Abstract:
A modular mounting system for a night vision device includes one or more night vision monoculars, each night vision monocular having an imaging tube, a housing, and a first mounting shoe at a first position on the housing. A power supply has a first fastener thereon. A helmet mount at a first location on a helmet has a second fastener thereon. A power supply interface is located at a second location on the helmet and a second mounting shoe is provided on the power supply interface. The first mounting shoe is interchangeably and removably attachable to the first fastener and the second fastener, and, the first fastener interchangeably and removably attachable to the first mounting shoe and the second mounting shoe. In a further aspect, a firearm rail interface is provided to allow the night vision monocular to alternatively be positioned on a firearm accessory rail.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claim the benefit of provisional application No. 61/863,988 filed Aug. 9, 2013. The entire contents of the aforementioned provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to an improved modular system which provides multiple options for interchangeably mounting a night vision device to headgear such as a tactical or military field helmet and a firearm. The system herein provides multiple options for a monocular or binocular night vision device, multiple flip options for moving an attached night vision device between a viewing position when the device is in use on a helmet and a stowed position out of the user&#39;s line of sight when the viewing device is not in use. The system herein is also adapted to provide multiple options for moving a night vision device in and out of the optical axis of a weapon-mounted scope or sight when used on a weapon. The system according to this disclosure is particularly suited for use with night vision devices that enable viewing under nighttime or other low light conditions, such as a night vision goggle (NVG) device or enhanced night vision goggle (ENVG) device, although it will be recognized that the system herein could be adapted for use with other optical, opto-electronic, or electronic viewing devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     A modular mounting system for a night vision device includes one or more night vision monoculars, each night vision monocular having an imaging tube, a housing, and a first mounting shoe at a first position on the housing. A power supply has a first fastener. A helmet mount is disposed at a first location on a helmet and has a second fastener. A power supply interface is disposed at a second location on the helmet and a second mounting shoe is provided on the power supply interface. The first mounting shoe is interchangeably and removably attachable to the first fastener and the second fastener. The first fastener is interchangeably and removably attachable to the first mounting shoe and the second mounting shoe. 
     In a more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes a first set of electrical contacts on the first fastener that contact a second set of electrical contacts on the first mounting shoe when the first fastener is attached to the first mounting shoe, and, a third set of electrical contacts on the second mounting shoe that contact the first set of electrical contacts when the first fastener is attached to the second mounting shoe. 
     In another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes a fourth set of electrical contacts on the second fastener that contact the second set of electrical contacts on the first mounting shoe when the second fastener is attached to the first mounting shoe. 
     In yet another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes electrical conductors electrically coupling the third set of contacts to the fourth set of contacts. 
     In still another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system of further includes a second mounting shoe at a second location on the housing. 
     In another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further comprises a firearm mounting system, the firearm mounting system including: a rail clamp for removably attaching the firearm mounting system to a rail interface of a firearm; and a third fastener attached to the rail clamp, the third fastener removably attachable to the second mounting shoe. 
     In yet another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes a hinge pivotally attaching the third fastener to the rail clamp, the hinge pivotal about an axis parallel to an axis of the firearm. 
     In another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further comprises a third fastener on the helmet mount adjacent the second fastener, wherein the first mounting shoe is interchangeably and removably attachable to the first fastener, the second fastener, and the third fastener. 
     In still another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes a first one of the one or more night vision monoculars removably attached to the second fastener; and a second one of the one or more night vision monoculars removably attached to the third fastener. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the second fastener is adapted for interchangeably mounting one or more viewing devices selected from the group consisting of an optical device, opto-electronic device, sighting device, targeting device, night vision goggle device, enhanced night vision goggle device, thermal imaging device, infrared imaging device, short-wave infrared imaging device, and helmet-mounted display screen. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the helmet mount comprises a pivot assembly that allows the helmet mount to be pivoted between a lower position for use and an upper position for stowage of a night vision monocular device attached to the helmet mount. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the helmet mount comprises a vertical adjustment mechanism. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the helmet mount assembly comprises one or both of a tilt adjustment mechanism and a fore-and-aft adjustment mechanism. 
     In another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes a breakaway connector that causes the helmet mount assembly to detach from the helmet upon the application of a predetermined force. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the power supply further includes an integral accessory device 
     In yet another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the integral accessory device is selected from an IR illuminator and a friend-or-foe identification device. 
     In another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the helmet mount includes a center bridge member attached to a sliding carriage, the sliding carriage slidable in a fore-and-aft direction. A side mounting member is removably attachable to the center bridge member and the second fastener pivotally attaches to the side mounting member to allow pivoting movement of the night vision monocular about a pivot axis. 
     In still another more limited aspect, a modular mounting system is provided wherein the pivot axis is parallel to a viewing axis of the night vision monocular. 
     In yet another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further includes an IR illuminator on the center bridge member. 
     In yet another more limited aspect, the modular mounting system further comprises a light sensor on the center bridge member operably coupled to the second fastener to provide a signal representative of an intensity of light impinging on the light sensor, and, circuitry for transmitting the signal to an auto gain circuit of the night vision monocular. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment night vision system wherein a night vision monocular is used in conjunction with a battery pack and an IR illuminator. 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are assembly views of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are isometric views illustrating the manner of attaching the night vision system herein to a firearm. In  FIG. 4 , the night vision monocular is positioned in line with the viewing axis of an optical scope. In  FIG. 5 , the night vision monocular is moved to a position out of line with an optical scope. 
         FIG. 6  is a top, exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a helmet-mounted binocular embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a helmet-mounted monocular embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom exploded view of a helmet-mounted monocular embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear isometric view of the  FIG. 8  embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the embodiment appearing in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or analogous components throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1-3  depict an exemplary modular night vision system  100 , which includes a night vision monocular device  110 . A first mounting interface  112 , which may be a standard dovetail mounting shoe, is provided on an upper (in the orientation depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 ) surface of the monocular  110 . 
     A power supply  114  is attached to a second mounting interface  116 . The second mounting interface  116  may be a powered interface or hot shoe and, in preferred embodiments, has a standard dovetail configuration. Electrical contacts  118  on the interface  116  contact electrical contacts  122  within a complimentary mounting receptacle  120  on the power supply  114 . The contacts  118  and  122  provide an electrical coupling between a battery or battery pack  124  received within a battery compartment  126  of the power supply  114  and the monocular  110 . The power supply  114  includes a removable cap or cover  130  for replacement of the battery or battery pack  124 . In alternative embodiments, a rechargeable battery or battery pack is contemplated. 
     In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the power supply  114  further includes an accessory compartment  132  that houses an accessory device, such as an infrared (IR) illuminator or a friend or foe identification (IFF) system. An exemplary IFF system may be of the type including an infrared emitter that emits a unique infrared beacon or signal that is invisible to the naked eye. It is also contemplated that the compartment  132  could house other types of accessory devices. A switch  128  on the housing portion  132  is provided to selectively turn the accessory device on or off. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , there is shown a firearm system  200  employing the modular night vision system  100 . The firearm system includes a firearm  210 , which may be a military assault rifle such as an M16 rifle, M4 carbine, and so forth. A rail interface  212  includes a rail clamp portion  214  for removably attachment to an accessory rail, such as Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 4640, or equivalent) rail system  216  of the firearm  210 . A pivoting portion  218  is pivotally attached to the rail clamp portion  214  and includes a mounting interface or adapter  220  which is complimentary with the mounting shoe  112 . The adapter  220  may be, for example, a female dovetail receptacle. In the illustrated application, the system may be positioned in front of, e.g., at the focal point of, an optical scope  230  on the firearm  200  to provide a magnified image of the night vision device image output. A manually actuatable latch  232  is provided to secure the night vision system in the locked position. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the night vision system  100  may be pivoted out of the line of sight of the scope  230  when not in use, e.g., during daylight conditions, without the need to completely remove the unit  100  from the firearm. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the unit  100  may be removed from the firearm  200  by removing the mounting shoe  112  from the receptacle  220  of the rail interface  212 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-9 , an interface system for mounting one or a pair of the monocular units  110  to a helmet is illustrated. In  FIG. 7  there is shown a pair of monocular units  110  attached to a helmet mounting system  300  to provide a binocular night vision device. In  FIG. 8 , the mounting system  300  is shown with a single monocular unit  110  attached. Still further embodiments are contemplated wherein a different modality viewing device, such as a thermal imaging device, may be used in place of one or both of the night vision monocular units  110 . 
     The helmet mounting system  300  may be as described in the commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,370, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or other helmet mounting system as known to those skilled in the art. The helmet mounting system  300  includes a bracket  314  attached to the front portion of the helmet  312 . A first pivoting segment  316  is removably attached to the bracket  314  and may include a vertical adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position the devices  110  relative to the eyes of the user  310 . The segment  316  may also include a breakaway mechanism e.g., in which the segment  316  (or a portion thereof) will release upon application of a predetermined force. 
     In certain embodiments, the helmet mount system has a breakaway mechanism. In preferred embodiments wherein a breakaway mechanism is present, an actuator is provided to allow the user to select a breakaway or nonbreakaway attachment. The first segment  316  may also include a tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the optical axis of the viewing devices, and so forth. The vertical adjustment mechanism, tilt axis adjustment mechanism, and breakaway/nonbreakaway features, and so forth, may be as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,370 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0083391, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     A second pivoting segment  318  is pivotally attached to the first pivoting segment  316  about a pivot axis or cylinder  317 . The second segment  318  comprises rails  319  having a sliding carriage  320  which provides a fore-and-aft adjustment mechanism for positioning the devices  110  at a desired position in front of the user&#39;s eyes. Pivoting movement of the second segment  318  relative to the first segment  316  allows the wearer  310  to selectively move the viewing devices between the deployed position as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  and a stowed position wherein the viewing devices  110  are pivoted up and out of the user&#39;s line of sight. 
     A bridge unit  330  is attached to the sliding carriage  320 . The bridge unit  330  comprises three main sections, including a center section  332 , and left and right sections  334 . The center section  332  is removably attachable to the sliding carriage  320 , as shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/630,695 filed Sep. 28, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The center section  332  includes a mounting shoe  334  for engaging a complimentary receptacle  336  on the lower surface of the sliding carriage  320 . 
     The contacting surfaces of the center section  332  and the respective side sections  334  may be angled or tapered, or otherwise keyed to provide stability and prevent wobbling when in use. In alternative embodiments, the bridge unit  330  may include a center section that is integral with the sliding carriage  320 , as shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/930,534 filed Jun. 28, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The side sections  334  each include a hinged optical device interface  350  which allow one or both of the viewing devices  110  to be pivoted up and out of the user&#39;s line of sight about a hinge  342  when not in use. In this manner, the viewing devices can be pivoted out of the way independently of the hinge  319  of the helmet mount. Pivoting both the hinges  342  in addition to pivoting the segment  318  moves the viewing devices back over the helmet to reduce torque and strain on the user&#39;s neck. A lateral adjustment knob  344  is provided on the interface  350 , which allows the viewing devices  110  to be laterally aligned with the eyes of the user. 
     The left and right side sections  334  are attached to the center section  332  on opposite transverse sides and are generally arranged as mirror images of each other. The sections  334  are secured to the center section via a threaded member  340  which is manually rotatably to engage a complimentary threaded opening in the center section  332 . Electrical contacts, not shown, may be provided on the mating surfaces of the center section  332  and the side sections  334  to provide electrical communication between the bridge unit  330  and the devices  110 . In this manner, when the units  110  are used in a helmet-mounted configuration, the power supply units  114  may be removed and power can be delivered from a remote power supply interface as described below to the center section  320 , e.g., via wiring or circuitry in the helmet  312  and helmet mount  300 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an electrical conductor  351  may be routed from the power supply receptacle  380  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) through the helmet, and directly to the interface  350 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the center section  332  includes an infrared illuminator or flood light  360  and a light sensor  362 . A power switch  364  allows the user to selectively actuate the IR illuminator. Power may be provided a power supply interface  380  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) on the back of the helmet  312  via electrical conductors passing through the helmet. In preferred embodiments, the power supply interface  380  is adapted to receive the power supply  114  that has been removed from the monocular device  110 . 
     The light sensor  362  includes a photosensitive element to sense the brightness or intensity of ambient lighting or other light impinging on the photosensor and provides an electrical signal representative of the brightness or intensity to an auto gain circuit of the viewing devices  110 , e.g., via electrical contacts on the contacting surfaces of center section  332  and the side sections  334 . The signal representative of the ambient lighting is used to control the amplification (gain) of the night vision devices to prevent the user from becoming temporarily blinded in the event of exposure to bright light. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , when the monocular units  110  are used in connection with the helmet interface  300 , the power supply  114  may be removed from the mounting shoe  116  and is attached to a battery mount  380  disposed on the rear of the helmet  312 . In this manner, the weight of two power supply units  114  can be removed and replaced with the weight of a single power supply unit  114 , thereby removing overall weight. In addition, moving the power supply from the imaging devices  110  to the back of the helmet reduces weight on the front of the helmet, thereby reducing the torque and strain on the user&#39;s neck. 
     The battery mount  380  includes a mounting shoe  382  which is removably received in the mounting receptacle  120  on the power supply  114 . The electrical contacts  122  on the battery pack  114  contact aligned electrical contacts  384  on the mount  380 . The contacts  384 , in turn, are electrically coupled to the helmet mount  300 , e.g., via conductive elements passing from the rear power supply mount  380  to the helmet mount  300 . The conductive elements may be wiring, conductive tracings on a circuit substrate, etc., passing under, over, around, or through the helmet  312 . 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.