup mount of claim 8, wherein the second inclined slot does not intersect the first inclined slot.

12. The earcup mount of claim 1, wherein the inclined slot is disposed on the sidewall along a helical path.

13. An earcup mount for a helmet, the earcup mount comprising: a mount arm configured to receive an earcup; a base configured to be coupled to a helmet, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis; a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob; and a rail mount coupled to the base, the rail mount including a dovetail tenon configured to adjustably couple the base to a mounting rail of the helmet, the base being rotatable relative to the rail mount, wherein the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis.

14. The earcup mount of claim 13, wherein the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes: a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, the second mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, wherein the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis.

15. The earcup mount of claim 14, wherein the second inclined slot does not intersect the first inclined slot.

16. The earcup mount of claim 13, wherein the inclined slot is disposed on the sidewall along a helical path.

17. The earcup mount of claim 13, wherein the knob has a first range of rotation about the second axis in which the knob rotates relative to the base while the base remains fixed in position relative to the rail mount and a second range of rotation about the second axis in which rotation of the knob causes the base to rotate relative to the rail mount.

18. The earcup mount of claim 13, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis.

19. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet assembly; a mounting rail coupled to an outer surface of the helmet shell; an earcup mount coupled to the mounting rail, the earcup mount including: a mount arm; a base coupled to the mounting rail of the helmet shell, the mount arm being coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a first axis; and a knob coupled to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a second axis, the knob including an inclined slot extending at least partially around a sidewall of the knob, wherein the mount arm extends from the base through the inclined slot in the knob, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the mount arm to rotate about the first axis; and an earcup coupled to the mount arm of the earcup mount.

20. The helmet assembly of claim 19, wherein the mount arm is a first mount arm and the inclined slot is a first inclined slot and the earcup mount further includes: a second mount arm configured to receive the earcup, the second mount arm coupled to the base and offset from the first mount arm, the second mount arm being rotatable relative to the base about the first axis, wherein the knob includes a second inclined slot and the second mount arm extends from the base through the second inclined slot, and wherein rotation of the knob about the second axis causes the first and second mount arms to rotate about the first axis.

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