Abstract:
A sporting type helmet with a smoke detector. The sporting type helmet features a partial shell defining a portion of a complete helmet. The partial shell is curved and is three-dimensional. The partial shell forms a concave cavity configured to engage around an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to cover said smoke detector. The partial shell also includes an aperture or helmet button on said partial shell for conducting periodical testing of the smoke detector. The partial shell also includes a plurality of vents that permit smoke to reach the smoke detector. The partial shell also incorporates a speaker that can issue audible sounds upon testing or operation of the smoke detector.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to sporting and/or safety systems and more specifically to sporting and/or safety systems for use in relation to fire or threats of fire. 
         [0002]    Fire and the threat of fire represent a considerable risk to many communities and to our society at large. In the first few weeks of any winter, for example, numerous civilian fire fatalities can be attributed to residential fires according to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Data Center. Although 90% of all residences now have smoke detectors, smoke detectors were absent in 42% of residential fires where such fatalities occurred. It is thus clear that a need exists to increase the rate at which smoke detectors are utilized in many homes. 
         [0003]    It is estimated that 2008 attendance records for baseball, football, hockey and basketball games reached over 120 million in the United States alone. Many such sports fans are passionate about their teams and will typically purchase merchandise to identify with their teams. It would be desirable to encourage many of these sports fans to either employ or continue to employ smoke detectors in their homes or buildings. 
         [0004]    With regard to existing smoke detectors, many such conventional smoke detectors do represent a fire threat to children and young adolescents. Smoke detectors that are visible to children lying on their beds might cause discomfort and unsettling feelings that might prevent children from quickly falling asleep. 
         [0005]    There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Various aspects of a sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0007]    In a first embodiment, the sporting type helmet includes a partial exterior shell, defining a portion of a complete helmet. The partial exterior shell may be a three-dimensional representation of a helmet of the type utilized for sporting or recreational activities. For example, the partial exterior shell might be an NFL football helmet or MLB baseball helmet. 
         [0008]    The partial shell generally has a curved exterior surface that is three-dimensional. The curved exterior surface edges can extend toward each other to form a cavity. In general, the opening of the cavity is formed on an axis that splits the complete helmet. The cavity can then be integrated with an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to mask said smoke detector. The cavity might simply be detachably coupled with existing smoke detectors. 
         [0009]    Alternatively, the cavity might be unitarily formed with a smoke detector or smoke detector base. The partial shell itself has a test means (e.g., a helmet button or aperture) integrated thorough the partial shell so that the smoke detector can be periodically tested. A number of vents on the partial shell also provide smoke ventilation so that smoke can reach the smoke detector. The partial shell of the smoke detector might also incorporate a speaker that can issue audible sounds upon testing or operation of the smoke detector. 
         [0010]    A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1B  is a lateral elevation view of the helmet safety system of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 1C  is a plan view of the helmet safety system  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates another helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. 
         [0017]    However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  illustrates helmet safety system  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0019]    In  FIG. 1 , helmet safety system  100  comprises helmet  102  and smoke detector  104 . Preferably, helmet  102  is an NFL football-type helmet or replica thereof, MLB baseball-type helmet or replica thereof, ice hockey-type helmet or replica thereof or other protective sporting-type helmet used in various recreational and sporting activities. Although helmet  102  is illustrated as a football helmet in  FIG. 1A , one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other sporting-type helmets consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be utilized. 
         [0020]    Here, helmet  102  comprises partial shell  106 , which is an exterior shell defining a part of complete helmet  110 . The other portion of complete helmet  110  is portion  112  illustrated as hatched lines. Here, portion  112  is imaginary and has been shown for illustrative purposes only; partial shell  106  is implementable and can be manufactured without reference to portion  112  or complete helmet  110 . 
         [0021]    Partial shell  106  is preferably made of any suitable hard plastic-type material with suitable strength or any polycarbonate material such as Lexan™. Partial shell  106  includes aperture  121  providing a user with access to button  122  to periodically test smoke detector  104 . Although not shown, aperture  121  might be a button that is itself directly coupled to button  122 . 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, when button  122  is depressed, audible outputs e.g., crowd cheers related the helmet  102  team are produced via speaker  119 . If, however, smoke detector  104  is low on battery, an audible warning is periodically generated. For example, “warning replace batteries in room A” might be periodically generated until smoke detector  104  becomes operative. 
         [0023]    A voice recording feature that is customized to the occupant of a room is also provided. If, for example, smoke is detected in a room, a warning message such as “warning, smoke detected in Bill&#39;s room, evacuate,” might be periodically generated until the situation is rectified. 
         [0024]    As with any other football-type helmet, partial shell  106  also includes logo  123 , strap  124  and face mask  126  formed of wire members. Logo  123  is preferably a logo associated with a recognizable sports franchise belonging to, for example, the NFL for football or MLB for baseball. In this manner, sporting fans and enthusiasts for such teams can identify with helmet safety system  100  and be motivated to use said helmet safety system  100  including smoke detector  104  thus increasing the rate at which smoke detectors are used. 
         [0025]    The wire members of face mask  126  can be formed of any suitable material with requisite strength such as steel, each wire member being covered with a plastic coating. Strap  124  can be formed of any suitable elastic material attached thereon with a buckle. It is noted that in accordance with the present invention, each of strap  124  and face mask  126  are incomplete elements. 
         [0026]    Unlike any conventional helmet safety system, partial shell  106  also has a curvature or concave exterior surface  114  that is three-dimensional in that it possesses depth as well as width and height as shown in  FIG. 1A . Here, concave exterior surface  114  edges extend toward each other to form aperture  116  having opening  118 . As shown, opening  118  is formed on axis  120 , shown here on a vertical plane. Axis  120  might indicate a split of complete helmet  110  when placed upright on horizontal plane  128 . As shown, horizontal plane  128  and the vertical place of axis  120  are perpendicular. 
         [0027]    Opening  118  of aperture  116  is operative to engage the exterior of smoke detector  104 . In this manner, among other advantages, smoke detector  104  can be masked so as to reduce the appearance or threat of fire to which children are susceptible. Here, smoke detector  104  comprises a plurality of vents  130  for allowing smoke to reach the detector and test button  122  for periodically testing smoke detector  104  as is conventionally performed. 
         [0028]    In use, a user wishing to employ helmet safety system  100  begins by placing helmet  102  over smoke detector  104  such that smoke detector  104  is within aperture  116 . Test button  122  is then aligned with aperture  121 . At this point, helmet  102  can be securely attached to smoke detector  104  via a plurality of fastening means. The fastening means might be a hook and loop system or via use of a plurality of set screws around the perimeter of smoke detector  104  ( FIG. 1B ). After secure fastening has been achieved, smoke detector  104  is completely masked by helmet  102 . A user can periodically test smoke detector  104  via aperture  121  for proper functioning. To provide smoke ventilation, smoke can reach smoke detector  104  via the plurality of vents  130  and via air gaps  127  between face guard  126  wire members as shown with further reference to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0029]    In this manner, sports fans can customize their smoke detectors according to their favorite sports teams; sports fans are also encouraged to use and properly maintain smoke detectors in their homes. Children can also relate positively to smoke detector  104  and help reinforce the importance of fire safety. Helmet safety system  100  can also serve as an educational tool which parents can utilize to discuss fire safety. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1B  is a lateral elevation view of helmet safety system  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0031]    In  FIG. 1B , helmet  102  is over smoke detector  104  such that when observed from a direction A, smoke detector  104  is masked by helmet  102 . Here, both helmet  102  and smoke detector  104  might be integrated using screw  132  although other suitable coupling mechanisms may be utilized. For example, a hook and loop attaching mechanism may be employed. 
         [0032]    Face guard  126  is also shown providing partial masking of smoke detector  104 . Air gaps  127  between the wire members of face guard  126  provide requisite ventilation and allow smoke to reach the smoke detector  104 . This face guard ventilation is in addition to vents  130 , which might be provided on smoke detector  104  itself In alternate embodiments using helmets without face guards, a plurality of vents suitably dispersed throughout helmet  102  can be provided. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, helmet  102  is operative to mask existing smoke detectors. In such as case, height H of smoke detector  104  is suitably selected to exceed the height of (“H”) of cover  103  of smoke detector  104 . The width of helmet  102  can be suitably selected based on the size of smoke detector  104 . In an alternate embodiment, helmet  102  represents cover  103  and is suitably and preferably, unitarily molded with base  105  of smoke detector  104 . In such a case, a user can simply hang the entire unit in a desired location. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1C  is a plan view of helmet safety system  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 1C , specifically, the view of helmet safety system  100  is shown from direction A of  FIG. 1B . Helmet  102  substantially covers the entirety of smoke detector  104 . Hatched lines  103  show the outline of smoke detector  104  beneath helmet  102 . Logo  123  is also shown. If helmet safety system  100  is attached to the ceiling, this is the view visible to many users. As noted, users and children can identify with logo  123  and helmet  102  as belonging to their favorite team creating a sense of calm for children in particular. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates helmet safety system  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0037]    In  FIG. 2 , helmet safety system comprises helmet  202  and smoke detector  204 . Unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , helmet  202  is a baseball helmet. Helmet  202  comprises partial shell  206  forming a portion of a complete helmet. Helmet  202  might be formed by splitting a complete helmet along vertical axis  220 . As shown, a plurality of vents  231  are directly provided on helmet  202  to enable smoke to reach detector  204 . Aperture  221  is also provided to allow access to test button  222  for periodical testing of smoke detector  204 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates helmet safety system  300  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 3 , helmet safety system  300  includes helmet  302  and smoke detector  304 . Helmet  302  consists of partial shell  306 . Unlike the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A &amp; 2 , complete helmet  310  is split along a vertical axis  320  to form partial shell  306 . Partial shell  306  can then provide masking by either detachably or fixedly integrating partial shell  306  over smoke detector  304 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates helmet safety system  400  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 4 , helmet safety system  400  includes helmet  402  and smoke detector  404 . Helmet  402  consists of complete shell  406  unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Complete shell  406  can provide masking by either detachably or fixedly integrating helmet  402  over smoke detector  404  via aperture  431 . 
         [0042]    While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.