DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to headgear assemblies worn on a wearer’s head. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting system for attaching one or more accessories to a helmet of a headgear assembly.
Background
[0002] Protective headgear serves the purpose of safeguarding an individual's head from potential injuries. These headgears are typically tailored to specific applications, with examples including those worn by service professionals such as firefighters, health workers, and rescue personnel. To enhance functionality, various accessories like Night Vision Devices (NVD), lamps, face visors, ballistic mandibles, oxygen masks, and cameras may be mounted to these headgears.
[0003] The current approach involves provision of a band over the helmet to attach accessories. The conventional band includes multiple components like clips and hooks on its exterior, and attachment of accessories to such components requires proper alignment. Such alignment of grooves and hooks are not always convenient and often result in a loose fit. Further, the use of such multiple hooks that need precise alignment with the precise grooves on the exterior may lead to issue of misalignment during use. Such limitations may complicate mounting and dismounting of accessories onto the helmet, posing challenges that are undesirable in practice.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure relates to a mounting system for mounting one or more accessories to a helmet of a headgear assembly. The mounting system includes a band and one or more accessory mounts. The band is mountable around an exterior of the helmet. The band includes an outer peripheral surface. Also, the band defines one or more first engaging portions and one or more locking features. The one or more accessory mounts are configured to be coupled to the band. Each accessory mount includes one or more mounting features to mount the one or more accessories on the accessory mount. Each accessory mount defines a second engaging portion and a mating member. The second engaging portion is slidably engaged with corresponding first engaging portion of the one or more first engaging portions such that the second engaging portion slidably travels with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion in a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the band. At an end of the travel of the second engaging portion with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion, the mating member snap fits with respect to corresponding locking feature of the one or more locking features to couple the accessory mount to the band.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a headgear assembly. The headgear assembly includes a helmet configured to be worn on a head of an individual. The helmet defines an exterior. In addition, the headgear assembly includes a mounting system for mounting one or more accessories to the helmet. The mounting system includes a band and one or more accessory mounts. The band is mountable around the exterior of the helmet. The band includes an outer peripheral surface. Also, the band defines one or more first engaging portions and one or more locking features. The one or more accessory mounts are configured to be coupled to the band. Each accessory mount includes one or more mounting features to mount the one or more accessories on the accessory mount. Each accessory mount defines a second engaging portion and a mating member. The second engaging portion is slidably engaged with corresponding first engaging portion of the one or more first engaging portions such that the second engaging portion slidably travels with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion in a direction along the outer peripheral surface of the band. At an end of the travel of the second engaging portion with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion, the mating member snap fits with respect to corresponding locking feature of the one or more locking features to couple the accessory mount to the band.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a headgear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a mounting system of the headgear assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIGS. 3 is an exploded view of the mounting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting system, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting system, taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0011] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrates assembling an accessory to the mounting system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
[0012] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, e.g., 1, 1`, 1``, 101 and 201 could refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and/or different depicted embodiments.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a headgear assembly 100 is disclosed. The headgear assembly 100 includes a helmet 104 to be worn on a head of a wearer. The helmet 104 includes a helmet shell 108 having an exterior 112. The exterior 112 defines a front portion 116 for covering a forehead of the wearer, a crown portion 120 for covering a top of wearer’s head, a back portion 124 for covering a back of wearer’s head, and two opposite side portions i.e., a first side portion 128 and a second side portion132 for covering corresponding sides of the wearer’s head. Each of the first side portion 128 and the second side portion 132 may extend between the front portion 116 and the back portion 124. In an example, the first side portion 128 may be located towards a right side of the wearer’s head and the second side portion 132 may be located towards a left side of the wearer’s head.
[0014] The headgear assembly 100 includes a mounting system 136. The mounting system 136 facilitates mounting of one or more accessories 140 (e.g., a torch light 140`, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) to the helmet 104. The mounting system 136 includes a band 144 and one or more accessory mounts 148. The band 144 and the accessory mounts 148 are now discussed in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-5.
[0015] The band 144 includes a body 152. The body 152 may be integrally formed of a moldable material, such as, polymer, elastomer, textile, rubber, metallic alloy, composites, carbon and hybrid composites, and the like. The body 152 may define an opening 156 (shown in FIG. 2) through which at least a portion of the helmet 104 can pass or fit, for example, when moved in a direction along a central longitudinal axis ‘A’ of the opening 156. The body 152 may be contiguous or may have ends. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 152 defines a first terminal end 160 and a second terminal end 164. In addition, the body 152 defines a first lateral end 168 and a second lateral end 172. The first lateral end 168 and the second lateral end 172 may extend from the first terminal end 160 to the second terminal end 164 to define a circumferential length of the band 144 (or the body 152).
[0016] The band 144 is mountable around the exterior 112 of the helmet 104. For that, the band 144 may include one or more size adjustment features, such as a size adjustment feature 176, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The size adjustment feature 176 includes a strap 180 and a buckle 184. The strap 180 may be connected to the body 152 at the first terminal end 160, and the buckle 184 may be connected to the body 152 at the second terminal end 164. The strap 180 may cooperate with the buckle 184 in a manner to adjust a diameter of the opening 156 (of the band 144). For instance, to securely mount the band 144 about the exterior 112 of the helmet 104, the strap 180 is passed through the buckle 184 such that the first terminal end 160 and the second terminal end 164 are brought closer to one another. In other embodiments, the size adjustment feature 176 may include, but not limited to, complementary hook and loop straps, interlocking buckles, snaps, elastic, and other known interlocking devices.
[0017] Further, the body 152 (of the band 144) defines an inner peripheral surface 188 (facing towards the opening 156) and an outer peripheral surface 192 (disposed opposite to the inner peripheral surface 188 and facing away from the opening 156). In addition, the body 152 may define a front portion 196, two opposite side portions (i.e., a first side portion 200 and a second side portion 204, shown in FIG. 3), and a rear portion 208. In an example, the band 144 is secured to the helmet 104 in a manner such that the front portion 196 (of the band 144) may sit against the front portion 116 (of the helmet 104), the first and second side portions 200, 204 (of the band 144) may sit, respectively, against the first and second side portions 128, 132 (of the helmet 104), and the rear portion 208 (of the band 144) may sit against the back portion 124 (of the helmet 104).
[0018] The band 144 includes one or more first engaging portions 212 and one or more locking features 216. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, five first engaging portions 212 and corresponding five locking features 216 are defined in the body 152 of the band 144. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, one first engaging portion 220 (of the five first engaging portions 212) is defined towards the front portion 196 of the body 152, the other two first engaging portions 224, 228 are defined toward the first and second side portions 200, 204, respectively, of the body 152, and the remaining two first engaging portions 232, 236 are defined towards the rear portion 208 of the body 152.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first engaging portion 220 and a corresponding first locking feature 240 (of the one or more locking features 216) are discussed. The first engaging portion 220 may be defined by a first groove 244 (e.g., an indent, or a channel). The first groove 244 may be formed at the outer peripheral surface 192, towards the front portion 196 of the band 144. The first groove 244 may define a first sliding surface 248. The first sliding surface 248 may extend from the first lateral end 168 to the second lateral end 172 of the band 144. The first sliding surface 248 may define two opposite ends 252, 252` of the first groove 244. The two opposite ends 252, 252` may be spaced from one another in a direction along the circumferential length of the band 144. Also, the first groove 244 may define two opposite sidewalls, namely – a first sidewall 256 and a second sidewall 256`. The two opposite sidewalls 256, 256` may extend outwardly from the two opposite ends 252, 252`, respectively. In addition, the first groove 244 may define undercuts 260, 260` on the two opposite sidewalls 256, 256`, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, the first sliding surface 248, the sidewalls 256, 256`, and the undercuts 260, 260` may collectively define the first engaging portion 220 of the band 144.
[0020] The first locking feature 240 may be disposed in the first groove 244. In an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first locking feature 240 includes a cantilever, press-button 264 suspended from one side of the first sliding surface 248 into an aperture 268 defined in the first sliding surface 248. The first locking feature 240 (e.g., the press-button 264) may be configured to move between a rest state (e.g., a first, biased, position, as shown in FIG. 4) and an actuated state (a second position, different from the first position).
[0021] When moved to the actuated state (e.g., when pushed inwardly towards the opening 156), the first locking feature 240 may allow passage of the accessory mount 148 therethrough, for example, to facilitate coupling and/or decoupling of the accessory mount 148 with the band 144. When in the rest state, the first locking feature 240 may restrict passage of the accessory mount 148 therethrough, for example, to prevent any movement of the accessory mount 148 relative to the band 144 and ensure proper coupling of the accessory mount 148 with the band 144.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first engaging portion 224 and a corresponding second locking feature 272 (of the one or more locking features 216) are discussed. The first engaging portion 224 and a corresponding second locking feature 272 are defined towards the first side portion 200 of the band 144. It should be noted that the description provided below for the first engaging portion 224 and the second locking feature 272 is equally applicable to the first engaging portion 228 and its corresponding second locking feature 276 (shown in FIG. 6) (of the one or more locking features 216) defined towards the second side portion 204 of the band 144, without any limitations.
[0023] The first engaging portion 224 may be defined by a second groove 280 (e.g., an indent, or a channel). The second groove 280 may be formed at the outer peripheral surface 192, towards the first side portion 200 of the band 144. The second groove 280 may define a second sliding surface 284 that may extend longitudinally along a portion of the circumferential length of the band 144. The second sliding surface 284 may define two opposite sides 288, 288` (or lateral sides 288, 288`). The two opposite sides 288, 288` may be spaced from one another along a direction from the first lateral end 168 to the second lateral end 172 of the band 144. Also, the second sliding surface 284 may define a leading end 292 and a trailing end 296 spaced from the leading end 292 along the circumferential length of the band 144. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the second groove 280 is indented into the body 152 (of the band 144) as it extends from the trailing end 296 to the leading end 292 in the direction along the circumferential length of the band 144.
[0024] The second groove 280 may further define two canted sidewalls 300, 300`. The two canted sidewalls 300, 300` may extend outwardly from the two opposite sides 288, 288`, respectively, of the second sliding surface 284. The two canted sidewalls 300, 300` may converge toward each other away from the second sliding surface 284. As shown in FIG. 5, the second sliding surface 284 and the canted sidewalls 300, 300` collectively define the first engaging portion 224 of the band 144.
[0025] The second locking feature 272 may be defined on the outer peripheral surface 192 (of the band 144), towards the leading end 292 of the second sliding surface 284 (of the second groove 280). In an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second locking feature 272 includes a cantilever, press-button 304 suspended from one side of the outer peripheral surface 192 into an aperture 308. The aperture 308 is defined in the outer peripheral surface 192 at a location proximal to the leading end 292 and distal from the trailing end 296.
[0026] The second locking feature 272 (e.g., the press-button 304) may be configured to move between a rest state (e.g., a first, biased, position, as shown in FIG. 5) and an actuated state (e.g., a second position, different from the first position). When moved to the actuated state (e.g., when pushed inwardly towards the opening 156), the second locking feature 272 may allow passage of its corresponding accessory mount 148 therethrough, for example, to facilitate coupling and/or decoupling of the accessory mount 148 with the band 144. When in the rest state, the second locking feature 272 may restrict passage of the accessory mount 148 therethrough, for example, to prevent any movement of the accessory mount 148 relative to the band 144 and ensure proper coupling of the accessory mount 148 with the band 144.
[0027] The construction and configuration of the remaining two first engaging portions 232, 236 may be similar to that of the first engaging portion 220 (or the first engaging portion 224), and hence, will not be discussed. Further, the locking features 216 corresponding to the remaining two first engaging portions 232, 236 may be similar to the locking features 240, 272, 276 and hence, will not be discussed.
[0028] The accessory mounts 148 are discussed. The accessory mounts 148 may be configured to securely receive the one or more accessories/devices 140. Examples of such accessories/devices 140 may include, but not limited to, cameras, illumination devices, counterweights, night-vision devices, masks, and communication devices. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the accessories 140 include the torch light 140`. Further, the accessory mounts 148 are configured to be coupled to the band 144. As shown in FIG. 2, five accessory mounts 148, namely – a front accessory mount 400, two side accessory mounts 404, 408, and two rear accessory mounts 412, 416, are coupled to the band 144.
[0029] The front accessory mount 400 (hereinafter referred to as “first accessory mount 400”) is now discussed. The first accessory mount 400 includes a body 420 and one or more mounting features 424. The body 420 may define a first end 428 and a second end 432 opposite to the first end 428. In addition, the body 420 may define a first side 436 and a second side 440 opposite to the first side 436. The first side 436 and the second side 440 may extend between the first end 428 and the second end 432. The body 420 may also define a channel 444 and at least one securing feature 448. The channel 444 may extend longitudinally between the first end 428 and the second end 432, and laterally between the first side 436 and the second side 440. The securing feature 448 may be defined on at least one of the first end 428 and the second end 432. As shown in FIG. 3, the securing feature 448 includes a slot 448`.
[0030] The mounting features 424 may be defined by the channel 444 and the at least one slot 448`. The mounting features 424 is configured to facilitate mounting of the one or more accessories 140 onto the first accessory mount 400. In an exemplary assembly of an accessory (not shown) (such as the accessory 140) with the first accessory mount 400, a mating portion (not shown) of the accessory may be slidably received in the channel 444, for example, when moved in a direction from the first end 428 towards the second end 432 of the first accessory mount 400. At an end of travel of the accessory within the channel 444, a mating feature (not shown) of the accessory may be snap-fitted with respect to the securing feature 448 (i.e., into the slot 448`) to couple the accessory with the first accessory mount 400. In an example, the accessory may be a Night Vision Device (NVD) and the first accessory mount 400 may be a shroud for receiving the Night Vision Device therein.
[0031] The first accessory mount 400 further includes a second engaging portion 452 and a mating member 456. The second engaging portion 452 may have a profile complementary to that of the first engaging portion 220 of the band 144, and the mating member 456 may have a shape complementary to that of the first locking feature 240 of the band 144. It should be noted that the second engaging portion 452, the mating member 456, the first engaging portion 220, and the locking feature 240 may have inbuilt tolerances to accommodate a limited amount of misalignment therebetween so as to permit the first accessory mount 400 to easily travel (e.g., slide) with respect to the band 138.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body 420 (of the first accessory mount 400) may define a first guiding rail 460 extending outwardly from and along the first side 436. Also, the body 420 may define a second guiding rail 464 extending outwardly from and along the second side 440. The first guiding rail 460 and the second guiding rail 464 may define the second engaging portion 452 of the first accessory mount 400.
[0033] The mating member 456 may include a through-hole 468. The through-hole 468 may extend through the body 420 of the first accessory mount 400. In an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the through-hole 468 is defined within the channel 444 of the first accessory mount 400. The mating member 456 (e.g., the through-hole 468) may be configured to be snap-fitted with respect to the first locking feature 240 (e.g., the press-button 264) at the end of the travel of the first accessory mount 400 with respect to the first groove 244 to couple the first accessory mount 400 to the band 144, as discussed in detail below.
[0034] In an assembly of the first accessory mount 400 with the band 144, the second engaging portion 452 (i.e., the first and second guiding rails 460, 464) of the first accessory mount 400 are correspondingly received within and slidably engaged with the first engaging portion 220 (e.g., with the undercuts 260, 260` of the first groove 244) of the band 144. Further, the first accessory mount 400 is moved in a direction (e.g., from the first lateral end 168 towards the second lateral end 172) such that the second engaging portion 452 slidably travels with respect to the first engaging portion 220 along the outer peripheral surface 192 (e.g., the first sliding surface 248) of the band 144. At an end of the travel of the second engaging portion 452 with respect to the first engaging portion 220, the mating member 456 (i.e., the through-hole 468) is snap-fitted with respect to the first locking feature 240 (i.e., the press-button 264) to secure the first accessory mount 400 to the band 144.
[0035] The side accessory mounts 404, 408 (hereinafter referred to as “second accessory mounts 404, 408”) are now discussed. It should be noted that the description provided below for one of the second accessory mount 404 and the second accessory mount 408 is equally applicable to other of the second accessory mount 404 and the second accessory mount 408, without any limitations.
[0036] The second accessory mount 404 includes a body 472 and one or more mounting features 476. The body 472 may define a first end 480 and a second end 484 opposite to the first end 480. Also, the body 472 may define a channel 488 and at least one securing feature 492. The channel 488 may define a guiding surface 496 and two opposite sidewalls 500, 500` extending outwardly and away from the guiding surface 496. The at least one securing feature 492 may be defined in the guiding surface 496. As shown in FIG. 3, the at least one securing feature 492 includes slots 492`. The mounting features 476 may be defined by the channel 488 and the slots 492`. The mounting features 476 is configured to facilitate mounting of the one or more accessories 140 onto the second accessory mount 404 (or the second accessory mount 408).
[0037] The second accessory mount 404 further includes a second engaging portion 504 and a mating member 508. The second engaging portion 504 may have a profile complementary to that of the first engaging portion 224 of the band 144, and the mating member 508 may have a shape complementary to that of the second locking feature 272 of the band 144. It should be noted that the second engaging portion 504, the mating member 508, the first engaging portion 224, and the second locking feature 272 may have inbuilt tolerances to accommodate a limited amount of misalignment therebetween so as to permit the second accessory mount 404 to easily travel (e.g., slide) with respect to the band 144.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the body 472 (of the second accessory mount 404) may include a surface 512 and a sliding rail 516. The surface 512 may be defined opposite to the guiding surface 496 (of the channel 488). The surface 512 may extend from the first end 480 to the second end 484 of the body 472. The sliding rail 516 may define the second engaging portion 504 of the second accessory mount 404. In an example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the sliding rail 516 may protrude outwardly from and along the surface 512. As the sliding rail 516 extends in a direction from the first end 480 to the second end 484 (of the body 472), the sliding rail 516 may be indented into the body 472. Further, the sliding rail 516 has canted sides 520, 520` having a profile complementary to that of the two canted sidewalls 300, 300`, respectively, of the second groove 280 (or the first engaging portion 224 of the band 144).
[0039] The mating member 508 may include a through-hole 524. The through-hole 524 may extend through the body 472 of the second accessory mount 404, i.e., from the guiding surface 496 to the surface 512. In an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the through-hole 524 is defined at the channel 488 of the second accessory mount 404. The mating member 508 (e.g., the through-hole 524) may be configured to be snap-fitted with respect to the second locking feature 272 (e.g., the press-button 304) at the end of the travel of the second accessory mount 404 with respect to the second groove 280 to couple the second accessory mount 404 to the band 144, as discussed in detail below.
[0040] In an assembly of the second accessory mount 404 with the band 144, the second engaging portion 504 (i.e., the sliding rail 516) of the second accessory mount 404 is received within and slidably engaged with the first engaging portion 224 (i.e., the second groove 280) of the band 144 such that the second engaging portion 504 slidably travels with respect to the first engaging portion 224 along the outer peripheral surface 192, for example, in a direction from the first side portion 200 (of the band 144) towards the front portion 196 (of the band 144). At an end of the travel of the second engaging portion 504 with respect to the first engaging portion 224 along the outer peripheral surface 192, the mating member 508 (i.e., the through-hole 524) is snap-fitted with respect to the second locking feature 272 (i.e., the press-button 304) to secure the second accessory mount 404 to the band 144.
[0041] In an exemplary assembly of the torch light 140` (i.e., the accessory 140) with the second accessory mount 408, as shown in FIG. 6, a mating portion 528 of the torch light 140` may be slidably received in the channel 488, for example, when moved in a direction (as shown by the arrow ‘B’) from the first end 480 towards the second end 484 of the second accessory mount 408. At an end of travel of the torch light 140` with respect to the guiding surface 496 (of the channel 488), the mating portion 528 may be snap-fitted with respect to the securing feature 492 (i.e., into the slot 492`), as shown in FIG. 7, to couple the torch light 140` with the second accessory mount 408.
[0042] Continuing with FIG. 3, the rear accessory mount 412 may define a second engaging portion 532 and the mating member 536. The second engaging portion 532 may have a profile complementary to that of the first engaging portion 232, and the mating member 536 may have a shape complementary to that of corresponding locking feature (not shown) (of the one or more locking features 216) associated with the first engaging portion 232. The rear accessory mount 412 may be configured to securely mount counterweight accessories 140, for example, a counterweight 540, to the helmet 104. In the present embodiment, the counterweight 540 is integrally formed with the rear accessory mount 412. In other embodiments, the counterweight 540 may be separately formed and coupled (e.g., slidably fitted) to the rear accessory mount 412.
[0043] In an assembly of the rear accessory mount 412 with the band 144, the second engaging portion 532 (of the rear accessory mount 412) is received within and slidably engaged with its corresponding first engaging portion 232 of the band 144 such that the second engaging portion 532 slidably travels with respect to the first engaging portion 232 in a direction, for example, from the second lateral end 172 towards the first lateral end 168 along the outer peripheral surface 192 at an angle relative to the circumferential length of the band 144. At an end of the travel of the second engaging portion 532 with respect to the first engaging portion 232 along the outer peripheral surface 192, the mating member 536 may be snap-fitted with respect to its corresponding locking feature (not shown) (of the one or more locking features 216) to secure the rear accessory mount 412 to the band 144.
[0044] It should be noted that the description provided above for the rear accessory mount 412 is equally applicable to the rear accessory mount 416, without any limitations, and hence, the rear accessory mount 416 is not discussed.
Industrial Applicability
[0045] The headgear assembly 100 provides simple, modular, and easy to assemble/disassemble components, i.e., the band 144 and the one or more accessory mounts 148. Utilizing the sliding lock mechanism (as discussed above) to secure the accessory mounts 148 to the band 144 may facilitate a desirable single-handed and quick mounting (or dismounting) of the accessories/devices 140 (e.g., a night vision device, a camera, a communication device, etc.,) onto the helmet 104 of the wearer. This may allow the wearer to quickly and easily mount (or dismount) the accessories/devices, as and when required, even with the helmet 104 on the wearer’s head, and without the need to remove the band 144 (carrying the other accessories/devices 140) from the helmet 104. In addition, the first engaging portions 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, the second engaging portions 452, 504, 532, the locking features 240, 272, and the mating members 456, 508, 536 may have inbuilt tolerances to accommodate an amount of misalignment therebetween. Further, the band 144 (along with the accessory mounts 148) may be detachably secured to the exterior 112 of the helmet 104 without making any fastening (or threaded) holes (for receiving screws, bolts, etc.,) on the helmet shell 108 and without compromising structural integrity of the helmet 104.
[0046] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the term “one or more,” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.
[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the headgear assembly (i.e., the helmet, the band, the accessory mounts) of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the headgear assembly disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

TITLE: ACCESSORIES RAIL MOUNTING SYSTEM

100 headgear assembly
104 helmet
108 helmet shell
112 exterior
116 front portion
120 crown portion
124 back portion
128 first side portion
132 second side portion
136 mounting system
138 band
140 accessory
140` torch light
144 band
148 accessory mount
152 body
156 opening
160 first terminal end
164 second terminal end
168 first lateral end
172 second lateral end
176 size adjustment feature
180 strap
184 buckle
188 inner peripheral surface
192 outer peripheral surface
196 front portion
200 first side portion
204 second side portion
208 rear portion
212 first engaging portion
216 locking feature
220 first engaging portion
224 first engaging portion
228 first engaging portion
232 first engaging portion
236 first engaging portion
240 first locking feature
244 first groove
248 first sliding surface
252 end
252` end
256 first sidewall
256` second sidewall
260 undercut
260` undercut
264 press-button
268 aperture
272 second locking feature
276 second locking feature
280 second groove
284 second sliding surface
288 side
288` side
292 leading end
296 trailing end
300 canted sidewall
300` canted sidewall
304 press-button
308 aperture
400 front accessory mount
404 side accessory mount
408 side accessory mount
412 rear accessory mount
416 rear accessory mount
420 body
424 mounting feature
428 first end
432 second end
436 first side
440 second side
444 channel
448 at least one securing feature
452 second engaging portion
456 mating member
460 first guiding rail
464 second guiding rail
468 through-hole
472 body
476 mounting feature
480 first end
484 second end
488 channel
492 securing feature
492` slot
496 guiding surface
500 sidewalls
504 second engaging portion
508 mating member
512 surface
516 sliding rail
520 canted side
520` canted side
524 through-hole
528 mating portion
532 second engaging portion
536 mating member
540 counterweight
A axis
B arrow ,CLAIMS:1. A mounting system (136) for mounting one or more accessories (140) to a helmet (104) of a headgear assembly (100), the mounting system (136) comprising:
a band (144) mountable around an exterior (112) of the helmet (104), the band (144) including an outer peripheral surface (192) and defining one or more first engaging portions (212) and one or more locking features (216); and
one or more accessory mounts (148) configured to be coupled to the band (144), each accessory mount (148) including one or more mounting features (424;476) to mount the one or more accessories (140) on the accessory mount (148), each accessory mount (148) defining a second engaging portion (452;504;532) and a mating member (456;508;536), wherein:
the second engaging portion (452;504;532) is slidably engaged with corresponding first engaging portion (220;224;228;232;236) of the one or more first engaging portions (212) such that the second engaging portion (452;504;532) slidably travels with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion (220;224;228;232;236) in a direction along the outer peripheral surface (192) of the band (144), and
the mating member (456;508;536) snap fits with respect to corresponding locking feature (240;272;276) of the one or more locking features (216) at an end of the travel of the second engaging portion (452;504;532) with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion (220;224;228;232;236) to couple the accessory mount (148) to the band (144).
2. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the band (144) defines a first terminal end (160) and a second terminal end (164), and first and second lateral ends (168;172) extending from the first terminal end (160) to the second terminal end (164) to define a circumferential length of the band (144), the band (144) including a first groove (244) formed at the outer peripheral surface, the first groove (244) defining:
a first sliding surface (248) extending from the first lateral end (168) to the second lateral end (172);
sidewalls (256;256`) correspondingly extending from two opposite ends (252;252`) of the first sliding surface (248); and
undercuts (260;260`) correspondingly defined at the two sidewalls (256;256`),
wherein at least one first engaging portion (220) of the one or more first engaging portions (212) being defined by the first sliding surface (248), the sidewalls (256;256`), and the undercuts (260;260`).
3. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more locking features include a first locking feature (240) configured to move between an actuated state and a rest state, wherein in the actuated state, the first locking feature (240) allows the mating member (456) to pass therethrough to facilitate the second engaging portion (452;504;532) to slidably travel with respect to the at least one first engaging portion (220) along the outer peripheral surface (192), and, in the rest state, the first locking feature (240) restricts the mating member (456) to pass therethrough to prevent the second engaging portion (452;504;532) to slidably travel with respect to the at least one first engaging portion (220) along the outer peripheral surface (19), and
wherein the first locking feature (240) is disposed in the first groove (244).
4. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more accessory mounts (148) include a first accessory mount (400), the first accessory mount (400) including a first guiding rail (460) and a second guiding rail (464) correspondingly formed at two opposite sides (436;440) of the first accessory mount (400), and
wherein the second engaging portion (452;504;532) being defined by the first guiding rail (460) and the second guiding rail (464).
5. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mating member (456) is a through-hole (468) defined in the first accessory mount (400) and configured to snap-fit with respect to the first locking feature (240) at the end of the travel of the first accessory mount (400) with respect to the first groove (244) to couple the first accessory mount (400) to the band (144).
6. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the band (144) defines a first terminal end (160) and a second terminal end (164), and first and second lateral ends (168;172) extending from the first terminal end (160) to the second terminal end (164) to define a circumferential length of the band (144), the band (144) including a second groove (280) formed at the outer peripheral surface (192), the second groove (280) defining:
a second sliding surface (284) extending along a portion of the circumferential length;
canted sidewalls (300;300`) correspondingly extending from two opposite sides (288;288`) of the second sliding surface (284) and converging toward each other away from the second sliding surface (284),
wherein at least one first engaging portion (224) of the one or more first engaging portions (212) being defined by the second sliding surface (284) and the canted sidewalls (300;300`).
7. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second sliding surface (284) defines a leading end (292) and a trailing end (296) spaced from the leading end (292) along the circumferential length, the one or more locking features (216) includes a second locking feature (272) defined on the outer peripheral surface (192) towards the leading end (292), the second locking feature (272) is configured to move between an actuated state and a rest state, wherein:
in the actuated state, the second locking feature (272) allows the mating member (508) to pass therethrough to facilitate the second engaging portion (452;504;532) to slidably travel with respect to the at least one first engaging portion (224) along the outer peripheral surface (192), and,
in the rest state, the second locking feature (272) restricts the mating member (508) to pass therethrough to prevent the second engaging portion (452;504;532) to slidably travel with respect to the at least one first engaging portion (224) along the outer peripheral surface (192).
8. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more accessory mounts (148) include a second accessory mount (404), the second accessory mount (404) defining a surface (512) and a sliding rail (516) protruding outwardly from the surface (512), and wherein the second engaging portion (452;504;532) is defined by the sliding rail (516), and
wherein the mating member (508) is a through-hole (524) defined in the surface (512) and configured to snap-fit with respect to the second locking feature (272) at the end of the travel of the sliding rail (516) with respect to the second groove (280) to couple the second accessory mount (404) to the band (144).
9. The mounting system (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting features (424;476) include:
a channel (444) configured to slidably receive an accessory of the one or more accessories (140); and
at least one securing feature (448) configured to engage with corresponding mating feature of the accessory of the one or more accessories (140),
wherein the accessory (140) slidably travels within the channel (444) and the mating feature of the accessory is snap-fitted into the at least one securing feature (448) at an end of the travel of the accessory (140) within the channel (444) to couple the accessory (140) with the accessory mount (148).
10. A headgear assembly (100), comprising:
a helmet (104) configured to be worn on a head of an individual, the helmet (104) defining an exterior (112); and
a mounting system (136) for mounting one or more accessories (140) to the helmet, the mounting system (136) including:
a band (144) mountable around the exterior (112), the band (144) including an outer peripheral surface (192) and defining one or more first engaging portions (212) and one or more locking features (216); and
one or more accessory mounts (148) configured to be coupled to the band (144), each accessory mount (148) including one or more mounting features (424;476) to mount the one or more accessories (140) on the accessory mount (148), each accessory mount (148) defining a second engaging portion (452;504;532) and a mating member (456;508;536), wherein:
the second engaging portion (452;504;532) is slidably engaged with corresponding first engaging portion of the one or more first engaging portions (212) such that the second engaging portion (452;504;532) slidably travels with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion 220;224;228;232;236) in a direction along the outer peripheral surface (192) of the band (144), and
the mating member (456;508;536) snap fits with respect to corresponding locking feature (240;272;276) of the one or more locking features (216) at an end of the travel of the second engaging portion (452;504;532) with respect to the corresponding first engaging portion 220;224;228;232;236) to couple the accessory mount (148) to the band (144).