Patent ID: 12252202

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described systems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The components described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or a similar function as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, shown is a person10on a bicycle15. The bicycle may either be mechanical or electric. The person10on the bicycle15is wearing a helmet20.

The bicycle15is adapted to have contained therein or thereon a helmet detection unit25. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25is formed as part of the bicycle15itself. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25is separate from the bicycle15and is removably secured to the bicycle15. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25is integrally formed with the bicycle15.

In operation, a user places the helmet20on his or her head and the helmet detection unit25is able to ascertain that the helmet20is located on the person10. When a person10is on the bicycle15and is not wearing a helmet20, an alarm unit17is activated that is able to emit sounds that will alert a person10that they are not wearing the helmet20. InFIG.1, the alarm unit17is shown as being separate from the helmet detection unit25, however in an embodiment the alarm unit17and the helmet detection unit25are housed in the same housing. In an embodiment, the alarm unit17emits a visual indication that the helmet is not worn. In an embodiment, the alarm unit17emits a tactile indication (i.e., vibrational alert or other alert that is able to be sensed by the body) that the helmet is not worn.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25is located in the seat of the bicycle15. The person10who is using the bicycle15can sit on the bicycle25and establish the initial weight of the person10with the helmet20being worn. In an embodiment, the person can establish two weights, one with the person10wearing the helmet20and one without the person10wearing the helmet20. In an embodiment, profiles for different people can be stored by the bicycle15.

The helmet detection unit25may further have different time delays built into it for the activation of the alarm so that the helmet detection unit25may not trigger the alarm unit17during periods of time when a person10may be standing when using the bicycle15(such as when climbing a hill).

The helmet detection unit25may use other sensing mechanisms to determine if a helmet20is located proximate to the bicycle15. These additional detection mechanisms may function in cooperation with the helmet detection unit25to further verify that a helmet20is present, or in some instances function in lieu of the helmet detection unit25(or can be another functional part of the helmet detection unit25). In an embodiment, the alarm unit17may activate when the helmet detection unit25is triggered. In an embodiment, the alarm unit17may only activate when the helmet detection unit25and the secondary sensing mechanism indicates that a helmet20is not present. In an embodiment, the alarm unit17may be triggered if any of the sensing mechanisms indicate that the helmet20is not present.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25has a secondary sensing mechanism that is a capacitive based sensor that is able to determine if the helmet20is located proximate to a person10. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25has a secondary sensing mechanism that uses an inertial sensor that is able to correlate specific types of movement to the wearing of a helmet20. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25has a secondary sensing mechanism that is an RFID enabled system that is activated when the helmet20is present. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit25uses a combination of inertial sensors and capacitive sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit uses optical sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit25uses audio sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit25uses one or more of the aforementioned sensors. In an embodiment, any of the aforementioned systems are used to indicate when the helmet is present either separately or in combination.

Upon determination that a helmet20is not being worn by a person the helmet detection unit25will transmit a signal to the alarm unit17. The alarm unit17is adapted to trigger an alarm when it receives an activation signal from the helmet detection unit25. The alarm can sound until the helmet20is detected. In an embodiment, the alarm can be transmitted directly to a person's headphones.

Referring toFIG.2, shown is a person210on a moped215. The person210on the moped215is wearing a helmet220.

The moped215is adapted to have contained therein or thereon a helmet detection unit225. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225is formed as part of the moped215itself. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225is separate from the moped215and is removably secured to the moped215. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225is integrally formed with the moped215.

In operation, a user places the helmet220on his or her head and the helmet detection unit225is able to ascertain that the helmet220is located on the person210. When a person210is on the moped215and is not wearing a helmet220, an alarm unit217is activated that is able to emit sounds that will alert a person210that they are not wearing the helmet220. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217is adapted to disable the engine of the moped215upon detection of a person210who is not wearing a helmet220. InFIG.2, the alarm unit217is shown as being separate from the helmet detection unit225, however in an embodiment the alarm unit217and the helmet detection unit225are housed in the same housing. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217emits a visual indication that the helmet is not worn. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217emits a tactile indication (i.e., vibrational alert or other alert that is able to be sensed by the body) that the helmet is not worn.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225is located in the seat of the moped215. The person210who is using the moped215can sit on the moped215and establish the initial weight of the person210with the helmet220being worn. In an embodiment, the person can establish two weights, one with the person210wearing the helmet220and one without the person210wearing the helmet220. In an embodiment, profiles for different people can be stored on the moped215.

The helmet detection unit225may use other sensing mechanisms to determine if a helmet220is located proximate to the moped215. These additional detection mechanisms may function in cooperation with the helmet detection unit225in order to further verify that a helmet220is present, or in some instances function in lieu of the helmet detection unit225(or is another functional part of the helmet detection unit225). In an embodiment, the alarm unit217may activate when the helmet detection unit225is triggered. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217may only activate when the helmet detection unit225and the secondary sensing mechanism indicates that a helmet220is not present. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217may be triggered if any of the sensing mechanisms indicate that helmet220is not present.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225has a secondary sensing mechanism that is a capacitive based sensor that is able to determine if the helmet220is located proximate to a person210. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225has a secondary sensing mechanism that uses an inertial sensor that is able to correlate specific types of movement to the wearing of a helmet220. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225has a secondary sensing mechanism that is an RFID enabled system that is activated when the helmet220is present. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit225uses a combination of inertial sensors and capacitive sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit225uses optical sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit225uses audio sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit225uses one or more of the aforementioned sensors. In an embodiment, any of the aforementioned systems are used to indicate when the helmet is present either separately or in combination.

Upon determination that a helmet220is not being worn by a person210, the helmet detection unit225will transmit a signal to the alarm unit217. The alarm unit217is adapted to trigger an alarm when it receives an activation signal from the helmet detection unit225. The alarm can sound until the helmet is placed back on the person210. In an embodiment, the alarm unit217(or the helmet detection unit225) can transmit a signal that disables the moped215.

Referring toFIG.3, shown are persons310and311on a motorcycle315. The persons310and311on the motorcycles315are wearing helmets320.

The motorcycle315is adapted to have contained therein or thereon a helmet detection unit325. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325is formed as part of the motorcycle315itself. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325is separate from the motorcycle315and is removably secured to the motorcycle315. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325is integrally formed with the motorcycle315.

In operation, a user places the helmet320on his or her head and the helmet detection unit325is able to ascertain that the helmet320is located on the person310. When a person310or311is on the motorcycle315and is not wearing a helmet320, an alarm unit317is activated that is able to emit sounds that will alert a person310that they are not wearing the helmet320. InFIG.3, the alarm unit317is shown as being separate from the helmet detection unit325, however in an embodiment the alarm unit317and the helmet detection unit325are housed in the same housing. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317emits a visual indication that the helmet is not worn. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317emits a tactile indication (i.e., vibrational alert or other alert that is able to be sensed by the body) that the helmet is not worn.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325is located in the seat of the motorcycle315. The person310or311who is using the motorcycle315can sit on the motorcycle315and establish the initial weight of the person310and/or311with the helmet320being worn. In an embodiment, the person can establish more than one weight, one with the person310wearing the helmet320, one without the person310wearing the helmet320, one with the person311wearing a helmet320, one without the person311wearing the helmet320. Furthermore, variations of the weights can be stored. Additionally, variations of the people wearing and not wearing the helmets320can be stored. In an embodiment, profiles for different people can be stored by the motorcycle315.

The helmet detection unit325may further have different time delays built into it for the activation of the alarm so that the helmet detection unit325may not trigger the alarm unit317during periods of time when a person310may be standing when using the motorcycle315.

The helmet detection unit325may use other sensing mechanisms to determine if a helmet320is located proximate to the motorcycle315. These additional detection mechanisms may function in cooperation with the helmet detection unit325in order to further verify that a helmet320is present, or in some instances function in lieu of the helmet detection unit325(or is another functional part of the helmet detection unit325). In an embodiment, the alarm unit317may activate when the helmet detection unit325is triggered. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317may only activate when the helmet detection unit325and the secondary sensing mechanism indicates that a helmet320is not present. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317may be triggered if any of the sensing mechanisms indicate that helmet320is not present. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317(or the helmet detection unit325) can transmit a signal that disables the moped315.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325has a secondary sensing mechanism that is a capacitive based sensor that is able to determine if the helmet320is located proximate to a person310. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325has a secondary sensing mechanism that uses an inertial sensor that is able to correlate specific types of movement to the wearing of a helmet320. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325has a second sensing mechanism is an RFID enabled system that is activated when the helmet320is present. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit325uses a combination of inertial sensors and capacitive sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit325uses optical sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit325uses audio sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit325uses one or more of the aforementioned sensors. In an embodiment, any of the aforementioned systems are used to indicate when the helmet is present either separately or in combination.

Upon determination that a helmet320is not being worn by a person310or by the person311, when more than one person is detected, the helmet detection unit325will transmit a signal to the alarm unit317. The alarm unit317is adapted to trigger an alarm when it receives an activation signal from the helmet detection unit325. The alarm can sound until the helmet is placed back on the person330. In an embodiment, the alarm unit317(or the helmet detection unit325) can transmit a signal that disables the moped315.

Referring toFIG.4, shown is a person410on a scooter415. The person410on the scooter415is wearing a helmet420.

The scooter415is adapted to have contained therein or thereon a helmet detection unit425. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425is formed as part of the scooter415itself. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425is separate from the scooter415and is removably secured to the scooter415. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425is integrally formed with the scooter415.

In operation, a user places the helmet420on his or her head and the helmet detection unit425is able to ascertain that the helmet420is located on the person410. When a person410is on the scooter415and is not wearing a helmet420, an alarm unit417is activated that is able emit sounds that will alert a person410that they are not wearing the helmet420. InFIG.4, the alarm unit417is shown as being separate from the helmet detection unit425, however in an embodiment the alarm unit417and the helmet detection unit425are housed in the same housing. In an embodiment, the alarm unit417emits a visual indication that the helmet is not worn. In an embodiment, the alarm unit417emits a tactile indication (i.e., vibrational alert or other alert that is able to be sensed by the body) that the helmet is not worn.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425is located in the standing area of the scooter415. The person410who is using the scooter415can stand on the scooter415and establish the initial weight of the person410with the helmet420being worn. In an embodiment, the person can establish two weights, one with the person410wearing the helmet420and one without the person410wearing the helmet420. In an embodiment, profiles for different people can have profiles stored for the scooter415.

The helmet detection unit425may use other sensing mechanisms to determine if a helmet420is located proximate to the scooter415. These additional detection mechanisms may function in cooperation with the helmet detection unit425to further verify that a helmet420is present, or in some instances function in lieu of the helmet detection unit425(or is another functional part of the helmet detection unit425). In an embodiment, the alarm unit417may activate when the helmet detection unit425is triggered. In an embodiment, the alarm unit417may only activate when the helmet detection unit425and the secondary sensing mechanism indicates that a helmet420is not present. In an embodiment, the alarm unit417may be triggered if any of the sensing mechanisms indicate that helmet420is not present.

In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425has a secondary sensing mechanism that is a capacitive based sensor that is able to determine if the helmet420is located proximate to a person410. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425has a secondary sensing mechanism that uses an inertial sensor that is able to correlate specific types of movement to the wearing of a helmet420. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425has a secondary sensing mechanism that is an RFID enabled system that is activated when the helmet420is present. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit425uses a combination of inertial sensors and capacitive sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit425uses optical sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit425uses audio sensors. In an embodiment, the secondary sensing mechanism for the helmet detection unit425uses one or more of the aforementioned sensors. In an embodiment, any of the aforementioned systems are used to indicate when the helmet420is present either separately or in combination.

Upon determination that a helmet420is not being worn by a person410, the helmet detection unit425will transmit a signal to the alarm unit417. The alarm unit417is adapted to trigger an alarm when it receives an activation signal from the helmet detection unit425. The alarm can sound until the helmet is placed back on the person410. In instances where the scooter415is powered, activation of the helmet detection unit425can also trigger deactivation of the motor.

Shown inFIGS.5-7are different embodiments of helmet detection units.

FIG.5shows a helmet detection unit525that is wedge shaped. The wedge-shaped helmet detection unit525is adapted to be attached to vehicles in such a manner that it has profile that is not too visible when placed on a vehicle. The wedge-shaped helmet detection unit525may have an alarm unit located within the helmet detection unit525. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit525may have visual alarms, such as strobing lights, to attract the attention of people who may be deaf or otherwise auditorily impaired. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit525is operably connected to a helmet and interacts with a vehicle to inhibit using the vehicle without a helmet.

FIG.6shows a helmet detection unit625that is cube shaped. The cube-shaped helmet detection unit625is adapted to be attached to vehicles in such a manner that it can be placed on a vehicle in an easy manner. The cube-shaped helmet detection unit625may have an alarm unit located within the helmet detection unit625. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit625may have visual alarms, such as strobing lights, to attract the attention of people who may be deaf or otherwise auditorily impaired. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit625is operably connected to a helmet and interacts with a vehicle to inhibit using the vehicle without a helmet.

FIG.7shows a helmet detection unit725that is cylindrical shaped. The cylindrical-shaped helmet detection unit725is adapted to be attached to vehicles in such a manner that it can be placed on a vehicle in an easy manner. The cylindrical-shaped helmet detection unit725may have an alarm unit located within the helmet detection unit725. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit725may have visual alarms, such as strobing lights, to attract the attention of people who may be deaf or otherwise auditorily impaired. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit725is operably connected to a helmet and interacts with a vehicle to inhibit using the vehicle without a helmet.

FIG.8shows a helmet820that has a helmet detection unit825operably connected to a portion of the helmet820. In the embodiment shown inFIG.8the helmet detection unit825is operably connected to the back of the helmet820. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit825may be attached to any helmet. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit is integrated into the helmet itself.

The helmet820additionally has operably located therein a lever831and a switch832. When the helmet820is placed on the head of a user the lever831is moved and the switch832is activated. When the switch832is activated, a signal is sent to the helmet detection unit825. The helmet detection unit825is then able to transmit a signal to a vehicle to enable it to operate. In an embodiment, the helmet detection unit825transmits a signal to the vehicle that disables an alarm or other notification system.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.