Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This bypass continuation application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 of International Application PCT/US2016/032860 filed on May 17, 2016 which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of A. Ser. No. 62/168,250 filed on May 29, 2015 and A. Ser. No. 62/318,851 filed on Apr. 6, 2016 and all of which are entitled AUTOMATED HELMET AIR BLADDER MAINTENANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD, and all of whose entire disclosures are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to protective headgear of the type used in athletic events by participants and more particularly to protective adjustable headgear used in football. 
     Football is an aggressive contact sport and the need to protect football players from all kinds of injuries, especially head injuries, such as concussions, is paramount. In order to provide the optimum protection against head injuries, the helmet of a football player needs to fit each player properly. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , conventional football helmets  1  (such as those sold by Riddell, Schutt, etc.,) comprise gas pads or gas bladders (a plurality  2  of which are shown most clearly in  FIG. 1B ) inside the helmet  1  that can be inflated via respective valves  3  by coupling a hose  4  via an inflation needle  5  ( FIG. 1C ) to the valves  3 . These valves  3  are similar to the valves used in footballs that receive an inflation needle therein in order to inflate the football. As is also well-known, the proximal end of these inflation needles comprises a threaded portion for connection to a mating threaded fitting on the hose end. 
     Although there are a number of air bladder combinations that can be used (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,801 (Alexander, et al.), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and which discloses a football helmet having air pads or air bladders therein), a typical plurality of football air bladders comprises a front air bladder, a crown air bladder, an orbital air bladder, back/side air bladders, a left jaw air bladder and a right jaw air bladder. When these properly-inflated air bladders are used in combination with the helmet&#39;s chin strap, these components ensure that a snug fit around the player&#39;s head is achieved when the helmet is worn during play. For example, a player&#39;s helmet size could be a medium, large, extra-large, etc. By way of example only, for helmet manufacturer Riddell, a head circumference in “Varsity,” ranging from adolescents to young adults, bases its sizes of up to ⅜″ as a small, between 20⅜″ and 22″ as a medium, between 22″ and 23½″ as a large and 23½″ and larger considered extra-large with custom larger helmets also being available. For youth football, there are smaller dimensions that the helmet sizes are based off of. 
     However, these air bladders  2  are usually inflated when they are first distributed to the football player and it is then up to the player to decide whether to ever refill or even check the fill state of each bladder. Furthermore, when the helmet is first fitted to the player, it is simply done by “feel” of the player, i.e., once the helmet “feels comfortable” no more air is pumped into the various air bladders. 
     Such a scenario is potentially dangerous to the player because it is well-known that a player&#39;s helmet loses air after every play, series, quarter, game, practice, etc., not to also mention that other variables such as time, weather and altitude can also affect the fill level of each air bladder. Therefore, leaving it up to the football player to periodically check the “feel” of the helmet fit is not a reliable and safe way to ensure that player&#39;s helmet is always providing the optimum protection to the player. 
     It should be noted that the bladders are typically filled with air, although other kinds of gases can be used. As such, use of the word “air” or the phrase “air bladder” throughout this Specification is not meant to limit these bladders to only air but it is implied that any conventional and safe gas that can replace the use of “air” within the bladder is covered by the present invention. 
     Thus, there remains a need for a system and method that easily and frequently checks the air bladder levels in the player&#39;s helmet and automatically fills each air bladder to a specified pressure that provides the optimum protection of the helmet for each player. 
     All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for establishing and maintaining gas (e.g., air, etc.) pressure levels within a plurality of gas bladders of a sports helmet (e.g., a football helmet, etc.) is disclosed. The system comprises: an electronically-controlled pneumatic pump including a gas pressure sensor. The pump further comprises coupling means (e.g., an inflation needle, a hose and an inflation needle, etc.) for connecting to valves of the plurality of gas bladders; and a wireless device (smartphone, computer tablets, etc.) that communicates with the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump, the wireless device further comprises a display for permitting an operator to control the operation of the pump via the wireless device to measure the gas pressure of each bladder and to alter the gas pressure level within each bladder to restore the gas pressure level to a respective predetermined preferred level. 
     A method for establishing and maintaining air pressure levels within a plurality of gas bladders of a sports helmet (e.g., a football helmet, etc.), wherein each bladder has a respective valve, is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing an electronically-controlled pneumatic pump including a gas pressure sensor and further including coupling means (e.g., an inflation needle, a hose and an inflation needle, etc.) for connecting to valves of the plurality of gas bladders; (b) positioning a wireless device, having a display, in close proximity to the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump to establish communication between the pump and the wireless device; (c) activating a user interface on the wireless device for identifying the sports helmet whose gas bladders are to be monitored or filled and to associate the selected helmet with a respective player; (d) coupling the coupling means to a particular one of the plurality of valves instructed by the user interface; (e) operating the pump, via the user interface, to establish a preferred gas pressure level within the one of the plurality of gas bladders; (f) storing the preferred gas pressure level of the one of the plurality of bladders within the wireless device by associating the preferred gas pressure level with the particular bladder, player and helmet along with the date and time of the operating of the pump. 
     A system for establishing and maintaining gas pressure levels within a plurality of gas bladders of a sports helmet (e.g., a football helmet, etc.) is disclosed. The system comprises an electronically-controlled pneumatic pump including a wireless communication interface and a gas pressure sensor, wherein the pump further comprises coupling means (e.g., an inflation needle, a hose and an inflation needle, etc.) for connecting to valves of the plurality of gas bladders, the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump further comprising a display for permitting an operator to control the operation of the pump via the display to measure the gas pressure of each bladder, establish a respective preferred gas pressure level within each bladder and to periodically restore gas pressure in each bladder to its preferred gas pressure level, wherein the pump stores the respective preferred gas pressure levels for the helmet. 
     A method for establishing and maintaining air pressure levels within a plurality of gas bladders of a sports helmet, wherein each bladder having a respective valve, is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) providing an electronically-controlled pneumatic pump having a display and including a wireless communication interface and a gas pressure sensor and further including coupling means (e.g., an inflation needle, a hose and an inflation needle, etc.) for connecting to valves of the plurality of gas bladders; (b) activating a user interface of the pump for identifying the sports helmet whose gas bladders are to be monitored or filled and to associate the selected helmet with a respective player; (c) coupling the coupling means to a particular one of the plurality of valves instructed by the user interface; (d) operating the pump, via the user interface, to establish a preferred gas pressure level within the one of the plurality of gas bladders; (e) storing the preferred gas pressure level of the one of the plurality of bladders within the wireless device by associating the preferred gas pressure level with the particular bladder, player and helmet along with the date and time of the operating the pump. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of an exemplary prior art football helmet; 
         FIG. 1B  is an internal view of the football helmet of  FIG. 1A  showing a plurality of air pads or air bladders therein; 
         FIG. 1C  is a partial view of another exemplary prior art football helmet showing an air hose coupled to one of the valves of the air bladders in the football helmet; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded plan view of the present invention showing the helmet pump and cradle for receiving a wireless device therein; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  depict alternative orientations for use of the present invention in either the left or right hand of the operator; 
         FIG. 2C  shows the keypad of the pump as well as the corresponding display providing indicia for the keypad when the present invention is used in a right-handed orientation or a left-handed orientation; 
         FIG. 2D  is an isometric view of the reverse side of the present invention without the wireless device installed; 
         FIG. 2E  is an isometric view of the front side of the present invention of  FIG. 2D , depicting how the cradle can be adjusted to accommodate differently-sized wireless devices therein; 
         FIG. 2F  is a plan view a computer tablet, by way of example only, installed in the cradle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2G  is an isometric view showing the present invention being coupled to one bladder valve of a helmet to inflate the bladder appropriately while also depicting a remote database to which the wireless device may communicate helmet bladder data; 
         FIG. 2H  is a block diagram of the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump of the present invention, with the heavy lines indicating pneumatic connections and the thinner lines indicating electrical connections; 
         FIG. 3  is a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump forms a wired connection with the wireless device; 
         FIG. 3A  is a block diagram of the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump of the second embodiment of the present invention, with the heavy lines indicating pneumatic connections and the thinner lines indicating electrical connections; 
         FIG. 4A  is functional diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention that uses no hose and instead involves an inflation needle that protrudes from the electronically-controlled pneumatic pump; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts an inflation needle guard positioned over the inflation needle of the third embodiment when the pump is not in use; 
         FIG. 4C  depicts the inflation needle guard displaced away from the inflation needle of the third embodiment when the pump is ready to be coupled to the helmet valve via the inflation needle; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  depict the front and back sides, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of the present invention where no separate wireless device is used with the pump, but rather, the pump is integrated with a screen display and wireless communication; 
         FIG. 5C  is a block diagram of the integrated electronically-controlled pneumatic pump of  FIGS. 5A-5B , with the heavy lines indicating pneumatic connections and the thinner lines indicating electrical connections; 
         FIG. 6  sets forth the modules of the administrative mode and the functional mode of the software application that forms the user interface of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  depict some exemplary screen displays of the team setup module; 
         FIG. 6C  depicts an exemplary screen display of a helmet manufacturer&#39;s helmet lines from which the operator can select; 
         FIGS. 6D-6E  depict exemplary screen displays of helmet selection and gas bladder configuration for that selected helmet; 
         FIGS. 7-7L  depict a series of exemplary screen displays used in the fit helmet module for configuring the preferred bladder fill level for each bladder in a particular player&#39;s helmet; 
         FIGS. 7M-7P  depict a series of exemplary screen displays used in the adjust helmet module that permits an operator to adjust a particular one or more bladder fill levels after using the fit helmet module sequence; 
         FIGS. 7Q-7T  depict a series of exemplary screen displays used in the measure off-head module that permits an operator to quickly determine the fill levels of each player&#39;s helmet without making the player wear the helmet; 
         FIGS. 7U-7Z  depict exemplary screen displays used in the inflate helmet module that permit the operator to re-fill each player&#39;s helmet either with the player wearing the helmet (“inflate on-player”) or with the player not-wearing the helmet (“inflate off-player”); and 
         FIG. 8  depicts a pressure sensor configuration within the helmet itself for periodically reporting instantaneous pressure levels within each air bladder. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. Throughout this description, various components may be identified having specific values, these values are provided as exemplary embodiments and should not be limiting of various concepts of the present invention as many comparable sizes and/or values may be implemented. 
     Application Ser. No. 62/168,250 filed May 29, 2015 entitled “Automated Helmet Air Bladder Maintenance System and Method” is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Application Ser. No. 62/318,851 filed Apr. 6, 2016 also entitled “Automated Helmet Air Bladder Maintenance System and Method” is also incorporated by reference in its entirety. It should be further understood that the present invention is preferably directed to gas bladders used in football helmets. However, it is within the broadest scope of the invention to include any helmet that utilizes gas bladders to fit properly on a wearer&#39;s head. 
       FIG. 2  shows the key components of the first embodiment system  120  of the present invention. In particular, the system  120  comprises a hand-held electrical pump  122  having wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, Induction Wireless, etc.) capability for communication  123  (see  FIG. 2H ) with a conventional wireless device  124  (e.g., a smartphone, a computer tablet, etc.) that is physically received within an adjustable wireless device cradle  122 B. The wireless device  124  comprises a software application (as will be discussed in detail later) that permits the operator to interface with the pump  122  to effect helmet air bladder inflation and maintenance. The wireless device  124  comprises a touch screen display  124 A that may include a variety of virtual buttons, keys and other icons that suffice for user input/output. It should be noted that it is within the broadest scope of the present invention that the wireless device  124  may also comprise a “hard” keypad as alternative, or in addition to, the touch screen display  124 A. The important feature is the ability to provide user input/output at the wireless device  124 . 
     The pump  122  comprises a housing  122 A (e.g., an injection-molded pump enclosure) that contains the pump hardware and electronics (see  FIG. 2H ). A keypad  122 C is included on the housing  122 A that is used by the operator, in conjunction with the wireless device  124 , to control the pump  122 , as will also be discussed later. A pump hose  122 D and related inflation needle  122 E for inserting into the gas bladder valve  3  is pneumatically interfaced with the pump hardware. The pump hose  122 D can be stowed on the back side of the cradle  122 B for compactness (see  FIG. 2D ). Indicators (generally shown by reference number  122 F) provide the operator with general purpose status (e.g., Bluetooth paring, pumping, key presses, battery status, etc.; these may comprise 1-2×LED indicators (RGB color)). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the present invention  120  utilizes the accelerometer function of the wireless device  124  to determine the labels to be associated with the keys K 1 -K 4  on the keypad  122 C. In particular,  FIG. 2A  depicts a “right-handed use” whereby the operator holds the pump  122  in his/her left hand and operates the keypad  122 C using his/her right hand; conversely,  FIG. 2B  depicts a “left-handed use” whereby the operator holds the pump  122  in his/her right hand and operates the keypad  122 C using his/her left hand. As shown most clearly in  FIG. 2C , the keypad  122 C itself has no labels; instead the labels appear in the corresponding display keypad  122 C′ on the wireless device touch screen  124 A. The keys K 1 -K 4  are hard-wired to a microcontroller  130  (see  FIG. 2H , discussed later). The microcontroller  130  also receives a variable from the wireless device  124  indicative of the orientation of the wireless device display  124 A. As such, depending on which key (K 1 -K 4 ) is activated by the user and depending on the orientation of the display  124 A, the microcontroller  130  is able to assign the function to be achieved by the depression of the particular key. As such, if the pump  122 A and wireless device  124  are held in the orientation for right-handed use, depression of any key, K 1 -K 4 , will cause the microcontroller  130  to implement the function indicated in the display  124 A. If, on the other hand, the pump  122 A/wireless device  124  assembly are inverted as shown by the left-handed use orientation in  FIG. 2C , the microcontroller  130  will implement the functions assigned to keys K 1 -K 4  shown in the display  124 A. As such, the upper key, whether its key K 1  in the right-handed orientation, or key K 2  in the left-handed orientation, the “upper-oriented” key will always implement an “up” or “inflate” function. The other keys K 3 -K 4  operate similarly. Thus, no matter how the wireless device  124  is mounted within the cradle  122 B, the keys of the keypad  122 C always have the functions indicated, as shown in  FIG. 2C . The keypad  122 C (e.g., 4× tactile user interface buttons, momentary-on) is centered and symmetric such that the pump  122  can be held by the left or right hand. 
       FIGS. 2D-2E  show the reverse side and front sides, respectively, of the present invention  120  without the wireless device  124  coupled thereto. In particular, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 2E , the cradle  122 B comprises a platform section  122 H that couples to the pump housing  122 A. The platform  122 H comprises a raceway  1221  in which a displacement element  122 J slides in order to permit the cradle  122 B to accommodate differently-sized wireless devices  124 . A pair of springs  122 L/ 122 M are secured within the raceway  1221  at their looped ends over platform hooks  122 Q/ 122 R and hooks  122 S/ 122 T on the displaceable element  122 J (see  FIG. 2D ). To open the cradle  122 B, or to release the wireless device  124  therefrom, the operator displaces the element  122 J in the direction of the arrow  122 K in opposition to the springs&#39;  122 L/ 122 M bias; the spring-bias (e.g., 5 lbs. of spring force) then captures the right side of the wireless device  124  to hold the device securely in the cradle  122 B.  FIG. 2D  shows the reverse side of the pump housing  122 A and the cradle  122 B. As can be seen, the reverse side of the cradle  122 B also comprises air hose hooks  122 G that permit the gas hose  122 D to be wrapped therearound and, as such, stowed against the reverse side of the cradle  122 B; a compartment  122 P stores the inflation needle  122 E therein. A spare inflation needle  122 N is also stored in a portion on the back of the platform  122 H, as shown in  FIG. 2D . 
       FIG. 2F  shows an alternative wireless device  124 , i.e., a computer tablet, releasably secured within the cradle  122 B, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the present invention  120  in that it is adjustable for a variety of wireless device sizes. Moreover, the wireless device cradle  122 B comprises a modular subassembly that permits air hoses of different types to used and stowed against the reverse side of the cradle  122 B but to also stow additional items, e.g., needle lubrication containers (not shown). 
       FIG. 2G  shows the present invention  120  coupled to an example gas bladder valve  3  on a conventional football helmet and the operator using the invention  120  accordingly. It should be understood that the operator would connect consecutively to each air bladder valve  3  on the helmet  1  until all the bladders are filled properly. In addition, the present invention  120  may further comprise a remote database  1000  (e.g., iCloud, etc.) for storing and retrieving particular helmet gas bladder data for different players. For example, gas bladder data for every player may be remotely stored whereby the operator&#39;s wireless device  124  communicates  1002  with the remote database  1000  via the wireless link  1000 B coupled to the database  1000 A. The database  1000 A not only stores/retrieves air bladder-related data but a variety of analytics can be performed on the air bladder data for not only optimizing the readiness of each player&#39;s helmet, but trends in player head injury, reduction in player head injuries, etc. All of this can then be transmitted back to the operator for display on his/her wireless device  124 . By way of example only, each team may have an account and each player on the team have a sub-account with respective user logins/passwords, and various hierarchies, where the coaches may have administrative authority to enter each player&#39;s account. Thus, all of the bladder preferred levels, as well as all associated data, can be stored in respective player accounts or sub-accounts. 
     It should be further noted that, as will be discussed later, all of the data related to the team, players, the gas bladder preferred fill levels for each player&#39;s helmet, etc. can be stored in the software application of the wireless device  124 , or it can be remotely-stored in the remote database  1000  and retrieved when required. All of this data can be organized by the software application into spreadsheets for the team, individual players, etc. 
       FIG. 2H  is a block diagram of the electronic pump  122 . The control portion of the electrical pump  122  is a microcontroller  130  (e.g., ARM Cortex M0) including analog-to-digital (A/D) converters and a real-time clock. The microcontroller  130  communicates with a wireless interface module  132  (e.g., Bluetooth Smart/BLE module) for communicating with the wireless device  124 . It should be understood that the microcontroller  130  and wireless interface module  132  may comprise an integrated IC  130 A, as indicated by the dotted line. The microcontroller  130  controls a motor driver  134  (e.g., a power field effect transistor (FET)) for activating and deactivating a positive displacement pump  150  (PDP, e.g., DC motor-operated, AJK-B1201 PDP). The pump  150  is controlled to a maximum pressure of 20 psi to prevent injuries to the head of the helmet wearer. The output of the PDP  150  is pneumatically coupled to the hose  122 D (e.g., 12-24″ length, ¼″ diameter flexible hose) at a first end and the inflation needle  122 E is coupled to the other hose  122 D end (in a manner discussed previously with regard to the hose  4 /inflation needle  5 ). With regard to the third embodiment ( FIGS. 4A-4C ) discussed later, the output of the PDP  150  is pneumatically coupled to the inflation needle  325  since no hose is used in that embodiment. 
     Furthermore, gas bladder pressure is monitored using a pressure sensor  136  (e.g., a combined absolute pressure and temperature sensor, with an onboard A/D converter, such as the TE Connectivity MS5637-02BA03 pressure/temperature sensor). The pressure sensor  136  is pneumatically coupled to the output of the PDP  150  and electrically coupled to the microcontroller  130 . In addition, a gas valve  138  (a solenoid air valve, two position, one way; e.g., AJK-F0501 valve) is pneumatically coupled between the output of the PDP  150  and an exhaust/inlet  140 . This valve  138  provides a path to vent air in case the pressure becomes too high in the helmet  1 . The exhaust/inlet valve  140  is necessary so that air can be supplied to the pump  122 , as well as relieving air from the pump casework when the solenoid air valve  138  is active; alternatively a hydrophobic vent may be used. The air valve  140  is activated/deactivated by a solenoid driver  142  (e.g., a power FET) which in turn is controlled by the microcontroller  130  to which the driver  142  is electrically coupled. The PDP  150  is also pneumatically-coupled to the exhaust/inlet valve  140 . 
     The pump  122  also includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC)  144  which includes circuitry for battery charging and voltage regulation of a battery  146  (e.g., rechargeable battery, such as 3.7 VDC, 2000 mah, Li-Ion 18650 battery). A power input  148  (e.g., a through-hole mount, USB connector, etc.) is coupled to the PMIC  144 . The electronic portion of the pump  122  is located on a circuit board CB. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a second embodiment  220  of the present invention. In particular, the wireless interface between the pump  122  and the wireless device  124  is replaced with a wired connection (e.g., wire  222 , such as an iPhone lightning cable, etc.). As a result, the pump  122  and the wireless device communicate over the wired connection  222 .  FIG. 3A  depicts the block diagram of the second embodiment electronic pump  122 . Other than the wired interface  222 , the second embodiment  220  operates similarly to the first embodiment  120 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  depict a third embodiment  320  of the present invention. In the third embodiment  320 , the hose  122 D is eliminated and replaced with an inflation needle  325  that is coupled to the output of the positive displacement pump  150 . As such, the pump portion  322 A of the third embodiment  320  is manipulated to align the needle  325  with the valve  3  on the helmet  1  and inserted therein. The pump  322 A is similar in all aspects to pump  122 A except that no hose  122 D is used and there is no keypad  122 C on the pump  322 A housing. As such, as is described below, virtual keys that appear on the wireless device  124  display are used to control the pump  322 A. Furthermore, because the pump  322 A needs to be manipulated in order to insert the inflation needle  325  into the valve  3 , there is no cradle  122 B. It should be noted that the inflation needle  325  is similar in operation to the inflation needle  122 E of the first embodiment  120  but is longer since it forms the only passageway between the positive displacement pump  150  and the valve  3 . In addition, to protect the inflation needle  325  when the pump  322 A is not being used, a displaceable needle guard  327  is slidably positioned on the pump  322 A.  FIG. 4B  shows the needle guard  327  deployed over the inflation needle  325  whereas  FIG. 4C  depicts the needle guard  327  displaced downward along the pump housing body to expose the inflation needle  325  for coupling to the port  3 . Other than that, the third embodiment  320  operates similarly to the first embodiment  120 . 
     A fourth embodiment  400  of the present invention is to eliminate the need for the wireless device  124 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the pump  400  comprises a pump housing  404  having a display  402  and the keypad  122 C. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the keypad  122 C is not centered on the pump housing  404  in order to accommodate the display  402 .  FIG. 5C  provides a block diagram of the pump  400  hardware that is similar to hardware of  FIG. 2H  except that the short range wireless interface module  132  is replaced with a communications processor  406  and RF transceiver  408  (including a WiFi interface  410 ) to replace the wireless device  124  communication capability, e.g., to the remote database  1000 . In addition, the microcontroller  130 ′ also functions as an application processor to support the user interface and control the touch screen  402  and backlighting  412  for the display  402 . Furthermore, the microcontroller  130 ′ includes the software application and controls the display  402  accordingly. As with the wireless device  124 , the display  402  is a touchscreen, thereby allowing the operator to make selections and enter data as described earlier with regard to the previous embodiments. The reverse side of the pump housing  404  ( FIG. 5B ) includes the hose hooks  122 G for stowing the air hose  122 D. Unlike the first two embodiments, because there is no wireless device  124  used with the fourth embodiment, the keypad  122 C does not reconfigure during use and thus keys K 1 -K 4  do not change function based on orientation of the pump housing  404 . 
     User Interface for Present Invention 
     The user interface of the present invention is now discussed. It should be understood that the user interface is operational in any of the previously disclosed embodiments. As such, the following detailed discussion of the user interface uses the first embodiment  120  only by way of example, it being understand that the software application is also applicable to the second, third and fourth embodiments. 
     As mentioned previously, the wireless device  124  comprises a software application that configures the device  124  for interaction with the pump  122 . It should be understood that, as discussed below, the user interface prompts/instructs the operator on what to do. When the pump  122  is to be operated, the user interface may instruct the user to use the pump keypad  122 C to effect an operation. Alternatively, as in the third  320  and fourth  400  embodiments, the virtual keys in the wireless device touch screen  124 A or pump display touch screen  402 , may also operate the pump  322 A. Thus, the verb “control” is meant to convey the meaning that where the operator is being instructed by the user interface to use the keys on the keypad  122 C, or the virtual keys  122 C′ (or any other virtual keys/icons shown in the touch screen display  124 A/ 402 ), the user interface is considered “controlling” the pump  122 A/ 220 / 322 A/ 400  operation. 
     The software application comprises two functional modes: administrative and functional. 
     The administrative mode  500  comprises a pair wireless device with pump module  502 , a team setup module  504 , a player setup module  506  and a settings module  508 . The operator interacts with these modules using the wireless device  124  alone in the first, second and third embodiments; with respect to the fourth embodiment, the operator uses the display  402  to interact with these modules. In particular, the pairing module  502  prompts and guides the user through the pairing process so that the wireless device  124  and the pump  122  communicate with each other. The team setup module  504  and the player setup module  506  basically provide for data entry pertinent to the team or individual player. By way of example only, the team setup module  504  or the player setup module  506  may comprise data fields such as those shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  that permit the operator to add a team player and then to enter pertinent information about the player. As shown in  FIG. 6B , those modules also permit the operator to enter particular data about a player&#39;s helmet. The user is provided with a plurality of manufacturer&#39;s football helmets to choose from (see  FIG. 6C ) and can select which particular helmet is about to be checked/filled (viz., in this case the Ridell X model football helmet has been selected). In particular, entry of the player&#39;s particular helmet causes the software application to generate a graphic ( FIG. 6D ) which identifies the particular air bladder/valve configuration for that helmet. Thus, as can be seen  FIG. 6E , the graphic informs the operator of the particular air valve locations (i.e., “1”, “2” and “3”) for that manufacturer&#39;s helmet; the graphic even indicates where no air valve (i.e., “NA” for “not applicable”—see  FIG. 6D ) is present that may be present in other manufacturer&#39;s helmets. 
     It should be understood that the software application comprises the details of the various football helmet manufacturers&#39; air bladder ports and thereby generates the graphic of  FIG. 6D . In addition, should a new helmet come on the market whose gas valve locations are not available in the software application, the software application comprises a function that allows the operator to enter each gas valve location for that “new helmet” and thereby store those locations for that helmet, as shown most clearly in  FIG. 6E . 
     The settings module  508  is a catch-all module that includes such functions as user login/logout, reminder preferences or any other type of user customizable settings. 
     The functional mode  600  effects the actual air bladder inflation and helmet adjustments. The fit helmet module  602  and the adjust helmet module  604  are used to initially set the player&#39;s helmet to his or her optimal respective air bladder settings; the fit helmet module  602  is a linear process that steps the operator through each air bladder to ensure none are missed. Once the respective air bladder settings are saved for a particular player&#39;s helmet, any subsequent maintenance of the air bladders is accomplished using the measure off-head module  606  or the inflate helmet module  608 . 
     Fit Helmet Module  602   
     It should be noted that in  FIGS. 7-7Z  where a virtual button is shown with hatched indicia, this means that the user has selected that particular virtual button. 
     When the player has been given his football helmet and he/she is present with the operator, the player places his helmet on and the operator attaches the wireless device  124  within the cradle  122 B. The device  124  is turned on and communication with the pump  122  is verified by the operator. The operator unwraps the cord and lubricates the inflation needle  122 E. The operator then selects the particular player that is present ( FIG. 7 ) and selects the Fit Helmet module  602 . This action then prompts the operator to insert the needle into the indicated air bladder valve/port, as shown in  FIG. 7A . Once the inflation needle  122 E is inserted, the device  124  display indicates the current pressure in that air bladder ( FIG. 7B ), along with accompanying guidance as to how the related portion of the helmet should be optimally positioned if that particular air bladder is optimally filled. It should be noted that the displayed pressure (viz., 0.2 PSI) is PSI gauge pressure for consistent user experience (no variation with altitude). The user then uses the “up/inflate” hard key ( FIG. 2C ) or the “down/deflate” hard key to adjust the displayed pressure until that particular air bladder is filled to its proper level ( FIG. 7C ); or, alternatively, where the virtual keys  122 C′ are active in the display  124 A/ 402 , the appropriate virtual keys are used. This can be achieved by asking the player “how it feels” and depending on whether the player responds “too loose” or “too tight” the operator can use the UP/INFLATE key or the DOWN/INFLATE keys ( FIG. 2C ) on the keypad  122 C (or virtual keys  122 C′) to adjust the gas pressure level to the preferred level. It should be noted that by pressing and holding either key a continuous inflation or deflation is provided, whereas a momentary activation of either key results in an interval inflation or deflation. If the inflation level is satisfactory to the player, the operator selects the option of “confirm” and that air bladder&#39;s proper inflation level (HP level, meaning “head pressure level” in that the proper pressure level is set with the player wearing the helmet) is now set in the wireless device  124 , indicated as shown in  FIG. 7D . Once confirmed, the module  602  then sends the operator to the next air bladder valve or port as shown in  FIG. 7E . The operator then removes the inflation needle  122 E from the air bladder valve of  FIG. 7A  and inserts it into the air bladder valve indicated in  FIG. 7E . The operator then goes through the same series of steps as shown in  FIGS. 7F-7H  to save the HP level setting for the second air bladder. Once this last air bladder HP level is stored, the operator removes the inflation needle from that valve  3 . The Fit Helmet Module  602  then brings the operator to the last air bladder valve/port, as shown in  FIG. 7I . The operator then removes the inflation needle  122 E from the second port and inserts it into the third air bladder valve/port as instructed in  FIG. 7I . Again, the operator then goes through the same steps as shown in  FIGS. 7J-7L . Once the HP level setting for the last air bladder is set, the Fit Helmet Module  602  allows the operator several options ( FIG. 7M ) at this point. The operator can exit the module  602  altogether and move to the next player; or, the operator can go back and adjust a HP level for a particular air bladder (via the Adjust Fit module  604 ) without having to go through each air bladder again; or, the operator can move to another option: Measure Off-Head module  606 . 
     Adjust Fit Module  604   
     After removing the inflation needle  122 E from the last air bladder valve  3 , the operator can physically manipulate the helmet  1  on the player&#39;s head to verify a proper fit. If the fit is good, the operator selects the “done” button ( FIG. 7M ) and moves to the next player. However, if the manipulation has the operator or player requiring a further adjustment of a particular air bladder HP level, the operator can select the “Adjust Fit” virtual button ( FIG. 7M ) which brings the operator to a menu ( FIG. 7N ) that allows the operator to select one of the air bladders to operate on. By way of example only, the operator has chosen to revisit the second air bladder in  FIG. 7N . The operator is then brought to the display shown in  FIG. 7O  instructing the operator to insert the inflation needle  122 E in the appropriate air bladder valve/port. At that point, the operator goes through a process similar to the one in the Fit Helmet Module  602 , discussed above. Once the new HP level setting (e.g., 1.2 PSI) is saved, the operator is brought to a completion display ( FIG. 7P ). At that point, the operator removes the inflation needle  122 E from that air bladder valve/port and the device  124  display returns to  FIG. 7M . 
     Measure Off-Head Module  606   
     Once all of the HP level values are set in every air bladder of a particular helmet, the operator can select the Measure Off-Head Module  606 . This module allows the operator to measure the air pressure in each bladder with the helmet removed from the player. As can be appreciated, with the helmet removed, the air pressure in each air bladder will be slightly reduced than when it was being worn. This off-head pressure (OHP) level can be stored and associated with the previously-stored HP level when the helmet was worn. As such, if the helmet air bladders need to be re-inflated when the player is not available, the operator can inflate each bladder to the associated OHP level. Because this module is only detecting an OHP level, all inflation/deflation keys are not active to the operator. 
     In particular,  FIGS. 7Q-7T  show the sequence of displays on the wireless device  124  (or display  402 ) that are occur as the operator moves through the Measure Off-Head module  606 . As can be seen in  FIG. 7Q , the operator removes the helmet from the player and is instructed to insert the inflation needle  122 E into a particular air bladder valve/port. Once inserted, the OHP level is displayed below the associated HP level when the helmet is worn. Once this OHP level is confirmed, the operator is moved to the next air bladder and the procedure is repeated until an OHP level is associated with every air bladder in the helmet. 
     Inflate Helmet Module  608   
     Once both the HP level and its associated OHP level are stored for each air bladder in every player&#39;s helmet, any subsequent or periodic checking and maintenance of the air bladder pressure levels can be implemented using the Inflate Helmet module  608 . This can be accomplished with the player wearing the helmet or without the player wearing the helmet. In particular, by selecting this Inflate Helmet module  608 , the device  124  displays the choice shown in  FIGS. 7U-7V . If the operator selects the option “Inflate on Player”, the operator is instructed to insert the inflation needle  122 E in the proper air bladder valve/port and goes through the shown in  FIGS. 7W-7X . As shown by the center display in  FIGS. 7W-7X , when the inflation needle  122 E is inserted into the top port, the currently-detected HP level is only 0.9 PSI, which below the previously-stored HP level of 1.3 PSI. The operator need only select the “Inflate to Fit” button and the pump  122  automatically restores that air bladder to the proper HP level. It should be noted that if, for some reason, the player wants to change the proper HP level at that point, instead of selecting the “Done” button in the display of  FIG. 7X , the operator can use the hard keys on the keypad  122 C to adjust the HP level up or down, accordingly. By doing so, the device  124  then displays what is shown in  FIG. 7Y , allowing the operator to save a new HP level. Therefore, after operator either selects the “Done” button, or alternatively, saves a new HP level, the user is stepped through the other air bladder valve/port maintenance in accordance with what was just described for the first air bladder valve/port until all the air bladders for that helmet are checked. 
     If, on the other hand, the operator selects the “Inflate Off Player” selection ( FIG. 7U ) in the Inflate Helmet module  608 , the same sequence of displays are provided as shown in  FIGS. 7W-7X . However, the option of  FIG. 7Y  is not available in the “Inflate Off Player” selection because the player is not wearing the helmet. As such, the up/inflate and down/deflate keys are not active in this mode. Thus, using the “Inflate Off Player” selection, only permits the operator to refill each air bladder in accordance with the previously-stored OHP levels. 
     Once the HP levels/OHP levels are established for a particular player&#39;s helmet, or where the subsequent check/maintenance of that player&#39;s helmet is completed, the software application moves the display on the wireless device  124  (or display  402 ) to the next player in the team roster, as shown in  FIG. 7Z . 
     The software application implements a time and date stamp for each use of the various functional modes  602 - 608  and various analytics can be performed by the software application, e.g., how much air was released between each measurement and variables such as time, weather, ambient air pressure can be used to even predict when refills may need to be done. 
     The software application can be programmed to provide the user with reminders of when to check the various players&#39; helmets&#39; air bladders. 
     As mentioned earlier, the air bladder data can be transmitted to a remote database  1000  which comprises the database itself  1000 B via wireless communication link  1002 . In particular, players&#39; air bladder helmet data is transmitted via a wireless signal  1002  to the remote database  1000 A. Similarly, the data can be recalled from the remote database  1000 A when required, such as for carrying out a re-inflation of the teams&#39; helmets. As a result, the remote database  1000 A acts as a remote storage, similar to the function of the iCloud® database. Furthermore, the remote database  1000 A comprises a greater processing power to support more complex analyses than is resident in the software application on the wireless device  124 ; as such, the remote database  1000 A can carry out the analyses and then transmit that analyzed data back to the wireless device  124 . For example, the remote database  1000 A can also conduct analytics on the air bladders of the helmets on the overall team, not just for individual players, and then provide the operator with customized adjust fit helmet module  604  implementations. For example, the collected data may have special teams not requiring air bladder checks as often as defensive linemen or offensive linemen. 
     An even further variation  800  ( FIG. 8 ) on the present invention is the positioning of respective pressure sensors  802  within each bladder of the helmet  1  that transmit pressure data on a frequent basis to a remotely located receiver (e.g., the wireless device  124 , or pump  400 ). In particular, a pressure sensor  802  is located within each helmet bladder. The pressure sensors  802  are coupled to a power supply PS (e.g., battery) within the helmet  1  along with a transmitter  804 . The pressure sensors provide respective pressure levels within each air bladder to the transmitter  804  which then transmits the air bladder data on a regular basis. The wireless device  124 , upon receiving this data, alerts the user with visual and or audible warnings. The user can then plan to take appropriate actions to refill particular bladders when the opportunity permits and in accordance with procedures discussed above. 
     It should also be understood that the Specification makes reference to air pressure sensors and helmet bladders being filled with air. It is within the broadest scope of the present application to include any other type of gas that is used to fill these bladders and that air is being used by way of example only. 
     It should be noted that the hose  122 D/inflation needle  122 E and the needle  325  each form a “coupling means” which is meant to cover any known way of pneumatically coupling the electronic pumps  122 A,  322 A,  404  to the helmet valve  3 . 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Technology Category: 1