Abstract:
A multi-functional protective helmet has various integrated alarm and communication devices associated with survival scenarios and dangerous activities. A front outside surface of the helmet is provided with a lamp. Within a dome portion of the helmet are a radio transmitter and receiver capable of wireless communication. A rechargeable battery unit supplies electrical power to the electrical components of the helmet. A side surface of the helmet is provided with a compartment configured to hold a whistle or other emergency aid. The helmet is also provided with a transparent face-shield.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/881,527, filed Sep. 24, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a protective helmet equipped with various electronic components to provide additional functionality to the helmet that aids in survivability of a user wearing the helmet in distressed situations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Those of us who live in areas where rough terrain or vast wilderness areas are present know the physical dangers that these locations hold. All too often the news is filled with stories of unfortunate individuals who have become lost while hiking, camping, hunting or fishing, and ultimately end up dying. The vast areas encountered means that a person can wander for days without seeing another person, or even a sign of civilization. Cell phones and radios typically do not work well in such locations, and not everyone can afford to carry a personal locator beacon (PLB). The only remaining method of finding someone is by a massive manhunt which occupies much time and manpower. Even then, such searches can only be conducted during the day, perhaps doubling the amount of time it will take to find someone. 
     Also, there are many sports that require the use of helmets such as football, baseball, bicycle riding, hockey, motor sports, and the like. All of these helmets differ in their overall appearance and function, but share the common goal of protecting the user&#39;s head from impact. Different areas of coverage, padding, internal suspension, and even the materials used all share the common goal of providing impact protection. These same protective properties are also important in helmets used in medical, construction, military, and law enforcement activities as well. Manufacturers and researchers are constantly on the lookout for new materials, applications, and processes to enhance the safety properties of their protective helmets. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a person lost in a wilderness location can easily be located, such as a crash victim or otherwise disabled wearer of the helmet, without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has seen a need for such a device to provide a way to automatically alert passersby, onlookers, and/or emergency personnel to an accident. 
     In order to accomplish this need, it is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet having a first layer shaped into a dome, a second layer, substantially in a shape matching said first layer adhesively affixed to the second layer; a chin strap attaching the helmet to a user, and a generally “U”-shaped visor affixed to lateral sides of the helmet via a second fastening mechanism. In at least one (1) embodiment, the visor is a rigid, translucent material. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control panel disposed at an inner surface of the first layer and a switching assembly disposed at an inner surface of the first layer, where the switching assembly automatically activates a transceiver unit in communication with a GPS device to transmit positional data when sensing an accident. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a speaker housed within the first layer and a siren disposed on an outer surface of the second layer. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a microphone housed within the first layer configured to be located adjacent a mouth of a wearer of the helmet. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a weather band radio housed within the first layer. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide an illuminating lamp disposed on an outer surface of the second layer. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage compartment molded into a side surface of the second layer, which further has a door for providing access to the storage compartment. Mounted to the outer surface of the first layer, within the storage compartment, is a recoiling mechanism. A lanyard with a clip is connected to the recoiling mechanism. In at least one (1) embodiment, a whistle is attached to the lanyard distal from the recoiling assembly and capable of being fully stored within the storage compartment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the multi-functional protective helmet  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a sectional view of a domed structure portion  20  of the helmet  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is another sectional view of the domed structure  20  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 1 ) depicting an edging portion  80 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the domed structure  20  depicting a storage compartment  250  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block diagram of the helmet  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  10 
                 protective helmet 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 domed structure 
               
               
                   
                  25 
                 recessed profile 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 first layer 
               
               
                   
                  35 
                 adhesive layer 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 second layer 
               
               
                   
                  50 
                 transmitter 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 receiver 
               
               
                   
                  65 
                 accelerometer 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 edging 
               
               
                   
                  90 
                 chin strap assembly 
               
               
                   
                 100a 
                 first strap 
               
               
                   
                 100b 
                 second strap 
               
               
                   
                 120 
                 coupling mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 140 
                 visor/face-shield 
               
               
                   
                 150 
                 first fastening mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 160 
                 second fastening mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 170 
                 control module 
               
               
                   
                 172 
                 knob 
               
               
                   
                 174 
                 pushbutton 
               
               
                   
                 180 
                 battery 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 lamp 
               
               
                   
                 205 
                 illumination 
               
               
                   
                 210 
                 global positioning system (GPS) 
               
               
                   
                 230 
                 radio 
               
               
                   
                 235 
                 speaker 
               
               
                   
                 237 
                 microphone 
               
               
                   
                 240 
                 siren 
               
               
                   
                 242 
                 sound 
               
               
                   
                 245 
                 whistle 
               
               
                   
                 250 
                 storage compartment 
               
               
                   
                 260 
                 door 
               
               
                   
                 270 
                 latch 
               
               
                   
                 280 
                 recoiling mechanism 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a protective helmet equipped with various communicative components (herein described as the “device”)  10 , to provide additional functionality to the helmet to aid in survivability of a user wearing the device  10  in distressed situations such as weather related disasters, avalanches, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a , and  2   b , perspective and sectional views of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  comprises a domed structure  20  having a first layer  30  and a second layer  40 . The second layer  40  rests on top of, and is bonded to, the first layer  30 . The first  30  and second  40  layers are formed in a dome shape to conform to a shape of a user&#39;s head. It is envisioned for the configuration of the first  30  and second  40  layers to have a recessed profile  25  about its forward perimeter edge to provide for better viewing while fully protecting the sides and rear portions of a user&#39;s head. A conventional open-face helmet is shown here for illustration sake; however, it is understood that other configurations, such as full-face, off-road, and half-helmet designs, may also utilize the teachings of the device  10 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . The device  10  provides various incorporated components such as, but not limited to: a radio frequency (RF) transmitter  50 , an RF receiver  60 , an accelerometer  65 , a visor/face-shield  140 , a control module  170 , a battery  180 , a lamp  200 , a GPS system  210 , a speaker  235 , a siren  240 , and an emergency whistle  245  (also see  FIG. 4 ). 
     In use, a user dons the device  10  by inserting their head within a concave portion of the domed structure  20 , allowing the user&#39;s head to make contact with the first layer  30 . The device  10  is employed to deflect and absorb impact imparted on the first and second layers  30 ,  40 . In addition to expected physical protection from projectiles, the various components of the device  10  enable a user to establish and maintain various means of communication with others in a wireless manner. 
     The domed structure  20  provides a lamp  200  and a siren  240  along outer surfaces to communicate respective local illumination  205  and an audible sound  242  in the event of an emergency. The lamp  200  and siren  240  also automatically establish contact with emergency personnel if the need arises, if so configured. 
     The first layer  30  comprises a padding material which exhibits flexibility and resilience, but with no plastic deformation. The first layer  30  may absorb impact, but the intent of the first layer  30  is to provide comfort and damping of shock waves transferring through the device  10  when the device  10  is impacted. It is further envisioned that the first layer  30  may provide a material having a matrix substrate to allow bonding and formation of air pockets at interstitial points throughout the material such as a polystyrene composite; however, it is understood that other materials exhibiting similar properties may be utilized without deviating from the teachings of the device  10 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . The forming of the material into the domed shape of the first layer  30  is done through an extrusion, molding, or forming process. 
     The second layer  40  is also formed in a dome shape and substantially conforms to the configuration of the first layer  30 . The second layer  40  comprises a hard polymer shell to contain the first layer  30  and provide a deflection layer. The deflection properties of the second layer  40  are manifested by its rigidity and the fact that it forms a transformation in shockwave transmission. Shockwaves are transmitted via oscillatory motion of the transferring medium, and the second layer  40 , being constructed of a material exhibiting a mechanical resonance frequency different than that of the first layer  30 , assists in dampening the transfer of the shockwave. It is envisioned for the second layer  40  to be made using a rigid polymer; however, it is understood that other rigid materials may be utilized without deviating from the teachings of the device  10 , and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . The forming of the second layer  40  into its dome shape is done through an extruding, molding, stamping, or casting process. The second layer  40  is affixed to the first layer  30  with the application of an adhesive layer  35  to bind the surfaces together and resist separation under normal use and wear by creating a chemical bond between each layer  30 ,  40  and the adhesive layer  35  (see  FIG. 2   a ). 
     A perimeter edge of the dome structure  20  is provided with an edging portion  80 . The edging  80  provides a “U”-shaped cross sectional trim which lines the perimeter edge and provides a cosmetic finish to the device  10  as well as assists with holding the layers  30 ,  40  of the domed structure  20  together. It is envisioned that the edging  80  is made using a rigid polymer or equivalent material. The edging  80  is affixed to the domed structure  20  with the application of an adhesive layer  35  to bind the surfaces together to resist separation (see  FIG. 2   b ). 
     The device  10  provides a chin strap assembly  90  located along lower edge portions of the domed structure  20 . The chin strap assembly  90  includes opposing first strap  100   a  and a second strap  100   b  portions. The strap portions  100   a ,  100   b  of the chin strap assembly  90  are positioned at lateral sides of the device  10 . It is envisioned that one (1) end portion of each strap  100   a ,  100   b  is to be riveted or otherwise affixed to the domed structure  20 . The loose end portions of the straps  100   a ,  100   b  provide removable attachment via engagement of a permanently sewn-in coupling mechanism  120  portion of the first strap  100   a , being illustrated here as a conventional 2-ring device; however, it is understood that other approved helmet strap devices may be utilized with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limitation of scope. 
     The front face portion of the domed structure  20  is provided with a visor/face-shield  140 . The visor/face-shield  140  comprises a transparent rigid material preferably fabricated using a plastic such as LUCITE®, polycarbonate, or similar material. The visor/face-shield  140  provides protection to a user&#39;s face by covering a part or the entire recessed profile portion  25  of the domed structure  20 , while allowing a user to maintain a frontal field of view while the device  10  is donned on a user&#39;s head. The visor/face-shield  140  is substantially “U”-shaped and is rotatingly attached to side surface portions of the domed structure  20  via engagement of respective first fastening mechanism  150  and second fastening mechanism  160  portions. The first fastening mechanism  150  is envisioned to provide an axial member being engaged within the second fastening mechanism  160 , thereby enabling pivoting motion of the visor/face-shield  140 . This configuration enables a user to position the visor/face-shield  140  in a lowered position and in front of a user&#39;s face or in a raised position where the visor/face-shield  140  is slid over a top portion of the domed structure  20 . In another embodiment, a stationarily mounted visor/face-shield  140  is provided having perimeter edges which are sealed to the domed structure  20  with the application of an adhesive layer  35  to bind the surfaces together to resist separation under normal use by creating a chemical bond between the domed structure  20  and the adhesive layer  35 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a sectional view of the domed structure  20  depicting a storage compartment  250  taken along section line C-C (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The second layer  40  is provided with a storage compartment  250  along a side surface portion. The storage compartment  250  provides a rectangular recessed area into the second layer  40  and is provided with a door  260  that is hingedly attached to a perimeter edge of the storage compartment  250 . The door  260  is provided with a latch  270  to assist a user in maintaining the door  260  in a closed position. A side surface within the storage compartment  250  is provided with a retractable lanyard clip  275 . The retractable lanyard clip  275  is provided with a recoiling mechanism  280  to enable retraction of the lanyard clip  275  back into the storage compartment  250  after use. The recoiling mechanism  280  is mounted to the exterior of the first layer  30  within the storage compartment  250 . The storage compartment  250  is constructed of a size and shape to hold a whistle  245  if so desired, which may be attached to the lanyard clip  275 ; however, it is understood that any item of commensurate size may be affixed and stored within the storage compartment  250 . The door  260  is preferably formed to match the exterior contour of the second layer  40  in a flush-mounted manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block diagram of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is provided with a control module  170  located upon an outer side surface of the second layer  40 . The control module  170  is placed into electrical communication with a rechargeable battery unit  180  which acts to provide an electrical power supply to the electrical and electronic portions of the device  10  housed within the domed structure  20 . 
     The electrical and electronic portions of the device  10  include, but are not limited to: an RF transmitter  50 , an RF receiver  60 , an accelerometer  65 , a lamp  200 , a GPS system  210 , a radio  230 , a speaker  235 , a microphone  237 , and a siren  240 . Each component  50 ,  60 ,  65 ,  200 ,  210 ,  230 ,  235 ,  237 ,  240  is placed into electrical communication with the control module  170  and battery  180  portions. The lamp  200  and the siren  240  are disposed on an outer surface of the second layer  40  to provide respective local illumination  205  and audible sound  242  communication in the event of an emergency (see  FIG. 1 ). The lamp  200  is preferably made up of at least one (1) light-emitting diode (LED) or equivalent illuminating technology. The siren  240  is preferably a piezo-type speaker unit or equivalent miniature audio broadcasting device. 
     The GPS system  210 , transmitter  50 , receiver  60 , and radio  230  portions are disposed at an inner surface of the first layer  30 . It is understood that the transmitter  50  and receiver  60  portions may be configured in combination as a transceiver unit, without being interpreted as a limitation of scope. Additionally, it is understood that the transmitter  50 , receiver  60 , and GPS system  210  may transmit and receive positional data and RF signals using separate or combined antenna portions, without being interpreted as a limitation of scope. 
     At least one (1) speaker  235  is located along an inside surface of the first layer  30  and placed at a position which corresponds to the ear region of the user. A microphone  237  is also located upon an inside surface of the first layer  30  and placed at a position which corresponds to the mouth region of the user (see  FIG. 1 ). The speaker  235  and microphone  237  portions are in electrical communication with the transmitter  50  and receiver  60  portions to enable a user to communicate with others, such as emergency personnel, in a wireless manner. The speaker  235  also allows the user to listen to the radio  230  so as to monitor weather forecasts and the like, when desired. The GPS system  210 , LED light  200 , and siren  240  may be activated at the discretion of the user using an externally-mounted knob  172  or a push-button  174 , or be automatically activated via the accelerometer  65  when an impact is detected to automatically establish wireless communication with emergency personnel as to where the device  10  and user are located, thereby assisting rescue personnel in a search. The control module  170  is configured having a plurality of knobs  172  and push-buttons  174  along an exposed surface to enable a user to operate and control the various functions of the device  10 , as well as enabling a user to override the automatic function of the accelerometer  65 . 
     The internal accelerometer  65  provides automatic switching of the lamp  200  and siren  240  portions upon an impact event. The configuration of the accelerometer  65  is such that when the accelerometer  65  experiences a certain change in acceleration/deceleration, indicating an impact to the device  10 , certain switching occurs to activate the lamp  200  and siren  240  portions, as well as the GPS system  210 , in order to establish contact with emergency personnel. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the enabled user in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. The device  10  would be configured as indicated in  FIG. 1  upon the initial purchase or acquisition. 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the device  10  being suitable for an intended usage and type of protection, and which provides a correct fit upon one&#39;s head; donning the device  10 ; affixing the first strap  100   a  to the second strap  100   b  by engaging the coupling mechanism  120 ; configuring the desired manual and automatic functions of the device  10  using the knob  172  and pushbutton  174  portions of the control module  170 ; receiving pertinent information from the radio  230  and transmitter  60  concerning weather forecasts and the like; communicating with others, such as emergency personnel, as needed, using the transmitter  50  and receiver  60 ; activating the lamp  200  and siren  240  manually via the knob  172  and pushbutton  174  portions of the control module  170  when the need arises; or, alternatively allowing the accelerometer  65  to automatically activate lamp  200  and siren  240  portions as well as activate the transmitter  60  to communicate data from the GPS system  210  upon sensing an impact; accessing the storage compartment  250  using the latch  270 , to utilize items such as a whistle  245  being tethered upon the recoiling mechanism  280 ; and, benefiting from cranial protection as well as a multi-functional communication means during an emergency, afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.