US4259747A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protective communications helmet
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
•
Filing: 1979-06-27
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Granted: 1981-04-07
•
Expires: 1999-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A protective communications helmet combining aural, visual, flying object d bump guard protective features with electronic communications including a multiple section shell comprised of a central shell to which lateral electronics compartments are removably attached. The central shell and lateral electronics compartments are of generally planar design for facilitating packaging density and thereby enabling an extremely low center of gravity, reduced moments of inertia, and lower packaging weight. The helmet further includes a suspension system having adjustably secured attenuating, fitting cushions disposed on the inner surface of the central shell and positioned to avoid the Sagittal suture. A nape pad is adjustably secured to the rear portions of the lateral electronics compartment. The helmet is equipped with an externally adjustable universal sizing headband. Mounted on the headband are adjustably fitted side pads and a rear head pad. Further included in the protective communications helmet is a hearing defender assembly comprised of a single spring to which both hearing defenders are attached. The spring is connected to the central shell of the helmet at the posterior thereof by a hinge mechanism for providing utilization and standby positions. Additionally, the communications helmet includes a goggle assembly, comprised of a pair of slotted lever arms connected to the central shell at opposite sides thereof to enable utilization and standby positions for protective goggles, a microphone boom and chin cup assembly, all independently operable such that each may be utilized without interference from and without requiring relocation of any of the other items.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul F. Taesler
- 👤 John H. Townsend
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:07
CPC Classifications
A; A42; A42B; A42B3/00; A42B3/04; A42B3/18; A42B3/22; A42B3/228; A42B3/10; A42B3/14; A42B3/145; A42B3/16; A42B3/166; A42B3/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 49
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A protective communications helmet comprising: a central shell having a top section, a front section and a rear section, said top section comprising first and second generally planar members being joined at the center of said helmet, said front section extending from said top section downward over the anterior of the head of the wearer, and said rear section extending from said top section downward over the posterior of the head of the wearer; a pair of lateral electronics enclosures each being detachably secured to said central shell at a side of said central shell, each said lateral electronics enclosure having a side portion and a rear portion for protecting the sides and posterior quarters of the head of the wearer, respectively.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A protective communications helmet comprising: a central shell having a top section, a front section and a rear section, said top section comprising first and second generally planar members being joined at the center of said helmet, said front section extending from said top section downward over the anterior of the head of the wearer, and said rear section extending from said top section downward over the posterior of the head of the wearer; a pair of lateral electronics enclosures each being detachably secured to said central shell at a side of said central shell, each said lateral electronics enclosure having a side portion and a rear portion for protecting the sides and posterior quarters of the head of the wearer, respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The helmet of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of cushions, each being secured to the inner surface of one of said first and second planar members and being positioned to avoid the Sagittal suture of the wearer; each of said pair of cushions having a substantially planar undersurface such that the angle formed by the planes of both said undersurfaces is approximately 140 degrees.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The helmet of claim 2 wherein said cushions are energy attenuating, fitting cushions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The helmet of claim 3 wherein each of said pair of cushions is removably secured to said inner surface of one of said first and second planar members by means for permitting the removal, repositioning and resecuring of said pair of pads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The helmet of claim 3 wherein said permitting means comprises a hook and pile fastener attachment system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The helmet of claim 2 further comprising: means for connecting said paid of pads together to maintain their separation at a predetermined distance from each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The helmet of claim 1 further comprising: a headband secured to the interior of said lateral electronics enclosures and to the interior of said central shell; and means for adjusting the size of said headband from the exterior of said helment while said helmet is being worn.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The helmet of claim 7 further comprising: a pair of cushions, each being secured to the inner surface of one of said first and second planar members and being positioned to avoid the Sagittal suture of the wearer; each of said pair of cushions having a substantially planar undersurface such that the angle formed by the planes of both said undersurfaces is approximately 140 degrees.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The helmet of claim 8 further comprising: a pair of side cushions secured to said headband along the side portions of said headband for contact with the sides of the head of the wearer; a rear head cushion secured to said headband along the rear portion thereof; and a nape cushion secured to said pair of lateral enclosures rear portions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
100 words
The helmet of claim 9 wherein: said pair of cushions is removably secured to said inner surface of one of said first and second planar members by first means for permitting the removal, repositioning and resecuring of said pair of pads; said pair of side cushions and said rear head cushion are secured to said headband by second and third means, respectively, for permitting the removal, repositioning and resecuring thereof; and said nape cushion is secured to the rear portions of said pair of lateral enclosures by fourth means for permitting the removal, repositioning and resecuring of said nape cushion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The helmet of claim 10 wherein said first, second, third and fourth means each comprises a Velcro attachment system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
84 words
The helmet of claim 7 wherein said means for adjusting the size of said headband comprises: a first row of gear teeth on one end of said headband; a second row of gear teeth on the other end of said headband; a gear engaging said first and second rows of gear teeth; an extension rod connected to said gear and extending through said rear section of said central shell; and an adjustment knob connected to said extension rod at the exterior of said helmet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The helmet of claim 1 wherein said side and rear portions of each said lateral electronics enclosure comprises generally planar members.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The helmet of claim 2 wherein said side and rear portions of each said lateral electronics enclosure comprises generally planar members.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The helmet of claim 7 wherein said side and rear portions of each said lateral electronics enclosure comprises generally planar members.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
101 words
The helmet of claim 1 further comprising a hearing defender assembly comprising: a pair of hearing defenders; spring means connected to said pair of hearing defenders for biasing said hearing defenders towards the ears of the wearer; and hinge means connected to said central shell and to said spring means for enabling selective positioning of said pair of hearing defenders alternatively over the ears of the wearer or at rest against said pair of electronics enclosures or at rest, off of said helmet away from said pair of electronics enclosures so as to permit removal of said pair of electronics enclosures.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The helmet of claim 16 wherein said spring means comprises a single curved band.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The helmet of claim 17 wherein said single curved band is a metallic band.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The helmet of claim 16 wherein said spring means exerts no spring pressure against either said central shell or said pair of electronics enclosures.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The helmet of claim 19 wherein said hinge means is connected to said central shell rear section.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
101 words
The helmet of claims 2, 7, 8, 12 or 15 further comprising: a pair of hearing defenders; spring means connected to said pair of hearing defenders for biasing said hearing defenders towards the ears of the wearer; and hinge means connected to said central shell and to said spring means for enabling selective positioning of said pair of hearing defenders alternatively over the ears of the wearer or at rest against said pair of electronics enclosures or at rest, off of said helmet away from said pair of electronics enclosures so as to permit removal of said pair of electronics enclosures.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
90 words
The helmet of claim 1 further comprising a goggle assembly comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The helmet of claim 22 wherein each of said first and second slotted lever arms extends between said central shell and a corresponding one of said pair of lateral enclosures.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
91 words
The helmet of claim 23 wherein said first and second slotted lever arms are selectively positionable between utilization and standby positions and wherein said first and second elastic means exert tension on said goggles to secure said goggles against the face of the wearer when said first and second lever arms are in said utilization position and further wherein said first and second elastic means exert tension on said goggles to secure them against said central shell front section when said first and second lever arms are in said standby position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
45 words
The helmet of claim 24 wherein each of said first and second elastic means comprises: a clevis member connected to a respective one of said first and second slotted lever arms; and an elastic cord connected to said clevis member and to said central shell.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
65 words
The helmet of claim 22 wherein said first and second slotted lever arms are coupled to said central shell by first and second mounting pins, respectively, said mounting pins being connected to said central shell and extending through the respective slots of said first and second slotted lever arms such that said first and second slotted lever arms are rotatable about their respective mounting pin.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
86 words
The helmet of claim 2 further comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
86 words
The helmet of claim 7 further comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
86 words
The helmet of claim 8 further comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
86 words
The helmet of claim 12 further comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
86 words
The helmet of claim 16 further comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said central shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said central shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said central shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The helmet of claim 31 wherein said hearing defender assembly and said goggle assembly are operable completely independently of each other.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
55 words
The helmet of claim 32 further comprising a microphone assembly comprising: a microphone boom connected to one of said lateral electronics enclosures; a microphone connected to said microphone boom; said microphone boom being selectively positionable between utilization and standby positions without interference from and completely independently of said goggle mount assembly and said goggle assembly.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
55 words
The helmet of claim 33 further comprising a chin cup assembly comprising: a pair of suspension cords each being connected at first and second ends to one of said lateral electronics enclosures; a chin strap connected to said first cord; and a chin strap fastener means for connecting said chin strap to said second cord.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a protective helmet including a helmet shell for protecting the head of the wearer, the improvement comprising a goggle mount assembly comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said helmet shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said helmet shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said helmet shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a protective helmet including a helmet shell for protecting the head of the wearer, the improvement comprising a goggle mount assembly comprising: first and second slotted lever arms coupled to said helmet shell at opposite sides thereof such that said lever arms are slideable along the lengths of said slots; first and second elastic means connected to said first and second slotted lever arms, respectively, and to said helmet shell for biasing said first and second lever arms generally towards the posterior of said helmet shell; and means for connecting said first and second lever arms to a pair of goggles.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
63 words
In the protective helmet of claim 35 the improvement further comprising: said helmet shell having a central shell and first and second lateral helmet sections connected to said central shell and defining first and second apertures between said central shell and said first and second lateral helmet sections; said first and second slotted lever arms extending through said first and second apertures, respectively.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
90 words
The protective helmet of claim 36 wherein: said first and second slotted lever arms are selectively positionable between utilization and standby positions and wherein said first and second elastic means exert tension on said goggles to secure said goggles against the face of the wearer when said first and second lever arms are in said utilization position and further wherein said first and second elastic means exert tension on said goggles to secure them against said central shell when said first and second lever arms are in said standby position.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
46 words
The protective helmet of claim 37 wherein each of said first and second elastic means comprises: a clevis member connected to a respective one of said first and second slotted lever arms; and an elastic cord connected to said clevis member and to said central shell.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
66 words
The protective helmet of claim 38 wherein said first and second slotted lever arms are coupled to said central shell by first and second mounting pins, respectively, said mounting pins being connected to said central shell and extending through the respective slots of said first and second slotted lever arms such that said first and second slotted lever arms are rotatable around their respective mounting pin.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
115 words
In a protective helmet including a central shell and a pair of lateral helmet sections, the improvement comprising a hearing defender assembly comprising: a pair of hearing defenders; spring means connected to said pair of hearing defenders for biasing said hearing defenders towards the ears of the wearer; and hinge means connected to said central shell and to said spring means for enabling selective positioning of said pair of hearing defenders alternatively over the ears of the wearer or at rest against said pair of lateral helmet sections or at rest, off of said helmet away from said pair of lateral helmet sections so as to permit removal of said pair of lateral helmet sections.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
115 words
In a protective helmet including a central shell and a pair of lateral helmet sections, the improvement comprising a hearing defender assembly comprising: a pair of hearing defenders; spring means connected to said pair of hearing defenders for biasing said hearing defenders towards the ears of the wearer; and hinge means connected to said central shell and to said spring means for enabling selective positioning of said pair of hearing defenders alternatively over the ears of the wearer or at rest against said pair of lateral helmet sections or at rest, off of said helmet away from said pair of lateral helmet sections so as to permit removal of said pair of lateral helmet sections.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The helmet of claim 40 wherein said spring means comprises a single curved band.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The helmet of claim 41 wherein said lateral helmet sections comprise compartments for containing communications equipment.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
The helmet of claim 42 wherein said single curved band is a metallic band.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The helmet of claim 42 wherein said spring means exerts no tension on either said central shell sections or said pair of lateral helmet sections.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The helmet of claim 43 wherein said hinge means is connected to said central shell at the posterior portion thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The helmet of claim 2 further comprising a nape cushion secured to said pair of lateral enclosures rear portions.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-04-06 | 1984-10-06 | 1985-04-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-04-06 | 1988-10-06 | 1989-04-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-04-06 | 1992-10-06 | 1993-04-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |