US20110127305A1

US20110127305A1 - Adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: US20110127305A1
Application number: US12/845,697
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Yates
Original assignee: NVIS Inc
Current assignee: NVIS Inc
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2010-07-28
Publication date: 2011-06-02

Abstract

A device to adjust a position of a head-worn vision system such as a visual display apparatus in multiple directions. The device includes an adjustment assembly with a brake member and a mounting support moveably attached to the adjustment assembly in a fixed position by the brake member. The device allows simultaneous adjustment of a head worn vision system by release the brake member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/265,320 filed on Nov. 30, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an adjustment device for use in a head-worn viewing system to adjust a visual display apparatus in multiple directions.

BACKGROUND

Head-worn viewing systems and head displays include virtual reality displays, infrared goggles, binoculars, cameras and monocular devices. They need to be adjustable so that a user can change the placement of a visual display based on the user's head shape/size. However, head-worn viewing systems may be limited in the way they can be adjusted or may have complex adjustment features. Variations in the users head shape and size, as well as difference in eye locations, necessitates various adjustments of a visual display. Typical head-worn viewing systems are adjustable in only one direction at a time. For example, current head-worn viewing systems may have ways of adjusting the placement of the visual display by having a knob for moving the visual display horizontally, a separate knob for moving the visual display vertically, and still another separate knob for tilting the visual display. Adjusting such a head-worn viewing system can be cumbersome, may waste precious time and may not provide precise adjustment to a particular user's needs. For example, if the head-worn viewing system includes night vision goggles being used for a military operation, any time wasted adjusting several knobs and buttons to get the placement of the night vision goggles to be in the right position could jeopardize the operation. Therefore, adjusting current head-worn viewing systems is a time consuming process that requires several adjustments to be made independently of one another.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustment device for use in a head-worn viewing system to adjust a visual display apparatus in multiple directions. Additional features and utilities of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description.
In one general aspect, a device to adjust a position of head-worn vision system includes an adjustment assembly with a brake member and a mounting support attached to the adjustment assembly by the brake member. The adjustment assembly is simultaneously adjustable in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake member.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, the adjustment assembly includes a release member to disengage the brake member and a display support attachable to a visual display device of the head-worn vision system. The adjustment assembly may have a support shaft coupling the release member, display support, and the brake member, and a first spring mechanism secured by the support shaft to provide elasticity between the release member, the display support, and the brake member. A second spring mechanism may also moveably attach the mounting support to the adjustment assembly.
The mounting support may have a mounting interface to secure the device to a head mount strap or to a helmet.
As another feature, the adjustment assembly is adjustable from a first locked position by actuating the release member to separate the brake member from the mounting support, by moving the adjustment assembly, and by releasing the release member to secure the adjustment assembly in a second locked position relative to the mounting support. For example, the adjustment assembly may be simultaneously adjustable along multiple axes that include a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a tilt axis relative to the mounting support.
In another general aspect, a head-worn viewing system includes a visual display apparatus, an adjustment assembly attached to the visual display apparatus, the adjustment assembly having a brake member and a mounting support moveably attached to the adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is operable to move the visual display apparatus in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake member.
Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, a release member may be used to disengage the brake member. The adjustment assembly may be adjustable from a locked position relative to the mounting support by actuating the release member to disengage the brake member from the mounting support and by deactivating the release member to secure the adjustment assembly via the brake member in a second locked position relative to the mounting support.
The mounting support may have a brake pad in frictional contact with the brake member that allows the adjustment assembly to be simultaneously adjustable in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake pad from the brake member.
The adjustment assembly may have a release member to disengage the brake member, a display support attached to the visual display apparatus and a support shaft that connects the release member, the display support and the brake member. A first spring mechanism may secure the support shaft between the release member and the brake member. A second spring mechanism may be used to elastically attach the mounting support to the display support.
The visual display apparatus may be a virtual reality display, virtual reality goggles, night vision goggles, heat vision goggles, infrared goggles, binoculars, a camera, or a monocular device.
As another feature, a head strap may be attached to the mounting support. The mounting support may also include a mounting portion to attach the device to a head strap or helmet.
In still another general aspect, a method of adjusting a position of a head-worn visual display apparatus relative to a mounting support includes releasing the visual display apparatus from a first locked position and moving the visual display apparatus along more than one axis relative to the mounting support to a second position.
Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, releasing the visual display apparatus may include disengaging a brake that locks the mounting support to the visual display apparatus. Another feature may include engaging the brake to lock the mounting support to the visual display apparatus at the second position. Disengaging the brake may include applying a compressive force to a first spring mechanism.
According to another aspect, an adjustment device to adjust a position of a visual display apparatus in multiple directions includes a display support secured to the visual display apparatus, a brake member, a release member attached to the display support and the brake member, and a mounting support attached to the display support and secured by the brake member, wherein the mounting support is simultaneously adjustable in multiple directions relative to the display support and the visual display apparatus by actuating the release member to disengage the brake member from the mounting support.
According to a further aspect, a head-worn viewing system includes a visual display apparatus, a fixed member to support the visual display apparatus, and an adjustment mechanism attached to the visual display apparatus and the fixed member, wherein the adjustment member includes a release member to adjust the visual display apparatus in multiple directions relative to the adjustment mechanism.
According to another aspect, a method of simultaneously adjusting a positioning of a visual display apparatus secured to a display support in multiple directions includes actuating a release member attached to the display support to release a mounting support from a first position, moving the mounting support in multiple directions to a second position relative to the display support and the visual display apparatus, and releasing the release member to secure the mounting support in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are meant for illustration of one or more embodiments and do not limit the scope on the invention. The description and drawings use reference numerals to identify the elements that are described in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate exploded views of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top down sectional illustration of an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of the adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates an adjustment device for a head-worn viewing system of a head-worn viewing system in a secured position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates an adjustment device of a head-worn viewing system in a released position according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a head-worn viewing system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate ranges of motion of a visual display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of simultaneously adjusting a positioning of a visual display apparatus in multiple directions according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description provides example embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the description and the drawings. Repetitive description of like elements of various exemplary embodiments may be omitted for clarity.
In one embodiment, an adjustment device 100 of a head-worn viewing system 90 adjusts a visual display apparatus 92 in multiple directions. The visual display apparatus 92 may be simultaneously adjusted in multiple directions thereby requiring only a single adjustment to customize the positioning of the visual display apparatus 92 according to a user's individual requirements. The adjustment device is intuitive and easy to operate, and does not shift or move once an adjustment has been completed. The visual display apparatus 92 may include, but is not limited to, a virtual reality display, virtual reality goggles, night vision goggles, heat vision goggles, infrared goggles, binoculars, a camera, a monocular device (such as a scope), and the like. The visual display apparatus 92 may include an optical element through which a user may look.
According to one embodiment, a device to adjust a position of a head-worn vision system (adjustment device or device) 100 is provided to adjust a position of a visual display apparatus 92 in multiple directions. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate exploded views of the adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The adjustment device 100 includes a display support or base member 10, a brake member 20, a release member 30, and a mounting support 40. The display support/base member 10, brake member 20 and release member may be grouped into one sub-assembly referred to as an adjustment assembly.
The display support 10 may be secured to the visual display apparatus 92. The release member 30 may be attached to the display support 10 and the brake member 20. The mounting support 40 may be attached to the display support 10 and secured by the brake member 20. The display support 10 may be secured to a fixing plate 50, and the fixing plate 50 may be attached to the visual display apparatus. Alternatively, the display support 10 may refer to the display support 10 and the fixing plate 50 attached to one another. The release member 30 may be a lever which a user may actuate by hand. In other embodiments, the release member electrically or magnetically engages and disengages the brake member 20.
According to another embodiment, the display support 10 may include a display support pin accommodation 12, a first display support screw accommodation 14, a display support shaft accommodation 16, and a second display support screw accommodation 18. The brake member 20 may include a brake pad holder 22, a brake pad 24, a brake shaft accommodation 26, a brake screw accommodation 28, a brake spring accommodation 29, and a brake pad shaft accommodation 84.
The release member 30 may include a release pin accommodation 32 and a release screw accommodation 34. The mounting support 40 may include a pivot shaft accommodation 42, a first pivot screw accommodation 44, a second pivot screw accommodation 46, and a pivot brake pad 48. The pivot brake pad 48 may include a pivot brake pad screw accommodation 80. The adjustment device 100 may include a screw 82. The screw 82 secure the pivot brake pad 48 to the mounting support 40. The display support 10 may be secured to the visual display apparatus 92 by feeding a fixing screw 52 through the second display support screw accommodation 18.
According to another embodiment, the adjustment device 100 may include a first spring mechanism 60 and a second spring mechanism 70. The first spring mechanism 60 may include a spring 62 and a washer 64. The first spring mechanism 60 may also include a screw 86. The second spring mechanism 70 may include a spring spacer 72, a neutral buoyancy spring 74, a securing means 75, and a screw 76. The second spring mechanism 70 may elastically attach the mounting support 40 to the display support 10 or the fixing plate 50. The adjustment device 100 may include a support shaft 88. The support shaft 88 may be fed through the pivot shaft accommodation 42, the brake pad shaft accommodation 84, the brake shaft accommodation 26, and the display support shaft accommodation 16. The adjustment device 100 may include a nut 66 and retaining e-ring 68. The nut 66 and the retaining e-ring 68 may secure the support shaft 88 to the brake member 20 and the display support 10. The adjustment device 100 may include a pivot pin 78. The pivot pin 78 may be fed through the display support pin accommodation 12 and the release pin accommodation 32. The adjustment device 100 may include a screw 82 to secure the pivot brake pad 48 to the mounting support 40. The adjustment device 100 may include a screw 86. The screw 86 may be fed through the release screw accommodation 34, the first display support screw accommodation 14, the compression spring 62, the washer 64, and into the brake spring accommodation 29.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top down view of an adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another embodiment, the adjustment device may include more than one display support 10, more than one brake member 20, and more than one release member 30. Each brake member 20 and each release member 30 may be attached to the display support 10 using at least one screw 86. In FIG. 2, two screws 86 are threaded through each release member 30, each display support 10, each first spring mechanism 60, and each brake member 20. In particular, each screw 86 is fed through the release screw accommodation 34, the first display support screw accommodation 14, the compression spring 62, and into the brake screw accommodation 28. The support shaft 88 may be included to align and support each display support 10, each brake member 20, and the mounting support 40. The support shaft 88 may be fed through the pivot shaft accommodation 42 of the mounting support 40, each brake pad shaft accommodation 84, each brake shaft accommodation 26, a retaining e-ring 68, each display support shaft accommodation 16, and another retaining e-ring 68. The support shaft 88 may have two ends, each of which are secured to a display support 10 by a nut 66.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The pivot pin 78 may be used to secure the display support 10 to the release member 30. The pivot pin 78 may be inserted into the display support pin accommodation 12 of the display support 10 and the release pin accommodation 32 of the release member. The pivot pin 78 may permit the release member 30 to rotate around the circumference of the release pin 78 when the release member 30 is actuated in order to release the brake member 20 from the mounting support 40. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second spring mechanism 70 may include a spring spacer 72, a neutral buoyancy spring 74, a securing means 75, and a screw 76. The screw 76 may be fed through the mounting support 40. The neutral buoyancy spring 74 may be secured to the screw 76. A spring spacer 72 may be disposed on each side of the portion of the neutral buoyancy spring 74 that is secured to the screw 76 to keep the neutral buoyancy spring 74 centered in the mounting support 40. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the brake member 20 may include a brake pad holder 22 secured to the display support 10 via screw 86, and a brake pad 24 attached to the brake pad holder 22 to secure the mounting support 40 in a locked position. The mounting support 40 may include a pivot brake pad 48 disposed on the outer side(s) of the mounting support 40 so that when the release member 30 is disengaged, the brake pad 24 and the pivot brake pad 48 are pressed together by the first spring mechanism 60 so that the mounting support 40 is secured and locked place. The mounting support 40 may include a pivot mounting accommodation 56 disposed on the read side of the mounting support 40 so that the mounting support 40 may be mounted to a head-worn viewing apparatus 90.
According to another embodiment, the brake pad 24 and the pivot brake pad 48 may be made of suitable materials to generate a frictional force greater than that required to prevent the visual display apparatus 92 to move when the mounting support 40 is secured by the brake member 20. The brake pad 24 may be comprised of urethane rubber. The pivot brake pad 48 may be comprised of a fiber material, such as that used on brake pads in the automotive industry.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The mounting support 40 may include a pivot brake pad 48. The pivot brake pad 48 may have at least one second pivot screw accommodation 46. The pivot brake pad 48 may be secured to the mounting support 40 my feeding a screw 76 into each second pivot screw accommodation 46. The release member 30, the display support 10, the first spring mechanism 60, and the brake member 20 may be secured to one another by feeding screw 86 through release screw accommodation 34. Additionally, the second spring mechanism 70 may include more than one securing means 75. The securing means 75 may be configured as a loop which can be affixed to a fixing arm 54 of the fixing plate 50. A first securing means 75 may attach to a front of the fixing plate 50, and a second securing means 75 may attach to a back of the fixing plate 50.
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of an adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The mounting support 40 may include more than one pivot mounting accommodation 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting support 40 may include four pivot mounting accommodations 56. The adjustment device 100 may include a mounting portion including a mounting support 40, a mounting bracket 58, and pivot mounting accommodations 56. The mounting bracket 58 may be secured to the pivot mounting accommodations 56 of the mounting support 40 using mounting screws 57.
FIG. 6 is a top down sectional illustration of an adjustment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another embodiment, the adjustment device 100 may include a first spring mechanism 60 secured between the display support 10 and the brake member 20. The first spring mechanism 60 may generate elasticity between the display support 10 and the brake member 20. The first spring mechanism 60 may be secured between the display support 10 and the brake member 20 using the screw 86. The screw 86 may be fed through the first display support screw accommodation 14 of the display support 10, the first spring mechanism 60, and into the brake screw accommodation 28 of the brake member. By fixing the screw 86 to the brake screw accommodation 28, the first spring mechanism 60 may be secured to a brake spring accommodation 29 of the brake member 20. The first spring mechanism 60 may include a compression spring 62 and a washer 64. The washer 64 may be disposed between the compression spring 62 and the brake spring accommodation 29.
The mounting support 40 may be in a first locked position by the brake member 20 when the release member 30 is not actuated, i.e., disengaged or released. When the release member 30 is actuated, the release member 30 disengages the brake member 20 from the mounting support 40. When the release member 30 is actuated, the first spring mechanism 60 is compressed between the display support 10 and the brake member 20 and the mounting support 40 is released from a locked position. When the brake member 20 is disengaged from the mounting support 40, the mounting support 40 can be moved in multiple directions relative to the display support 10 and the visual display apparatus 92 from the first locked position to an adjusting position. In other words, when the brake member 20 is disengaged from the mounting support 40, the visual display apparatus 92 may be moved in multiple directions relative to the mounting support 40 from the first locked position to an adjusted position. The movement of the adjustment device 100 may be described as the mounting support 40 moving relative to the adjustment assembly (major components including the display support 10, brake member 20 and release member 30) and the visual display apparatus 92, or as the visual display apparatus 92 and the adjustment assembly moving relative to the mounting support. The movement of the adjustment device 100 is the same whether described from the perspective of the mounting support 40 or the visual display apparatus 92.
When the release member 30 is released, the brake member 20 re-engages the mounting support and secures the mounting support 40 in the adjusted position, or alternatively, a second locked position. When the release member 30 is released, the compression of the first spring mechanism 60 is released which pushes the brake member 20 to lock the mounting support 40 in place. A user may actuate the release member 30 using their hand(s). The release member 30 may require a force of about 5 to 10 lbs to fully compress the first spring mechanism 60 and to disengage the brake member 20 from the mounting support 40. The release member 30 may reduce a spring load in order for the adjustment device 100 to be easy to use while maintaining a high clamping force to eliminate relative movement of the visual display apparatus 92 and the head-worn viewing system 90.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the support shaft 88 may be fed through the pivot shaft accommodation 42 of the mounting support 40, each brake pad shaft accommodation 84, each brake shaft accommodation 26, a retaining e-ring 68, each display support shaft accommodation 16, and another retaining e-ring 68. The support shaft 88 may have two ends, each of which are secured to a display support 10 by a nut 66. The support shaft 88 may prevent the mounting support 40 from being completely released from the adjustment device 100 by preventing the mounting support 40 from being moved out of alignment with the one or more brake members 20. By securing the mounting support 40 in alignment with the brake member(s) 20, the support shaft 88 ensures that the adjustment device 100 does not fail. The adjustment device 100 may include more than one second spring mechanism 70. Each second spring mechanism 70 may be secured in the mounting support 40 by a screw 76 fed through a first pivot screw accommodation 44. The neutral buoyancy spring 74 may include a ring portion that loops around the screw 76 to fix the second spring mechanism 70 inside the mounting support 40.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate views of the adjustment device 100 according to exemplary embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the adjustment device 100 may be attached to a fixing plate 50. The display support 10 of the adjustment device 100 may include a second display support screw accommodation 18. A fixing screw 52 may be inserted through the second display support screw accommodation 18 to fix the display support 10 to the fixing plate 50. The fixing plate 50 may be fixed to the visual display apparatus 92. A mounting bracket 58 may be secured to the mounting support 40 by inserting mounting screws 57 into the pivot mounting accommodations 56. The mounting bracket 58 may then be attached to a head strap (or helmet) 96. The mounting bracket 58 may slide into a mounting bracket accommodation 98 of the head strap (or helmet) 96.
According to another embodiment, the multiple directions along which the mounting support 40 may be moved or adjusted include a horizontal axis H, a vertical axis V, and a tilt axis T. The adjustment device 100 may be adjusted along these multiple axes in order to align the visual display apparatus 92 with an optical axis. The optical axis is an axis that is collinear with a user's line of sight. By aligning the visual display 92 with the optical axis, a user can see can maximize their field of vision through the visual display apparatus 92. A movement along the horizontal axis H may increase or decrease a distance between the visual display apparatus 92 and a user's eyes. In other words, an adjustment along the horizontal axis H may change the horizontal distance of an optical element of the visual display apparatus 92 to a user's pupil. A movement along the vertical axis V may raise or lower the visual display apparatus 92 in relation to the user's eyes. In other words, an adjustment along the vertical axis V may change the height of the optical axis relative to the mounting support 40 and the head-worn viewing system 90. A movement along the tilt axis T may correspond to the rotation around an axis parallel a line that goes from one ear of the user to another. In other words, an adjustment along the tilt axis T may change the relative angle of the optical axis relative to the head-worn viewing system. The multiple directions of movement of the mounting support 40 allow a user to simultaneously adjust the visual display apparatus 92 in several directions to quickly determine the most comfortable fit based on the user's individual needs.
According to another embodiment, mounting support 40 may be adjusted, relative to the display support 10 and the visual display apparatus 92, along the horizontal axis H, the vertical axis V, and the tilt axis T simultaneously. The mounting support 40 may be moved the horizontal axis H, the vertical axis V, and the tilt axis T by actuating the release member 30, and moving the mounting support 40. The second spring mechanism 70 enables the movement of the mounting support 40 along the horizontal axis H, the vertical axis V, and the tilt axis T by elastically securing the mounting support 40 to the fixing plate 50. The adjustment device 100 may be affixed to a head-worn viewing system 90 and a visual display apparatus 92. When the adjustment device 100 is fixed to a head-worn viewing system 90, the visual display apparatus 92 is adjustable along the horizontal axis H, the vertical axis V and the tilt axis T relative to the mounting support 40. In this example, when the release member 30 is actuated, the release member 30, the display support 10, the brake member 20, the fixing plate 50, and the visual display apparatus 92 are adjustable in multiple directions relative to the mounting support 40.
FIG. 8A illustrates an adjustment device 100 of a head-worn viewing system 90 in a secured position according to an exemplary embodiment. The fixing plate 50 may be attached to the adjustment device 100 and the visual display apparatus 92. The second spring mechanism 70 of the adjustment device 100 may be secured to the fixing plate 50 by attaching the securing means 75 of the second spring mechanism to the fixing arm 54 of the fixing plate. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, when the release member 30 is released, the brake member 20 is in a secured or locked position with the mounting support 40. FIG. 8A may be illustrative of a first locked position of the mounting support 40 or of a second locked position of the mounting support 40 after an adjustment has been made.
FIG. 8B illustrates an adjustment device 100 of a head-worn viewing system 90 in a released position according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, when the release member 30 is actuated, the brake member 20 is disengaged from the mounting support 40. When the brake member 20 is disengaged, the mounting support 40 allows the movement of the rest of the adjustment device 100, the fixing plate 50, and the visual display apparatus 92 along the horizontal axis H, the vertical axis V, and the tilt axis T. The ability to simultaneously adjust the positioning of the visual display apparatus 92 along the three axes allows a user to simply customize the positioning of the visual display apparatus 92 in one fluid motion.
FIG. 9 illustrates a head-worn viewing system 90 according to an exemplary embodiment. The head-worn viewing system may include a head strap (or helmet) 96, a fixed member 94, an adjustment device 100, and a visual display apparatus 92. The visual display apparatus 92 may be fixed to the adjustment device 100 by means of a fixing plate 50. The mounting support 40 of the adjustment device 100 may be attached to the fixed member 94 by means of a mounting bracket 58 and a mounting bracket accommodation 98. The fixed member 94 may be attached to a head strap 96 or a helmet 96. The fixed member 94 may be a boom that supports the visual display apparatus 92 and prevents the adjustment device 100 and the visual display apparatus 92 from moving away from a user's line of sight.
FIGS. 10-12 illustrate ranges of motion of a visual display apparatus 92 according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the visual display apparatus 92 may be rotated around the tilt axis T. In FIG. 10A, the visual display apparatus 92 is moved around the tilt axis T at −5 degrees, or 5 degrees towards a user's head/face. In FIG. 10B, the visual display apparatus 92 is moved around the tilt axis T at 0 degrees. In FIG. 10C, the visual display apparatus 92 is moved around the tilt axis T at +5 degrees. In FIG. 10D, the visual display apparatus 92 is moved around the tilt axis T at +30 degrees. In FIG. 10E, the visual display apparatus 92 is moved around the tilt axis T at +75 degrees. When the visual display apparatus 92 is adjusted around the tilt axis T at +75 degrees, the visual display apparatus 92 is removed from the user's line of sight by being flipped up so that the user can view their actual surroundings without the aid or assistance of the visual display apparatus 92.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the horizontal axis H. The visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the horizontal axis H to increase or decrease a distance between the visual display apparatus 92 and a user's eyes. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the horizontal axis H by approximately +/−10 millimeters towards or away from a user's eyes.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, the visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the vertical axis V. The visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the vertical axis V to raise or lower the visual display apparatus 92 in relation to the user's eyes. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the visual display apparatus 92 may be adjusted along the vertical axis V by approximately +/−10 millimeters up or down to level the visual display apparatus 92 with the user's eyes.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of simultaneously adjusting a positioning of a visual display apparatus 92 in multiple directions according to an exemplary embodiment. In operation S100, the release member 30 is actuated to release the mounting support 40 from the first locked position. When the release member 30 is actuated, the brake member 20 is released from the mounting support 40 by applying a compressive force to the first spring mechanism 60. In operation S110, the mounting support 40 is moved in multiple directions relative to the display support 10 and the visual display apparatus 92 to an adjusted position. When the position of the mounting support 40 is adjusted, the mounting support 40 may be moved along a horizontal axis H, a vertical axis V, and a tilt axis T relative to the visual display apparatus 92 via a second spring mechanism 70 secured to the mounting support 40. In operation S120, the release member is released to secure the mounting support 40 in the adjusted position, or alternatively, the second locked position. When the release member 30 is released, the brake member 20 is moved from a retracted position to a secured position at which the mounting support 40 is secured in place by the brake member 20. The brake member 20 is moved from the retracted position to the secured position by the expansion of the compressed first spring mechanism.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein also can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure
It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adopt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.
For example, the release member in the figures described above is mechanically actually with one or more spring mechanisms. However, the release may be hydraulic, magnetic or electromechanical. Alternatively, the brake may employ may employ various types of frictional or locking surfaces such as a fabric fastening device or lockable fiber.
In addition, the device described above describes the adjustment of the visual display along horizontal, vertical and tilt axes relative to the mounting support. Other degrees of types of adjustments may be accomplished with the release member. For example, in a further embodiment the mounting support includes two plates that can move apart or together to account for differences in intraocular pupil distance from one user to another.

Claims

1. A device to adjust a position of head-worn vision system, the device comprising:

an adjustment assembly that includes a brake member; and

a mounting support attached to the adjustment assembly by the brake member;

wherein the adjustment assembly is simultaneously adjustable in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises a release member to disengage the brake member and a display support attachable to a visual display device of the head-worn vision system.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises:

a support shaft coupling the release member, display support, and the brake member; and

a first spring mechanism secured by the support shaft to provide elasticity between the release member, the display support, and the brake member.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising:

a second spring mechanism to moveably attach the mounting support to the adjustment assembly.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting support includes a mounting interface to secure the device to a head mount strap or to a helmet.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly is adjustable from a first locked position by actuating the release member to separate the brake member from the mounting support, by moving the adjustment assembly, and by releasing the release member to secure the adjustment assembly in a second locked position relative to the mounting support.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly is simultaneously adjustable along multiple axes that include a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, and a tilt axis relative to the mounting support.

8. A head-worn viewing system, comprising:

a visual display apparatus;

an adjustment assembly attached to the visual display apparatus, the adjustment assembly having a brake member; and

a mounting support moveably attached to the adjustment assembly, wherein the adjustment assembly is operable to move the visual display apparatus in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake member.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises:

a release member to disengage the brake member.

10. The head-worn viewing system of claim 9, wherein the adjustment assembly is adjustable from a locked position relative to the mounting support by actuating the release member to disengage the brake member from the mounting support and by deactivating the release member to secure the adjustment assembly via the brake member in a second locked position relative to the mounting support.

11. The head-worn viewing system of claim 8, wherein:

the mounting support comprises a brake pad in frictional contact with the brake member; and

the adjustment assembly is simultaneously adjustable in multiple directions relative to the mounting support by disengagement of the brake pad from the brake member.

12. The head-worn viewing system of claim 8, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises:

a release member to disengage the brake member;

a display support attached to the visual display apparatus;

a support shaft that connects the release member, the display support and the brake member; and

a first spring mechanism secured by the support shaft between the release member and the brake member.

13. The head-worn viewing system of claim 12, further comprising:

a second spring mechanism to elastically attach the mounting support to the display support.

14. The head-worn viewing system of claim 8, wherein the visual display apparatus is selected from the group consisting essentially of:

a virtual reality display, virtual reality goggles, night vision goggles, heat vision goggles, infrared goggles, binoculars, a camera, and a monocular device.

15. The head-worn viewing system of claim 8, further comprising:

a head strap attached to the mounting support.

16. The head-worn viewing system of claim 8, wherein the mounting support includes a mounting portion to attached the device to a head strap or helmet.

17. A method of adjusting a position of a head-worn visual display apparatus relative to a mounting support, the method comprising:

releasing the visual display apparatus from a first locked position; and

moving the visual display apparatus along more than one axis relative to the mounting support to a second position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein releasing comprises:

disengaging a brake that locks the mounting support to the visual display apparatus.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

engaging the brake to lock the mounting support to the visual display apparatus at the second position.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein disengaging the brake comprises applying a compressive force to a first spring mechanism.