US20080080170A1

US20080080170A1 - Integrated Lighting System for Helmets

Info

Publication number: US20080080170A1
Application number: US11/538,136
Authority: US
Inventors: Vernon Lombard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-03
Filing date: 2006-10-03
Publication date: 2008-04-03

Abstract

An integrated lighting system for a helmet comprising a transparent encasing wherein the lighting system is positioned, a plurality of lights positioned across dome of the helmet, two pin lights located on either side of the helmet that focus in the forward direction and a rechargeable battery pack. The lighting system can be controlled by operational buttons that control the functionality of the lighting system or a wireless remote. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting system can be integrated into a full shell helmet which fits over existing helmets. This will allow the lighting system to be used with existing law enforcement helmets, coast guard helmets, and military helmets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the fields of equipment for use in law enforcement, military, bicycling, snowmobiling, construction, and other fields which may benefit from a helmet or headgear. More specifically, the invention is directed to a helmet with an integrated lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Helmets with lighting systems are well known in the art. As batteries become more efficient, LEDs (light emitting diodes) and other types of lights have begun to be incorporated into various existing forms of technology, such as firearms, pens, apparel, and other portable devices. It is often the case that the addition of a light fixture to a device causes the device to become bulky, unwieldy, or aesthetically displeasing. There has been an ongoing effort in the art to create a helmet that is aerodynamic, lightweight, and employs an effective lighting system with a long battery life.
Helmets with integrated lights are used for multiple purposes. In the civilian context, these helmets may be used to increase visibility and awareness of the user's location. For example, it is desirable for bicyclists and joggers to display their location through a lighted helmet to avoid the possibility of being struck by a moving vehicle. In the military and law enforcement context, these helmets may be used to increase visibility during nighttime operations. This device would be particularly useful for MOUT (military operations on urban terrain) combat, where soldiers often must fight combatants in poorly lit, confined locations. Lighted helmets may be used to provide light when no NVG (night vision goggles) are available. These helmets may additionally be useful to blind enemy combatants who are using such goggles. These helmets are also particularly useful in SAR (search and rescue) operations, as the lighting assists rescue personnel to be spotted by individuals being rescued and increases visibility for the rescue personnel.
Though several attempts have been made to create a helmet with an integrated lighting system that is practical for military and civilian use, all of the existing helmets suffer from bulkiness, lack of aerodynamic design, or lack of additional features. A helmet does not exist in the art that utilizes color-coded LEDs to indicate the type of user. There is a need for such a feature to assist in the military and law enforcement contexts. There is also a need for a helmet in which the lighting may be remotely controlled. This is especially true in the military context; as it would be desirable for a squad leader to be able remotely control the lighting of his or her troops' helmets in a variety of situations, thus avoiding the need to provide oral instructions. The same is true in the law enforcement context, especially in SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) operations. Furthermore, there is a need for a lighted helmet that is both aerodynamic and lightweight that still provides effective lighting scenarios with efficient battery usage.
Accordingly, the present invention described herein encompasses an aerodynamic and lightweight helmet with an integrated lighting system and rechargeable battery pack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet with an integrated LED (light emitting diode) lighting system, wherein the lighting may be controlled by buttons on the side of the helmet or through a remote control.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a helmet with an integrated LED lighting system that is both aerodynamic and lightweight, suitable for use in a variety of contexts a full shell helmet with an integrated LED lighting system that can be used in conjunction with standard motorcycle helmets.
The helmet will be powered by a rechargeable battery pack located on the rear of the helmet. Additionally, the helmet may be charged through a power cord that travels from the helmet to a charger on the utility belt of the user. The integrated lighting system will also be equipped with a home charger that can be used in conjunction with a standard 220 volt outlet. It is a further object of the invention to provide a spring-loaded extension that will be located below the seat of a motorcycle that connects the user's utility belt to an adapter on the motorcycle's battery. When the helmet is connected to the utility belt through a power cord, it will have unlimited power as long as the motorcycle engine is running.
It is a further object of the invention to provide various features that will protect against overheating from the energy released from the LED lighting system. These include the use of a heat shield, a dimmer switch to control the light emission from the LED lights, and an auto shut-off feature to protect against overheating.
It is a further object of the invention to make the helmet waterproof so that it may be used on boats or for underwater rescue purposes.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide various ornamental effects to create numerous style options for the helmet.
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet with all of the foregoing features which complies with U.S. safety standards for vehicle helmets as well as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements for worker use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an alternate side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view present invention set in a full shell helmet as it fits over a standard motorcycle helmet.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the present invention set in a full shell helmet.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention set in a full shell helmet.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the present invention set in a full shell helmet.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the helmet placed on the head of a motorcyclist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different formulations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the compositions or formulations of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but are merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of the lighting system when incorporated into a standard motorcycle helmet. The lighting system 21 will be placed over the top of the dome of the helmet 19 and placed between a top 22 and bottom 20 layer of sturdy transparent ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. The integrated lighting system will increase the diameter of the helmet by approximately ½ inch.
The lighting system utilizes 1 watt high voltage LED lights. These high voltage lights are clearly visible and alert onlookers of the user's presence. The LED lights are pin shaped lights so that when the lighting system is turned off, the light holes are only visible from about 5 feet away. From 10 feet away the light holes and integrated lighting system will not be visible and the helmet will appear to be a standard motorcycle helmet.
With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a standard motorcycle helmet 10, such as those used by highway patrolmen, is shown with the integrated lighting system. All the lights placed in-between the ABS plastic layer will be spaced from one-eighth inch to one-half inch apart. As seen in FIG. 3, the operational buttons 17 are located on the lower right side of the dome of the helmet. These buttons will control the functionality of the lighting system. The buttons 17 can turn the lighting system on and off, control the side pin lights and set the lights to sequential flashing or permanent, steady-on mode. Additionally, the lighting system can be controlled through the use of a wireless remote/keychain.
As best seen in FIG. 1, approximately fifty LED lights 13 will run down the longitudinal plane of the helmet from the fore plane to the rear plane and be amber in color. When the lights 13 are set in the sequential flashing mode they will begin in the center of the dome and run simultaneously to the front and back of the helmet.
As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, approximately 75 blue LED lights 11, 12 run down the each side of the dome of the helmet. When the lights 11, 12 are set in the sequential flashing mode, they will begin in the center of the right side of the dome and move outwardly. Additional blue LED lights 14, 15 will also be placed along the right side of the fore plane of the helmet. When these lights 14, 15 are set in the sequential flashing mode, they will begin in the center of the fore plane of the dome and move to the downward toward the bottom of the dome of the helmet.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, approximately 75 red LED lights 11 run down the left side of the dome of the helmet. When the lights 11 are set in the sequential flashing mode they will begin in the center of the left side of the dome and move outwardly. Additional red LED lights 15 will also be placed along the left side of the fore plane of the helmet. When these lights 15 are set in the sequential flashing mode they will begin in the center of the fore plane of the dome and move to the left toward the bottom of the dome of the helmet.
As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, side pin lights 16 are attached to either side of the dome of the helmet. These white lights will focus forward and provide greater visibility for the user in the darkness.
As best seen in FIG. 5, the rechargeable battery pack 18 is located on the bottom of the rear plane of the dome of the helmet. The battery pack 18 will be approximately 4 inches long, ½ inch thick, and 1-2 inches high. In preferred embodiment the battery pack will utilize small, round lithium batteries. The battery pack will be able to power the lighting system for approximately 2 hours. The battery pack contains two musical chips 28 that play music while the lighting system is functioning. The chips can play previously stored songs or additional songs that can be downloaded onto the chips. The battery pack 18 can be charged by plugging into a standard 220 V electric outlet. In an alternative embodiment, the battery pack 18 may be a round section of tubing no wider than ⅛^thof an inch that will utilize standard AA or AAA batteries.
Referring now to FIG. 11, the lighting system may also be charged with an adapter 24 which can be plugged into the utility belt 25 of the user. Once plugged in, the battery pack 18 can be charged or the integrated lighting system in the helmet can be run by the power from the utility belt 25.
The battery pack 18 may also be charged through a spring loaded extension 26 located under the seat of the motorcycle. This apparatus will be connected to an adapter 30 on the motorcycle's battery 27. The battery pack 18 from the helmet can then be connected to the spring loaded extension 26 through the utility belt 25 of the user. When the battery pack 18 is connected in this manner it can be charged through the motorcycle's battery 27 and have an unlimited source of power while connected to the motorcycle.
The shell of the helmet will contain a heat shield that will prevent overheating or damage due to the heat being emitted from the LED light source. In the currently preferred embodiment, the shell will be treated with a fire protective coating.
The integrated lighting system incorporated into helmets exceeds or meets the United States standards for vehicle helmets and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements for use in the workplace. Additionally, the system is in full compliance with the Snell Memorial Foundation standard for protective headgear that is well known in the field of helmet design and manufacturing.
With reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 6 the integrated lighting system is shown fitted in a full shell motorcycle helmet 23 that fits over a standard motorcycle helmet 29. This unit allows the integrated lighting system to be used with standard motorcycle helmets already in use. The shell will be fastened to the helmet using approximately 10¼ inch screws. The shell helmet will allow the integrated lighting system to be used with existing police helmets, highway patrol officer helmets, Coast Guard helmets, etc.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, logos and designs may be placed in the transparent plastic layer. These can be placed for advertising purposes, to promote specific brands, or to designate and distinguish users.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system may be made with lights in different colors and patterns. These can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of various users. Some examples include toy helmets for children that can be used in Halloween costumes or decorative helmets that could be used in parades or football halftime shows.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted with a dimmer control. This will reduce the energy emission from the LED lights. This will subsequently save battery power and reduce the heat being emitted to the helmet.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted with an automatic shut-off mechanism. This mechanism will turn off the lighting system if it reaches a predetermined temperature level to prevent heat damage to the helmet or injury to the user.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the wireless remote control maybe integrated with the lighting system on a law enforcement motorcycle. In this manner the lights on the helmet will flash in synch with the lights on the law enforcement motorcycle.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted in helmet that is waterproof. This will allow the system to be used at sea or for under water rescue purposes.
The integrated lighting system described above may also be designed to fit helmets intended for other specific uses. These include but are not limited to hard hat or safety helmets, United States Coast Guard helmets, various police and law enforcement uses, civilian helmets used for biking or watercrafts, and government/military personnel.
It is appreciated that additional advantages, modifications and equivalent embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and representative devices, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications, such as helmet design or alternative materials of construction, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lighting system for a helmet comprising:

a transparent outer casing defining a helmet having a dome with a right and left side, a fore plane, a rear plane, and a longitudinal plane;

a row of lights, embedded in the casing, extending up the center of the helmet along the longitudinal plane of the helmet dome;

at least one section of lights, embedded in the casing, along one side of the helmet dome; and

a series of lights, embedded in the casing, across the fore plane of the helmet dome.

2. The lighting system defined in claim 1 further comprising a heat shield in the helmet dome.

3. A lighting system for a helmet comprising:

at least one section of lights, embedded in the casing, along one side of the helmet dome;

a series of lights, embedded in the casing, across the fore plane of the helmet dome; and

at least two pin lights located on either side of the helmet dome that focus in the forward direction.

4. The lighting system defined in claim 1 further comprising controls to operate the lighting system.

5. The lighting system defined in claim 1 further comprising a wireless remote that can operate the lighting system.

6. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the LED lights are high voltage, 1 Watt, pin shaped lights.

7. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the transparent outer casing is made from a durable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic material.

8. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system is integrated into a standard motorcycle helmet.

9. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system is integrated into a full shell helmet that fits over standard helmets.

10. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein a rechargeable battery pack is located on the rear plane of the helmet.

11. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein a rechargeable battery pack is located on the rear plane of the helmet and consists of round tubing which utilizes standard AA or AA batteries.

12. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 further comprising a portable power adapter which can be plugged into a standard 220 volt power source.

13. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system further comprises a portable adapter which can be plugged into a utility belt to be charged or for additional power.

14. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 9 wherein the lighting system further comprises a spring-loaded extension that connects to an adapter on the battery of a motorcycle and is plugged into a utility belt.

15. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system has an alarm system that further comprises

A sensor which triggers the alarm when the helmet is moved; and

musical chips that play music when the alarm system is triggered.

16. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lights can be made in a plurality of colors; said lights being able to be designed in various patterns to designate the user or type of helmet.

17. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the functionality of the lighting system can be operated so that the lights are steadily on, flashing or moving in running light patterns.

18. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system further comprises an automatic shut-off mechanism.

19. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system further comprises a dimmer mechanism to reduce the energy emission.

20. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the helmet and lighting system will be waterproof.

21. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the transparent plastic outside cover further comprises artificial glowing fish embedded in the cover.

22. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the transparent plastic outside cover further comprises a gel and sand mixture.

23. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the lighting system further comprises lights colored and arranged in a rainbow pattern.

24. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the transparent plastic outside cover further comprises snow and air vents to create a crystal ball effect.

25. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the helmet surface further comprises an area that can be used for logos or advertisement

26. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein a rechargeable battery pack is located on the rear plane of the helmet and consists of round lithium batteries.

27. The lighting system defined in claim 1 further comprising a perforated window film covering the transparent outer casing.

28. The lighting system for a helmet defined in claim 1 wherein the transparent outer casing further comprises:

Small holes that correspond the to the placement of the LED lights along the helmet dome; and

Plastic magnifying plugs which fit into said holes.