PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/892,189, filed on August 27, 2019, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for a Wearable Command Center” the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate generally to methods and apparatuses in the field of wearable transmitting and receiving equipment and more specifically to a wearable command center.

[0002] In today’s modern warfare, soldiers need to communicate with each other or with a central command post by transmitting and receiving equipment such as smart phone or radios. These devices are typically worn on the user's body, notably in the chest area. Current wearable communication harnesses are required to hold multiple devices where those devices are wired together by multiple and unwieldy electrical cables.

[0003] The embodiments below provide an integrative, customizable and streamlined system for a wearable command center, also known as dismounted operator’s combat kit (“DOCK™”).

SUMMARY

[0004] An embodiment is a system comprising a wearable command center comprising a case clip top portion; a chest mount bottom portion; a hinge member assembly; a connector cartridge assembly; a case; and at least one structural guide rail. [0005] An embodiment is a system comprising a wearable command center system comprising a case clip top portion; a chest mount bottom portion; a hinge member assembly; a connector cartridge assembly; a case; a powered hub module; and at least one structural guide rail.

[0006] Other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the embodiments may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of a particular embodiment.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with the case removed.

[0009] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with the case installed.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with the case removed, with the connector cartridge assembly exploded.

[0011] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with the case removed, with the hinge member assembly exploded.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with the case partially removed.

[0013] Figure 6 is a right-side view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 is a left-side view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment. [0016] Figure 9 is a bottom view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a case and powered hub module removed.

[0018] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a powered hub module installed.

[0019] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a powered hub module and the case installed.

[0020] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a powered hub module and the case exploded.

[0021] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a multi-port hub snap module exploded from powered hub module, with a case installed.

[0022] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a powered hub module, with a radio snap module and a case installed.

[0023] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a radio snap module exploded from a powered hub module, with the case installed.

[0024] Figure 17 is a right-side view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0025] Figure 18 is a left-side view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 is a top view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0027] Figure 20 is a bottom view of an illustrative embodiment.

[0028] Figure 21 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a case installed into a ground control station.

[0029] Figure 22 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment with a case and a ground control station exploded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Detailed descriptions of the illustrative embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, we see a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an apparatus, constructed of several injection molded plastic components, including but not limited to polycarbonate, ready to have a case 51 of a range of sizes, including but not limited to a range of approximately 6.5 to 7.0 inches long, approximately 3.3 to 3.5 inches wide, approximately 0.60 to 0.75 inches thick, installed, utilizing a guide rail 16 and locking guide rail 17, as shown in Figure 2. The case clip top portion 101, approximately 3 inches long, and 4 inches in width, holds the case 51, which in turn holds a display screen 20, such as the screen of a smart phone, or other transmitting and receiving device such as a radio transmitter or receiver, powered USB hub, tablet, USB power bank, or a computer module. In some embodiments, the case, such as phone case, can be “ruggedized.”

[0032] “Ruggedized” means, in some embodiments, that ruggedized phone case 51 can withstand a variety of conditions, including but not limited to at least one of the following conditions: fully submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes; fully operable at all altitudes from sea level to 9,754 meters (ambient equivalent altitudes from sea level to 15,240 meters); fully operable at extreme temperatures and can withstand extreme temperature swings; can withstand a 48 inch drop onto plywood covered concrete. [0033] The chest mount bottom portion 70 includes a modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (“molle”) mount component 4, which comprises apertures 30, 32, 34, 36, (in some embodiments, each aperture is approximately 2 inches in length, 1 inch in width, and 1/8 inch thick), that allow the invention to be interlocked into a molle vest. The apertures 30, 32, 34, 36 have extending tab features that deflect and snap into the molle vest loops when the chest mount bottom portion 70 slides onto the molle vest. The electronics housing assembly 75, can accept input and output power, in some embodiments, between 5.25 VDC to 20 VDC to be compatible with the integrated soldier power and data distribution system specification, is built to withstand the abuses of harsh environments. In some embodiments, the electronics housing assembly 75 has integrated perimeter O-ring seals of 1/16 inch square cross section, or hermitically sealed methods to insulate the electronics from liquid and debris intrusion.

[0034] The case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 are connected by torque hinge members 86 and 87. In some embodiments, the torque hinge member 86 provides approximately ~2.8 N m of torque, and torque hinge member 87 provides -1.4 N m of torque. The hinge assembly member 86 is comprised of a locking torque hinge 81, coupled to a hinge spring actuator 83, hinge lever button 40, and hinge lever spring 82. The hinge lever button 40, a plastic overmolded sheet metal component, engages the hinge spring actuator 83, a metal spring component, when depressed, which rotates the self-clinching spring on the locking torque hinge 81, an overmolded metal assembly. With the hinge lever button 40 depressed, the hinge assembly member 86 allows the operator to rotate the case clip top portion 101 between 0 to 180 degrees. With the hinge lever button deactivated, the case clip top portion 101 locks in place, but will still rotate when additional force is applied by the operator. [0035] A single structural guide rail 74, constructed, in some embodiments, of metal or carbon composite, is fastened to the case clip 2, which provides a mounting system for a case 51, tablet, or powered module to be electrically and mechanically docked. The structural guide rail 74 integrates with the adjoining rail components on the case 51, which allows for proper alignment and docking of the case connector 78 into the case clip connector 76. The case clip spring actuated release lever 72 allows the case 51 to be mechanically locked in place until the operator rotates the lever slightly, allowing the case 51 to be pulled out of the case clip top portion 101.

[0036] Comprised of two connectors electrically connected to a flex harness, contained in an injection molded plastic housing, the connector cartridge assembly 80 provides a data and power connection between the electronics housing assembly 75 and the case 51. In some embodiments, the connector cartridge assembly 80 is ruggedized, which is sealed to prevent liquid or debris ingress. The connector cartridge assembly 80 can rotate between 0 to 180 degrees with the case clip top portion 101. The connector cartridge assembly 80 can be installed and removed from the case clip top portion 101 and the chest mount bottom portion 70 without the use of specialized tools. This allows for fast and easy exchange in the event the connector cartridge assembly 80 is damaged during operational use.

[0037] A cable, (in some embodiments, flex harness, flexible printed circuity cable, flexible flat cable, or wires internal), to the case 51 connect the standard port of the display screen 20 to the case connector 78. The resulting connection point between the connector cartridge assembly 80 and the case 51 is much stronger and less prone to breakage than a standard USB port.

[0038] A power and data transmission connector 79 is located at the side of the electronics housing assembly 75. A power and data connector 73 is located on the opposite side of the electronics housing assembly 75, coupled with a USB retainer 71, which fully encapsulates and restrains a mating cable assembly.

[0039] Figure 6 is a right-side view of an embodiment showing the case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 in the closed and locked position, in close proximity to each other. [0040] Figure 7 is a left side view of an embodiment showing the case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 in the closed and locked position, in close proximity to each other. [0041] Figure 8 is a top view of an embodiment showing an aperture in case 51 allowing sufficient camera lens clearance 42 to be exposed for photography purposes.

[0042] Figure 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment. Apertures 30, 32, 34, 36 allow the entire device to be strapped onto the torso of a user.

[0043] Referring now to Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, we see a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of an apparatus ready to have a case 51 and powered hub module 14 installed as shown in Figure 12. The powered hub module 14, can be constructed with, in some embodiments, an injection molded composite or metal housing, and is, in some embodiments, approximately 7 inches long, 4 inches wide, 1 inch deep. The powered hub module 14 can accept input and output power, in some embodiments, between 5.25 VDC to 20 VDC to be compatible with the integrated soldier power and data distribution system specification. The case clip top portion 101 holds the case 51 which in turn holds a display screen 20, such as the screen of a smart phone, or other transmitting and receiving device such as a radio transmitter or receiver, powered USB hub, tablet, USB power bank, or a computer module. In some embodiments, the case may be “ruggedized.” “Ruggedized” means, in some embodiments, that ruggedized case 51 can withstand a variety of conditions, including but not limited to at least one of the following conditions: fully submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes; fully operable at all altitudes from sea level to 9,754 meters (ambient equivalent altitudes from sea level to 15,240 meters); fully operable at extreme temperatures and can withstand extreme temperature swings; and can withstand a 48 inch drop onto plywood covered concrete.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, a structural guide rail 74 is fastened to the case clip 2, which provides a mounting system for a case 51, tablet, or powered module to be electrically and mechanically docked. A secondary structural guide rail 65 is fastened to the molle mount 4, which provides a mounting system for a case 51, tablet, or powered hub module 14 to be electrically and mechanically docked, utilizing a case guide rail 16 and case locking guide rail 17. The structural guide rail 74 integrates with the adjoining rail components on the case 51, which allows for proper alignment and docking of the case connector 78 into the case clip connector 76. The case clip spring actuated release lever 72 allows the case 51 to be mechanically locked in place until the operator rotates the lever slightly, allowing the case 51 to be pulled out of the case clip top portion 101. The structural guide rail 65 integrates with the adjoining rail components on the powered hub module 14, which allows for proper alignment and docking of the powered hub module connector 11 into the molle mount connector 60. The molle mount spring actuated release lever 62 allows the powered hub module 14 to be mechanically locked in place until the operator rotates the lever slightly, allowing the powered hub module 14 to be pulled out of the chest mount bottom portion 70.

[0045] As shown in Figure 12, the chest mount bottom portion 70 includes a molle mount 4, which comprises apertures 30, 32, 34, 36 that allow the entire device to be interlocked into a molle vest. The powered hub module 14 is built to, in some embodiments, withstand the abuses of harsh environments, with integrated O-ring seals to insulate the electronics from liquid and debris intrusion. In some embodiments, the power module 14 provides USB power between 3.3 VDC to 5 VDC.

[0046] As shown in Figure 14, the powered hub module 14 comprises a cartridge interface 23 that provides a power and data connection to an auxiliary snap module. The multi-port hub snap module 15 and radio snap module 19, include mechanical spring locks 22 allowing the assembly to slide and mechanically lock into key ways 21 within the cartridge interface 23 of the powered hub module 14.

[0047] As shown in Figure 21, the ground control station 90 accessory mechanically attaches to the case clip top portion 101 with a combination of a case guide rail 16 and case locking guide rail 17, coupled with two phone case restraint mechanisms 91, which can contact the top portion of the case 51, fully cradling the case 51 in all axes, preventing the case 51 from rotating. The case restraint mechanisms 91 provide a mechanical connection with the ground control station 90, to ensure any physical impact will not disengage the electrical connectors. The ground control station 90 electrically connects to the case 51 by mating the case connector 78 to the ground control station case connector 97. The ground control station electronics housing 95 incorporates a connector that interfaces with the case clip connector 76 when installed into the case clip top portion 101. The ground control station comprises a left control stick 93 and right control stick 94, and control buttons left 92, and control buttons right 96, which allows user inputs into an interface control system within the display screen 20. The left control stick 93 and right control stick 94, provide a gimballed user interface for the operator to manipulate and control an unmanned aircraft vehicle, unmanned ground vehicle, or remote sensor system.

[0048] Figure 17 is a right-side view of the invention showing the case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 in the closed and locked position, in close proximity to each other. [0049] Figure 18 is a left side view of the invention showing the case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 in the closed and locked position, in close proximity to each other. [0050] Figure 19 is a top view of the invention showing the case clip top portion 101 and chest mount bottom portion 70 in the closed and locked position, in close proximity to each other. [0051] Figure 20 is a bottom view of the invention. Apertures 30, 32, 34, 36 allow the entire device to be strapped onto the torso of a user.

[0052] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the invention that integrates case 51 with a ground control station 90 accessory fully installed.

[0053] Figure 22 is an exploded perspective view of the invention that integrates case 51 with a ground control station 90 accessory.

[0054] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.