Modular helmet

Details Modular helmet Modular helmet

2001-03-09

2001-10-16

Lindsey, Rodney M. (Department: 3765)

Apparel

Guard or protector

For wearer's head

C002S006200

Reexamination Certificate

active

06301720

ABSTRACT:

The present invention relates to a simplified-fitting modular helmet resistant to aerodynamic stresses, and in particular to a helmet intended for the pilots of warplanes.
The terminology “modular” signifies here that the helmet is of the type having two main subassemblies, namely a “base helmet” ensuring the physiological protection of the user, and a “module”, overlying the base helmet and ensuring several functions detailed hereinbelow.
The “base helmet” part ensures the following functions: retention of the helmet (with the aid of a chinstrap for example), support for the audio equipment of the helmet, protection against knocks and against perforation, support for the “module”, protection against fire, support for the oxygen mask, etc.
The module part supports, among other things, apparatus ensuring the following functions: information presentation function (night vision goggles, helmet viewfinder, etc.), function of gages (for example electromagnetic sensor of head orientation, camera for restoring visual environment, etc.), miscellaneous functions (visor, hooding, etc.).
The advantage of a modular design such as this is that it is possible to use the base helmet (which can be customized) as a platform for fitting various modules as a function of the types of missions accomplished by the user (day flight, night flight, reconnaissance, combat, etc.). On the other hand, the difficulties related to the use of this type of helmet on a fighter aircraft stem from the compromises to be made. Specifically, it is necessary to be able:
to accurately position the module with respect to the head of the user so that the visual information is presented to him in such a way as to coincide with his visual axis;
to isolate the module (which is rigid for accuracy and stability reasons) from the base helmet (which is flexible, so as to be able to be easily donned by the user and so as not to impede him);
to preserve the integrity of the helmet during a high speed ejection (up to 625 KEAS). This requirement is constraining, since the helmet viewfinders are characterized by visor positions which are very far forward and which increase the aerodynamic loads upon ejection;
to ensure ready modularity at the place of use, without any element which may be lost, and which may be manipulated without tooling;
to obtain the lowest possible total mass. The known solutions do not fulfill all these conditions. Specifically, these solutions, which may be classed into two groups, consist essentially:
either in strengthening the resistance of the module by adding material to it, or in fixing the module on the base helmet by conventional screwing. These known solutions exhibit the following drawbacks:
the first makes the helmet very heavy and off-centered toward the front, and does not guarantee that the module will remain secured to the base helmet which may deform under the effect of the “wind blast” when the user ejects,
the second does not fulfill the requirements of isolation of the two parts of the helmet and of non-use of tooling.
The subject of the present invention is a helmet of the aforesaid type which fulfills all the conditions set forth hereinabove and whose cost price is no higher than that of known helmets.
The helmet in accordance with the invention, of the type with base helmet and module, comprises three linking devices between the base helmet and the module, these linking devices taking the form of fingers secured to the module and engaging in corresponding sockets of the base helmet, two of these linking devices being disposed laterally and ensuring a link with a longitudinal clearance and one being disposed near the apex of the helmet and ensuring a translationally fixed link.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1231766 (1917-07-01), Mahan
patent: 3148376 (1964-09-01), Aileo
patent: 5623730 (1997-04-01), Baudou et al.
patent: 5742937 (1998-04-01), Baudou et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Modular helmet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Modular helmet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modular helmet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2604246