Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a helmet mounted shroud and, more particularly, to a helmet mounted shroud that includes a retention device.

Helmets may be worn for protection in a variety of settings including recreational use such as rock climbing or used in industry such as by military, firefighter, construction, manufacturing, or police personnel. It is sometimes desirable to have an accessory mounted to the helmet such as a pair of night vision goggles (NVG), camera, face shield, light, battery, or mask. The accessory device may be moveable between a stowed position and a use position. Traditional helmet systems do not offer many options for maintaining the accessory device in either the stowed position or the use position.

An improved shroud for maintaining the position of the accessory device is desired.

<CIT> discloses a mounting system for mounting a plurality of devices to a helmet. The mounting system comprises a mounting halo secured around the helmet, at least one rail rotatably mounted to the halo and adapted to secure a device thereto, and an adaptor bracket mounted to a rear of the helmet. The adaptor bracket is adapted to receive therein a device whose weight counterbalances the weight of night vision equipment secured to the front of the helmet.

<CIT> discloses a modular helmet attachment platform for ACH and MICH helmets to enable the user to attach various off-the-shelf user items that users may have in the field, such as lights, IFF devices, NVGs, and NVG accessories, to a helmet.

In accordance with the present application, there is provided a retention system according to claim <NUM>. Optional or preferred features are defined in then dependent claims. According to the invention, a retention system comprises a shroud configured to be coupled to a helmet. The shroud includes a front surface and a rear surface and the shroud is configured to be coupled to an accessory device. A flexible element is coupled to the shroud and configured to at least partially secure the accessory device to the shroud. The flexible element extends through the front surface of the shroud. The shroud includes a groove and a portion of the flexible element is within the groove. A first section of the groove may be adjacent the rear surface of the shroud and a second section of the groove may be adjacent the front surface of the shroud. The rear surface of the shroud may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the helmet when the shroud is coupled to the helmet.

In a further embodiment, the retention system includes a helmet and a portion of the flexible element may be positioned between the rear surface of the shroud and the helmet when the flexible element may be within the groove. The shroud may include a crown including a crown groove, a first strut including a first groove, and a second strut including a second groove. The crown groove, the first groove, and the second groove may each be configured to receive a portion of the flexible element. The crown groove may be on the rear surface of the shroud and the first groove may be on the front surface of the shroud. The second groove may be on the front surface of the shroud. The flexible element may include a fastener configured to be detachably coupled to the accessory device.

In a further embodiment, the retention system may include a receiver configured to receive the fastener when the fastener is detached from the accessory device. The receiver may comprise a recess in at least one of a front surface and the rear surface of the shroud. The fastener may comprise at least one of a hook and a carabiner configured to couple to the accessory device. The flexible element may comprise an elastomeric element. A single flexible element may be positioned on more than one side of the shroud. The accessory device may comprise at least one of night vision goggles, a camera, and a light. The flexible element may be configured to laterally stabilize the accessory device. The flexible element may comprise a woven sheath at least partially surrounding a strand of elastomeric material. The woven sheath may comprise nylon. The flexible element may include a fastener on opposing ends of the flexible element.

The following detailed description of embodiments of the helmet mounted shroud 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.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in <FIG> a retention system, generally designated <NUM>, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the retention system <NUM> is configured to secure an accessory device <NUM> to a structure such as a helmet <NUM>. The accessory device <NUM> may be, for example but not limited to, a night vision goggle (NVG), binoculars, a light, a telescope, helmet mounted displays, visors, maxillofacial shields, thermal sight, or a camera. The retention system <NUM> includes a shroud <NUM> configured to be attached to the helmet <NUM>. The accessory device <NUM> may be moveable with respect to the shroud <NUM> between a stowed position (<FIG>) and a use position (<FIG>). The retention system <NUM> include a retention element <NUM> coupled to the shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be configured to be positioned on a front portion of the helmet <NUM>. The accessory device <NUM> may be positioned in front of a user's face or eyes in the use position.

Referring to <FIG>, the retention element <NUM> is configured to at least partially secure the accessory device <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> is a flexible element. The retention element <NUM> may be a flexible element having a fixed length such as a rope, wire, or string. The retention element <NUM> may be an elastomeric element configured to resiliently expand and contract as the accessory device moves (e.g., between the stowed position and the use position). The retention element <NUM> may be a cord, bungee, bungie, rope, or string. The retention element <NUM> may be configured to stretch beyond its original length by about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or up to about <NUM>%. The retention element <NUM> may stabilize the accessory device <NUM> (e.g., laterally) by being stretched when the accessory device <NUM> is in the stowed position or the use position.

The retention element <NUM> may include a fastener <NUM> configured to engage the accessory device <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be configured to detachably engage the accessory device <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may include a hook, a carabiner, a latch, a hook with spring latch, a spring latch, a magnet, or a cabin hook latch. The fastener <NUM> may be configured to engage an opening, loop, or receiver on the accessory device <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may include a strand or strands of an elastomeric material with a woven sheath over the elastomeric material. The sheath may be manufactured from nylon. The retention element <NUM> may have a diameter of about <NUM> inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the retention element <NUM> may be up to about <NUM> inches.

The retention element <NUM> may include a fastener <NUM> on opposing ends of the retention element <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may include a length between the fasteners <NUM> of about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, about <NUM> inches to about <NUM> inches, or about <NUM> inches. The retention element <NUM> may pass through an aperture <NUM> in the fastener <NUM> and the retention element <NUM> may be attached to itself with a crimped sleeve <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The fastener <NUM> may include a channel configured to receive a free end of the retention element <NUM> and the channel may be crimped to secure the free end within the channel (not shown). The fastener may include a wire hook and the wire may be coiled to form the channel such that the hook and the channel are a unitary construct. The fastener <NUM> may include adhesive or tape securing the retention element <NUM> to the fastener or to itself. The retention element <NUM> may include any number of fasteners <NUM> along the length of the retention element <NUM>. The retention system <NUM> may include a plurality of retention elements <NUM> and each retention element may be configured to at least partially secure the accessory device <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>. The retention system <NUM> may include a single retention element <NUM> adjacent more than one side (e.g., opposing sides) of the shroud <NUM>. The characteristics of the retention element <NUM> (e.g., length, width, strength) may be selected according to the characteristics (e.g., weight, location of the attachment feature) of the accessory device <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the retention element <NUM> may be coupled to the shroud <NUM> by weaving through features of the shroud <NUM>. In other embodiments, the retention element <NUM> may be fastened to the shroud <NUM> by a fastener and/or adhesive. A single retention element <NUM> may be provided with a fastener <NUM> on each end. In other embodiments, two separate retention elements <NUM> are provided with one end attached to the shroud and the other free end having a fastener <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the shroud <NUM> includes a groove <NUM> configured to receive at least a portion of the retention element <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may include a groove formed in one or more sides of the shroud <NUM> (e.g., left and right sides, front and back sides or surfaces). The groove <NUM> may be open to an exterior of the shroud <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be enclosed such that the groove includes a tunnel through one or more portions of the shroud <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may include a combination of grooves and tunnels. The groove <NUM> may include one or more clips coupled to a surface of the shroud <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may have a semicircular cross-sectional shape (<FIG>). The width of the groove <NUM> may be selected based on the width of the retention element <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may have a thickness at the groove <NUM> of about <NUM> millimeters to about <NUM> millimeters. The shroud <NUM> may have a thickness adjacent the groove <NUM> of about <NUM> millimeters to about <NUM> millimeters. The width of the groove <NUM> may be selected such that the retention element may be pulled away from the groove <NUM> without interference from the sidewalls of the groove <NUM>. The width of the groove <NUM> may be selected such that the retention element <NUM> and the groove <NUM> have a snap-fit engagement. The groove <NUM> may include rounded or chamfered edges to reduce wear on the retention element <NUM>.

The groove <NUM> may include a first section adjacent a first side <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> and a second section adjacent a second side <NUM> of the shroud <NUM>. The first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> may be opposing sides of the shroud. The first side <NUM> may be a rear surface of the shroud <NUM>. The second side <NUM> may be a front surface of the shroud <NUM>. According to the invention, the retention element <NUM> extends through the front surface of the shroud <NUM>, an opening <NUM> extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the shroud <NUM>, and the retention element <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM> when the retention element <NUM> is within the groove <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> and the retention element <NUM> may be provided together. A kit may include a shroud <NUM> and a plurality of retention elements <NUM>. The kit may include a plurality of retention elements <NUM> of different size, length, or thickness. In other embodiments, the shroud <NUM> and retention element <NUM> may each be provided separately.

The shroud <NUM> may include a crown <NUM>, a first wing <NUM>, and a second wing <NUM>. The first wing <NUM> and the second wing <NUM> may be on opposing sides of the shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the helmet <NUM>. In one embodiment, each of the crown <NUM>, first wing <NUM>, and second wing <NUM> include a port <NUM> configured to receive an anchor <NUM> (anchor shown in <FIG>). The anchor may be a screw, bolt, rivet, nail, or heat stake. The port <NUM> may be threaded to receive a threaded anchor. The ports <NUM> may be arranged to follow a bolt pattern on the helmet <NUM>. The first side <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> may be defined by a radius of curvature <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) configured to approximate an outer radius of a helmet <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be flexible such that the shroud <NUM> can adapt to the exterior surface of a selected helmet or other structure which the shroud <NUM> is coupled to.

Turning to <FIG>, the groove <NUM> may be included in one or more of the crown <NUM>, the first wing <NUM>, and the second wing <NUM>. The crown <NUM> may include a crown groove <NUM> open to the first side <NUM> of the crown <NUM>. The crown <NUM> may include a crown opening <NUM> extending from the first side <NUM> to a second side <NUM> of the crown <NUM>. The crown groove <NUM> may be formed on opposing sides of the crown opening <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may be visible through the crown opening <NUM> when the retention element <NUM> is within the crown groove <NUM>. The crown opening <NUM> may include a perimeter <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may extend across the opening <NUM> when the retention element <NUM> is within the crown groove <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the first wing <NUM> and the second wing <NUM> may each include a first strut <NUM> and a second strut <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may include a first section or first groove <NUM> on the first strut <NUM>. The first groove <NUM> may be on or adjacent the second side <NUM> of the first strut <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may include a second section or second groove <NUM> on the second strut <NUM>. The second groove <NUM> may be on or adjacent the first side <NUM> of the second strut <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are on the same side of the first strut <NUM> and the second strut <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are on differing sides of the first strut <NUM> and the second strut <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first groove <NUM> and the crown groove <NUM> are on the same side of the shroud <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second groove <NUM> and the crown groove <NUM> are on the same side of the shroud <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first groove <NUM> and the crown groove <NUM> are on different sides of the shroud <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second groove <NUM> and the crown groove <NUM> are on different sides of the shroud <NUM>. The different sides may be front and back sides. Each of the crown groove <NUM>, the first groove <NUM>, and the second groove <NUM> may be configured to receive at least a portion of the retention element <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may be positioned within the groove <NUM>, including the crown groove <NUM>, the first groove <NUM>, and the second groove <NUM>, and be positioned on different or opposing sides of the shroud <NUM> when at least one of the crown groove <NUM>, the first groove <NUM>, and the second groove <NUM> are on a different or opposing side of the shroud <NUM> than another of the crown groove <NUM>, the first groove <NUM>, and the second groove <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may at least partially wrap around one of the first strut <NUM> and the second strut <NUM> as the accessory device <NUM> moves between the stowed position and the use position. A portion of the retention element <NUM> may be positioned between the helmet <NUM> and the shroud <NUM> when the retention element is within the groove <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the shroud <NUM> may include a body <NUM> configured to receive a plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be configured to engage the accessory device <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may include an engagement feature (e.g., a rack, a hook, an aperture) to mate with a corresponding feature on the accessory device <NUM> to secure the accessory device <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may include a first overhang <NUM> and a second overhang <NUM>. The first overhang <NUM> and the second overhang <NUM> may each include a recess configured to receive a portion of a shoe <NUM>. The shoe <NUM> may include a latch or a retractable engagement feature such that the shoe <NUM> can be detachably coupled to the first overhang <NUM> and the second overhang <NUM> while the plate <NUM> and shroud <NUM> are coupled to the helmet <NUM>. The shoe <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to an accessory device arm <NUM>. The accessory device arm <NUM> may be configured to be attached to the accessory device <NUM>. The accessory device <NUM> may be coupled to the helmet <NUM> such that an order of coupling elements includes the helmet <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the plate <NUM>, the shoe <NUM>, the accessory device mounting arm <NUM> and the accessory device <NUM>.

A coupling element <NUM> may at least temporarily secure the plate <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>. The coupling element <NUM> may include a screw, a bolt, a dowel, or an expandable anchor. The plate <NUM> may include a plate opening <NUM> configured to receive the coupling element <NUM>. The body <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> may include a body opening <NUM> configured to receive the coupling element <NUM>. In one embodiment, one or more of the plate opening <NUM> and the body opening <NUM> are threaded to mesh with a threaded coupling element <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may include a first opening or the port <NUM> configured to receive the helmet anchor <NUM> and a second opening or the body opening <NUM> configured to receive the coupling element <NUM>.

Referring to Figs. <NUM>-<NUM>, there is shown another embodiment of a shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> is similar to shroud <NUM> as both may include a groove <NUM> configured to receive the retention element <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may include a receiver <NUM> configured to receive the fastener <NUM> when the fastener <NUM> is detached from the accessory device <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may include a hook, a recess, a loop, or a magnet configured to at least temporarily engage the fastener <NUM>. The structure or design of the receiver <NUM> may be selected based on the fastener <NUM>. In one embodiment, the receiver <NUM> includes a first recess <NUM> on the first side <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> (<FIG>). The first recess <NUM> may have a perimeter defined by one or more sidewalls <NUM>. In one embodiment, the receiver <NUM> includes a second recess <NUM> on the second side <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> (<FIG>). The second recess <NUM> may have a perimeter defined by one or more sidewalls <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> may each include a groove, a slot, or a portion of the shroud <NUM> having a reduced thickness compared to an adjacent portion of the shroud. The fastener <NUM> may engage one or both of the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> when the fastener <NUM> is engaged with the receiver <NUM> (<FIG>). A portion of the fastener <NUM> may be positioned between the shroud <NUM> and the helmet <NUM> when the fastener <NUM> engages the receiver <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may be self-contained by the shroud <NUM> when the retention element <NUM> is not connected to the accessory device <NUM>. The retention element <NUM> may be engaged with only the shroud <NUM> when the retention element is not connected to the accessory device <NUM>.

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 invention. 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 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. The words "right", "left", "lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the retention system. 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".

Claim 1:
A retention system (<NUM>) comprising:
a shroud (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a helmet (<NUM>), the shroud including a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the shroud is configured to be coupled to an accessory device (<NUM>); and
a flexible element (<NUM>) coupled to the shroud and configured to at least partially secure the accessory device to the shroud, the flexible element extending through an opening (<NUM>) in the front surface of the shroud, wherein the opening extends through the shroud from the front surface to the rear surface of the shroud and wherein the shroud (<NUM>) includes a groove (<NUM>) and a portion of the flexible element (<NUM>) is within the groove.