Headgear Shroud Assembly

In one aspect, a shroud assembly for headgear comprises a frame having a first side configured to face toward an exterior surface of the headgear and a second side opposite the first side and configured to face away from the headgear, the frame formed of a moldable material. An insert, which is configured for removable attachment to a helmet mount assembly, is coupled to the frame, wherein the frame is overmolded onto the insert. In further aspects, a helmet mounting system and method for the manufacture of a headgear shroud assembly are provided.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to an improved shroud for mounting an accessory device to headgear. The shroud described herein may advantageously be used in connection with helmet mount assemblies for attaching night vision devices, thermal cameras, or other devices for enhancing vision in low light conditions and will be described herein primarily by way of reference thereto. However, it will be recognized that the shroud disclosed herein may be used with all manner of helmet or other headgear mounted accessories devices, including eye protection gear and others.

Night vision devices are used by military personnel, law enforcement personnel, and so forth when conducting military or tactical operations at night or under other low light conditions. Commonly, a helmet mount assembly is employed on the front of the user's headgear, such as a field helmet, to provide hands free support of the night vision device in front of the eyes of the user. Such helmet mount assemblies typically provide vertical, lateral, fore-and-aft, and tilt adjustment mechanisms for alignment of an attached night vision device with the eye or in the case of a binocular device eyes of the user. Helmet mount assemblies are known which allow the user to pivot the night vision device up to a stowed position out of the user's line of sight when not in use without removing the night vision device from the helmet.

Although mounting assemblies are known that allow the user to pivot the night vision device out of the way when the night vision device is not in use, it is often desirable to completely remove the night vision system and the helmet mount assembly from the headgear, e.g., during the daytime, in order to reduce helmet weight and strain on the user's neck, when entanglement hazards exist, etc. Commonly, helmet mount assemblies are made removably attachable to a helmet through the use of a mounting bracket or shroud, as described, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,370, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such shrouds attach to the headgear with threaded fasteners using one or more holes drilled in the helmet. Standardized hole patterns have been developed, such as the Army-compatible single hole pattern and the MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern. The use of standard hole patterns allow helmets to be pre-drilled to accept any shroud compatible with that hole pattern.

Commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,775,395 and 10,264,840 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0202126 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), disclose two-piece headgear shroud assemblies comprising a polymer frame which receives an insert formed, e.g., of a metal or metal alloy. The polymer frame interfaces with a piece of headgear, such as a helmet, and the insert interfaces with a helmet mount assembly, which, in turn, supports a night vision device or other helmet-mounted accessory device. Threaded fasteners are utilized to provide a secure attachment between the frame and insert, which results in additional components and manufacturing steps.

The present disclosure contemplates a new and improved headgear shroud assembly that overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a shroud assembly for headgear comprises a frame having a first side configured to face toward an exterior surface of the headgear and a second side opposite the first side and configured to face away from the headgear, the frame being formed of a moldable material. An insert, which is configured for removable attachment to a helmet mount assembly, is coupled to the frame, wherein the frame is overmolded onto the insert.

In a more limited aspect, the shroud assembly frame is formed of an injection moldable polymer material and the insert is formed of a metal or metal alloy.

In another more limited aspect, the first side of the frame has a shape which matches a surface contour of the headgear.

In another more limited aspect, the moldable material of the frame has a first mechanical feature which is interlocking with a second mechanical feature of the insert.

In another more limited aspect, the first mechanical feature comprises one or more tongues and the second mechanical feature comprises one or more grooves.

In another more limited aspect, the frame includes first and second spaced walls disposed on the second side of the frame on opposite sides of the insert. The first and second walls are spaced a sufficient distance apart to receive the helmet mount assembly therebetween.

In another more limited aspect, the shroud assembly further comprises any one or more of: the first and second walls extending vertically on opposite lateral sides of the insert; the first and second walls being sufficiently flexible so as to be displaced outward when the helmet mount assembly is removably attached to the shroud assembly; one or both of the first and second walls having a tapered inward facing surface to facilitate insertion of the helmet mount assembly between the first and second walls; and the insert defining one or more receptacles configured to removably mate with a latch member of the helmet mount assembly.

In another more limited aspect, the insert includes first and second spaced walls disposed on opposite lateral sides of the insert, the first and second walls spaced a sufficient distance apart to receive the helmet mount assembly therebetween.

In another more limited aspect, the frame is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of an injection moldable polymer resin and a fiber reinforced polymer matrix composite material.

In another more limited aspect, the frame comprises a polyimide material.

In another more limited aspect, the shroud assembly further comprises at least one opening in the frame configured to receive a mechanical fastener for attaching the shroud assembly to the headgear.

In another more limited aspect, the shroud assembly further comprises at least one opening in the insert configured to receive a mechanical fastener for attaching the shroud assembly to the headgear.

In another more limited aspect, the shroud assembly further comprises first, second, and third openings in the frame, each of the first, second, and third openings configured to receive a mechanical fastener for attaching the shroud assembly to the headgear.

In another more limited aspect, the first, second, and third openings are positioned in accordance with a promulgated standard for headgear drill hole patterns.

In another more limited aspect, the promulgated standard is a MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern.

In another more limited aspect, the shroud assembly further comprises a backing pad removably attached to the second side of the frame. In embodiments, the backing pad is configured to increase friction between the shroud assembly and the headgear.

In a further aspect, a helmet mounting system comprises a shroud assembly, a helmet mount assembly, and an insert. The shroud assembly includes a frame having a first side configured to face toward an exterior surface of a helmet and a second side opposite the first side and configured to face away from the helmet. The frame is formed of a moldable material. The shroud assembly further includes an insert coupled to the frame, the insert configured for removable attachment to the helmet mount assembly, wherein the frame is overmolded onto the insert.

In yet a further aspect, a method for the manufacture of a headgear shroud assembly comprises providing an insert configured for removable coupling to a helmet mount assembly and overmolding a frame formed of a moldable material onto the insert.

In a more limited aspect, the overmolding step comprises positioning the insert within a mold and directing the moldable material into the mold and about the insert to form the frame from the moldable material.

In another more limited aspect, the step of directing the moldable material into the mold comprises injection molding.

In another more limited aspect, the injection molding step is selected from the group consisting of polymer injection molding, polymer composite injection molding, and metal injection molding.

In another more limited aspect, the insert comprises one or more first mechanical features interlocking with one or more second mechanical features formed of the moldable material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term “coupled” or “operatively coupled,” as used herein, is defined as indirectly or directly connected.

The terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” “top,” and the like are relative terms to provide additional clarity to the figure descriptions provided below. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “bottom,” “top,” and the like are thus not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

Referring now toFIGS.1-6, there appears an exemplary shroud assembly100in accordance with a first embodiment, which is configured to attach to the front of a helmet104. The shroud assembly100includes a frame108formed of a moldable material which is overmolded about an insert112. The insert112defines an interface for attaching a helmet mount assembly116.

As used herein, the terms “overmold,” “overmolded,” etc., refer to a process wherein a single part is created using two or more different materials in combination. Commonly, a first material, sometimes referred to as the substrate, is partially or fully covered by one or more subsequent materials (“overmold materials”) during a manufacturing process. The substrate can include a machined metal part, a metal injection molded, an additively manufactured metal or plastic part, a molded, machined, or additively manufactured plastic part, and so forth. The overmold material may be an injection moldable polymer composition. In a typical overmolding process, the substrate part is placed into an injection molding tool, at which point the overmold material is shot into, onto, or around the substrate. When the overmold material cures or solidifies, the two materials become joined together as a single part.

The illustrated shroud assembly100is configured for use in connection with a helmet104having holes drilled in a three-hole mounting pattern, such as the standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern. It will be recognized, however, that the shroud assembly100could likewise be used with a helmet having the standard U.S. Army one-hole mounting pattern by utilizing an alternate insert having a central opening as illustrated inFIGS.7-9, below.

The shroud assembly100provides an interface for the removable attachment of a helmet mount assembly116, which may be as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,775,395, 10,264,840, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0202126. In embodiments, the helmet mount assembly may be, for example, a helmet mount assembly in the L4product line available from Wilcox Industries Corp. of Newington, NH. It will be recognized, however, that the present shroud assembly can be adapted for use with all manner of helmet mount assemblies by utilizing an insert112which has retention features complimentary with a desired helmet mount assembly. It will be recognized that the present shroud assembly is amenable for use with all manner of devices, including monocular devices, binocular devices, night vision systems, optical viewing devices, cameras, thermal cameras, head up displays, virtual and/or augmented reality goggles, other electronic or optoelectronic imaging devices, as well as eye shields, face shields, and other protective equipment.

In certain embodiments, the shroud assembly100may be used in conjunction with an optional backing pad or friction pad114, e.g., formed of an elastomeric material, disposed between the rear surface of the shroud assembly100and the surface of the helmet104, e.g., as described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,775,395 and 10,264,840 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0202126. In other embodiments, the shroud assembly100is attached directly to the helmet104surface without the backing pad114. In embodiments, the backing pad114is as described in greater detail below. In embodiments, and as best seen inFIGS.4and5, the rear surface of the shroud assembly100(and any associated backing pad114, if any) has a generally concave rearward surface which is shaped to generally conform to a generally convex shape of the helmet104.

The insert112is preferably formed by machining, although cast, molded, and additively manufactured inserts112are also contemplated. Exemplary metal/metal alloy materials suitable for forming the insert112include, titanium, aluminum, e.g., 6000 series aluminum or 7000 series aluminum, preferably 6061-T6 aluminum or 7075-T6 aluminum. In certain embodiments, the insert is formed by machining, molding, e.g., metal injection molding (MIM), casting, additive manufacturing, or the like. The insert112includes features for detachably engaging a helmet mount assembly116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert112includes upper and lower transverse walls120and124bounding the upper and lowers ends, respectively, of the helmet mounting interface of the helmet mount assembly116. Each of the upper and lower transverse walls120and124have a recess128,132, respectively, for removably engaging complementary latch members134on the helmet mount assembly116. In certain embodiments, the helmet mount assembly116is of a type having upper and lower latch members134that detachably engage the recesses128and132, respectively, wherein the upper and lower latch members134are configured to move or provide tension in the vertical direction to eliminate up and down movement of the helmet mount assembly116in relation to the shroud assembly100.

In embodiments, the insert112includes one or more grooves or channels136which may be utilized for placement of the insert112in the mold and/or robotic positioning of the insert112during the overmolding process.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert112has a large central opening140, which is aligned with a large central opening144in the frame108, and which is advantageous for reducing weight of the shroud assembly100. However, it will be recognized that in alternative embodiments at least a portion of the center area may comprise material, e.g., where it is desired to provide a center mounting opening in the insert112for use with a helmet having a one hole mounting pattern, e.g., as described below.

The frame108is formed of a moldable material. In certain embodiments, the frame108is formed of an injection-moldable polymer composition. In certain embodiments, the frame108is formed of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material. Reinforcing fibers for polymer matrix composite materials are generally known. Exemplary fibers include carbonaceous fibers (e.g., carbon or graphite fibers), glass fibers, and other filamentary materials. Exemplary polymer overmold materials suitable for forming the frame108include, for example, nylon, polyamide, fiber reinforced polymer composite materials such as glass fiber-filled polyamides, polyetherimide (PEI), and polycarbonate (PC). In certain embodiments, the frame108is formed of a 30% glass filled polyimide composite material. All compositional percentages disclosed herein are by weight unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

The frame108is of a generally triangular construction and includes three openings148at the corners. Each opening148is configured to receive a threaded fastener150for securing the shroud assembly100to a helmet104having a three-hole pattern, e.g., a standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern.

In certain embodiments, the frame108includes a pair of opposing walls or blades152extending from the front face of the overmolded frame member108, disposed on opposing lateral sides of the overmolded insert member112. In certain embodiments, the overmold material forming the frame108has a degree of flexibility or resilience to allow the blades to be spaced apart a distance that provides a snug fit, e.g., friction or interference fit, between the blades152and the sides of an attached helmet mount assembly116. In this manner, side-to-side movement between the helmet mount assembly116and the shroud assembly100can be eliminated.

In the depicted preferred embodiment, the blades152include a tapered or angled surface156on the interior facing side thereof to facilitate insertion of the helmet mount assembly116and outward flexing of the blades152.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blades152extend vertically and are disposed on opposite lateral sides of an attached helmet mount assembly116. Other orientations of the blades152, however, are also contemplated. For example, in the case of an alternative helmet mount assembly having latch members that move and provide tensioning in a horizontal direction to prevent side-to-side movement of the helmet mount assembly, the opposing blades152could be oriented horizontally and disposed above and below the helmet mount assembly to eliminate up and down movement of the helmet mount assembly.

In certain embodiments, the overmolded insert112and the overmolded frame108include interlocking mechanical features wherein the insert112and the overmolded frame108are interlocked to provide a permanent attachment. As used herein, “permanent attachment” means that the overmolded frame108and the insert112cannot be, or, are not intended to be, separated from each other without damaging the shroud assembly100, frame108, and/or insert112. In contrast to shrouds having an insert secured to a frame with threaded fasteners, wherein the strength of the attachment between the insert and the frame is defined by the strength of the fasteners securing them together, the strength of attachment between the frame108and the insert112is defined by the overmolded interface between the frame108and the insert112.

In embodiments, the insert112includes one or more trap grooves or channels which are filled with the overmold material during the overmolding process to form complementary interlocking structures on the frame portion108. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert112includes upper and lower trap grooves160formed on the upper and lower peripheral edges of the insert112, and left and right trap grooves160formed on the left and right side peripheral edges of the insert112. The frame108includes upper and lower ledges162and166, respectively, having elongate upper and lower tongue members164formed of the overmold materials and which interlock with the respective upper and lower grooves160. The frame108further includes elongate left and right tongue members164formed of the overmold materials and which interlock with the respective left and right grooves160. It will be recognized that other configurations for interlocking the frame108and insert112in a mechanical capacity are also contemplated. For example, the trap grooves160on the insert112could be replaced with tongues, ribs, or like protrusions which engage complementary grooves or like complementary recesses formed during the overmolding process.

Referring now toFIGS.7-9, a second embodiment shroud assembly200comprises a frame108overmolded as described above onto an insert212. The shroud assembly200is illustrated with the optional backing pad114. The shroud assembly200is primarily intended for use in connection with a helmet having a single mounting hole, such as the standard U.S. Army one-hole mounting pattern, and will be described primarily by way of reference thereto. It will be recognized, however, that the shroud assembly200could likewise be used, with or without the backing pad114, with a helmet having holes drilled in a three hole mounting pattern, such as the standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern, in the same manner as detailed above in connection with the shroud assembly100appearing inFIGS.1-6.

The shroud assembly200provides an interface for the removable attachment of a helmet mount assembly as described above, such as a night vision mounting system.

The frame108and the backing pad114each have a generally concave rearward surface which is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the helmet104. The frame108is formed of an overmold material as described above. The insert212is formed from a material and manufacturing method as described above by way of reference to the insert112.

The backing pad114may be formed of natural or synthetic rubber or other elastomer material. In embodiments, the backing pad114increases the friction between the shroud assembly200and the helmet104and is particularly advantageous for use with a helmet104having a one-hole pattern to prevent rotation of the unit200about fasteners168,170which secure the shroud assembly200to the helmet104.

The insert212includes a central portion238having an opening240for receiving the threaded fastener168. The opening240may be elongated in the vertical direction to provide vertical adjustability when mounting the shroud assembly200, e.g., to accommodate differences between the drilled hole placement on the helmet, accommodate edge trim on the brim of the helmet, and so forth.

The threaded fastener168passes through a hole (not shown) in the helmet104, a large central opening172in the backing pad114, the large central opening144in the frame108, and the hole240in the insert212. The fastener168is secured via a complementary threaded fastener or nut170received in a counterbore242about the opening240. The backing pad114is disposed on the inward facing (i.e., helmet facing) side of the shroud assembly200.

A pair of walls or blades152extends from the face of the frame108immediately adjacent the central opening144on opposite lateral sides thereof. In certain embodiments, the blades152include a tapered or angled surface156on the interior facing side thereof to facilitate insertion of the mounting system116. In embodiments where the frame108is formed of a sufficiently flexible material, outward flexing of the blades152is also facilitated by the tapered or angled surface.

The depicted preferred embodiment illustrates an exemplary shroud assembly200adapted for use with a mounting assembly116that has latch members134that move or provide tension in the vertical direction, such that the blades152are disposed on opposite lateral sides of an attached mounting assembly. Other orientations of the blades152, however, are also contemplated. For example, in the case of a helmet mount assembly116having latch members that move and provide tensioning in a horizontal direction, the opposing blades152could be oriented horizontally above and below the mounting assembly interfacing portion to eliminate up and down movement.

The backing pad114is shaped to receive the frame108on the outward facing surface of the backing pad114in a stacked or nested arrangement. The pad114includes three openings174aligned with the openings148at the corners of the frame108. The pad114further includes three bosses or protrusions176, which are disposed intermediate the central opening172and the openings174. When the frame212and the backing pad114are stacked in the assembled, nested configuration, the bosses176extend through aligned openings154in the frame108, to interlock the frame108and the pad114together.

The pad114may include an upstanding peripheral lip or ridge178on the forward facing surface thereof complementary in shape and sized to receive the peripheral edge158of the frame108. The frame108and pad114are further secured via three plugs180at the corners of the unit200. Each plug180includes a base182which is received in one of the openings174in the pad114. Each plug180further includes a protrusion184that extends through a corresponding one of the openings148in the frame108.

In alternative embodiments, the plugs180can be omitted, as well as the central helmet fasteners170,172, wherein the unit200is secured to a helmet having a three-hole pattern, as described above. In certain embodiments, the helmet drill/hole pattern may advantageously be the standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern. It will be recognized that the shroud assembly200could also be attached to a helmet (either with or without the backing pad114) using both the central hole240via the fasteners168,170, as well as three threaded fasteners150(seeFIG.1) using the openings148; however, in general, it is preferable to use only the one hole pattern or the three hole pattern, since unnecessary holes drilled into the helmet can compromise the ballistic integrity of the helmet.

Referring now toFIGS.10and11, there appears an exemplary shroud assembly300in accordance with a third embodiment, which is configured to attach to the front of a helmet104(seeFIG.1). The shroud assembly300includes a frame308formed of a moldable material as described above and which is overmolded about an insert312, as described above. The insert312defines an interface for attaching a helmet mount assembly116(seeFIG.1), and may be formed of a material and via method as described above.

The illustrated shroud assembly300is configured for use in connection with a helmet104having holes drilled in a three-hole mounting pattern, such as the standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern. It will be recognized, however, that the shroud assembly300could likewise be adapted for use with a helmet having the standard U.S. Army one-hole mounting pattern by utilizing an alternate insert having a central opening as illustrated inFIGS.12and13, below.

In certain embodiments, the shroud assembly300may be used in conjunction with an optional backing pad or friction pad114formed of an elastomeric material disposed between the rear surface of the shroud assembly300and the surface of the helmet104, as described above. In other embodiments, the shroud assembly300is attached directly to the helmet104surface without the backing pad114. In embodiments, the rear surface of the shroud assembly300(and any associated backing pad114, if any) has a generally concave rearward surface which is shaped to generally conform to a generally convex shape of the helmet104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert312includes upper and lower transverse walls320and324bounding the upper and lowers ends, respectively, of the helmet mounting interface of the helmet mount assembly116. Each of the upper and lower transverse walls320and324have a recess328,132, respectively, for removably engaging complementary latch members134on the helmet mount assembly116(seeFIG.1).

In embodiments, the insert312includes one or more grooves or channels336which may be utilized for placement of the insert312in the mold and/or robotic positioning of the insert312during the overmolding process.

In the illustrated embodiment, the insert312has a large central opening340, which is aligned with a large central opening344in the frame308, and which is advantageous for reducing weight of the shroud assembly300. However, it will be recognized that in alternative embodiments at least a portion of the center area may comprise material, e.g., where it is desired to provide a center mounting opening in the insert for use with a helmet having a one hole mounting pattern, e.g., as described below.

The frame308is of a generally triangular construction and includes three openings348at the corners. Each opening348is configured to receive a threaded fastener150(seeFIG.1) for securing the shroud assembly300to a helmet104having a three-hole pattern, e.g., a standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern.

In certain embodiments, the overmolded insert312and the overmolded frame308include interlocking mechanical features wherein the insert312and the overmolded frame308are interlocked to provide a permanent attachment. In embodiments, the insert312includes one or more trap grooves or channels which are filled with the overmold material during the overmolding process to form complementary interlocking structures on the frame portion308. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert312includes upper and lower trap grooves360formed on the upper and lower peripheral edges of the insert112, and left and right trap grooves360formed on the left and right side peripheral edges of the insert312. The frame308includes upper and lower ledges362and366, respectively, having elongate upper and lower tongue members364formed of the overmold materials and which interlock with the respective upper and lower grooves360. The frame308further includes upper and lower ledges362and366, respectively, having elongate left and right tongue members364formed of the overmold materials and which interlock with the respective left and right grooves160. It will be recognized that other configurations for interlocking the frame308and insert312in a mechanical capacity are also contemplated. For example, the trap grooves360on the insert312could be replaced with tongues, ribs, or like protrusions which engage complementary grooves or like complementary recesses formed during the overmolding process.

In certain embodiments, the insert312includes a pair of opposing walls or blades352extending from the front face of the insert member308, disposed on opposing lateral sides of the interface for receiving the helmet mount assembly116, e.g., to assist in locating the helmet mount assembly and preventing side-to-side movement between the helmet mount assembly116and an attached shroud assembly300.

In the depicted preferred embodiment, the blades352include a tapered or angled surface356on the interior facing side thereof to facilitate insertion of the helmet mount assembly116onto the interface portion of the shroud assembly300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blades352extend vertically and are disposed on opposite lateral sides of an attached helmet mount assembly116. Other orientations of the blades352, however, are also contemplated. For example, in the case of an alternative helmet mount assembly having latch members that move and provide tensioning in a horizontal direction to prevent side-to-side movement of the helmet mount assembly, the opposing blades352could be oriented horizontally and disposed above and below the helmet mount assembly to eliminate up and down movement of the helmet mount assembly.

Referring now toFIGS.12and13, a fourth embodiment shroud assembly400comprises a frame308overmolded as described above onto an insert412. The shroud assembly400is advantageously used with the optional backing pad114(seeFIGS.7-9). The shroud assembly400is primarily intended for use in connection with a helmet having a single mounting hole, such as the standard U.S. Army one-hole mounting pattern, and will be described primarily by way of reference thereto. It will be recognized, however, that the shroud assembly400could likewise be used, with or without the backing pad114, with a helmet having holes drilled in a three hole mounting pattern, such as the standard MARSOC/WARCOM three-hole pattern, in the same manner as detailed above in connection with the shroud assembly100.

The shroud assembly400provides an interface for the removable attachment of a helmet mount assembly as described above, such as a night vision mounting system.

The frame308and optional backing pad114if present each have a generally concave rearward surface which is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the helmet104. The frame308is formed of an overmold material as described above. The insert412is formed from a material and manufacturing method as described above. The frame308is as otherwise described above.

The insert412includes a central portion438having an opening440for receiving the threaded fastener168(seeFIG.9). The opening440may be elongated in the vertical direction to provide vertical adjustability when mounting the shroud assembly400, e.g., to accommodate differences between the drilled hole placement on the helmet, accommodate edge trim on the brim of the helmet, and so forth. Fastening of the shroud assembly400to the helmet104may be as described above by way of reference toFIGS.7-9.

In the depicted preferred embodiment, the blades452include a tapered or angled surface456on the interior facing side thereof to facilitate insertion of the helmet mount assembly116onto the interface portion of the shroud assembly300.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blades452extend vertically and are disposed on opposite lateral sides of an attached helmet mount assembly116. Other orientations of the blades452, however, are also contemplated. For example, in the case of an alternative helmet mount assembly having latch members that move and provide tensioning in a horizontal direction to prevent side-to-side movement of the helmet mount assembly, the opposing blades452could be oriented horizontally and disposed above and below the helmet mount assembly to eliminate up and down movement of the helmet mount assembly.