Patent Publication Number: US-11019873-B2

Title: Helmet mounted visor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/517,174, filed Apr. 6, 2017, which is a U.S. National Stage of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/054687, filed Oct. 8, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/061,823 filed Oct. 9, 2014 entitled “Helmet Mounted Visor”, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a helmet mounted visor. In some embodiments, the helmet mounted visor is a ballistic ocular shield that removeably mounts to a ballistic helmet. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment there is a helmet mounted visor comprising a lens configured to extend across substantially all of a user&#39;s face; and a pair of mount arms coupled to the lens and each configured to releasably mount to a mount attached to a helmet. In one embodiment, the pair of mount arms each include first and second portions, the first portion being rotatably coupled to the second portion. In one embodiment, the first portion is configured to be rotated between and held in two or more positions relative to the second portion. In one embodiment, the two or more positions include a use position where the lens is positioned in front of the user&#39;s face and a stowage position where the lens is positioned over a top surface of the helmet. In one embodiment, the two or more positions include a middle position where the lens is positioned between the use position and the stowage position. In one embodiment, at least one of the pair of mount arms includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the first portion relative to the second portion. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a drum brake. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a lever configured to selectively lock and release the drum brake. 
     In one embodiment, the first portion is rotatable relative to the second portion about a first axis and the pair of mount arms each include a third portion, the first portion being rotatably coupled to the third portion about a second axis, the second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis. In one embodiment, the mount is a rail. In one embodiment, the rail is attached to the helmet using fasteners that extend through existing holes in the helmet. In one embodiment, the pair of mount arms each include a projection configured to attach to a groove in the mount in a plurality of positions along the groove. In one embodiment, a position of the projections are adjustable relative to the pair of mount arms. In one embodiment, the lens has a thickness of at least approximately 28 mm. In one embodiment, the lens has a height of at least approximately 127 mm. In one embodiment, the mount arms are configured to mount to the helmet to position the lens at a plurality of distances from the user&#39;s face. In one embodiment, a flange is mounted to the top of the lens and extends toward the mount arms. 
     In another embodiment there is a helmet mounted visor comprising: a lens; a pair of mount arms coupled to the lens and each configured to releasably mount to a mount attached to a helmet, the pair of mount arms each including first, second and third portions, the first portion being rotatably coupled to the second portion about a first axis, the first portion being rotatably coupled to the third portion about a second axis, the second axis being generally perpendicular to the first axis; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the first portion relative to the second portion in and between a use position where the lens is positioned in front of a user&#39;s face and a stowage position where the lens is positioned proximate a top of the helmet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of embodiments of the helmet mounted visor will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a helmet mounted visor and mounting halo as known in the prior art shown mounted to a helmet; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a helmet mounted visor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown mounted to a helmet and in the use position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the helmet mounted visor shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial left side view of the helmet mounted of  FIG. 2  shown mounted to a helmet, in the use position, and with an outer portion of the joint removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 5  is a right side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 2  shown in the use position; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 2  shown mounted to a helmet and in the use position; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 2  shown mounted to a helmet and in the middle position; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 2  shown mounted to a helmet and in the stowage position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a helmet mounted visor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown mounted to a helmet and in the use position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the helmet mounted visor shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a right side view of the mount arms of helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 9  shown in the use position; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 9  shown with an outer portion of the joint removed showing the lock in the unlocked position; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 9  shown with an outer portion of the joint removed showing the lock in the locked position; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 9  shown mounted to a helmet and in the use position; 
         FIG. 15  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 9  shown mounted to a helmet and locked in the middle position; and 
         FIG. 16  is a left side view of the helmet mounted visor of  FIG. 2  shown mounted to a helmet and locked in the stowage position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a helmet mounted visor  12 , also referred to as ballistic ocular shield or 9 mm ballistic face shield, is designed to protect a user&#39;s face and eyes from ballistic projectiles and other objects. In some instances, the helmet mounted visor  12  includes a lens  18  designed to protect a user&#39;s face and eyes from a 9 mm, 124 grain full metal jacket (FMJ) projectile. The lens  18  may be designed to protect a user&#39;s face from other projectiles such as a 10.9 mm (“44 Mag”) projectile. The lens  18  may provide ballistic protection levels of V0 1400 feet per second (FPS), level IIIA velocity or V0 1175 FPS, level II Velocity. The level III A version may also defeat with no penetration V0 the 17 grain fragmentation simulator at a minimum velocity of 2000 FPS. The V0 1400 feet per second lens weighs approximately 54.2 ounces and the V0 1175 feet per second lens weighs approximately 44.7 ounces. 
     The helmet mounted visor  12  attaches to a helmet  16 . Traditional helmet mounted visors  12  attach to the helmet  16  via a very bulky “halo” system  14  which includes a plastic band that wraps around the helmet  16  and is secured to the helmet  16  via a ratcheting band. The halo system  14  does not fit one helmet to the next consistently. Additionally, any mounts such as shrouds and rails must be removed from the helmet  16  before using the halo system  14  which may take time and defeat the ability of the mounts to provide additional helmet utility. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 2-8  a helmet mounted visor, generally designated  10 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the helmet mounted visor  10  includes a lens  18 . In one embodiment, the lens  18  is configured to extend across substantially all of a user&#39;s face. In one embodiment, the lens  18  is curved to extend across the front and sides of the user&#39;s face. The lens  18  may be transparent. In other embodiments, the lens  18  has a tint. The lens  18  may be frameless. In other embodiments, the lens  18  may include a frame extending around at least a portion of the outer periphery. In one embodiment, the lens  18  is approximately 28 mm thick, 280 mm wide and 127 mm high. In one embodiment, the lens  18  is approximately 150 mm or approximately 178 mm high. In one embodiment, the lens  18  is comprised of a ballistic material such as a polycarbonate substrate with an acrylic laminate. 
     The helmet mounted visor  10  may include a pair of mount arms  20  coupled to the lens  18  and each configured to releasably mount to a mount  30  attached to a helmet  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). The pair of mount arms  20  may each include first and second portions  20   a ,  20   b , where the first portion  20   a  is rotatably coupled to the second portion  20   b  about joint  22 . A fastener  24  may extend through the joint  22 . The first portion  20   a  may rotate relative to the second portion  20   b  about an axis of the fastener  24 . In one embodiment, the first portion  20   a  is configured to be rotated relative to the second portion  20   b  between and held in two or more positions. The two or more positions may include a use position where the lens is positioned in front of the user&#39;s face ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ) and a stowage position where the lens is positioned proximate the top of the helmet ( FIG. 8 ). The helmet mounted visor  10  may also include a sighting or middle position where the lens  18  is positioned between the use position and the stowage position ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an end of the first portion  20   a  may be attached to the lens  18  using one or more fasteners  26 . In one embodiment, the first portion  20   a  is coupled to a rear surface of the lens  18  and two fasteners  26  extend through the lens  18  to a front surface of the lens  18 . The first portion  20   a  may include one or more apertures  28 . In one embodiment, the one or more apertures  28  is generally triangular. The one or more apertures  28  may be included to reduce the weight of the first portion  20   a  while maintaining its strength. A second end of the first portion  20   a  may be coupled to the second portion  20   b  by joint  22 . Second portion  20   b  may be configured to releasably attach to a mount  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the mount  30  is a rail. In one embodiment, the mount  30  is attached to the helmet  16  using fasteners that extend through existing holes in the helmet  16 . In one embodiment, the mount  30  is attached to the helmet  16  using a helmet cover. In one embodiment, the mount  30  extends only partially around the perimeter of the helmet  16 . In one embodiment, the mount  30  is configured to attach additional accessories such as lights, communication devices, and mandible shields, to the helmet  16 . The mount  30  may be a rail similar to the rails disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,849,517, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the second portion  20   b  may include a dove tail shaped projection  32  configured slide into and attach to a corresponding dove tail shaped groove in the mount  30 . The second portion  20   b  may be mounted to the mount  30  in one of a plurality of positions along the mount  30  such that the distance between the user&#39;s face and the inside surface of the lens  18  is adjustable. In one embodiment, the projection  32  is locked or retained in the groove of the mount  30  by a locking mechanism  34 . The locking mechanism  34  may include a leaf spring having a projection  34   a  that is configured to mate with one of a plurality of indentations along the length of the mount  30  and prevents the second portion  20   b  from being slid laterally relative to the mount  30 . In one embodiment, pulling a tab  34   b  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the locking mechanism  34  outwardly from the mount  30  releases the locking mechanism  34  (e.g., uncouples the projection  34   a  from an indentation in the mount  30 ) and allows the second portion  20   b  to be slid along the groove of the mount  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the first and second portions  20   a ,  20   b  are comprised of metal. In one embodiment, the first and second portions  20   a ,  20   b  are comprised of aluminum. The first and second portions  20   a ,  20   b  may be comprised of metal and have a plastic overmold. In other embodiments, the first and second portions  20   a ,  20   b  are comprised entirely of plastic. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, at least one of the mount arms  20  includes a locking mechanism  20   c  configured to lock the first portion  20   a  relative to the second portion  20   b . The locking mechanism  20   c  may be slideably coupled to the second portion  20   b  and spring biased toward the first portion  20   a . The locking mechanism  20   c  may be coupled to the second portion  20   b  by the fasteners  38  and include corresponding apertures  20   d  that allow for the locking mechanism  20   c  to slide away from the first portion  20   a . The locking mechanism  20   c  may include a projection  44  that is configured to extend into indentations  46   a ,  46   b ,  46   c  that correspond to the use, middle, and stowage positions of the helmet mounted visor  10  respectively. In one embodiment, the projection  44  extends into the first indentation  46   a  in the use position, into the second indentation  46   b  in the middle position, into the third indentation  46   c  in the stowage position. To unlock the mount arm  20  from the use position for example, the user pulls the locking mechanism  20   c  back away from the first portion  20   a  such that the projection  44  is removed from the first indentation  46   a , rotates the first portion  20   a  clockwise relative to the second portion  20   b  to the middle position and then releases the locking mechanism  20   c  such that the spring biases the locking mechanism  20   c  toward the first portion  20   a  and the projection is inserted into the second indentation  46   b  preventing further movement of the first portion  20   a  relative to the second portion  20   b.    
     The first portion  20   a  may include a slot  40  that receives a pin  42  extending from the second portion  20   b . The slot  40  and pin  42  may be configured to prevent the first portion  20   a  from rotating relative to the second portion  20   b  past predetermined limit angles or positions (e.g., between parallel and perpendicular). The locking mechanism  20   c  may include a plurality of ridges  48  to provide enhanced grip with the user&#39;s hand or thumb while releasing the locking mechanism  20   c.    
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the second portion  20   b  may include an additional mount portion  36 . The mount portion  36  may be attached to the second portion  20   b  with one or more fasteners  38 . The mount portion  36  may include one or more features  36   a  such as grooves and/or projections that allow for additional accessories to be attached to the second portion  20   b . In one embodiment, the one or more features  36   a  include a plurality of vertical grooves and ridges. In one embodiment, the mount portion  36  includes a portion of a Picatinny rail. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the helmet  16  may be any type of head protection helmet known in the art, for example, those used for sporting, police, or military purposes. In certain embodiments, helmet  16  is a standard infantry ballistic helmet. In some embodiments, helmet  16  is an advanced combat helmet (ACH), a modular integrated communications helmet (MICH), a tactical ballistic helmet (TBH) II helmet, a lightweight marine helmet, a personnel armor system for ground troops (PASGT) helmet or police general duty helmets. 
     In some embodiments, by using mount arms  20   a ,  20   b  to attach the lens  18  to a mount  30  rather than using a halo system increases stability, reduces bulk, allows for usage with different helmets, and allows for the mounts  30  to remain on the helmet. In addition, a significant weight savings may be achieved. A traditional 9 mm visor kit such as the one shown in  FIG. 1  weighs approximately 1,464 grams. While, in some embodiments, the helmet mounted visor  10  weighs less than approximately 1,264 grams. In addition, the helmet mounted visor  10  may be operated with one hand to adjust the lens from a fully closed or use position, to a fully open or stowage position to a middle position. 
       FIG. 6  shows the helmet mounted visor  10  in the use position from a side view. In one embodiment, the first portion  20   a  is generally parallel to the second portion  20   b  in the use position. As the locking mechanism  20   c  is moved to the aft position with the user&#39;s thumb, the lens  18  can pivot up as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Releasing the locking mechanism  20   c  and pivoting the lens  18  can be accomplished with one hand of the user. The thumb of the user pushes back on the release mechanism  20   c  in the aft direction while the fingers or palm of the hand pivot up the lens  18  relative to the second portion  20   b.    
       FIG. 7  shows the helmet mounted visor  10  in the middle position. In one embodiment, the first portion  20   a  is approximately 45 degrees relative to the second portion  20   b  in the middle position. Pivoting up the lens  18  into the middle position may allow the user to partially expose their face and provide partial protection while clearing the lens  18  from moisture or dirt on the inside surface, sighting a weapon, communicating more clearly, donning or doffing a gas mask to the user&#39;s face, or accessing food or drink. 
       FIG. 8  shows the helmet mounted visor  10  in the fully upright or stowage position. In one embodiment, the first portion  20   a  is approximately perpendicular to the second portion  20   b  in the stowage position. Pivoting up the lens  18  into the stowage position may allow the user to substantially expose their face when the lens  18  is no longer needed but not ready to detach the helmet mounted visor  10  from the helmet  16 . Pivoting the lens  18  to the stowage position allows the user to remove the lens  18  from their field of vision while allowing the lens  18  to be quickly deployed to the use position. 
     Once pivoted to the desired position, the helmet mounted visor  10  may remain locked in the use, stowage or middle positions such that the first portion  20   a  does not move relative to the second portion  20   b  until the locking mechanism  20   c  is released. 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in  FIGS. 9-16  a helmet mounted visor, generally designated  110 , in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. One or more of the embodiments discussed in reference to the helmet mounted visor  110  described below may be combined with one or more desirable features of the embodiments discussed in reference to the helmet mounted visor  10  described above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the helmet mounted visor  110  includes a lens  118 . In one embodiment, the lens  118  is configured to extend across substantially all of a user&#39;s face. In one embodiment, the lens  18  is curved to extend across the front and sides of the user&#39;s face. The lens  118  may be transparent. In other embodiments, the lens  118  has a tint. The lens  118  may be frameless. In other embodiments, the lens  118  may include a frame extending around at least a portion of the outer periphery. In one embodiment, the lens  118  is approximately 28 mm thick, 280 mm wide and 127 mm high. In one embodiment, the lens  118  is approximately 150 mm or approximately 178 mm high. In one embodiment, the lens  118  is comprised of a ballistic material such as a polycarbonate substrate with an acrylic laminate. 
     The helmet mounted visor  110  may include a pair of mount arms  120  coupled to the lens  118  and each configured to releasably mount to a mount  130  attached to a helmet  116  (see  FIG. 9 ). The pair of mount arms  120  may each include first, second, and third portions  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c , where the first portion  120   a  is rotatably coupled to the second portion  120   b  about joint  122 . A fastener  124  may extend through the joint  122 . The first portion  120   a  may rotate relative to the second portion  120   b  about an axis A 1  of the fastener  124 . In one embodiment, axis A 1  is generally parallel to a plane extending through mount arms  120 . In one embodiment, the first portion  120   a  is configured to be rotated relative to the second portion  120   b  between and held in two or more positions. The two or more positions may include a use position where the lens  118  is positioned in front of the user&#39;s face ( FIGS. 9 and 14 ) and a stowage position where the lens  118  is positioned proximate the top of the helmet  116  ( FIG. 16 ). The helmet mounted visor  110  may also include a sighting or middle position where the lens  118  is positioned between the use position and the stowage position ( FIG. 15 ). 
     The mount arms  120  may be laterally rotatable relative to the lens  18 . The mount arms  120  may be rotatable relative to the lens  18  similar to eyeglasses so that the helmet mounted visor  110  may be used with a variety of different sized helmets  116  and/or the mount arms  120  may be folded inwardly when not mounted to the helmet  116  to reduce the overall size of the helmet mounted visor  110 . In one embodiment, the first portion  120   a  is rotatably coupled to a third portion  120   c  mounted to the lens  18 . The first portion  120   a  may be coupled to the third portion  120   c  by a hinge  150  having an axis A 2 . In one embodiment, the axis A 2  of the hinge  150  may be generally perpendicular to the axis A 1  of the fastener  124 . 
     An end of the third portion  120   c  may be attached to the lens  118  using one or more fasteners  126 . In one embodiment, the third portion  120   c  is coupled to a front surface of the lens  118  and two fasteners  126  extend through the lens  118  to a rear surface of the lens  118 . A flange  152  may be provided on the top of the lens  118  that extends back toward the second portions  120   b . The flange  152  may be configured to extend from the top of the lens  118  to the external surface of the helmet  116  to prevent debris from going between the user&#39;s face and the inside surface of the lens  118 . In one embodiment, the flange  152  has an outer edge that is curved to generally match the contour of the outer surface of the lens  118  and an inner edge that is curved to generally match the contour of the external surface of the helmet  116 . In one embodiment, a portion of the flange  152  wraps around the top edge of the lens  118  and is sandwiched between the ends of the third portion  120   c  and the outside surface of the lens  118  to fasten the flange  152  to the lens  118 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, the mount  130  is a rail. In one embodiment, the mount  130  is attached to the helmet  116  using fasteners that extend through existing holes in the helmet  116 . In one embodiment, the mount  130  is attached to the helmet  116  using a helmet cover. In one embodiment, the mount  130  extends only partially around the perimeter of the helmet  116 . In one embodiment, the mount  130  is configured to attach additional accessories such as lights, communication devices, and mandible shields, to the helmet  116 . The mount  130  may be a rail similar to the rails disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,849,517, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the second portion  120   b  may include a projection  132  configured to extend into the groove  130   a  in the mount  130 . In one embodiment the projection  132  is rectangular shaped. In another embodiment, the projection  132  is dove tail shaped. The second portion  120   b  may be mounted to the mount  130  in one of a plurality of positions along the mount  130  such that the distance between the user&#39;s face and the inside surface of the lens  118  is adjustable. In one embodiment, the projection  132  is adjustable toward and away from the lens  118  relative to the mount arm  120  to provide fine tuning of the distance between the user&#39;s face and the inside surface of the lens  118 . The projection  132  may be locked in place relative to the mount arm  120  by a fastener  132   a . In one embodiment, the projection  132  is locked or retained in the groove  130   a  of the mount  130  by a locking mechanism  134 . The locking mechanism  134  may include a knob  134   b  having an extension arm  134   a  that is configured to mate with one of a plurality of indentations  130   b  along the length of the mount  130  and prevent the second portion  120   b  from detaching from the mount  130 . The extension arm  134   a  may be generally rectangular in shape. In one embodiment, the extension arm  134   a  extends into an indentation  130   b  and then the knob  134   b  is rotated to rotate the extension arm  134   a  90 degrees. In one embodiment, twisting the knob  134   b  also pulls the extension arm  134   a  closer to the projection  132  to sandwich the rail  130  between the extension arm  134   a  and the projection  132 . In one embodiment, twisting the knob  134   b  of the locking mechanism  134  in the opposite direction releases the locking mechanism  134  (e.g., uncouples the extension arm  134   a  from an indentation in the mount  130 ) and allows the second portion  120   b  to be removed from the mount  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the first, second, and third portions  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  are comprised of metal. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third portions  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  are comprised of aluminum. The first, second, and third portions  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  may be comprised of metal and have a plastic overmold. In other embodiments, the first, second, and third portions  120   a ,  120   b  are comprised entirely of plastic. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in one embodiment, at least one of the mount arms  120  includes a locking mechanism  154  configured to lock the first portion  120   a  relative to the second portion  120   b . The locking mechanism  154  may selectively lock the first portion  120   a  relative to the second portion  120   b  in the use position, the stowage position, and any desired middle position between the use and stowage positions. The helmet mounted visor  110  may include one locking mechanism on either side (e.g., on one mount arm  120  or the other) or a locking mechanism  154  on both sides as shown. The locking mechanism  154  may include a drum brake  158 . In one embodiment, the drum brake  158  includes a first shoe  158   a  rotatably coupled to a second shoe  158   b  about a pin  158   c . The first and second shoes  158   a ,  158   b  may each include a brake pad  158   d ,  158   e . The first and second shoes  158   a ,  158   b  may be coupled by an actuator  160  such as a weak knee joint. The weak knee joint may include two linkages  158   f ,  158   g  that are pivotably connected between the first and second shoes  158   a ,  158   b . In the unlocked position (see e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), the drum brake  158  is not engaged and the first portion  120   a  is free to move relative to the second portion  120   b . In the locked position (see e.g.,  FIG. 13 ), the brake pads  158   d ,  158   e  may be frictionally engaged with the inside surface of the housing  154   a  of the locking mechanism  154  to prevent or at least strongly resist the first portion  120   a  being moveable relative to the second portion  120   b . A lever  156  may be provided for engaging and disengaging the locking mechanism  154 . The lever  156  may include an arm  156   a  that is coupled to the linkages  158   f ,  158   g . In one embodiment, pulling the lever  156  downwardly pivots the linkages  158   f ,  158   g  upwardly and into the locked position. In one embodiment, pushing the lever  156  upwardly pivots the linkages  158   f ,  158   g  downwardly and into the unlocked position. The locking mechanism  154  may include one or more limiters, such as a set screw, that is configured to prevent the drum brake  158  from rotating past the use and/or stowage positions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the helmet  116  may be any type of head protection helmet known in the art, for example, those used for sporting, police, or military purposes. In certain embodiments, helmet  116  is a standard infantry ballistic helmet. In some embodiments, helmet  116  is an advanced combat helmet (ACH), a modular integrated communications helmet (MICH), a tactical ballistic helmet (TBH) II helmet, a lightweight marine helmet, a personnel armor system for ground troops (PASGT) helmet or police general duty helmets. 
     In some embodiments, by using mount arms  120   a ,  120   b  to attach the lens  118  to a mount  130  rather than using a halo system increases stability, reduces bulk, allows for usage with different helmets, and allows for the mounts  130  to remain on the helmet  116 . In addition, the helmet mounted visor  110  may be operated with one hand to adjust the lens from a fully closed or use position, to a fully open or stowage position to a middle position. 
       FIG. 14  shows the helmet mounted visor  110  in the use position from a side view. In one embodiment, the first portion  120   a  is generally parallel to the second portion  120   b  (or the groove  130   a  of the rail  130 ) in the use position. After the locking mechanism(s)  154  is unlocked by pulling up on the lever  156 , the lens  118  can pivot up as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Releasing the locking mechanism  154  and pivoting the lens  118  can be accomplished with one hand of the user. The thumb of one hand of the user pushes up on the lever  156  and then the fingers or palm of the hand may then pivot up the lens  118  relative to the second portion  120   b.    
       FIG. 15  shows the helmet mounted visor  110  in the middle position. In one embodiment, the first portion  120   a  is approximately 45 degrees relative to the second portion  120   b  (or the groove  130   a  of the rail  130 ) in the middle position. Pivoting up the lens  118  into the middle position may allow the user to partially expose their face to clear the lens  118  from moisture or dirt on the inside surface, communicate more clearly, don or doff a gas mask to the user&#39;s face, or access food or drink. 
       FIG. 16  shows the helmet mounted visor  110  in the fully upright or stowage position. In one embodiment, the first portion  120   a  is approximately 80 degrees to the second portion  20   b  (or the groove  130   a  of the rail  130 ) in the stowage position. Pivoting up the lens  118  into the stowage position may allow the user to substantially expose their face when the lens  118  is no longer needed but not ready to detach the helmet mounted visor  110  from the helmet  116 . Pivoting the lens  118  to the stowage position may allow the user to remove the lens  118  from their field of vision while allowing the lens  118  to be quickly deployed to the use position. 
     Once pivoted to the desired position, the helmet mounted visor  110  may remain locked in the use, stowage or middle positions such that the first portion  120   a  does not move relative to the second portion  120   b  until the locking mechanism  154  is released. 
     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 understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, 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”. 
     It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.