Patent Publication Number: US-10786029-B2

Title: Helmet lighting system

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all priority applications identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates generally to a helmet lighting system. More specifically, this application discloses a lighting system that can be integrated into a helmet and a lighting system for attachment to an existing helmet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This application discloses an integrated helmet lighting system for providing a helmet with a light source. The system is of simple construction and can be used in a variety of applications including helmets used by law enforcement, the military, the coast guard, firemen, civilian motorcycle riders, bicycle riders and any other individual that would benefit from the use of wearing a helmet that includes a light source. Such benefits include, but are not limited to, enhancing the wearer&#39;s visibility, signaling, and the simple enjoyment of using a light source integrated to a helmet to convey a personal design or message. 
     In particular, this application discloses a helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. 
     This application also discloses a helmet lighting system for attachment to an existing helmet, the system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means; and attachment means for attachment of said lighting system to the exterior surface of said existing helmet. 
     This application further discloses a helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting diodes mounted to said first layer; a circuit board mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting diodes; wires for linking said light emitting diodes to said circuit board; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting diodes, circuit board, and wires; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said circuit board and light emitting diodes; and operating means functionally linked to said circuit board for operating said controller means. 
     This application also discloses a flexible helmet lighting system composed of latex or other similar material that can be fitted over an existing helmet, the system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means; and fitted means for fitting of said flexible lighting system to the exterior surface of said existing helmet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the helmet lighting system disclosed herein incorporated into a helmet; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 1  with the external layer removed to show the internal features; 
         FIG. 3  is cross-section view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the helmet lighting system disclosed herein incorporated into a shell for attachment to an existing helmet; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 4  with the external layer removed to show the internal features; 
         FIG. 6  is cross-section view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the helmets in  FIGS. 1 and 4  shown with a first embodiment of an indirect power supply; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the helmets in  FIGS. 1 and 4  shown with a second embodiment of an indirect power supply; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the helmet lighting system disclosed herein incorporated into a bicycle helmet; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 9  with the external layer removed to show the internal features; 
         FIG. 11  is cross-section view of the helmet shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the helmet in  FIG. 9  shown with a first embodiment of an indirect power supply; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the helmet in  FIG. 9  shown with a second embodiment of an indirect power supply; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a perforated film cover; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the perforated film cover in  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is perspective view of the first and second embodiment of the helmet lighting system of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , shown on the head of a motorcyclist. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 and 4-6 , and shown therein and generally designated by the reference character  10  is the first and second embodiment respectively of the helmet lighting system  10  constructed in accordance with the following description. For simplification of the following description, the various embodiments of the helmet lighting system herein can be generally described as falling into either an all-in-one design or a shell design or a pin and bore assembly. The first embodiment of the helmet lighting system  10  is an example of an all-in-one design and the second embodiment is an example of a shell design for attachment to an existing helmet.  FIGS. 9-11  show an example of the first embodiment (all-in-one) incorporated in a bicycle helmet. The two embodiments are shown incorporated in a motorcycle helmet ( FIGS. 1-6 ) and a bicycle helmet ( FIGS. 9-11 ); however, it should be appreciated that the two embodiments of the helmet lighting system may be incorporated into a variety of helmets, including, but not limited to, a police helmet, a fireman helmet, a coast guard helmet, a military helmet, a snowboard or skiing helmet, a football helmet, a hockey helmet or any other helmet type device used worn on the head. Regardless of the nature of the helmet device  1 , which are well known in the art, and shown for example purposes only, each is generally characterized by having an outer shell  2 , inner padding 3, ventilation inlets  4 , and retaining means such as a chin strap (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of the helmet lighting system  10  is shown wherein the system is integrated into a helmet (all-in-one). The lighting system includes a first layer  11  made of a moldable plastic type material, but may include carbon fiber or similar crash resistant material. Preferably, the first layer may be made of polycarbonate. The first layer includes an outer surface  12  to which a light emitting means is bonded to. Preferably the light emitting means is a light emitting diode (LED)  13  that is of high brightness such as the type manufactured by Nichia America Corporation. The LEDs include a base  14  that allows them to be individually bonded to the outer surface  12  of the first layer. Preferably the LEDs  13  are bonded using a urethane aerospace epoxy. 
     A controller means is mounted to the first layer as well using the above epoxy and is used to control the duration, intensity, and sequence of the LEDs  13 . Preferably the controller means is a an ultra low power circuit board  16  such as a 16.times.684 microcontroller chip which uses high efficiency, low on resistance field effect transistors to drive the LEDs  13 . In such a configuration, the LEDs  13 , even when left on continuously, generate little to no heat. Wiring means are then used for linking the LEDs  13  to the circuit board  16 . Preferably low resistance wires  17  are used, which are well known in the art. 
     A second layer  18  is then fixably attached to the first layer  11  thereby providing an area  19  between the first  11  and second layer  18 . The second layer is also made from a moldable crash resistant plastic material, but is preferably made of a transparent material such as polycarbonate so that the LEDs  13  are visible when activated by the circuit board  16 . Preferably the second layer  18  is bonded to the first layer about its edges  20  using an epoxy or any other similar means so as to create a waterproof seal. A power source  21  is then fixedly attached to the second layer  18  for powering the circuit board  16  and the LEDs  13  again using a suitable epoxy that provides a waterproof seal. The powering means may be of two general types. The first type is a direct powering means such a battery compartment  22  which can house standard batteries, or preferably, a lightweight, high power 2.6 amp 14.8 volt Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack  23 . Alternatively, the helmet lighting system may employ a second type of powering means, an indirect powering means, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , whereby a battery pack  23   a , linked by an adapter  25  to the battery compartment  22 , is mounted to a belt  24  ( FIG. 7 ) or the battery pack  23   b  is alone ( FIG. 8 ) and linked to the battery compartment  22  by an adapter  25  and thereby capable of being mounted to the particular device the rider is utilizing. In these examples, the weight of the helmet is lessened by taking advantage of the indirect power source. Additionally, power for the helmet lighting system, in the case of a motorized vehicle, can be supplied by the motor vehicles existing battery or an additional dedicated battery mounted thereto. For example in  FIG. 16 , the lighting system  10  may also be charged though an adapter  25  which can be plugged into the utility belt  24  of the user. Once plugged in, the direct battery pack  23  can be charged or the lighting system  10  in the helmet can be run by the power from the utility belt  24  with the mounted battery pack  23   a . The direct mounted battery pack battery pack  23  may also be charged through a spring loaded extension  26  located under the seat of the motorcycle. This apparatus will be connected to an adapter  30  on the motorcycle&#39;s battery  27 . The battery pack  23  from the helmet can then be connected to the spring loaded extension  26  through the utility belt  24  of the user. When the battery pack  23  is connected in this manner it can be charged through the motorcycle&#39;s battery  27  or other dedicated battery and have an unlimited source of power while connected to the motorcycle. 
     Operating means are then functionally linked to the circuit board  16  for its operation. Preferably the operating means include buttons  31  that can be mounted to the second layer  18 . The buttons  31  can be programmed to elicit different flashing programs contained within the circuit board  16 . Alternatively, the operating means may include wireless activation as is common in the art through the use of a remote control (not shown). Further, the operating means may be employed by linking the circuit board  16  to the device that is being ridden by use of a common adapter such that the signaling mechanisms of the device (stop, left turn, right turn, etc.) are directly transmitted to the circuit board  16  and the appropriate signal is displayed to the LEDs  13  contained in the helmet lighting system  10 . 
     Once the lighting system is fully assembled, the transparent second layer  18  can be painted. Areas  32  above the LEDs  13  are protected with a masking type device so that once the second layer is painted, the masking is removed and the LEDs  13  are able to shine through the unpainted transparent areas  32 . Alternatively, the second layer  18  may be painted in advance with the proper window pattern for a given application and then simply assembled as described above. Likewise, a perforated film cover  33  can be placed over the second layer  18  with an adhesive such that window portions  34  are positioned over the location of the LEDs  13  mounted underneath. See  FIG. 14 . Given the LEDs  13  used, and the overall structure of the assembled lighting system  10  described above, the daylight visibility is at least 150 feet and night time visibility is at least one mile. If further visibility is desired, the windows portions  34  of the perforated film cover  33  may be filled with a magnifying plastic material  35  that will act to increase the LEDs&#39; visibility. See  FIG. 15 . 
     The helmet lighting system  10  may also include at least one light emitting means mounted on the exterior surface of the second layer. Preferably this light emitting means is at least one LED housed within a pivoting retainer  36  so that the user can direct light in a variety of directions. It is preferred to have at least one pivoting LED retainer  36  on each side of the helmet and the range of motion of the retainer  36  is approximately 45 degrees. The pivoting light retainer  36  is functionally linked to the controller means, power means, and operating means as described above for the first layer  11  mounted LEDs  13 . 
     In addition to the above features related to the helmet lighting system  10 , the helmet may also feature a musical chip such as an mp3 player (not shown) that is capable of storing and playing music while the lighting system is functioning. The chips can play previously stored songs or additional songs that can be downloaded onto the chips. Music can be heard either through a speaker or a headphone jack. Such a musical chip is well known in the art. Further, the helmet lighting system  10  may include a motion sensor, such that when the helmet is left unattended and the sensor is activated, an alarm will sound if the helmet is moved in any way. The helmet may also include ventilation inlets  4  that allow air to flow to the user&#39;s head. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-13 , the first embodiment of the helmet lighting system  10 , as described fully above, is shown integrated into a lightweight helmet (all-in-one), such as for a bicycle rider. As seen in the figures, the overall structure is the same, and only the shapes of the items have changed to accommodate the lightweight helmet design. As also seen in the figures, all of the features listed above for the previous helmet design are present in the lightweight helmet shown here. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-8 , a second embodiment of the helmet lighting system  10  is shown. The second embodiment is an example of a shell design for attachment to an existing helmet  1  that includes an outer shell  2 , inner padding 3, ventilation inlets  4 , and retaining means such as a chin strap (not shown). As seen in the associated figures, in this embodiment the shell is comprised of the same features as described above for the all-in-one design, with the only difference being that first layer  11  is mountable to the outer shell  2  of the existing helmet  1  by use of attachment means, thereby allowing existing helmets to be converted to a helmet with a light source. To aid in the attachment of the first layer  11  to the outer shell  2  of the existing helmet  1 , it is preferred to vacuum form the desired plastic like material, such as polycarbonate to the outer shell  2  to ensure that a proper fit is obtained. Once the proper shape of the first layer  11  is obtained, the lighting system  10  is built up the same way as described above, thereby resulting in a shell that can be now attached to an existing helmet  1  and secured with the appropriate attachment means. Potential attachment means include, sonic welding, adhesive, screws and any other means of binding two like material together. Preferably the shell is attached by utilizing the existing helmets hardware such as rivets that are used to secure the chin strap to the helmet  1 . The rivets are removed from the bores  5  located on each side of the helmet  1 , the shell is placed on the outer shell  2 , and the rivets are reinserted into the bores  5  to secure the shell upon the helmet  1 . Further, the shell is preferably formed such that it incorporates the same ventilation inlets  4  as found in the existing helmet so to not impede air flow to the user. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is a flexible helmet lighting system composed of latex or other similar material fitting over an existing helmet  1  that includes an outer shell  2 , inner padding 3, ventilation inlets  4 , and retaining means such as a chin strap (not shown). In this embodiment the flexible helmet lighting system is comprised of the same features as described above for the shell design, with the only difference being that first layer  11  is mountable to the outer shell  2  of the existing helmet  1  by use of fitting means, thereby allowing existing helmets to be converted to a helmet with a light source. To aid in the fitting of the first layer  11  to the outer shell  2  of the existing helmet  1 , it is preferred compose the system of flexible material, such as latex or rubber to ensure that a proper fit is obtained and to also allow the flexible helmet lighting system to be inflatable and float. A strap or cord which can be pulled is included to tighten around the base to also ensure that a proper fit is obtained. Once the proper shape of the first layer  11  is obtained, the lighting system  10  is built up the same way as described above, thereby resulting in a flexible system that can be now fitted onto an existing helmet  1  and secured with the appropriate attachment means. Potential attachment means include, another strap or cord and a Velcro attachment. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is contemplated that the light emitting means may further include a light bar, light strip or any other light emitting means. It is further contemplated that, regardless of the light emitting means used, they can be arranged in an infinite amount of ways, utilize an infinite amount of colors, and fire in an infinite amount of patterns and would still fall within the scope of the broadest interpretation of this disclosure.