Abstract:
A helmet including a protective head covering, information carrier, adhesive, and flap. The information carrier includes a first panel having a terminal edge, and a second panel having a fold line. The second panel is joined to the first panel to define a pouch having an interior space and an opening to the interior space. The opening is defined by the terminal edge disposed proximately to the first panel below the fold line. The adhesive is configured to affix the first panel to the exterior surface. The flap is pivotally attached to the second panel about the fold line, wherein the second panel is bendable away from the exterior surface at least between the terminal edge and the fold line to enable the flap to pivot about the fold line toward the exterior surface in connection with insertion of the flap into and removal of the flap from the opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/376,036, filed Jul. 31, 2014, which is a U.S. 371 National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/CA2013/050079, filed Feb. 1, 2013, which claims the benefit of Canadian patent application No. 2,766,427, filed Feb. 3, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to personal safety equipment, and more specifically to means for storing critical information relating to a user thereof, such as medical information and emergency contact information. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    People who engage in activity in which there is an inherent risk of injury, such as riding a motorcycle, working in a hazardous workplace such as a construction site or participating in a full-contact sport, run the risk that they will be rendered unconscious or otherwise lose the ability to communicate in the event of injury. In such a case, emergency responders may not be able to access critical information that is required to assist the injured person, such as medical information or emergency contact information. 
         [0004]    It is therefore known in the art to provide means by which medical information and emergency contact information can be recorded and stored on one&#39;s person, in a conspicuous area such that it is easily discoverable by a first responder. One example of such means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,365 granted to Neal et al. Neal discloses an emergency information system for a helmet, such as a bicycle helmet or motorcycle helmet including a sleeve having an open end and an information card for bearing medical and emergency contact information. The information card can be removably inserted into the sleeve through the open end. The sleeve can be affixed to an exterior surface of the helmet, such that the information card containing medical or emergency contact information can be stored on the exterior surface of a helmet. The sleeve also can include a decal bearing indicia indicating to first responders that the information card (containing important medical and emergency contact information) is present. 
         [0005]    Other similar examples of such means are generally available on the market. One example of such means is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The means shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a pouch that is can be affixed to a motorcycle helmet (although similar pouches intended to be affixed to other types of helmets, such as hardhats, also are generally available) and an information form onto which medical and emergency contact information can be recorded. The pouch forms an interior space and an opening that allows access to the interior space from outside the pouch. The information form can be folded such that it can be inserted into the interior space of the pouch via the opening. As well, a flap extends from the pouch near the opening and can be folded over and inserted into the opening, to close off the opening of the pouch. When the information form is folded and inserted in the interior space and the flap is folded over and inserted into the interior space, the flap serves as a closure mechanism enclosing the information form within the interior space. 
         [0006]    The pouch shown in  FIG. 1  has an indicia printed on the outer half of the pouch (i.e., the portion that is not affixed to the helmet) informing first responders that medical and emergency contact information is contained within the pouch. The indicia also warn potential untrained first responders of the dangers of removing the helmet of an injured person in certain circumstances. 
         [0007]    The flap shown in  FIG. 1  extends from the inner half of the pouch, that is, the half of the pouch that is affixed to the helmet. Therefore, to close off the opening of the pouch, the flap is folded outwardly, away from the helmet before being folded over and inserted into the opening. Flaps such as these have been known to unexpectedly and unintentionally open, particularly when the pouch is affixed to the helmet such that the opening and flap are towards the rear of the helmet. In such cases, as air flows over the surface of the helmet from the front of the helmet towards the rear, portions of the underside of the flap that are exposed may catch some of the air flowing over the helmet, which may cause the flap to be pulled out of the opening. When this happens, accidental loss of the information form contained in the pouch may result. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention provides an information carrier comprising a pouch for storing critical information, such as medical information or emergency contact information that can be affixed to an object such as an article worn by the user (for example, a helmet or a jacket), or equipment used by the user (e.g. a motorcycle). The pouch has a flap that can close the opening to the pouch by folding inwardly, toward the helmet or other item to which the pouch is affixed, and then being inserted into the opening. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment, the invention provides an information carrier, comprising a pouch having an inwardly-facing first exterior surface and an outwardly-facing second exterior surface, the pouch forming interior space and an opening thereto, adhesive means for affixing the first exterior surface to an object, and a flap pivotally attached to the second exterior surface proximate the opening, for pivoting toward the first exterior surface and insertion into the opening. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment, the invention provides a kit of parts, including a pouch having an inwardly-facing first exterior surface and an outwardly-facing second exterior surface, the pouch forming interior space and an opening thereto, adhesive means for affixing the first exterior surface to an object, and a flap pivotally attached to the second exterior surface proximate the opening, for pivoting toward the first exterior surface and insertion into the opening, and an information form for being removably held within the interior space. 
         [0011]    According to another embodiment, the invention provides a helmet including a protective head covering having an exterior surface, and a pouch having an inwardly facing exterior surface affixed to the exterior surface of the helmet, the pouch further having an outwardly facing exterior surface, an interior space, an opening thereto and a flap pivotally attached to the second exterior surface proximate the opening, for pivoting toward the exterior surface of the helmet and insertion into the opening. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, there is provided a helmet including a protective head covering having an exterior surface; and an information carrier. The information carrier includes a first panel and a second panel joined to define a pouch having an interior space and an opening thereto. The first panel has a first exterior surface and the second panel has an outwardly-facing second exterior surface. The information carrier includes adhesive means applied to the first exterior surface of the first panel for affixing the first panel to the exterior surface of the protective head covering; and a flap pivotally attached to the second exterior surface of the second panel proximate the opening, for pivoting the second panel toward the exterior surface of the protective head covering and insertion into the opening. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, there is provided a helmet including a protective head covering having an exterior surface; and an information carrier. The information carrier has a first panel and a second panel joined to define a pouch having an interior space and an opening thereto. The first panel has a first exterior surface and the second panel has an outwardly-facing second exterior surface. The information carrier includes adhesive means applied to the first exterior surface for affixing the first panel to the exterior surface of the protective head covering; and a flap attached to the second exterior surface of the second panel proximate the opening, for pivoting the second panel toward the exterior surface of the protective head covering and for insertion into the opening, wherein the flap is tapered from the second exterior surface to an end of the flap such that the opening is wider than the end of the flap for ease of insertion of the flap into the opening. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment, there is provided a helmet having a front and a rear, and including a protective head covering, information carrier, adhesive, and flap. The information carrier includes a first panel having a terminal edge, and a second panel having a fold line. The second panel is joined to the first panel to define a pouch having an interior space and an opening to the interior space. The opening is defined by the terminal edge disposed proximately to the first panel below the fold line. The adhesive is configured to affix the first panel of the information carrier to the exterior surface of the protective covering. The flap is pivotally attached to the second panel about the fold line, wherein the second panel is bendable away from the exterior surface at least between the terminal edge and the fold line to enable the flap to pivot about the fold line toward the exterior surface in connection with insertion of the flap into and removal of the flap from the opening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a means for storing medical and emergency contact information on a helmet that is known in the prior art. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front view of one embodiment of the medical information carrier of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4 a    is a front view of one embodiment of an information form, for use with the medical information carrier of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4 b    is a rear view of the embodiment of an information form shown in  FIG. 4   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , shown mounted on a motorcycle helmet. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show one embodiment of the information carrier  200  of the present invention. The carrier  200  has a pouch  210 , which forms an interior space  220  and an opening  230 , and a flap  240 . 
         [0022]    The pouch  210  is formed by adhering a first, inwardly facing panel  212  and a second, outwardly facing panel  214 , arranged in opposing arrangement, along a portion of edge regions  213 ,  215  thereof. Adhering the first and second panels  212 ,  214  in this manner thus forms the interior space  220  in between the panels  212 ,  214 , as well as the opening  230  which allows access to the interior space  220  from outside the pouch  210 . 
         [0023]    The panels  212  and  214  are made from vinyl or similar material, which makes the pouch  210  generally waterproof. This is useful, particularly when the pouch  210  is to be adhered to a helmet for use outdoors such as a motorcycle helmet. However, any suitable lightweight waterproof or water resistant material can be used to form the panels  212 ,  214 , such as plastics or other alternatives known in the art. 
         [0024]    The panels  212  and  214  are of generally rectangular shape, with one of the two shorter sides being rounded, rather than straight. The first panel  212  has a length that is approximately twice the width, preferably 65.0 mm and 30.0 mm wide. The second panel  214  also has a length that is approximately twice the width, but is somewhat longer than the first panel  212 . Preferably, the second panel  214  is 70.0 mm long and 30.0 mm wide. Such dimensions result in the formation of an interior space  220  having dimensions that substantially correspond with those of the first panel  212 , and an opening  230  being 30.0 mm across. Such dimensions are suitable for receiving and storing an information form. However, the panels  212  and  214  need not be rectangular, and can have other dimensions, so long as the pouch  210 , interior space  220  and opening  230  remain of a suitable size for both (a) mounting on a helmet or other personal safety equipment, and (b) receiving and storing an information form. 
         [0025]    The panels  212 ,  214  are adhered to one another using any suitable method for joining vinyl to form a waterproof seal. Alternatively, the panels  212  and  214  can be joined in any other way such that an interior space  220  is formed (i.e., the seal between the panels  212 ,  214  does not have to be waterproof). As well, other methods for adhering the panels  212 ,  214  may be appropriate when the panels  212 ,  214  are of an alternative material other than vinyl. 
         [0026]    The outwardly facing second panel  214  has an inscription  216  printed on its exterior surface (i.e., the surface that is not within the internal space  220 ). The inscription  216  serves two main purposes. First, the inscription  216  informs first responders that critical information relating to the victim of the accident, such as medical information or emergency contact information, is located within the pouch  210 . Second, the inscription  216  warns first responders that may not have formal medical or first aid training about potentially dangerous courses of action. For example, when the information carrier  200  is affixed to a motorcycle helmet, the inscription  216  comprises a warning that removal of the helmet from the victim may, under certain circumstances, result in paralysis. 
         [0027]    The inscription  216  also may contain other information appropriate to the specific application in which the information carrier  200  is being used. As well, the inscription  216  may contain information in a format other than written language. By way of example, the inscription  216  may comprise a scannable code, such as a QR code or a bar code of any kind (either single dimension or multi-dimensions), that can be scanned by a mobile device of a first responder and direct the mobile device to display pertinent medical or emergency contact information (or both). 
         [0028]    The information carrier  200  also comprises adhesive means  218  for affixing the information carrier  200  to an object such as an article worn by the user (for example, a helmet or a jacket), or equipment used by the user (for example, a motorcycle). Adhesive means  218  comprises a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive, commonly known in the art as “PSA”, applied to the outer surface of the inwardly facing first panel  212  (i.e., the surface not contained within the interior surface  220 ). The PSA layer  218  covers substantially all of the outer surface of the inwardly facing first panel  212 , although the PSA layer  218  can be of reduced area. 
         [0029]    A sheet of release paper  219  is applied over the PSA layer to preserve the PSA layer until the information carrier  200  is to be affixed to an object such as an article worn by the user (for example, a helmet or a jacket), or equipment used by the user (for example, a motorcycle). The release paper  219  is 79.0 mm long, and 42.7 mm wide, although any dimensions suitable for covering the entirety of the PSA layer  218  are acceptable. 
         [0030]    It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the adhesive means  218  can comprise any suitable alternative to a PSA layer that can effectively hold the information carrier  200  to the article or equipment to which the information carrier  200  is to be affixed. For example, the adhesive means  218  can comprise a piece of Velcro™ designed to adhere to a corresponding piece of Velcro™ affixed to the article or equipment to which the information carrier  200  is to be affixed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other examples are possible. 
         [0031]    The information carrier  200  further comprises a flap  240  for selectively closing the opening  230  to the interior space  220 . The flap  240  is an integral piece of the outwardly facing second panel  214  that extends in the plane formed by the second panel  214  from the edge region of the second panel  214  that is adjacent to the opening  230 . The flap  240  has a length of 20.0 mm. The width of flap  240  is 30.0 mm at the second panel  214 , and tapers slightly along the length of the flap  240 . 
         [0032]    The intended function of the flap  240  is to be folded over towards the opening  230  and inserted into the opening  230  to selectively close the opening  230 . To facilitate such folding, a fold line  242  is provided between the flap  240  and the remainder of the second panel  214 . The fold line  242  comprises a linear region in which the vinyl material that forms both the second panel  214  and the flap  240  is thinner than in the remainder of the flap  240  and second panel  214 . The fold line  242  extends across the entire width of the flap  240  and second panel. The fold line  242  facilitates easier pivoting or folding of the flap  240  relative to the panel  214 , about the axis formed by the fold line  242 . 
         [0033]    Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the flap  240  can be formed in alternative ways. For example, the flap  240  can simply be an extension of the second panel  214 , and does not need to be demarcated with a fold line such as fold line  242  (so long as the material from which the second panel  214  and flap  240  is made is foldable). By way of another example, the flap  240  does not need to be an integral part of the second panel  214 . Rather, the flap  240  can be a separate piece of material pivotally attached to the second panel  214  proximate the opening  230  such that the flap  240  can be folded over and inserted into the opening  230  to close the opening  230 . Flap  240  can be made of any suitable material from which the first and second panels  212 ,  214  can be made, and can be of any dimensions such that the flap can be inserted into the opening  230  to close the substantially opening  230 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , an information form  410  is provided for insertion into the interior space  220  via the opening  230 , and for having critical information regarding the user of the information carrier  200  recorded thereon. Information form  410  is made from synthetic paper, which is both tear resistant and waterproof. Information form  410  has a length of 117.5 mm and a width of 44.5 mm. While information form  410  cannot be directly inserted into the interior space  220 , information form  410  can easily be folded to occupy dimensions such that the information form  410  can be inserted into the interior space  220  via the opening  230 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 4 a    shows a first side  420  of the information form  410 . Several fields are printed on the first side  420  of information form  410 . Each of these fields relates to medical information of the user of the information carrier  200 , and can be completed by the user by filling in the pertinent information by hand. The first side  420  of information form  410  contains the following fields: Medical/surgical history  421 ; Medications  422 ; Allergies  423 ; Misc. data  424 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4 b    shows a second side  430  of the information form  410 . Several fields are printed on the second side  430  relating to emergency contact information of the user of the information carrier  200 . These fields can be completed by the user by hand. The second side  430  of information from  410  contains the following fields:
   Address (Street)  431 ;   City  432 ;   State  433 ;   ZIP  434 ;   Country  435 ;   Date of Birth  436 ;   Phone No.  437 ;   Doctor  438 ;   Doctor&#39;s Phone No.  439 ;   Today&#39;s Date  440 ;   Emergency Contact #1 Name  441 ;   Emergency Contact #1 Phone Number  442 ;   Emergency Contact #1 Address  443 ;   Emergency Contact #2 Name  444 ;   Emergency Contact #2 Phone Number  445 ;   Emergency Contact #2 Address  446 ; and   Consent to Treat  447 .   
 
         [0054]    It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that information form  410  can be made from any material suitable for writing thereon, or for otherwise printing information thereon. Information form  410  can be made of any suitable dimensions whereby the information printed thereon can be easily read, and the information form  410  can be inserted into the interior space  220  via the opening  230 . The information form  410  need not be made from a foldable material so long as information form  410  has dimension that allow it to be directly inserted into the interior space  220  via the opening  230 . 
         [0055]    It also will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the various fields on either side  420 ,  430  of the information form  410  can be arranged in essentially any configuration, and can relate to any piece of information that may be deemed important. As well, the information recorded on the information form  410  need not be recorded in written language. For example, the information form  410  can contain a scannable code, such as a QR code or a bar code of any kind (either single dimension or multi-dimensions), that can be scanned by a mobile device of a first responder to direct the mobile device to display information relevant to the user of the information carrier  200 . 
         [0056]    In use, the pouch  210  is first affixed to an object such as an article worn by the user (for example, a motorcycle helmet as shown in  FIG. 5 ), or equipment used by the user. The pouch  210  is affixed to the helmet by removing the release paper  219  from the PSA layer  218  and pressing the inwardly facing first panel  212  against the exterior surface of the helmet, thereby adhering the pouch to the helmet. The release paper  219  is then discarded. Although not required, the pouch  210  can be adhered to the helmet such that the opening  230  is arranged toward the rear side of the helmet. It will be explained in greater detail below that such a configuration allows the flap  240  to be better retained within the opening  230 , thereby guarding against unintended opening of the flap  240  and opening  230 . 
         [0057]    The information form  410  is completed by the user, who provides all pertinent medical and emergency contact information in the fields provided. The information form  410  is then folded as necessary and inserted into the interior space  220  via the opening  230 . 
         [0058]    Once the information form  410  has been placed within the interior space  220 , the flap  240  can be folded and inserted into the opening  230  to close off the opening  230  and retain the information form  410  within the pouch  210  during use of the helmet by the user. To close off the opening  230 , the flap  240  is folded inwardly, toward the outer surface of the helmet, rather than away from the outer surface of the helmet. The flap is then folded over and inserted into opening  230 , thereby closing off the opening  230 . When flap  240  is folded over and inserted into opening  230  in this manner, air moving over the exterior surface of the helmet can more easily pass over the information carrier  200 , improving the aerodynamic performance of the helmet relative to a helmet having affixed thereto a means for storing information such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . As well, when the information carrier  200  is positioned such that the flap  240  and opening  230  are positioned toward the rear of the helmet (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) the flap  240  is less likely to be caught by the wind and inadvertently be withdrawn from the opening  230  since the force of the wind moving over the surface of the helmet will resist the pivotal movement of the flap  240  out of the opening  230 . 
         [0059]    In the event of an emergency such as a motorcycle accident, first responders to the incident can see the information carrier  200  affixed to the helmet of the accident victim, as well as the inscription  216 . The inscription  216  directs first responders to the information form  410  contained within the pouch  210 . First responders can then remove the flap  240  from the opening  230  and retrieve the information form  410  from the interior space  220  of the pouch  210 , giving first responders access to critical information regarding the accident victim. Such information may not otherwise be available to the first responders if the accident victim is not able to communicate such information himself. 
         [0060]    The inscription  216  also directs first responders not to remove the helmet of the accident victim, since such removal may cause paralysis. First responders who are medically trained will know, by virtue of their training, when it is safe to disregard this warning and remove the helmet. On the other hand, first responders who are not medically trained will be inclined to heed the warning given by the inscription  216  and leave the helmet on the accident victim until skilled emergency responders arrive on scene. 
         [0061]    It should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing describes one embodiment of the present invention only, and that other embodiments are possible. For example, the dimensions of the information carrier  200  and its component parts may vary, and assume any size appropriate to perform the function described above. As well, while the information carrier  200  has been described as generally rectangular in shape, other shapes are possible. 
         [0062]    Furthermore, the particular assembly method described above may be varied. For example, the pouch  210  can be a single integral piece of material forming an interior space  220  with an opening  230 , and having a flap extending from an outwardly facing portion of the pouch  210 , rather than being formed from two discreet panels adhered together. 
         [0063]    As well, the manner in which critical information is recorded and stored in the information carrier  200  also can be varied. By way of example, critical information can be encoded electronically and stored on a microchip, which is retained within the pouch  210 . Such information can be accessible via wireless devices used by first responders. Such information also can be accessible by physically removing the chip from the pouch  210 , and connecting the chip to a mobile electronic device. 
         [0064]    While the information carrier  200  has been described as being affixed to a helmet during use, it should be understood that the information carrier  200  can alternatively be affixed to other articles of clothing worn by a user, such as a jacket. Furthermore, the information carrier  200  can alternatively be affixed to equipment being used by the user, such as a motorcycle being ridden by the user. 
         [0065]    The present invention should not be understood as being limited to use by riders of motorcycles. The information carrier  200  can be used by anyone who engages in activities wherein there is a risk of injury. By way of example, the information carrier  200  can be used by bicycle riders, construction workers, firefighters, users of all-terrain vehicles, participants in contact sports or participants in other sports wherein there is a risk of injury (such as skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting or skydiving). Numerous other applications may be possible. 
         [0066]    It should further be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made (other than those explicitly described above), consistent with and without departing from the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, the embodiments described in the disclosure shall be understood to be non-exclusive of each other such that any embodiment can include different features of other embodiments. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Other embodiments consistent with the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the present disclosure taught and suggested herein. Accordingly, the specification and the embodiments disclosed therein are to be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being identified in the following claims.