US20110231977A1 - Helmet cooling device - Google Patents
Helmet cooling device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110231977A1 US20110231977A1 US13/065,111 US201113065111A US2011231977A1 US 20110231977 A1 US20110231977 A1 US 20110231977A1 US 201113065111 A US201113065111 A US 201113065111A US 2011231977 A1 US2011231977 A1 US 2011231977A1
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- Prior art keywords
- helmet
- fan
- conditioning unit
- air flow
- air conditioning
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A42—HEADWEAR
- A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
- A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
- A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
- A42B3/28—Ventilating arrangements
- A42B3/286—Ventilating arrangements with forced flow, e.g. by a fan
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a helmet cooling device, and in particular to a light-weight, portable and self-contained device for providing air circulation about the head and face of the wearer.
- a variety of “crash” type helmets are generally well-known in the prior art for use in a variety of different industries or avocations.
- the helmet is used to protect the head of the wearer by preventing major impacts, thereby safeguarding the head and face of the wearer.
- helmets are commonly used by motorcycle enthusiasts and stock car and race car drivers, as well as construction workers and sports players.
- work and sport there are many situations, both work and sport, in which the wearing of a helmet is necessary or desirable.
- considerable discomfort can result from wearing a helmet, especially the full-face variety, for even a short period of time particularly in warm or humid weather.
- helmets Various styles of helmets are commercially available. All helmets tend to cover the entire head with a non-porous shell made of a plastic acrylic or other suitable synthetic type material. Since the wearer's head emits heat, this non-porous shell often causes discomfort or even unsafe wearing conditions. For example, heat trapped within the helmet interior can cause the visor to fog and obscure vision. Sweat dripping down in the wearer's face can also be distracting and obstruct vision.
- Helmet manufacturers generally provide vents or air intake openings in helmets, typically in the front portion of the helmet facing the oncoming air flow while driving.
- Canadian Patent Application No. 2,171,265, entitled “Motor Cycle Helmet,” by Tsai discusses this type helmet design and alternative designs.
- the previously described air intake openings can allow water to enter the helmet when it is raining outside. Even if a movable closure plate is present, closing the intake vent causes the interior to steam up and create a stuffy, hot feeling.
- Tsai also describes alternative designs utilizing “conducting devices” and “opening and closing regulating heat sinks.”
- these alternative designs suffered from various shortcomings such as poor interior circulation, and allowing rain and water to seep in. Certain of the designs were complicated to implement, requiring the assembly of many parts.
- the prior art addresses the problem of interior helmet heating by providing “ventilating” systems.
- exhaust and intake fans have been provided on the rear of the helmet that work in conjunction with an intake port on the front of the helmet.
- the intake and exhaust fans may draw incoming air across a thermoelectric cooling element with the cooled air being circulated through ventilating ducts to the helmet interior. All these ventilating systems require large amounts of power to operate. Accordingly, helmets utilizing prior art ventilating systems limit the wearer's movements by an electrical cord connecting the helmet to an external power supply required just to power the ventilating system.
- the present invention is a light-weight, portable and self-contained helmet air conditioning unit configured with a ventilating fan device for providing air circulation in a helmet, without external power cords connecting the air conditioning unit to an external power supply and restricting the wearer's movements. Additionally, the air conditioning unit is structured to work with pre-existing ventilation ducts and air flow spaces within the helmet to provide air circulation. Accordingly, the air conditioning unit can be connected to any helmet with or without ventilation ducts, without modifying the helmet. The air conditioning unit can be removably anchored to the helmet, or permanently attached as a matter of preference.
- the helmet air conditioning unit is configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit including an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion having one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.
- the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan are further positioned in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; and the pressurized air flow is further directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan into the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet when the fan is actuated.
- the helmet air conditioning unit further includes a cooling element that is positionable within the pressurized air flow generated by the fan.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a helmet air conditioning unit embodied as a ventilating fan device having an electrical fan with a flexible conformable remote solar collector;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the conformable remote solar collector of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with one conventional helmet of a type that is commercially available;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet showing the flexible remote solar collector of the helmet air conditioning unit conformed to the helmet crown surface;
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet which includes one or more ventilation duct rear intake port on the helmet rear surface;
- FIG. 5 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet, wherein the fan is mounted on the helmet's rear surface over the ventilation duct rear intake port;
- FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the helmet with the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit having the fan positioned over the ventilation duct rear intake port, and the fan housing is conformed to the helmet surface for forming an air seal between the fan and the helmet surface;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates one embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with one exemplary helmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit shown here including an optional remote electrically powered cooling element and an optionally thermostat controller mounted inside the helmet;
- FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having one embodiment of a fin-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surface near the rear surface;
- FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the fin-type spoiler, wherein the fan is mounted on the helmet's rear surface;
- FIG. 10 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having one embodiment of a hood-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surface near the rear surface;
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the helmet having the hood-type spoiler formed with the rear intake ports in combination with one or more of the ventilation duct forward intake ports on the helmet front surface;
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler
- FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler, wherein the helmet air conditioning unit further includes the battery pack power supply on-board the ventilating fan device and also optionally includes either the on-board solar collector or the conformable remote solar collector for recharging the battery;
- FIG. 14 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler with the fan housing having the extensions fit over the hood-type spoiler and the rear intake ports helmet ventilation duct system;
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler, wherein the extensions of the fan housing are fitted over the hood-type spoiler with the blades of the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan conformed to the helmet surface and positioned in close proximity to the rear intake ports of the helmet;
- FIG. 16 illustrates the helmet having anchors of the helmet air conditioning unit attached to the crown surface for mounting the ventilating fan device
- FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of one alternative anchor mechanism that includes both the anchors and mating anchor receivers provided on the fan housing;
- FIG. 18 is a section view through the fan and fan housing of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit that is contoured to mate with the helmet's rear surface, wherein the fan is the squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades that are conformed to the curvature of the helmet's rear surface and further illustrates the internal ducting of the fan housing that is structured to direct the pressurized air flow generated by the squirrel cage blower fan over an optional on-board electrically powered cooling element and substantially directly into the rear intake ports of the helmet's ventilation duct system;
- FIG. 19 illustrates the inner surface of the fan and housing of the ventilating fan device.
- FIG. 20 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system;
- a conventional helmet such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system
- FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates one embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit having the ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit being illustrated in combination with one exemplary helmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit shown here including an optional remote electrically powered cooling element and an optionally thermostat controller mounted inside the helmet; and
- FIG. 22 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that takes air in through side air vents and directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system.
- a conventional helmet such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that takes air in through side air vents and directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system.
- the ventilating fan device is described in connection with a motorcycle helmet. However, it will be understood that other type crash helmets can also benefit from the ventilating fan device disclosed herein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the helmet air conditioning unit 10 embodied as a ventilating fan device having an electrical ventilating fan 12 , such as a 6 or 12 volt DC fan.
- the ventilating fan 12 is powered by a solar power supply which is either an on-board solar collector 14 a mounted directly on a plastic housing portion 16 of the fan 12 , or is a remote solar collector 14 b connected to the fan 12 by an electrical cord 18 .
- the remote solar collector 14 b is of the known flexible variety that can be conformed to an external surface that is normally exposed to the sun, such as the top portion of a helmet, as disclosed herein.
- a battery pack power supply 20 may provide operating power to the fan 12 .
- the battery pack 20 may be carried on-board (shown) being connected to the housing portion 16 of the fan 12 , or carried remotely and connected by an electrical cable.
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 may be configured to include either or both of the solar or battery power supplies for energizing the ventilating fan 12 .
- the battery power supply may be coupled to power the electrical fan 12 , while the solar power supply is coupled to recharge the power battery supply.
- the battery 20 assures a constant power supply to the fan 12 , even when exposure to sunlight is interrupted by overhead obstructions, and the solar collector 14 a or 14 b recharges the battery 20 when exposure to sunlight is resumed.
- FIG. 1 also illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having an optional auxiliary power port 22 that accepts an electrical cord for connection to an external power supply, whereby the battery 20 can be recharged.
- a fan controller 24 is provided for actuating the ventilating fan 12 .
- the fan controller 24 is a multi-position switch that provides, for example, high, medium and low settings for the fan 12 , as well as an OFF position setting for cutting power and stopping the fan 12 .
- the switch fan controller 24 may also include an AUTO position setting coupled for controlling the operation of the fan 12 for automatically adjusting an internal temperature of the helmet to a desirable level, for example, as a function of a thermostat positioned within either the helmet ventilating ducts or the helmet interior.
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one conventional helmet 26 of a type that is commercially available.
- Helmet 26 includes a rigid outer protective shell 27 having one or more ventilation duct forward intake ports 28 on the helmet front surface 30 , for example above the face plate 32 , in fluid communication with air flow spaces within the helmet 26 .
- the forward intake ports 28 are configured in an open position and air is received into the air flow spaces of the helmet's ventilation system under pressure when the wearer is, for example, riding a motorcycle when the helmet 26 is a motorcycle helmet.
- no air is received into the forward intake ports 28 because the necessary pressure is only created by forward motion of the motorcycle.
- the fan 12 is mounted on the rear surface 34 of the helmet 26 with the flexible remote solar collector 14 b conformed to the helmet crown surface 36 and connected to the fan 12 by the electrical cord 18 .
- the remote solar collector 14 b is ideally positioned to receive a maximum amount of the sun's rays for most efficiently recharging the battery 20 and ensuring that power is constantly available to the fan 12 .
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet 26 showing the flexible remote solar collector 14 b conformed to the helmet crown surface 36 . As illustrated, the solar collector 14 b is sufficiently conformed to the helmet crown surface 36 as to create little or no windage in addition to that normally created by the helmet 26 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet 26 which includes one or more ventilation duct rear intake ports 38 on the helmet rear surface 34 and in fluid communication with air flow spaces within the helmet 26 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 .
- the fan 12 is mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34 over the ventilation duct rear intake port 38 .
- the fan 12 is ideally positioned to force air into the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation duct system for most efficiently pressurizing the ventilation system and ensuring that air flow is constantly available to the interior of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head.
- the air conditioning unit 10 is illustrated having the optional battery pack 20 carried on-board the housing portion 16 of the fan 12 .
- the flexible remote solar collector 14 b is conformed to the helmet crown surface 36 and connected to the fan 12 by the electrical cord 18 .
- FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the helmet 26 with the air conditioning unit 10 having the fan 12 positioned over the ventilation duct rear intake port 38 .
- the fan housing 16 is conformed to the helmet surface 34 for forming an air seal 42 between the fan 12 and the helmet surface 34 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates the air flow (arrows) at the fan air intake 44 into the fan 12 for pressurizing the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation system.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the helmet 26 that illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary helmet's ventilation duct system 46 .
- the helmet ventilation duct system 46 includes air flow spaces 48 formed as air ducts that carry pressurized air flow 50 throughout the helmet 26 .
- the air flow spaces 48 communicate with multiple duct vents 52 where pressurized air flows into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head.
- the ventilating fan 12 of the air conditioning unit 10 is operated to receive ambient air flow (arrows) at the fan air intake 44 and generate the pressurized air flow 50 .
- an exhaust port 53 of the housing portion 16 of the fan 12 is positioned in fluid communication with the rear intake port 38 which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the air flow spaces 48 of the ventilation duct system 46 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 generated by the fan 12 is communicated to the air flow spaces 48 of the ventilation duct system 46 through the rear intake port 38 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 is delivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 through the duct vents 52 .
- the helmet's forward intake ports 28 when present, also communicate with the ventilation duct system 46 , but are normally closed during operation of the air conditioning unit 10 so that pressure through the forward intake ports 28 does not interfere with the pressurized air flow 50 generated by the fan 12 .
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 also includes a cooling pad refrigeration element 55 situated in a position for cooling the air flow 50 before being delivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 .
- the refrigeration element 55 is a gel-type cooling pad of a type that is commercially available for use with notebook computers and other computer for use with a mini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energized through a power cable connected for power to the computer through a USB (universal serial bus) connector.
- Such cooling pad refrigeration elements 55 are generally well-known, as shown for example by Cheng Yu Huang in United States Patent Application Publication 20100219729, Ser. No. 12/394,663, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the appliance body is of square shape made of hard plastic with a circular metallic pad that includes an assembly that heats and cools beverages with the help of a switch. It has an electrical means by plug/adapter for connecting to a source of direct current and for enabling the polarity of the direct current provided to be reversed so that the device can either heat or cool the beverage container that is placed on the circular metallic object/pad.
- a power cable 57 connects the refrigeration element 55 to either one of the remote solar collectors 14 a , 14 b or the battery pack power supply 20 , if present, for power.
- the power cable 57 is connected through a USB port on the air conditioning unit 10 .
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformed to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flow spaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46 , as shown.
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of the helmet 26 by a bonding agent 59 such as by a coating of a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an adhesive gasket such that the refrigeration element 55 sticks to the helmet interior surface by temporary application of pressure.
- PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
- the refrigeration element 55 is of a flexible gel-type cooling element, whereby the refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformable to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flow spaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46 , as shown.
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent 59 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 is directed over the refrigeration element 55 for super-cooling the air being directed into the helmet's interior space 54 . Accordingly, the refrigantly cooled pressurized air flow 50 cools the helmet's interior space 54 more effectively than the uncooled ambient pressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilating fan 12 alone.
- the air conditioning unit 10 optionally includes a thermal sensor 61 , such as but not limited to a thermostat or thermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of the fan 12 and/or the refrigeration element 55 for controlling a temperature at a comfortable level within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 . Accordingly, the thermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriate position within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 for measuring temperature therein.
- the thermal sensor 61 controls the fan 12 and/or the refrigeration element 55 either individually or concurrently.
- the ventilating fan 12 and refrigeration element 55 are both activated or deactivated concurrently as a function of the operation of the thermal sensor 61 in response to sensing a temperature within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 .
- the ventilating fan 12 and refrigeration element 55 are separately activated or deactivated concurrently as a function of the operation of the thermal sensor 61 , whereby the refrigeration element 55 can be activated and deactivated as a function of the operation of the thermal sensor 61 in response to sensing a temperature within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 , while the ventilating fan 12 can be separately controlled to continue operation until the helmet interior space 54 reaches a different lower temperature as sensed by the thermal sensor 61 .
- the thermal sensor 61 is optionally configured to control activation and deactivation only of the refrigeration element 55 , as disclosed herein, while activation and deactivation of the ventilating fan 12 can be separately controlled, as by the fan controller 24 , such that the wearer can operate the ventilating fan 12 as desired for comfort.
- the thermal sensor 61 is a thermostat
- the sensed temperature for activation and deactivation of the refrigeration element 55 and/or ventilating fan 12 is optionally adjustable by the wearer of the helmet 26 .
- the thermal sensor 61 is a thermocouple
- the sensed temperature for activation and deactivation of the refrigeration element 55 and/or ventilating fan 12 is fixed to maintain the helmet interior space 54 at a standard operating temperature.
- the thermocouple can be replaceable for fixedly maintaining the helmet interior space 54 at different standard operating temperatures for different ambient conditions.
- the fan housing 16 is illustrated having an anchor 56 adapted for securing the fan 12 to the helmet 26 .
- the anchor 56 couples the exhaust port 53 of the fan housing 16 to the rear intake port 38 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46 at the rear surface 34 of the helmet 26 .
- the fan 12 is removably coupled to the helmet 26 by the anchor 56 without modifying the helmet 26 .
- a gasket 58 is optionally seated between the fan housing 16 and the helmet surface 34 for sealing the exhaust port 53 of the fan housing 16 with the rear intake port 38 .
- the gasket 58 ensures that the pressurized air flow 50 generated by the fan 12 is applied to the helmet ventilation duct system 46 through the rear intake port 38 .
- the gasket 58 is an adhesive gasket that is substituted for the anchor 56 .
- the adhesive gasket 58 operates for both sealing any air gap between the exhaust port 53 of the housing portion 16 of the fan 12 and the rear intake port 38 , and substitutes for the anchor 56 for adhering the fan housing 16 to the helmet surface 34 .
- the adhesive gasket 58 is coated with a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) so the adhesive gasket 58 sticks to the helmet surface 34 by temporary application of pressure.
- PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
- FIG. 7 also illustrates the fan 12 being of a conventional rotary structure having multiple fan blades 60 that may be curved in a manner that conforms to the helmet surface 34 .
- the surface conforming blades 60 provide the fan 12 with a low-profile while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of the air flow 50 into the ventilation duct system 46 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet 26 of a conventional type having one embodiment of a fin-type spoiler 62 positioned on the helmet crown surface 36 near the rear surface 34 .
- the fin spoiler 62 is normally configured having one or more of the ventilation duct rear intake ports 38 which communicate with air flow spaces 48 of the ventilation duct system 46 and the duct vents 52 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 having the fin-type spoiler 62 .
- the fan 12 is mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34 .
- the fan housing 16 is conformed to the contours of the helmet's rear surface 34 and includes one or more extensions 64 that fit over the fin spoiler 62 and the rear intake ports 38 . Ducting within the fan housing 16 carries the air flow 50 pressurized by the fan 12 to the rear intake ports 38 for introduction into the ventilation duct system 46 .
- the fan housing 16 includes a flexible clip 66 that secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26 .
- the clip 66 extends to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 , and is sufficiently flexible to snap around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 .
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 includes the optional battery pack 20 carried on-board the fan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to the fan 12 , which is controlled by the multi-position switch fan controller 24 .
- the exemplary air conditioning unit 10 also includes the on-board solar collector 14 a mounted directly on the fan housing 16 for recharging the battery 20 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates the helmet 26 of a conventional type having one embodiment of a hood-type spoiler 70 positioned on the helmet crown surface 36 near the rear surface 34 .
- the hood spoiler 70 is also normally configured having one or more of the ventilation duct rear intake ports 38 which communicate with air flow spaces 48 of the ventilation duct system 46 and the duct vents 52 .
- the hood spoiler 70 lower profile than the fin spoiler 62 and more aerodynamic.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 formed with the rear intake ports 38 .
- the hood-type spoiler 70 may be provided in combination with one or more of the ventilation duct forward intake ports 28 on the helmet front surface 30 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 .
- the fan 12 is again mounted on the helmet's rear surface 34 .
- the fan housing 16 is again conformed to the contours of the helmet's rear surface 34 .
- the fan housing 16 includes one or more crown extensions 72 that fit over the hood-type spoiler 70 and the rear intake ports 38 .
- ducting within the fan housing 16 carries the air flow 50 pressurized by the fan 12 to the rear intake ports 38 for introduction into the ventilation duct system 46 .
- the fan 12 is illustrated here as being a conventional centrifugal squirrel cage blower that may be curved in a manner that conforms to the helmet surface 34 .
- the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan 12 has a low-profile that conforms to the helmet surface 34 while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of the air flow 50 into the ventilation duct system 46 .
- the fan housing 16 again includes the clip 66 that secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26 . Again, the clip 66 extends to and around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 .
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 further includes the on-board battery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to the fan 12 , which is controlled by the multi-position switch fan controller 24 .
- the air conditioning unit 10 also optionally includes either the on-board solar collector 14 a or the conformable remote solar collector 14 b for recharging the battery 20 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 .
- the fan housing 16 is illustrated having the extensions 72 that fit over the hood-type spoiler 70 and the rear intake ports 38 .
- the fan housing 16 includes, for example, one or more forward fan air intake ports 71 to receive ambient air flow to the fan 12 for generating the pressurized air flow 50 .
- the fan housing clip 66 secures the fan 12 to the helmet 26 by snapping around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 .
- the gasket 58 is optionally seated between the fan housing 16 and the helmet surface 34 for sealing the fan 12 with the rear intake port 38 maximizing the pressurized air flow 50 that is applied to the helmet ventilation duct system 46 through the rear intake port 38 .
- the gasket 58 may be an adhesive gasket that is substituted for the anchor 56 and operates for both sealing any air gap between the fan 12 and the rear intake port 38 adhering the fan housing 16 to the helmet surface 34 .
- the fan 12 is controlled by the multi-position switch fan controller 24 .
- the on-board battery pack power supply 20 is carried on the fan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to the fan 12 .
- Either the on-board solar collector 14 a or the conformable remote solar collector 14 b is included for recharging the battery 20 .
- the on-board solar collector 14 a is configured to fit available space on the surface 74 of the fan housing 16 .
- the battery 20 also can be recharged via an optional power cord 76 (shown in phantom) connected to the optional auxiliary power port 22 , when present.
- An auxiliary power adaptor 78 (shown in phantom) couples the power cord 76 into an external power supply, such as a motorcycle battery charging system via a charging outlet, i.e., cigarette lighter.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the air conditioning unit 10 in combination with the helmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 .
- the extensions 72 of the fan housing 16 are fitted over the hood-type spoiler 70 with the blades 60 of the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan 12 positioned in close proximity to the rear intake ports 38 .
- the blower-type fan blades 60 conform to the helmet surface 34 , which permits the fan housing 16 to have a sleek, low-profile contour while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of the air flow 50 into the ventilation duct system 46 .
- the air flow (arrows) into the fan 12 is shown at the fan air intake 44 . Pressurized air flow 50 generated by the fan 12 is applied substantially directly to rear intake ports 38 .
- the fan 12 is optionally adhered to the helmet crown surface 36 and rear surface 34 by the adhesive-type gasket 58 which also operates for sealing any air gap between the fan 12 and the helmet 26 .
- the fan 12 is removably coupled to the helmet 26 by the anchor 56 without modifying the helmet 26 and the non-adhesive gasket 58 seals any air gaps.
- the clip 66 extends from the fan housing 16 and is snapped around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 for securing the fan 12 to the rear surface 34 of the helmet 26 .
- the crown extensions 72 of the fan housing 16 are anchored to the helmet crown surface 36 , as detailed herein.
- FIG. 16 illustrates the helmet 26 having anchors 80 attached to the crown surface 36 .
- the anchors 80 are of any type of receiver capable of releasable connection with mating anchors provided on the fan housing 16 .
- the anchors 80 may be male or female portions of a snap, with the mating snap portion of the anchor being provided on the fan housing 16 .
- FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of one alternative anchor mechanism 82 that includes both the anchors 80 and mating anchor receivers 84 provided on the fan housing 16 .
- bonds 86 securely adhere a pair of the anchors 80 to the helmet crown surface 36 .
- the crown extensions 72 of the fan housing 16 are formed with mating anchor receivers 84 that fit into and mate with the anchors 80 on the helmet 26 .
- the anchors 80 have a button head 86 shaped like a mushroom on a stem 88 projected slightly above the helmet surface 36 , while the mating anchor receivers 84 each have a lip 90 positioned to slip under the button head 86 .
- the fan housing clip 66 When the fan housing clip 66 is snapped around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 , the lips 90 of the receivers 84 are drawn backwardly against the under the button heads 86 and seated against the stems 88 of the anchors 80 . The fan housing clip 66 thus prevents the anchor receivers 84 from disengaging from the anchors 80 and effectively secures the alternative anchor mechanism 82 .
- the gasket 58 is compressed between the fan housing 16 and the helmet surfaces 34 , 36 for sealing potential air gaps.
- FIG. 18 is a section view through the fan 12 and fan housing 16 of the helmet air conditioning unit 10 . As illustrated, the inner surface 92 of the fan 12 and housing 16 that is contoured to mate with the helmet 26 .
- the fan 12 is contoured to match the helmet rear surface 34 , with remainder of the fan housing 16 contoured to match the helmet surfaces 34 , 36 .
- the fan 12 is illustrated as a centrifugal squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 conformed to the curvature of the helmet surface 34 , whereby the fan housing 16 has a sleek, low-profile contour when fitted on the helmet 26 .
- the fan housing 16 is configured having one or more exhaust ports 94 positioned in direct fluid communication with the squirrel cage blower fan 12 .
- the fan housing 16 is further configured to position the one or more exhaust ports 94 of the squirrel cage blower fan 12 substantially directly opposite from rear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilation duct system 46 when coupled to the helmet 26 .
- the fan housing 16 is configured with internal ducting 96 that is structured to position the one or more exhaust ports 94 in direct fluid communication with the squirrel cage blower fan 12 and to further direct the pressurized air flow 50 generated by the squirrel cage blower fan 12 substantially directly into the rear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilation duct system 46 , as illustrated by arrows 98 .
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 includes the refrigeration element 55 mounted in the fan housing 16 situated in a position for cooling the air flow 50 before being delivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 .
- the refrigeration element 55 is mounted within the internal ducting 96 of the fan housing 16 in a position adjacent to the one or more exhaust ports 94 of the ventilating fan 12 , for example, by means of the bonding agent 59 , with the power cable 57 connecting the refrigeration element 55 to either one of the remote solar collectors 14 a , 14 b or the battery pack power supply 20 , if present, for power.
- the flexible clip 66 is further detailed to show a finger 100 adjacent to its extreme end distal from the fan housing 16 with the finger 100 being configured to snap around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates the inner surface 92 of the fan 12 and housing 16 that is contoured to mate with the helmet rear surface 34 .
- the fan 12 is the squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 that are conformed to the curvature of the helmet surface 34 .
- the internal ducting 96 of the fan housing 16 is structured to direct the pressurized air flow 50 generated by the squirrel cage blower fan 12 substantially directly into the rear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilation duct system 46 (arrows 98 ).
- FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the air conditioning unit 10 structured for operation with the helmet 26 being of a type, such as a hardhat that is commercially available, or a conventional military combat helmet.
- the helmet 26 includes the rigid outer protective shell 27 of a type having neither forward intake ports 28 nor rear intake ports 38 .
- Positive air flow is provided to the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 via output air ducting 102 of the fan housing 16 that directs the air flow around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 .
- the fan housing 16 has The fan housing 16 includes, for example, the one or more forward fan air intake ports 71 to receive ambient air flow to the fan 12 for generating the pressurized air flow 50 .
- Battery 20 may be situated with the neck lip air ducting 102 , as shown, or elsewhere according to designer's preference or as a function of design constraints.
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is positioned adjacent to its extreme end distal from the fan housing 16 and configured to wrap around the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 .
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is flexible and configured to snap around the neck lip 68 for clipping to the helmet 26 .
- FIG. 21 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having neck lip air ducting 102 in combination with the helmet 26 having neither forward intake ports 28 nor rear intake ports 38 .
- the helmet 26 is shown with the on-board battery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16 .
- Either the on-board solar collector 14 a and/or the conformable remote solar collector 14 b (shown) is included for recharging the battery 20 .
- the on-board solar collector 14 a may also be the conformable type for conforming to the fan housing 16 .
- the helmet 26 includes a relatively thick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material.
- the liner 113 is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material, such as Kevlar®.
- a relatively thin inner cover 114 covers the interior of the liner 113 .
- the marginal edge of the helmet 26 is mounted on the user's head 101 (phantom lines) by an arcuate mounting band 115 surrounding the helmet interior space 54 .
- the mounting band 115 is formed of a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmet interior 154 and suspended therein in a position spaced circumferentially inwardly away from the liner 113 .
- the helmet ventilation duct system 46 is formed substantially between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 , which form therebetween the air flow spaces 48 that carry pressurized air flow 50 throughout the helmet 26 .
- the pressurized air flows (arrows) through the air flow spaces 48 into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head 101 .
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust port 94 of the fan housing 16 and the ventilating fan 12 such that the positive air flow is directed via the air ducting 102 around the neck lip 68 and through an exhaust port 117 thereof into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 adjacent to its rear surface 34 .
- the terminal exhaust port 117 is positioned adjacent to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 upon exiting the terminal exhaust port 117 , is directed by the neck lip air ducting 102 upwardly along the helmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet's rear surface 34 toward the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 , thence into the helmet interior space 54 over the wearer's head 101 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 freely swirls (arrows 50 a ) in the space 54 a above wearer's head 101 to more effectively circulate within the helmet interior space 54 and cool the wearer's head 101 .
- a portion 50 b of the pressurized air flow 50 is allowed to exit the terminal exhaust port 117 adjacent to the helmet's neck lip 68 before reaching the air flow spaces 48 to blow against the back of the wearer's neck 101 a.
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is extended (dashed) along the helmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet's rear surface 34 into communication with the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 . Accordingly, the terminal exhaust port 117 of the neck lip air ducting 102 is inserted directly into the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 , whereby the pressurized air flow 50 is forced into the air flow spaces 48 , thence into the helmet interior space 54 over the wearer's head 101 .
- the extended neck lip air ducting 102 optionally includes one or a plurality of neck duct vents 152 wherethrough pressurized air flows into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's neck 101 a.
- the mounting band 115 may include a plurality of the duct vents 52 communicating between the air flow spaces 48 and the helmet interior space 54 .
- the pressurized air flows through the duct vents 52 into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head 101 .
- the helmet air conditioning unit 10 having the neck lip air ducting 102 also includes the cooling pad refrigeration element 55 situated in a position for cooling the air flow 50 before being delivered into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 .
- the refrigeration element 55 is a gel-type cooling pad of a type that is commercially available for use with notebook computers and other computer for use with a mini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energized through a power cable connected for power to the computer through a USB (universal serial bus) connector.
- a power cable 57 connects the refrigeration element 55 for power to either one of the remote solar collectors 14 a , 14 b or the battery pack power supply 20 , if present, such as being connected through a USB port on the air conditioning unit 10 .
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformed to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flow spaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46 , as shown.
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent 59 such as a coating of a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an adhesive gasket such that the refrigeration element 55 sticks to the helmet interior surface by temporary application of pressure.
- PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally a flexible gel-type cooling element, whereby the refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformable to the interior surface of the helmet 26 within the air flow spaces 48 of the helmet ventilation duct system 46 , as shown.
- the refrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of the helmet 26 by the bonding agent 59 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 is directed over the refrigeration element 55 for super-cooling the air being directed into the helmet's interior space 54 .
- the refrigantly cooled pressurized air flow 50 cools the helmet's interior space 54 more effectively than the uncooled ambient pressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilating fan 12 alone.
- the air conditioning unit 10 optionally includes the thermal sensor 61 , such as but not limited to a thermostat or thermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of the fan 12 and/or the refrigeration element 55 , either individually or concurrently, for controlling a temperature at a comfortable level within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 .
- the thermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriate position within the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 for measuring temperature therein.
- FIG. 22 illustrates the air conditioning unit 10 having neck lip air ducting 102 in combination with the helmet 26 having neither forward intake ports 28 nor rear intake ports 38 .
- the helmet 26 is shown with the on-board battery pack power supply 20 carried on the fan housing 16 .
- Either the on-board solar collector 14 a (shown) and/or the conformable remote solar collector 14 b is included for recharging the battery 20 .
- the remote solar collector 14 b may also be the conformable type for conforming to the fan housing 16 .
- the helmet 26 includes a relatively thick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material.
- the liner 113 is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material, such as Kevlar®.
- a relatively thin inner cover 114 covers the interior of the liner 113 .
- the marginal edge of the helmet 26 is mounted on the user's head 101 (phantom lines) by an arcuate mounting band 115 surrounding the helmet interior space 54 .
- the mounting band 115 is formed of a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmet interior 154 and suspended therein in a position spaced circumferentially inwardly away from the liner 113 .
- the helmet ventilation duct system 46 is formed substantially between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 , which form therebetween the air flow spaces 48 that carry pressurized air flow 50 throughout the helmet 26 .
- the pressurized air flows (arrows) through the air flow spaces 48 into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 to cool the wearer's head 101 .
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust port 94 of the fan housing 16 and the ventilating fan 12 such that the positive air flow is directed via the air ducting 102 around the neck lip 68 and through an exhaust port 117 thereof into the interior space 54 of the helmet 26 adjacent to its rear surface 34 .
- the fan housing 16 includes, for example, the one or more side fan air intake ports 104 to receive ambient air flow to the fan 12 for generating the pressurized air flow 50 .
- the neck lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with one or two (shown) of the side fan air intake ports 104 situated on opposite sides of the ventilating fan 12 and adjacent to the terminal exhaust port 117 (shown in FIG. 21 ) that is positioned adjacent to the neck lip 68 of the helmet 26 adjacent to the rear surface 34 .
- This close proximity of the side fan air intake ports 104 to the terminal exhaust port 117 of neck lip air ducting 102 operates more effectively delivers intake air near the termination port 117 so that the air conditioning unit 10 operates more efficiently.
- the pressurized air flow 50 is directed by the neck lip air ducting 102 upwardly along the helmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet's rear surface 34 toward the air flow spaces 48 between the helmet liner 113 and the mounting band 115 , thence into the helmet interior space 54 over the wearer's head 101 .
- the pressurized air flow 50 freely swirls (arrows 50 a ) in the space 54 a above wearer's head 101 to more effectively circulate within the helmet interior space 54 and cool the wearer's head 101 .
- a portion 50 b of the pressurized air flow 50 is allowed to exit the terminal exhaust port 117 adjacent to the helmet's neck lip 68 before reaching the air flow spaces 48 to blow against the back of the wearer's neck 101 a.
Abstract
A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit including an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion having one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.
Description
- This application claims priority benefit of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/958,459 filed in the names of Daniel Bacon and Jesse Harrison on Dec. 10, 2010, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/284,029 filed in the names of Daniel Bacon and Jesse Harrison on Dec. 11, 2009, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to a helmet cooling device, and in particular to a light-weight, portable and self-contained device for providing air circulation about the head and face of the wearer.
- A variety of “crash” type helmets are generally well-known in the prior art for use in a variety of different industries or avocations. Generally speaking, the helmet is used to protect the head of the wearer by preventing major impacts, thereby safeguarding the head and face of the wearer. For example, such helmets are commonly used by motorcycle enthusiasts and stock car and race car drivers, as well as construction workers and sports players. There are many situations, both work and sport, in which the wearing of a helmet is necessary or desirable. However, considerable discomfort can result from wearing a helmet, especially the full-face variety, for even a short period of time particularly in warm or humid weather.
- Various styles of helmets are commercially available. All helmets tend to cover the entire head with a non-porous shell made of a plastic acrylic or other suitable synthetic type material. Since the wearer's head emits heat, this non-porous shell often causes discomfort or even unsafe wearing conditions. For example, heat trapped within the helmet interior can cause the visor to fog and obscure vision. Sweat dripping down in the wearer's face can also be distracting and obstruct vision.
- Helmet manufacturers generally provide vents or air intake openings in helmets, typically in the front portion of the helmet facing the oncoming air flow while driving. Canadian Patent Application No. 2,171,265, entitled “Motor Cycle Helmet,” by Tsai, discusses this type helmet design and alternative designs. The previously described air intake openings can allow water to enter the helmet when it is raining outside. Even if a movable closure plate is present, closing the intake vent causes the interior to steam up and create a stuffy, hot feeling. Tsai also describes alternative designs utilizing “conducting devices” and “opening and closing regulating heat sinks.” However, these alternative designs suffered from various shortcomings such as poor interior circulation, and allowing rain and water to seep in. Certain of the designs were complicated to implement, requiring the assembly of many parts.
- The prior art addresses the problem of interior helmet heating by providing “ventilating” systems. For example, exhaust and intake fans have been provided on the rear of the helmet that work in conjunction with an intake port on the front of the helmet. The intake and exhaust fans may draw incoming air across a thermoelectric cooling element with the cooled air being circulated through ventilating ducts to the helmet interior. All these ventilating systems require large amounts of power to operate. Accordingly, helmets utilizing prior art ventilating systems limit the wearer's movements by an electrical cord connecting the helmet to an external power supply required just to power the ventilating system.
- Furthermore, every prior art “ventilating” system has required such extreme modification of the helmet, that the helmet must be specially designed to accommodate the ventilating system, and even manufactured with the ventilating system in situ.
- The present invention is a light-weight, portable and self-contained helmet air conditioning unit configured with a ventilating fan device for providing air circulation in a helmet, without external power cords connecting the air conditioning unit to an external power supply and restricting the wearer's movements. Additionally, the air conditioning unit is structured to work with pre-existing ventilation ducts and air flow spaces within the helmet to provide air circulation. Accordingly, the air conditioning unit can be connected to any helmet with or without ventilation ducts, without modifying the helmet. The air conditioning unit can be removably anchored to the helmet, or permanently attached as a matter of preference.
- According to one aspect of the invention the helmet air conditioning unit is configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit including an electrical ventilating fan with a housing portion having one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; a battery power supply connected to energize the fan; a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.
- According to one aspect of the helmet air conditioning unit, the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan are further positioned in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; and the pressurized air flow is further directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan into the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet when the fan is actuated.
- According to one aspect of the helmet air conditioning unit, the helmet air conditioning unit further includes a cooling element that is positionable within the pressurized air flow generated by the fan.
- Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a helmet air conditioning unit embodied as a ventilating fan device having an electrical fan with a flexible conformable remote solar collector; -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the conformable remote solar collector of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with one conventional helmet of a type that is commercially available; -
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the helmet showing the flexible remote solar collector of the helmet air conditioning unit conformed to the helmet crown surface; -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet which includes one or more ventilation duct rear intake port on the helmet rear surface; -
FIG. 5 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet, wherein the fan is mounted on the helmet's rear surface over the ventilation duct rear intake port; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the helmet with the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit having the fan positioned over the ventilation duct rear intake port, and the fan housing is conformed to the helmet surface for forming an air seal between the fan and the helmet surface; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates one embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with one exemplary helmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit shown here including an optional remote electrically powered cooling element and an optionally thermostat controller mounted inside the helmet; -
FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having one embodiment of a fin-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surface near the rear surface; -
FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the fin-type spoiler, wherein the fan is mounted on the helmet's rear surface; -
FIG. 10 illustrates the helmet of a conventional type having one embodiment of a hood-type spoiler positioned on the helmet crown surface near the rear surface; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of the helmet having the hood-type spoiler formed with the rear intake ports in combination with one or more of the ventilation duct forward intake ports on the helmet front surface; -
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler; -
FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler, wherein the helmet air conditioning unit further includes the battery pack power supply on-board the ventilating fan device and also optionally includes either the on-board solar collector or the conformable remote solar collector for recharging the battery; -
FIG. 14 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler with the fan housing having the extensions fit over the hood-type spoiler and the rear intake ports helmet ventilation duct system; -
FIG. 15 is a side view of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with the helmet having the hood-type spoiler, wherein the extensions of the fan housing are fitted over the hood-type spoiler with the blades of the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan conformed to the helmet surface and positioned in close proximity to the rear intake ports of the helmet; -
FIG. 16 illustrates the helmet having anchors of the helmet air conditioning unit attached to the crown surface for mounting the ventilating fan device; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of one alternative anchor mechanism that includes both the anchors and mating anchor receivers provided on the fan housing; -
FIG. 18 is a section view through the fan and fan housing of the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit that is contoured to mate with the helmet's rear surface, wherein the fan is the squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades that are conformed to the curvature of the helmet's rear surface and further illustrates the internal ducting of the fan housing that is structured to direct the pressurized air flow generated by the squirrel cage blower fan over an optional on-board electrically powered cooling element and substantially directly into the rear intake ports of the helmet's ventilation duct system; -
FIG. 19 illustrates the inner surface of the fan and housing of the ventilating fan device. -
FIG. 20 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the helmet that illustrates one embodiment of the helmet air conditioning unit having the ducting that directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit being illustrated in combination with one exemplary helmet ventilation duct system, the helmet air conditioning unit shown here including an optional remote electrically powered cooling element and an optionally thermostat controller mounted inside the helmet; and -
FIG. 22 illustrates the ventilating fan device of the helmet air conditioning unit in combination with a conventional helmet, such as a conventional hardhat or military combat helmet, having neither forward intake nor rear air intake ports, wherein positive air flow is provided via ducting that takes air in through side air vents and directs the air flow around the neck lip of the helmet to the interior of the helmet and the helmet's ventilation duct system. - In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
- For purposes of the present discussion, the ventilating fan device is described in connection with a motorcycle helmet. However, it will be understood that other type crash helmets can also benefit from the ventilating fan device disclosed herein.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates the helmetair conditioning unit 10 embodied as a ventilating fan device having anelectrical ventilating fan 12, such as a 6 or 12 volt DC fan. The ventilatingfan 12 is powered by a solar power supply which is either an on-board solar collector 14 a mounted directly on aplastic housing portion 16 of thefan 12, or is a remotesolar collector 14 b connected to thefan 12 by anelectrical cord 18. For example, the remotesolar collector 14 b is of the known flexible variety that can be conformed to an external surface that is normally exposed to the sun, such as the top portion of a helmet, as disclosed herein. Optionally, a batterypack power supply 20 may provide operating power to thefan 12. Thebattery pack 20 may be carried on-board (shown) being connected to thehousing portion 16 of thefan 12, or carried remotely and connected by an electrical cable. The helmetair conditioning unit 10 may be configured to include either or both of the solar or battery power supplies for energizing the ventilatingfan 12. When theair conditioning unit 10 is configured to include both the solar and battery power supplies, the battery power supply may be coupled to power theelectrical fan 12, while the solar power supply is coupled to recharge the power battery supply. In this configuration, thebattery 20 assures a constant power supply to thefan 12, even when exposure to sunlight is interrupted by overhead obstructions, and thesolar collector battery 20 when exposure to sunlight is resumed. -
FIG. 1 also illustrates theair conditioning unit 10 having an optionalauxiliary power port 22 that accepts an electrical cord for connection to an external power supply, whereby thebattery 20 can be recharged. - A
fan controller 24 is provided for actuating the ventilatingfan 12. By example and without limitation, thefan controller 24 is a multi-position switch that provides, for example, high, medium and low settings for thefan 12, as well as an OFF position setting for cutting power and stopping thefan 12. Theswitch fan controller 24 may also include an AUTO position setting coupled for controlling the operation of thefan 12 for automatically adjusting an internal temperature of the helmet to a desirable level, for example, as a function of a thermostat positioned within either the helmet ventilating ducts or the helmet interior. -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of oneconventional helmet 26 of a type that is commercially available.Helmet 26 includes a rigid outerprotective shell 27 having one or more ventilation ductforward intake ports 28 on thehelmet front surface 30, for example above theface plate 32, in fluid communication with air flow spaces within thehelmet 26. In normal operation of the helmet's ventilation system, theforward intake ports 28 are configured in an open position and air is received into the air flow spaces of the helmet's ventilation system under pressure when the wearer is, for example, riding a motorcycle when thehelmet 26 is a motorcycle helmet. When the motorcycle is stationary, no air is received into theforward intake ports 28 because the necessary pressure is only created by forward motion of the motorcycle. - Here, the
fan 12 is mounted on therear surface 34 of thehelmet 26 with the flexible remotesolar collector 14 b conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36 and connected to thefan 12 by theelectrical cord 18. Thus positioned on thecrown 36 of thehelmet 26, the remotesolar collector 14 b is ideally positioned to receive a maximum amount of the sun's rays for most efficiently recharging thebattery 20 and ensuring that power is constantly available to thefan 12. -
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of thehelmet 26 showing the flexible remotesolar collector 14 b conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36. As illustrated, thesolar collector 14 b is sufficiently conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36 as to create little or no windage in addition to that normally created by thehelmet 26. -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of thehelmet 26 which includes one or more ventilation ductrear intake ports 38 on the helmetrear surface 34 and in fluid communication with air flow spaces within thehelmet 26. In normal operation of the helmet's ventilation system, air received into the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation system through either theforward intake ports 28 orrear intake ports 38. -
FIG. 5 illustrates theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26. Here, thefan 12 is mounted on the helmet'srear surface 34 over the ventilation ductrear intake port 38. Thus positioned over the ventilation ductrear intake port 38, thefan 12 is ideally positioned to force air into the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation duct system for most efficiently pressurizing the ventilation system and ensuring that air flow is constantly available to the interior of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer's head. - Here, by example, the
air conditioning unit 10 is illustrated having theoptional battery pack 20 carried on-board thehousing portion 16 of thefan 12. The flexible remotesolar collector 14 b is conformed to thehelmet crown surface 36 and connected to thefan 12 by theelectrical cord 18. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of thehelmet 26 with theair conditioning unit 10 having thefan 12 positioned over the ventilation ductrear intake port 38. As illustrated here, thefan housing 16 is conformed to thehelmet surface 34 for forming anair seal 42 between thefan 12 and thehelmet surface 34.FIG. 6 illustrates the air flow (arrows) at thefan air intake 44 into thefan 12 for pressurizing the air flow spaces within the helmet's ventilation system. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of thehelmet 26 that illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary helmet'sventilation duct system 46. For example, the helmetventilation duct system 46 includesair flow spaces 48 formed as air ducts that carrypressurized air flow 50 throughout thehelmet 26. Theair flow spaces 48 communicate with multiple duct vents 52 where pressurized air flows into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer's head. - According to the invention, the ventilating
fan 12 of theair conditioning unit 10 is operated to receive ambient air flow (arrows) at thefan air intake 44 and generate thepressurized air flow 50. As illustrated, anexhaust port 53 of thehousing portion 16 of thefan 12 is positioned in fluid communication with therear intake port 38 which, in turn, is in fluid communication with theair flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46. Thus positioned, thepressurized air flow 50 generated by thefan 12 is communicated to theair flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46 through therear intake port 38. Thepressurized air flow 50 is delivered into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 through the duct vents 52. - The helmet's
forward intake ports 28, when present, also communicate with theventilation duct system 46, but are normally closed during operation of theair conditioning unit 10 so that pressure through theforward intake ports 28 does not interfere with thepressurized air flow 50 generated by thefan 12. - Optionally, the helmet
air conditioning unit 10 also includes a coolingpad refrigeration element 55 situated in a position for cooling theair flow 50 before being delivered into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. By example and without limitation, therefrigeration element 55 is a gel-type cooling pad of a type that is commercially available for use with notebook computers and other computer for use with a mini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energized through a power cable connected for power to the computer through a USB (universal serial bus) connector. Such coolingpad refrigeration elements 55 are generally well-known, as shown for example by Cheng Yu Huang in United States Patent Application Publication 20100219729, Ser. No. 12/394,663, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Also, see, United States Patent Application Publication 20100126695, Ser. No. 12/276,457, by Steve Gara filed Nov. 24, 2008, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, which teaches a portable device/appliance that operates via battery power for cooling and heating beverages on a center circular metallic object/pad. The appliance body is of square shape made of hard plastic with a circular metallic pad that includes an assembly that heats and cools beverages with the help of a switch. It has an electrical means by plug/adapter for connecting to a source of direct current and for enabling the polarity of the direct current provided to be reversed so that the device can either heat or cool the beverage container that is placed on the circular metallic object/pad. It also has the ability to heat and cool beverages by battery and by USB cable connected to a PC/Computer with a USB outlet. Here, apower cable 57 connects therefrigeration element 55 to either one of the remotesolar collectors pack power supply 20, if present, for power. For example, thepower cable 57 is connected through a USB port on theair conditioning unit 10. - Additionally, the
refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformed to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 within theair flow spaces 48 of the helmetventilation duct system 46, as shown. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 by abonding agent 59 such as by a coating of a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an adhesive gasket such that therefrigeration element 55 sticks to the helmet interior surface by temporary application of pressure. - Optionally, the
refrigeration element 55 is of a flexible gel-type cooling element, whereby therefrigeration element 55 is optionally conformable to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 within theair flow spaces 48 of the helmetventilation duct system 46, as shown. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 by thebonding agent 59. - Here, the
pressurized air flow 50 is directed over therefrigeration element 55 for super-cooling the air being directed into the helmet'sinterior space 54. Accordingly, the refrigantly cooledpressurized air flow 50 cools the helmet'sinterior space 54 more effectively than the uncooled ambientpressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilatingfan 12 alone. Furthermore, theair conditioning unit 10 optionally includes athermal sensor 61, such as but not limited to a thermostat or thermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of thefan 12 and/or therefrigeration element 55 for controlling a temperature at a comfortable level within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. Accordingly, thethermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriate position within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 for measuring temperature therein. - The
thermal sensor 61, if present, controls thefan 12 and/or therefrigeration element 55 either individually or concurrently. When controlled concurrently, the ventilatingfan 12 andrefrigeration element 55 are both activated or deactivated concurrently as a function of the operation of thethermal sensor 61 in response to sensing a temperature within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. When alternatively controlled individually, the ventilatingfan 12 andrefrigeration element 55 are separately activated or deactivated concurrently as a function of the operation of thethermal sensor 61, whereby therefrigeration element 55 can be activated and deactivated as a function of the operation of thethermal sensor 61 in response to sensing a temperature within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26, while the ventilatingfan 12 can be separately controlled to continue operation until the helmetinterior space 54 reaches a different lower temperature as sensed by thethermal sensor 61. Alternatively, thethermal sensor 61 is optionally configured to control activation and deactivation only of therefrigeration element 55, as disclosed herein, while activation and deactivation of the ventilatingfan 12 can be separately controlled, as by thefan controller 24, such that the wearer can operate the ventilatingfan 12 as desired for comfort. - When the
thermal sensor 61 is a thermostat, the sensed temperature for activation and deactivation of therefrigeration element 55 and/or ventilatingfan 12 is optionally adjustable by the wearer of thehelmet 26. When, in the alternative, thethermal sensor 61 is a thermocouple, the sensed temperature for activation and deactivation of therefrigeration element 55 and/or ventilatingfan 12 is fixed to maintain the helmetinterior space 54 at a standard operating temperature. Optionally, the thermocouple can be replaceable for fixedly maintaining the helmetinterior space 54 at different standard operating temperatures for different ambient conditions. - Here, the
fan housing 16 is illustrated having ananchor 56 adapted for securing thefan 12 to thehelmet 26. For example, theanchor 56 couples theexhaust port 53 of thefan housing 16 to therear intake port 38 of the helmetventilation duct system 46 at therear surface 34 of thehelmet 26. Accordingly, thefan 12 is removably coupled to thehelmet 26 by theanchor 56 without modifying thehelmet 26. Agasket 58 is optionally seated between thefan housing 16 and thehelmet surface 34 for sealing theexhaust port 53 of thefan housing 16 with therear intake port 38. Thegasket 58 ensures that thepressurized air flow 50 generated by thefan 12 is applied to the helmetventilation duct system 46 through therear intake port 38. Alternatively, thegasket 58 is an adhesive gasket that is substituted for theanchor 56. Theadhesive gasket 58 operates for both sealing any air gap between theexhaust port 53 of thehousing portion 16 of thefan 12 and therear intake port 38, and substitutes for theanchor 56 for adhering thefan housing 16 to thehelmet surface 34. For example, theadhesive gasket 58 is coated with a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) so theadhesive gasket 58 sticks to thehelmet surface 34 by temporary application of pressure. -
FIG. 7 also illustrates thefan 12 being of a conventional rotary structure havingmultiple fan blades 60 that may be curved in a manner that conforms to thehelmet surface 34. Thesurface conforming blades 60 provide thefan 12 with a low-profile while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of theair flow 50 into theventilation duct system 46. -
FIG. 8 illustrates thehelmet 26 of a conventional type having one embodiment of a fin-type spoiler 62 positioned on thehelmet crown surface 36 near therear surface 34. Thefin spoiler 62 is normally configured having one or more of the ventilation ductrear intake ports 38 which communicate withair flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46 and the duct vents 52. -
FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the fin-type spoiler 62. Here, thefan 12 is mounted on the helmet'srear surface 34. Thefan housing 16 is conformed to the contours of the helmet'srear surface 34 and includes one ormore extensions 64 that fit over thefin spoiler 62 and therear intake ports 38. Ducting within thefan housing 16 carries theair flow 50 pressurized by thefan 12 to therear intake ports 38 for introduction into theventilation duct system 46. Thefan housing 16 includes aflexible clip 66 that secures thefan 12 to thehelmet 26. For example, theclip 66 extends to theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34, and is sufficiently flexible to snap around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26. - According the embodiment illustrated here, the helmet
air conditioning unit 10 includes theoptional battery pack 20 carried on-board thefan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to thefan 12, which is controlled by the multi-positionswitch fan controller 24. The exemplaryair conditioning unit 10 also includes the on-board solar collector 14 a mounted directly on thefan housing 16 for recharging thebattery 20. -
FIG. 10 illustrates thehelmet 26 of a conventional type having one embodiment of a hood-type spoiler 70 positioned on thehelmet crown surface 36 near therear surface 34. Thehood spoiler 70 is also normally configured having one or more of the ventilation ductrear intake ports 38 which communicate withair flow spaces 48 of theventilation duct system 46 and the duct vents 52. However, thehood spoiler 70 lower profile than thefin spoiler 62 and more aerodynamic. -
FIG. 11 is a side view of thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70 formed with therear intake ports 38. As illustrated here, the hood-type spoiler 70 may be provided in combination with one or more of the ventilation ductforward intake ports 28 on thehelmet front surface 30. -
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Here, thefan 12 is again mounted on the helmet'srear surface 34. Thefan housing 16 is again conformed to the contours of the helmet'srear surface 34. Thefan housing 16 includes one ormore crown extensions 72 that fit over the hood-type spoiler 70 and therear intake ports 38. Again, ducting within thefan housing 16 carries theair flow 50 pressurized by thefan 12 to therear intake ports 38 for introduction into theventilation duct system 46. - By example, the
fan 12 is illustrated here as being a conventional centrifugal squirrel cage blower that may be curved in a manner that conforms to thehelmet surface 34. The centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan 12 has a low-profile that conforms to thehelmet surface 34 while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of theair flow 50 into theventilation duct system 46. Thefan housing 16 again includes theclip 66 that secures thefan 12 to thehelmet 26. Again, theclip 66 extends to and around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. -
FIG. 13 illustrates the embodiment of theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Here, the helmetair conditioning unit 10 further includes the on-board batterypack power supply 20 carried on thefan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to thefan 12, which is controlled by the multi-positionswitch fan controller 24. Theair conditioning unit 10 also optionally includes either the on-board solar collector 14 a or the conformable remotesolar collector 14 b for recharging thebattery 20. -
FIG. 14 illustrates theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Thefan housing 16 is illustrated having theextensions 72 that fit over the hood-type spoiler 70 and therear intake ports 38. Thefan housing 16 includes, for example, one or more forward fanair intake ports 71 to receive ambient air flow to thefan 12 for generating thepressurized air flow 50. Thefan housing clip 66 secures thefan 12 to thehelmet 26 by snapping around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. Thegasket 58 is optionally seated between thefan housing 16 and thehelmet surface 34 for sealing thefan 12 with therear intake port 38 maximizing thepressurized air flow 50 that is applied to the helmetventilation duct system 46 through therear intake port 38. As disclosed herein, thegasket 58 may be an adhesive gasket that is substituted for theanchor 56 and operates for both sealing any air gap between thefan 12 and therear intake port 38 adhering thefan housing 16 to thehelmet surface 34. - The
fan 12 is controlled by the multi-positionswitch fan controller 24. The on-board batterypack power supply 20 is carried on thefan housing 16 for providing constant operating power to thefan 12. Either the on-board solar collector 14 a or the conformable remotesolar collector 14 b is included for recharging thebattery 20. When present, the on-board solar collector 14 a is configured to fit available space on thesurface 74 of thefan housing 16. - The
battery 20 also can be recharged via an optional power cord 76 (shown in phantom) connected to the optionalauxiliary power port 22, when present. An auxiliary power adaptor 78 (shown in phantom) couples thepower cord 76 into an external power supply, such as a motorcycle battery charging system via a charging outlet, i.e., cigarette lighter. -
FIG. 15 is a side view of theair conditioning unit 10 in combination with thehelmet 26 having the hood-type spoiler 70. Theextensions 72 of thefan housing 16 are fitted over the hood-type spoiler 70 with theblades 60 of the centrifugal squirrel cage blower-type fan 12 positioned in close proximity to therear intake ports 38. The blower-type fan blades 60 conform to thehelmet surface 34, which permits thefan housing 16 to have a sleek, low-profile contour while simultaneously maximizing the pressure of theair flow 50 into theventilation duct system 46. The air flow (arrows) into thefan 12 is shown at thefan air intake 44.Pressurized air flow 50 generated by thefan 12 is applied substantially directly torear intake ports 38. - The
fan 12 is optionally adhered to thehelmet crown surface 36 andrear surface 34 by the adhesive-type gasket 58 which also operates for sealing any air gap between thefan 12 and thehelmet 26. - Alternatively, the
fan 12 is removably coupled to thehelmet 26 by theanchor 56 without modifying thehelmet 26 and thenon-adhesive gasket 58 seals any air gaps. Theclip 66 extends from thefan housing 16 and is snapped around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 for securing thefan 12 to therear surface 34 of thehelmet 26. Additionally, thecrown extensions 72 of thefan housing 16 are anchored to thehelmet crown surface 36, as detailed herein. -
FIG. 16 illustrates thehelmet 26 havinganchors 80 attached to thecrown surface 36. Theanchors 80 are of any type of receiver capable of releasable connection with mating anchors provided on thefan housing 16. For example, theanchors 80 may be male or female portions of a snap, with the mating snap portion of the anchor being provided on thefan housing 16. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of onealternative anchor mechanism 82 that includes both theanchors 80 andmating anchor receivers 84 provided on thefan housing 16. For example,bonds 86 securely adhere a pair of theanchors 80 to thehelmet crown surface 36. Thecrown extensions 72 of thefan housing 16 are formed withmating anchor receivers 84 that fit into and mate with theanchors 80 on thehelmet 26. In one embodiment, theanchors 80 have abutton head 86 shaped like a mushroom on astem 88 projected slightly above thehelmet surface 36, while themating anchor receivers 84 each have alip 90 positioned to slip under thebutton head 86. When thefan housing clip 66 is snapped around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26, thelips 90 of thereceivers 84 are drawn backwardly against the under the button heads 86 and seated against the stems 88 of theanchors 80. Thefan housing clip 66 thus prevents theanchor receivers 84 from disengaging from theanchors 80 and effectively secures thealternative anchor mechanism 82. Thegasket 58 is compressed between thefan housing 16 and the helmet surfaces 34, 36 for sealing potential air gaps. -
FIG. 18 is a section view through thefan 12 andfan housing 16 of the helmetair conditioning unit 10. As illustrated, theinner surface 92 of thefan 12 andhousing 16 that is contoured to mate with thehelmet 26. - For example, the
fan 12 is contoured to match the helmetrear surface 34, with remainder of thefan housing 16 contoured to match the helmet surfaces 34, 36. Thefan 12 is illustrated as a centrifugal squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 conformed to the curvature of thehelmet surface 34, whereby thefan housing 16 has a sleek, low-profile contour when fitted on thehelmet 26. - The
fan housing 16 is configured having one ormore exhaust ports 94 positioned in direct fluid communication with the squirrelcage blower fan 12. Thefan housing 16 is further configured to position the one ormore exhaust ports 94 of the squirrelcage blower fan 12 substantially directly opposite fromrear intake ports 38 of the helmet'sventilation duct system 46 when coupled to thehelmet 26. Furthermore, thefan housing 16 is configured withinternal ducting 96 that is structured to position the one ormore exhaust ports 94 in direct fluid communication with the squirrelcage blower fan 12 and to further direct thepressurized air flow 50 generated by the squirrelcage blower fan 12 substantially directly into therear intake ports 38 of the helmet'sventilation duct system 46, as illustrated byarrows 98. - Optionally, the helmet
air conditioning unit 10 includes therefrigeration element 55 mounted in thefan housing 16 situated in a position for cooling theair flow 50 before being delivered into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is mounted within theinternal ducting 96 of thefan housing 16 in a position adjacent to the one ormore exhaust ports 94 of the ventilatingfan 12, for example, by means of thebonding agent 59, with thepower cable 57 connecting therefrigeration element 55 to either one of the remotesolar collectors pack power supply 20, if present, for power. Theflexible clip 66 is further detailed to show afinger 100 adjacent to its extreme end distal from thefan housing 16 with thefinger 100 being configured to snap around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26. -
FIG. 19 illustrates theinner surface 92 of thefan 12 andhousing 16 that is contoured to mate with the helmetrear surface 34. Here, thefan 12 is the squirrel cage blower having the blower-type fan blades 60 that are conformed to the curvature of thehelmet surface 34. Theinternal ducting 96 of thefan housing 16 is structured to direct thepressurized air flow 50 generated by the squirrelcage blower fan 12 substantially directly into therear intake ports 38 of the helmet's ventilation duct system 46 (arrows 98). -
FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of theair conditioning unit 10 structured for operation with thehelmet 26 being of a type, such as a hardhat that is commercially available, or a conventional military combat helmet. Thehelmet 26 includes the rigid outerprotective shell 27 of a type having neitherforward intake ports 28 norrear intake ports 38. Positive air flow is provided to theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 viaoutput air ducting 102 of thefan housing 16 that directs the air flow around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. Thefan housing 16 has Thefan housing 16 includes, for example, the one or more forward fanair intake ports 71 to receive ambient air flow to thefan 12 for generating thepressurized air flow 50.Battery 20 may be situated with the necklip air ducting 102, as shown, or elsewhere according to designer's preference or as a function of design constraints. The necklip air ducting 102 is positioned adjacent to its extreme end distal from thefan housing 16 and configured to wrap around theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26. Optionally, the necklip air ducting 102 is flexible and configured to snap around theneck lip 68 for clipping to thehelmet 26. -
FIG. 21 illustrates theair conditioning unit 10 having necklip air ducting 102 in combination with thehelmet 26 having neitherforward intake ports 28 norrear intake ports 38. Thehelmet 26 is shown with the on-board batterypack power supply 20 carried on thefan housing 16. Either the on-board solar collector 14 a and/or the conformable remotesolar collector 14 b (shown) is included for recharging thebattery 20. Of course, the on-board solar collector 14 a may also be the conformable type for conforming to thefan housing 16. - As shown for illustration only, the
helmet 26 includes a relativelythick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material. Else, theliner 113 is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material, such as Kevlar®. A relatively thininner cover 114 covers the interior of theliner 113. The marginal edge of thehelmet 26 is mounted on the user's head 101 (phantom lines) by anarcuate mounting band 115 surrounding the helmetinterior space 54. As shown here, the mountingband 115 is formed of a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmet interior 154 and suspended therein in a position spaced circumferentially inwardly away from theliner 113. The helmetventilation duct system 46 is formed substantially between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115, which form therebetween theair flow spaces 48 that carrypressurized air flow 50 throughout thehelmet 26. The pressurized air flows (arrows) through theair flow spaces 48 into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer'shead 101. - The neck
lip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with theexhaust port 94 of thefan housing 16 and the ventilatingfan 12 such that the positive air flow is directed via theair ducting 102 around theneck lip 68 and through anexhaust port 117 thereof into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to itsrear surface 34. - According to one embodiment, the
terminal exhaust port 117 is positioned adjacent to theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. According to this embodiment, upon exiting theterminal exhaust port 117, thepressurized air flow 50 is directed by the necklip air ducting 102 upwardly along thehelmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet'srear surface 34 toward theair flow spaces 48 between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115, thence into the helmetinterior space 54 over the wearer'shead 101. Thepressurized air flow 50 freely swirls (arrows 50 a) in thespace 54 a above wearer'shead 101 to more effectively circulate within the helmetinterior space 54 and cool the wearer'shead 101. As further illustrated here, aportion 50 b of thepressurized air flow 50 is allowed to exit theterminal exhaust port 117 adjacent to the helmet'sneck lip 68 before reaching theair flow spaces 48 to blow against the back of the wearer'sneck 101 a. - Alternatively, the neck
lip air ducting 102 is extended (dashed) along thehelmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet'srear surface 34 into communication with theair flow spaces 48 between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115. Accordingly, theterminal exhaust port 117 of the necklip air ducting 102 is inserted directly into theair flow spaces 48 between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115, whereby thepressurized air flow 50 is forced into theair flow spaces 48, thence into the helmetinterior space 54 over the wearer'shead 101. The extended necklip air ducting 102 optionally includes one or a plurality ofneck duct vents 152 wherethrough pressurized air flows into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer'sneck 101 a. - The mounting
band 115 may include a plurality of the duct vents 52 communicating between theair flow spaces 48 and the helmetinterior space 54. In either the shortened configuration having the necklip air ducting 102 terminated in anexhaust port 117 adjacent to theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26, or the extended configuration having the necklip air ducting 102 extended to position theterminal exhaust port 117 in communication with theair flow spaces 48, the pressurized air flows through the duct vents 52 into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer'shead 101. - Optionally, the helmet
air conditioning unit 10 having the necklip air ducting 102 also includes the coolingpad refrigeration element 55 situated in a position for cooling theair flow 50 before being delivered into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. Again, as disclosed herein by example and without limitation, therefrigeration element 55 is a gel-type cooling pad of a type that is commercially available for use with notebook computers and other computer for use with a mini-refrigerator box, wherein the cooling pad is energized through a power cable connected for power to the computer through a USB (universal serial bus) connector. As further disclosed herein, apower cable 57 connects therefrigeration element 55 for power to either one of the remotesolar collectors pack power supply 20, if present, such as being connected through a USB port on theair conditioning unit 10. - As further disclosed herein, the
refrigeration element 55 is optionally conformed to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 within theair flow spaces 48 of the helmetventilation duct system 46, as shown. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 by thebonding agent 59 such as a coating of a conventional pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or an adhesive gasket such that therefrigeration element 55 sticks to the helmet interior surface by temporary application of pressure. - As further disclosed herein, the
refrigeration element 55 is optionally a flexible gel-type cooling element, whereby therefrigeration element 55 is optionally conformable to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 within theair flow spaces 48 of the helmetventilation duct system 46, as shown. For example, therefrigeration element 55 is optionally mounted to the interior surface of thehelmet 26 by thebonding agent 59. - As further disclosed herein, the
pressurized air flow 50 is directed over therefrigeration element 55 for super-cooling the air being directed into the helmet'sinterior space 54. - Accordingly, the refrigantly cooled
pressurized air flow 50 cools the helmet'sinterior space 54 more effectively than the uncooled ambientpressurized air flow 50 provided by the ventilatingfan 12 alone. - As further disclosed herein, the
air conditioning unit 10 optionally includes thethermal sensor 61, such as but not limited to a thermostat or thermocouple, for controlling the operation of either or both of thefan 12 and/or therefrigeration element 55, either individually or concurrently, for controlling a temperature at a comfortable level within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26. Accordingly, as further disclosed herein, thethermal sensor 61 is situated in an appropriate position within theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 for measuring temperature therein. -
FIG. 22 illustrates theair conditioning unit 10 having necklip air ducting 102 in combination with thehelmet 26 having neitherforward intake ports 28 norrear intake ports 38. Thehelmet 26 is shown with the on-board batterypack power supply 20 carried on thefan housing 16. Either the on-board solar collector 14 a (shown) and/or the conformable remotesolar collector 14 b is included for recharging thebattery 20. Of course, when present, the remotesolar collector 14 b may also be the conformable type for conforming to thefan housing 16. - As shown in
FIG. 21 for illustration only, thehelmet 26 includes a relativelythick liner 113 of a suitable cushioning material. Else, theliner 113 is formed of a suitable anti-ballistic protective material, such as Kevlar®. A relatively thininner cover 114 covers the interior of theliner 113. The marginal edge of thehelmet 26 is mounted on the user's head 101 (phantom lines) by anarcuate mounting band 115 surrounding the helmetinterior space 54. As shown here, the mountingband 115 is formed of a thick cushioning pad surrounding the helmet interior 154 and suspended therein in a position spaced circumferentially inwardly away from theliner 113. The helmetventilation duct system 46 is formed substantially between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115, which form therebetween theair flow spaces 48 that carrypressurized air flow 50 throughout thehelmet 26. The pressurized air flows (arrows) through theair flow spaces 48 into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 to cool the wearer'shead 101. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , the necklip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with theexhaust port 94 of thefan housing 16 and the ventilatingfan 12 such that the positive air flow is directed via theair ducting 102 around theneck lip 68 and through anexhaust port 117 thereof into theinterior space 54 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to itsrear surface 34. - Here, the
fan housing 16 includes, for example, the one or more side fanair intake ports 104 to receive ambient air flow to thefan 12 for generating thepressurized air flow 50. The necklip air ducting 102 is coupled in fluid communication with one or two (shown) of the side fanair intake ports 104 situated on opposite sides of the ventilatingfan 12 and adjacent to the terminal exhaust port 117 (shown inFIG. 21 ) that is positioned adjacent to theneck lip 68 of thehelmet 26 adjacent to therear surface 34. This close proximity of the side fanair intake ports 104 to theterminal exhaust port 117 of necklip air ducting 102 operates more effectively delivers intake air near thetermination port 117 so that theair conditioning unit 10 operates more efficiently. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , upon exiting theterminal exhaust port 117, thepressurized air flow 50 is directed by the necklip air ducting 102 upwardly along thehelmet liner 113 adjacent to the helmet'srear surface 34 toward theair flow spaces 48 between thehelmet liner 113 and the mountingband 115, thence into the helmetinterior space 54 over the wearer'shead 101. Thepressurized air flow 50 freely swirls (arrows 50 a) in thespace 54 a above wearer'shead 101 to more effectively circulate within the helmetinterior space 54 and cool the wearer'shead 101. As further illustrated here, aportion 50 b of thepressurized air flow 50 is allowed to exit theterminal exhaust port 117 adjacent to the helmet'sneck lip 68 before reaching theair flow spaces 48 to blow against the back of the wearer'sneck 101 a. - While the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.
Claims (20)
1: A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit comprising:
an electrical ventilating fan comprising a housing portion comprising one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet;
a battery power supply connected to energize the fan;
a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and
a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.
2: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan are further positioned in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet; and
the pressurized air flow is further directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan into the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet when the fan is actuated.
3: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 2 , wherein the housing portion further comprises one or more side fan air intake ports in fluid communication with the fan.
4: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1 , further comprising a cooling element that is positionable within the pressurized air flow generated by the fan.
5: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1 , further comprising means for releasably coupling the housing portion to the helmet with the one or more exhaust ports being coupled in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within the interior space of the helmet.
6: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1 , further comprising means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan in fluid communication with a ventilation duct system resident in the helmet.
7: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 6 , wherein the means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan in fluid communication with a ventilation duct system resident in the helmet further comprises a means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan in fluid communication with one or more intake ports resident on the helmet and in fluid communication with the ventilation duct system resident in the helmet.
8: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 6 , wherein the means for coupling the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan in fluid communication with a ventilation duct system resident in the helmet further comprises a means for ducting the pressurized air flow around a neck lip of the helmet and into the interior space of the helmet.
9: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 1 , further comprising a thermal control unit coupled for controlling the fan as a function of a sensed temperature.
10: A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having a ventilation duct system resident in the helmet and communicating with an interior space of the helmet, the helmet air conditioning unit comprising:
an electrical ventilating fan comprising a housing portion structured for coupling to a helmet and further comprising: one or more fan air intake ports in fluid communication with the fan, and one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with one or more intake ports resident on the helmet and the ventilation duct system resident in the helmet;
a rechargeable battery power supply connected to energize the fan;
a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and
a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the one or more exhaust ports of the housing portion of the fan when the fan is actuated.
11: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 10 , further comprising a cooling pad refrigeration element positioned for cooling the pressurized air flow.
12: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 11 , further comprising a thermal control unit coupled for controlling the cooling pad refrigeration element as a function of a sensed temperature.
13: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 10 , further comprising an anchor mechanism structured for releasably anchoring the housing portion to the helmet with the one or more exhaust ports being coupled in fluid communication with the ventilation duct system resident in the helmet.
14: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 13 , further comprising a flexible clip structured for securing the fan housing to a neck lip of the helmet adjacent to a rear surface thereof.
15: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 14 , further comprising a thermal sensor positioned for controlling the actuating of the fan as a function of a temperature sensed within the helmet.
16: A helmet air conditioning unit configured for operation with a helmet having air flow spaces within an interior space thereof, the helmet air conditioning unit comprising:
an electrical ventilating fan comprising a housing portion structured for removably coupling to a helmet and further comprising: one or more fan air intake ports in fluid communication with the fan, and neck lip output air ducting structured for wrapping around a neck lip of the helmet, and the neck lip output air ducting further comprising one or more exhaust ports positionable in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within an interior space of the helmet;
a rechargeable battery power supply connected to energize the fan;
a solar power supply coupled to recharge the power battery supply; and
a fan controller coupled for actuating the fan for generating a pressurized air flow at the one or more exhaust ports of the neck lip output air ducting of the housing portion of the fan, whereby the pressurized air flow is directed through the neck lip output air ducting of the housing portion of the fan and the one or more exhaust ports thereof when the fan is actuated.
17: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 16 , further comprising a cooling pad refrigeration element positioned for cooling a portion of the pressurized air flow.
18: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 17 , further comprising a thermal control unit coupled for controlling the cooling pad refrigeration element as a function of a sensed temperature.
19: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 16 , further comprising one or more anchors structured for releasably anchoring the housing portion to the helmet with the neck lip output air ducting being wrapped around a neck lip of the helmet, and the one or more exhaust ports being coupled in fluid communication with the air flow spaces within an interior space of the helmet.
20: The helmet air conditioning unit of claim 19 , further comprising a thermal sensor positioned for controlling the actuating of the fan as a function of a sensed temperature.
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/065,111 US20110231977A1 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2011-03-14 | Helmet cooling device |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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US28402909P | 2009-12-11 | 2009-12-11 | |
US12/958,459 US9732605B2 (en) | 2009-12-23 | 2010-12-02 | Downhole well tool and cooler therefor |
US13/065,111 US20110231977A1 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2011-03-14 | Helmet cooling device |
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US12/958,459 Continuation-In-Part US9732605B2 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2010-12-02 | Downhole well tool and cooler therefor |
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US20110231977A1 true US20110231977A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 |
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US13/065,111 Abandoned US20110231977A1 (en) | 2009-12-11 | 2011-03-14 | Helmet cooling device |
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US10299525B1 (en) | 2014-12-02 | 2019-05-28 | Michael Buckman | Personal heating and cooling device |
US10324290B2 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2019-06-18 | New Skully, Inc. | Situational awareness systems and methods |
US20190191812A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Mohamed Salem | Hat with forced air cooling |
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US11131310B1 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2021-09-28 | Eric D. Emery | Airflow assembly |
CN113796615A (en) * | 2021-09-28 | 2021-12-17 | 王谭昇 | Multipurpose helmet |
US20220008758A1 (en) * | 2020-07-09 | 2022-01-13 | Kandis MOSER | Protective clothing and protective shroud/hood with fan |
WO2022040692A1 (en) * | 2020-08-21 | 2022-02-24 | Board Of Supervisors Of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College | Helmet air circulation devices and methods of use |
US11266199B2 (en) * | 2019-04-16 | 2022-03-08 | Klein Tools, Inc. | Safety helmet accessory system |
US11471319B2 (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2022-10-18 | Cherlouise Guzman | Snore blocking helmet |
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US20110105013A1 (en) * | 2009-11-04 | 2011-05-05 | Hsien-Hao Tseng | Helmet demister |
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US20120011641A1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2012-01-19 | Hjc Corp. | Helmet shield including ventilation unit |
US20130160195A1 (en) * | 2011-12-22 | 2013-06-27 | James Thomas Clement | Portable fan and battery box for clearing fog/particles in goggles or for cooling masks and helmets |
WO2013176997A1 (en) * | 2012-05-19 | 2013-11-28 | Skully Helmets, Inc. | Augmented reality motorcycle helmet |
US10098401B2 (en) | 2012-05-19 | 2018-10-16 | New Skully, Inc. | Augmented reality motorcycle helmet |
US20130312151A1 (en) * | 2012-05-23 | 2013-11-28 | Kelvin North | Cold Weather Welding Mask having Heated Forced Air Means |
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US9844239B2 (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2017-12-19 | John O. Plain | Solar powered portable personal cooling system with dual modes of operation |
US20160015113A1 (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2016-01-21 | John O. Plain | Solar Powered Portable Personal Cooling System with Dual Modes of Operation |
US20170215511A1 (en) * | 2014-08-01 | 2017-08-03 | Ivan Matteo ALBANI | Safety helmet |
US10299525B1 (en) | 2014-12-02 | 2019-05-28 | Michael Buckman | Personal heating and cooling device |
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US20180160761A1 (en) * | 2015-02-24 | 2018-06-14 | Aspire Zone Foundation | Protective headgear comprising temperature control apparatus |
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US10101063B1 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2018-10-16 | Christian G. Hill | Helmet with energy attachment |
US20190293943A1 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2019-09-26 | New Skully, Inc. | Situational awareness systems and methods |
US10324290B2 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2019-06-18 | New Skully, Inc. | Situational awareness systems and methods |
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US20170237284A1 (en) * | 2016-02-13 | 2017-08-17 | Mark Summers | Solar charging apparatus |
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US10152083B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2018-12-11 | Htc Corporation | Head mounted electronic device and head mounted electronic device cushion |
US20180103711A1 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2018-04-19 | Mike P. ABRAHAMSON | Helmet with fan |
US20170259089A1 (en) * | 2016-03-11 | 2017-09-14 | Carlos M. De Jesus | Helmet including air circulation system |
US20170332721A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-23 | William Elwood Otey | Headwear with an Integrated Cooling System |
US20180007993A1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | Juan Moreno | Ventilated Helmet Assembly |
US9918509B2 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-03-20 | Juan Moreno | Ventilated helmet assembly |
USD841295S1 (en) * | 2016-08-12 | 2019-02-26 | James Neal Welsh | Fan insert for headwear |
US20180014597A1 (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2018-01-18 | Bruce Cooke | Electronic Motorcycle Helmet |
US10694801B2 (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2020-06-30 | Bruce Cooke | Electronic motorcycle helmet |
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US20180103712A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-19 | AptEner Mechatronics Private Limited | Helmet with mechanism for cooling |
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US11131310B1 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2021-09-28 | Eric D. Emery | Airflow assembly |
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US10765166B2 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2020-09-08 | AptEner Mechatronics Private Limited | Helmet with mechanism for cooling |
US20190037949A1 (en) * | 2017-08-04 | 2019-02-07 | Frisner Nelson | Hat cooling system |
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US20190191812A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Mohamed Salem | Hat with forced air cooling |
US11471319B2 (en) * | 2019-01-22 | 2022-10-18 | Cherlouise Guzman | Snore blocking helmet |
US11266199B2 (en) * | 2019-04-16 | 2022-03-08 | Klein Tools, Inc. | Safety helmet accessory system |
CN111476130A (en) * | 2020-03-27 | 2020-07-31 | 深圳光启超材料技术有限公司 | Target object processing method, head-mounted device, storage medium and electronic device |
US20220008758A1 (en) * | 2020-07-09 | 2022-01-13 | Kandis MOSER | Protective clothing and protective shroud/hood with fan |
WO2022040692A1 (en) * | 2020-08-21 | 2022-02-24 | Board Of Supervisors Of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College | Helmet air circulation devices and methods of use |
CN112806663A (en) * | 2021-01-06 | 2021-05-18 | 徐冰睿 | Airtight ventilation helmet of pilot |
CN113796615A (en) * | 2021-09-28 | 2021-12-17 | 王谭昇 | Multipurpose helmet |
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Legal Events
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