Patent ID: 6023288
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: A42B,G02B

Abstract:
Combination head-protective helmet and thermal imaging apparatus for being worn by a person in a heated environment where stratified heat is present which increases vertically, comprising:a head-protective helmet including a cap and an outwardly extending brim and wherein upon said head-protective helmet being present in said stratified heat an envelope of reduced heat is present underneath said brim;thermal imaging apparatus including an infrared sensor camera for producing an infrared image of a scene or object and display apparatus which generates a visible image of said scene or object from said infrared image for viewing by a person wearing said combination;first mounting means for mounting said camera to said head-protective helmet generally underneath said brim to protect said camera from falling objects striking said helmet and to cause said camera to reside in said envelope of reduced heat to reduce the influence of said heated environment on said camera;second mounting means for mounting said display apparatus to said helmet in a position to permit said person to see said visible images;said helmet including an outer hard shell and an inner deformable cap mounted removably to said outer shell, said first and second mounting means are for mounting said camera and said display apparatus to said inner deformable cap whereby said camera and said display apparatus remain on said inner deformable cap in the event said outer shell is separated from said inner deformable cap; andsaid head-protective helmet further comprising a shroud mounted removably to said inner deformable cap and extending downwardly therefrom and said first mounting means are for mounting said camera on said shroud thereby mounting said camera to said helmet.