Helmet mounting systems
First Claim
1. A helmet mount for an optical device, comprising:
- a track assembly configured to be removably attached to a helmet;
the track assembly coupled to a ratchet assembly;
a mounting plate slidably carried within said track assembly and movable between a forward position and a refracted position;
a pivoting assembly attached to the mounting plate for alternatively positioning said optical device between a first, operational position in front of the user'"'"'s eyes and a second, stowed position away from the user'"'"'s eyes when the mounting plate is in the forward position;
a first electrical connector on the ratchet assembly for attaching a power supply;
a second electrical connector on the track assembly for attaching an electrically operated device;
electrical conductors electrically coupling the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector for electrically coupling the power supply to said electrically operated device;
said ratchet assembly including;
at least one hook adapted to attach to a rear brim portion of a helmet;
a strap having a first end attached to the track assembly for securing the track assembly to the helmet and a second end opposite the first end;
a rotating ratchet mechanism attached to the second end of the strap for adjusting tension in said strap;
a gear rack attached to said at least one hook and slidably retained in a housing;
a spur gear engaging said gear rack;
said spur gear manually rotatable by a user wherein rotation of said spur gear in a first direction retracts said gear rack to tighten said strap and rotation of said spur gear in a second direction opposite the first direction advances said spur gear to loosen said strap;
a locking member normally engaging said spur gear to permit rotation of said spur gear in the first direction only; and
a release lever for disengaging said locking member from said spur gear to permit rotation of the spur gear in the second direction and loosening of said strap.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Pivoting helmet mounts for an optical device are provided. In one aspect, a breakaway connector which is selectively configurable between breakaway and nonbreakaway configurations is provided. In a further aspect, a strap mount system for securing the helmet mount to the helmet employs a rotating ratchet assembly to adjust tension in the strap. In another aspect, a helmet mount for an optical device comprises a track assembly attached to a helmet to allow stowing of the optical device in a further retracted position. The track mount system may further include electrical connectors for attaching a power supply and an electronic device. In another aspect, a mounting bracket allows helmet-mounted optics to be shared with a weapon accessory mount. In a further aspect, a optical sighting device for a weapon combines a reflex sight a night vision goggle to allow targeting at night or in other low-light conditions.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A helmet mount for an optical device, comprising:
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a track assembly configured to be removably attached to a helmet;
the track assembly coupled to a ratchet assembly;a mounting plate slidably carried within said track assembly and movable between a forward position and a refracted position; a pivoting assembly attached to the mounting plate for alternatively positioning said optical device between a first, operational position in front of the user'"'"'s eyes and a second, stowed position away from the user'"'"'s eyes when the mounting plate is in the forward position; a first electrical connector on the ratchet assembly for attaching a power supply; a second electrical connector on the track assembly for attaching an electrically operated device; electrical conductors electrically coupling the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector for electrically coupling the power supply to said electrically operated device; said ratchet assembly including; at least one hook adapted to attach to a rear brim portion of a helmet; a strap having a first end attached to the track assembly for securing the track assembly to the helmet and a second end opposite the first end; a rotating ratchet mechanism attached to the second end of the strap for adjusting tension in said strap; a gear rack attached to said at least one hook and slidably retained in a housing; a spur gear engaging said gear rack; said spur gear manually rotatable by a user wherein rotation of said spur gear in a first direction retracts said gear rack to tighten said strap and rotation of said spur gear in a second direction opposite the first direction advances said spur gear to loosen said strap; a locking member normally engaging said spur gear to permit rotation of said spur gear in the first direction only; and a release lever for disengaging said locking member from said spur gear to permit rotation of the spur gear in the second direction and loosening of said strap. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A helmet mount for an optical device, comprising:
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a track assembly configured to be removably attached to a helmet;
the track assembly coupled to a ratchet assembly;a mounting plate slidably carried within said track assembly and movable between a forward position and a refracted position; a pivoting assembly attached to the mounting plate for alternatively positioning said optical device between a first, operational position in front of the user'"'"'s eyes and a second, stowed position away from the user'"'"'s eyes when the mounting plate is in the forward position; a first electrical connector on the ratchet assembly for attaching a power supply; a second electrical connector on the track assembly for attaching an electrically operated device; electrical conductors electrically coupling the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector for electrically coupling the power supply to said electrically operated device; said ratchet assembly including; at least one hook adapted to attach to a rear brim portion of a helmet; a strap having a first end attached to the track assembly for securing the track assembly to the helmet and a second end opposite the first end; and a rotating ratchet mechanism attached to the second end of the strap for adjusting tension in said strap; wherein said electrical conductors pass through said strap. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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7. A helmet mount for an optical device, comprising:
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a track assembly configured to be attached to a helmet; a mounting plate slidably carried within said track assembly and movable between a forward position and a refracted position; a pivoting assembly attached to the mounting plate for alternatively positioning said optical device between a first, operational position in front of the user'"'"'s eyes and a second, stowed position away from the user'"'"'s eyes when the mounting plate is in the forward position, wherein said pivoting assembly comprises; a gear rack system connected to the mounting plate for adjusting a vertical position of the optical device relative to a user'"'"'s eyes; a first pivot arm coupled to the gear rack system; a second pivot arm pivotally attached to the first pivot arm for supporting said optical device alternatively between a first, operational position in front of the user'"'"'s eyes and a second, stowed position above the user'"'"'s line of sight; a pair of guide rails extending generally horizontally when the second pivot arm is in said first, operational position; and a carriage member slidable along said guide rails and adapted to carry said optical device, said carriage member for adjusting a horizontal position of the optical device in front of the user'"'"'s eyes. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification