Safety helmet

Abstract

A safety helmet for enhancing visibility to road users. The safety helmet has a plurality of lights which are operatively connected to a power supply; at least one motion sensor which detects a behavioural characteristic of the cyclist and provides input signals to a controller, the controller operates in accordance with an algorithm whereby the signals are processed to determine appropriate timing of activation of the lights, in dependence upon the behavioural characteristic detected; and wherein switching signals from the controller switch on the lights to indicate actual or intended direction of travel.

Claims

1. A safety helmet device for a cyclist which includes: a plurality of lights including a front illumination light, a rear-facing light, a plurality of right side lights, and a plurality of left side lights, which are operatively connected to a power supply; and at least one motion sensor which detects a behavioural characteristic of the cyclist and provides input signals to a controller, the controller operates in accordance with an algorithm whereby the input signals are processed to determine an appropriate time delay before activation of a first lighting characteristic for the plurality of right side lights and/or the plurality of left side lights, in dependence upon the behavioural characteristic detected, and thereafter a timing for activation of a second lighting characteristic different from the first lighting characteristic for the plurality of right side lights and/or the plurality of left side lights for a time period after registering a prolonged period of directional change indicated by the at least one motion sensor; wherein switching signals from the controller switch on the plurality of right side lights and/or the plurality of left side lights as a sequence of lights to indicate actual or intended direction of travel.

2. The safety helmet device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of left side lights and the plurality of right side lights extend around substantially an entire circumference of the helmet.

3. The safety helmet device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights include light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser LEDs.

4. The safety helmet device according to claim 1, further including a global positioning (GPS) sensing means.

5. The safety helmet device according to claim 1, further including an accelerometer arranged to sense a rate of braking, and to provide a signal indicative of the rate of braking in order to affect a variation to light colour and/or brightness of at least some of the plurality of lights.

6. The safety helmet device according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights are detachably fitted to the helmet.

7. The safety helmet device according to claim 1, further including an ambient light sensor which is adapted to activate the plurality of lights at a pre-set light level.

8. The safety helmet device according to claim 1, further including a compass in communication with the controller.

9. The safety helmet according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of lights, the at least one motion sensor and the controller are supplied as a kit for attaching to a cycle helmet, the safety helmet device further including: a support means shaped and formed appropriately so as to enable the safety helmet device to be connected to the cycle helmet.

10. A safety helmet device for a cyclist which includes: a plurality of separately-powered lights which are operatively connected to separate power supplies, the plurality of separately-powered lights being adapted for separate mounting to a helmet at at least four different circumferential positions; and at least one motion sensor which detects a behavioural characteristic of the cyclist and provides input signals to a controller, the controller operates in accordance with an algorithm whereby the input signals are processed to determine an appropriate time delay before activation of a first lighting characteristic for the plurality of separately-powered lights, in dependence upon the behavioural characteristic detected, and thereafter a timing for activation of a second lighting characteristic different from the first lighting characteristic for the plurality of separately-powered lights for a time period after registering a prolonged period of directional change indicated by the at least one motion sensor; wherein switching signals from the controller switch on the plurality of separately-powered lights in sequence to indicate actual or intended direction of travel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 show plan views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; and

(7) FIG. 7 shows an example of a circuit diagram for use in operating the lights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

(8) With reference to the Figures there is shown a helmet carcass 100 or helmet comprising a series of vents 7 which allow the passage of air to flow through the helmet in order to keep a cyclist cool.

(9) The helmet carcass 100 is formed from a lightweight, robust synthetic plastics material and includes a core of expanded polystyrene.

(10) The helmet 100 includes a front illumination means 2 which comprises a centrally located light emitting mechanism or circular cluster of light emitting diodes.

(11) The helmet 100 includes a rear illumination means 1 that is a centrally located light emitting diode or a cluster of light emitting diodes.

(12) The helmet includes side lights 3 on the left and right side of the helmet 100.

(13) The front illumination means 2 can also be used to activate and de-activate all lights on the device wherein a switch is included in the front illumination means housing.

(14) This enables the lights to be activated so that they are lit, for example in response to a signal.

(15) The front 2 and rear 1 illumination means/lights may be controlled independently of the side lights 3. In this way, for example the front and rear lights are activated and remain lit through duration of use of the helmet 100. The side lights 3 are activated in response to behavioural characteristics.

(16) The lights are connected to a controller 9 includes an electronics panel, microchip and printed circuit board. The controller is mounted on an inner face of the helmet 100 (see FIG. 3B).

(17) The controller 9 and lights 1, 2, 3 are connected to the power supply 48. The power supply is coin cell batteries.

(18) The printed circuit board is also connected to, or includes a controller (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 6) and at least one motion sensor (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 6).

(19) The motion sensors detect movements that indicate behavioural characteristics of the cyclist. The sensor(s) generate input signals that are passed to the controller to indicate the behavioural characteristics that have been detected.

(20) The input signals are interpreted by the controller in accordance with an algorithm such that the signals processed determine the timing at which the lights are activated.

(21) It is appreciated that each of the lights 1, 2, 3 may be activate in accordance with a different algorithm. For example, the side lights may be activated by behaviour characteristics associated with turning and the rear light may be activated with characteristics associated with a decrease in speed over the ground.

(22) The controller is separated from the user's head by padding so as to prevent rubbing during use.

(23) Additional padding 13 is provided on an inner face of the helmet 100 to also protect the user's head to provide enhances comfort and improved fit.

(24) The padding provides an inner liner that houses the controller inside a pocket. The padding prevents discomfort or risk of injury.

(25) Head attachment means 4 comprise chin straps 8, adjustment dial 6 and adjustment straps 10. This enables the helmet 100 to be fitted to a user.

(26) Quick release fastener 5, comprising a resiliently deformable buckle 55 and catch 555.

(27) A dial adjusts the fit of the device on the user's head, wherein a plurality of straps extend from the dial and are shortened as the dial is turned.

(28) The coin cells and the controller 9 operate and power the lights 1, 2, 3. The coin cells and controller are located in the cavity of the helmet carcass.

(29) The lights are located in and removable from friction, interference or tolerance fitting holders 33, 34 and 35 (see FIG. 5), such that the lights are enabled to pop out during impact so as to reduce injury to the cyclist. Additionally, or alternatively such fitting enables easy removal for maintenance or replacement and furthermore enables the user to easily disconnect the battery from quiescent draw.

(30) Cables (not shown) run through channels (not shown) located on the inside of the helmet 100 to connect the lights 1, 2, 3 to the power source 48.

(31) Batteries 48 have a life expectancy of approximately 7.5 hours before recharging is required.

(32) A panel of LEDs are provided underneath a coloured, translucent cover to form the lights. In this way the same LEDs can be used for all lights.

(33) The side lights are provided with intermittent flashing alert patterns to warn third parties of the cyclist's change of direction, improving visibility. The sequence of lighting indicates direction.

(34) The side lights 3 comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes which are configured to remain activated at a low level when the accelerometer detects forward movement within a preset range of directional parameters.

(35) The side lights 3 comprise an irregular shaped form, namely a translucent cover enlarging in size towards the rear of the device in use, and covering a plurality of light emitting diodes.

(36) The light emitting diodes are diffused by the cover, and the cover traverses more than one plane of the carcass so as to be visible from a plurality of directions. The cover is shaped with an indentation 43 to encompass the over-ear shaping of the carcass so as to occupy a lowermost position on the carcass and comprise a substantially vertical plane so as to advantageously further enhance visibility.

(37) FIG. 7 shows an example circuit diagram suitable for use in the helmet.

(38) There are a plurality of sensors 20A, 20B, 20C. The sensors detect motion, such as speed and inclination. The sensors may be fitted on the helmet or arranged remotely such as on a user or on their bicycle. In such embodiments the sensors may communicate wirelessly with the controller 9.

(39) The sensors 20A, 20B, 20C are connected to a controller 9 and the lights 1, 2, 3 are also connected to the controller.

(40) Each light has its own battery 48 so that loss of one battery does not affect all lights.

(41) The side lights 3 each have four light emitting diodes capable of being lit separately.

(42) The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

(43) With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(44) Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.