Helmet stabilization apparatus

• US 8,458,821 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2008
• Issued: 06/11/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Shrike Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Shrike Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Langan, Timothy, Rivas, Joe III
• Primary Examiner(s): HARMON, CHRISTOPHER R
• Application Number:
  US12/333,267
• Publication Number:
  US 20100146684A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,643 Days
• Field of Search: 294/59, 711/6, 242/2, 2/5, 2/66
• US Class Current: 2/422
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0406 Accessories for helmets
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/042 Optical devices night vision goggles G02B23/12

Abstract

The helmet stabilization apparatus includes a helmet adapted to be worn by a user, a night vision goggle unit attached to a front portion of the helmet, and a removable counterweight attached to a rear portion of the helmet that balances with the weight of the night vision goggle unit, wherein said removable counterweight can be connected in a variety of manners, such as a magnetic means of connection, a hook and loop connection, or a mechanical means of connection. Furthermore, the helmet may provide staggered connections, such that the removable counterweight may be positioned on the helmet at the user'"'"'s desired orientation. This allows the user to move the center of mass of the system such that it is self-stabilizing on the user'"'"'s head. Moreover, the removable counterweight may be formed such that when it is removed, it may be coupled with an attachable handle to form a plurality of tools or weapons. This is beneficial in that it provides a collection of tools while only one object need be carried.

Claims

1. A counterweight for a helmet comprising:

a shovel head having a first fastener and a second fastener;

wherein the shovel head has (i) a first curvature that mates with a first curvature of the helmet and (ii) a second curvature that mates with a second curvature of the helmet;

wherein the first fastener removably couples with the helmet in at least two different positions; and

wherein the second fastener removably couples with an elongated member.

2. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the second fastener is configured to removably attach to a second counterweight.

3. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is a handle.

4. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a mechanical connector that removably engages a mechanical receiver disposed on the helmet.

5. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a magnetic connector.

6. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener disposed on a facial surface of the shovel head.

7. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the second fastener comprises a mechanical connector disposed on a facial surface of the shovel head.

8. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the second fastener comprises a mechanical connector disposed on an apical surface of the shovel head.

9. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the first fastener comprises a plurality of mechanical connectors that removably attach to a plurality of mechanical receivers disposed on the helmet in at least two non-overlaping positions.

10. The counterweight of claim 1, wherein the first curvature of the shovel head is defined by a width of a facial surface of the shovel head.

11. The counterweight of claim 10, wherein the second curvature of the shovel head is defined by a height of the facial surface of the shovel head.