Patent Application
20190269193
The present invention, according to some embodiments, relates to head protection devices. In some embodiments, the present invention relates particularly to safety helmets, for example, cycling helmets.
Safety helmets are worn to protect a person's head from injury and are used in a variety of settings, including transportation, sports and recreation, military and law enforcement, and construction. Cycling helmets, for example, are designed to attenuate blunt force impacts to the heads of cyclists in the event of falls or crashes. In some cases, the use of a cycling helmet may reduce the chance of a serious head injury by 50% or more. Despite the health and safety benefits provided by these helmets, many cyclists, particularly adult cyclists, elect not to wear a helmet while cycling, a choice which exposes them to a greater risk of injury or death. An overwhelming majority of the cyclists who die in cycling accidents were not wearing helmets at the time.
Many safety helmets are large and bulky, and the inconvenience of having to carry and store such helmets may deter people from utilizing them. For example, most commercially available cycling helmets have a rigid shape, and their unwieldy form and size may prevent them from fitting easily into a backpack, briefcase, messenger bag, handbag, or other hand luggage. Accordingly, after a cyclist has completed her or his ride, such a helmet must be separately carried or left behind (e.g., with the bicycle) where the helmet may be subject to theft, damage, and/or harsh environmental conditions (e.g., heat, wind, condensation, precipitation, etc.) if outside. In addition, some people may object to the appearance, style, or fit of typical cycling helmets and therefore avoid wearing them.
Such factors not only affect cyclists. Rather, individuals who engage in other recreational and/or riding activities such as, for example, skate boarding, roller skating/blading, animal riding (e.g., horseback riding), skiing, snowboarding, etc., may also be deterred from wearing safety helmets for the same or similar reasons. In some cases, people may avoid cycling or other such activities all together because they do not wish to wear a typical safety helmet.
The present invention, in some embodiments, provides a safety helmet that overcomes one or more of the shortcomings discussed above. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a helmet, for example a cycling helmet, which may be collapsed or folded into a more compact form when not in use for easier transport and storage. In further embodiments, a helmet according to the present invention may also be customizable such that its appearance may be easily modified to suit its user's tastes and style.
In some embodiments, a helmet according to the present invention includes a concave interior surface forming an interior space configured to receive a person's head in an expanded configuration and a shell surrounding the interior space. In some embodiments, the shell includes a first hinge configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the shell further includes a second hinge configured to allow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration. The first and second hinges may be located at different predetermined locations on the shell. Moreover, a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the collapsed configuration may be substantially less than a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the expanded configuration.
In further embodiments, the shell may include a third hinge configured to allow a third portion of the helmet to fold toward the interior space in the collapsed configuration. In some such embodiments, the second hinge may be configured to allow the second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet and the third portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the first and third hinges each have an axis of rotation generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the second hinge. In some particular embodiments, the second portion of the helmet includes a front of the helmet and/or a rear of the helmet, the first portion of the helmet is a first side of the helmet, and the third portion of the shell is a second side of the helmet opposite the first side of the helmet. In yet further embodiments, the helmet includes a securement configured to releasably couple the front of the helmet to the rear of the helmet and retain the helmet in the collapsed configuration. The securement may include, for example, an elastic band.
In certain embodiments, the shell includes a plurality of grooves formed on an inner surface of the shell to form a plurality of facets, the facets being partially pivotable relative to one another to allow the shell to at least partially flatten in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, all of or at least most of the facets are triangularly shaped. In some such embodiments, the shell has a first thickness along the plurality of grooves, and a second thickness at the plurality of facets, the first thickness being less than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the shell is comprised of a monolithic piece of molded plastic, the first and second hinges being formed from portions of the shell which are thinner than a remainder of the shell. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third hinges are living hinges formed by different grooves on the inner surface of the shell.
In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a plurality of pads coupled to the inner surface of the shell and configured to absorb an impact force exerted to an exterior surface of the helmet. In some such embodiments, the pads may be spaced from each other by a gap which is generally aligned with one or more of the grooves formed on the inner surface of the shell. The pads, in some embodiments, may be made from urethane. In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a cover configured to extend over an outer surface of the shell. In some embodiments, the cover extends over the shell and the plurality of pads. In some embodiments, the cover is comprised of a first material covering the outer surface of the shell and a second material covering the plurality of pads.
In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a retention system having one or more straps configured to secure the helmet to the person's head. In some embodiments, each strap of the retention system is releasably coupled to a ring coupled to the helmet, each strap having an end which extends through the ring and is coupled to itself by a reversible fastener. In yet further embodiments, the helmet may include one or more lights positioned on an exterior surface of the helmet. The one or more lights may include, for example, light emitting diodes.
A helmet according to further embodiments of the present invention includes a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shape around an interior space configured to receive a person's head in an expanded configuration, the inner surface including a plurality of grooves intersecting one another to form a plurality of facet sections, the plurality of facet sections being pivotable relative to one another. In some such embodiments, a first groove of the plurality of grooves forms a first hinge configured to allow a first side portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration, a second groove of the plurality of grooves forms a second hinge configured to allow a second side portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space, and a third groove of the plurality of grooves forms a third hinge configured to allow a front portion of the helmet to pivot toward a rear portion of the helmet to reduce a volume of the interior space in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the first, second and third grooves extend deeper into the inner surface than the remainder of the plurality of grooves such that folding of the helmet occurs primarily about the first, second and third hinges. In some embodiments, the helmet also includes a plurality of pads coupled to an inside surface of the shell and configured to absorb an impact force exerted to an exterior surface of the shell. In some embodiments, the helmet further includes a cover extending over and generally conforming to the shape of the shell and the plurality of pads.
In further embodiments, a helmet according the present invention includes a shell having an inner surface forming a concave shape around an interior space configured to receive a person's head, the shell being made from a high density polyethylene, and a plurality of pads coupled to an inside surface of the shell and configured to absorb an impact force exerted to an exterior surface of the shell, the pads comprising a urethane foam (e.g., a cellular or microcellular urethane foam). In some embodiments, the shell includes or consists of a monolithic piece of molded high density polyethylene. In some embodiments, the shell includes a first hinge configured to allow a first portion of the helmet to pivot toward the interior space in a collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, the shell further includes a second hinge configured to allow a second portion of the helmet to pivot toward the first portion of the helmet in the collapsed configuration, a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the collapsed configuration being less than a volume of the interior space of the helmet in the expanded configuration. In yet further embodiments, the shell includes a plurality of grooves formed on the inner surface of the shell to form a plurality of facets, the facets being partially pivotable relative to one another to allow the shell to at least partially flatten in a collapsed configuration.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention can be embodied in different forms and thus should not be construed as being limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein.
The present subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which representative embodiments are shown. The present subject matter can, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to describe and enable one of skill in the art. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
As will be described further herein, helmet 100 in certain preferred embodiments includes an expanded configuration where helmet 100 is ready to be worn by a person, and a collapsed configuration where helmet 100 is at least partially compacted for easier carrying and/or stowage.
As shown in the illustrated embodiments, helmet 100 generally includes a front portion 102 configured to cover a person's forehead during use, a rear portion 104 configured to cover a portion of the back of the person's head during use, a left portion 106 configured to cover a portion of the left side of the person's head during use, and a right portion 108 configured to cover a portion of the right side of the person's head during use. Helmet 100 further includes an exterior surface 110 which extends from front portion 102 to rear portion 104 and from left portion 106 to right portion 108, and an interior surface 112 opposite exterior surface 110. Exterior surface 110, in some embodiments, may have a generally convex contour when helmet 100 is in the expanded configuration. In some such embodiments, exterior surface 110 may have a continuous convexly curved contour. In some embodiments, exterior surface 110 may have a generally smooth curvature. In other embodiments, exterior surface 110 may have one or more substantially flat portions. In some embodiments, exterior surface 110 may include a plurality of flat or substantially flat polygonal portions (e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) which are arranged in a tiled, tessellated, or faceted manner to make up exterior surface 110. In some such embodiments, all of or substantially all of exterior surface 110 is made of tiled polygonal shapes (e.g., triangles).
In some embodiments, interior surface 112 includes a concave contour which, in the expanded configuration, defines an interior space 114 that is sized and shaped to receive the person's head. In some examples, in the expanded configuration, helmet 100 may a length from front portion 102 to rear portion 104 of about 13 inches to about 15.5 inches, 13.5 inches to about 15 inches, or about 14 inches to about 14.5 inches. In further examples, in the expanded configuration, helmet 100 may have a width from left portion 106 to right portion 108 of about 12 inches to about 14.5 inches, about 12.5 inches to about 14 inches, or about 13 inches to about 13.5 inches. It should be appreciated that helmet 100 may have smaller or larger dimensions in other embodiments and are not necessarily limited to the example values mentioned. Helmet 100 may be made in different sizes, for example, to accommodate for differences in the intended users (e.g., different sizes for children and adults, different sizes for women and men, etc.).
Interior surface 112 may have a continuously curved contour in some embodiments. In some embodiments, helmet 100 further includes a rim 116 that borders interior space 114 and which is sized to encircle the person's head when helmet 100 is worn. In some embodiments, rim 116 defines a boundary between external surface 110 and interior surface 112. In some embodiments, rim 116 includes a front rim section 116a at or proximate to front portion 102 and a rear rim section 116b at or proximate to rear portion 104. In some embodiments, when worn by a user, rear rim section 116b is configured to be positioned lower along the user's head than front rim section 116a. Thus, in some embodiments, rear portion 104 is configured to cover a larger surface of the user's head than front portion 102. In further embodiments, rim 116 may include concave rim sections 116c, 116d positioned at or proximate left and right portions 106, 108, respectively. Concave rim sections 116c, 116d are situated along rim 116 between front rim section 116a and rear rim section 116b. In some embodiments, concave rim sections 116c, 116d are shaped and sized to provide clearance to a user's ears when helmet 100 is being worn by the user.
As further shown in
In some embodiments, strap 120 may be configured to be removably secured to helmet 100 such that the user may remove strap 120 from helmet 100. In some embodiments, allowing strap 120 to be removed permits the user to wash strap 120 or to replace strap 120, for example, if strap 120 becomes worn or damaged. Moreover, in some embodiments, allowing strap 120 to be removed also permits the user to change to a different color or style of strap 120 for personalization and customization. In some embodiments, retention system 118 includes one or more left tabs 130a, 130b to which left strap portion 122 may be releaseably coupled, and one or more right tabs 132a, 132b to which right strap portion 124 may be releaseably coupled. In some embodiments, each of the one or more left tabs 130a, 130b is securely attached to left portion 106 of helmet 100 and includes a ring (e.g., a D-ring) through which an end of left strap portion 122 is looped and secured to itself via a reversible fastener 134a, 134b. Similarly, in some embodiments, each of the one or more right tabs 132a, 132b is securely attached to right portion 108 of helmet 100 and includes a ring (e.g., a D-ring) through which an end of right strap portion 124 is looped and secured to itself via a reversible fastener 136a, 136b. Reversible fasteners 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b may include, for example, snap fasteners, clips, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic clasps, etc., which preferably can be fastened and unfastened by hand without the need for or use of any additional tools.
In further embodiments, helmet 100 may include at least one signaling device 138 configured to produce one or more signals. The one or more signals may be configured to alert others of the presence of the user. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more signals may include one or more visual signals (e.g., constant and/or flashing lights) which are configured to make the user more visible to others, particularly at night or in other low-light environments. In some such embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may be positioned on or extend from exterior surface 110. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 is positioned at or proximate rear portion 104 of helmet 100 and includes one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes) which are configured to produce the one or more light signals. In other embodiments, front portion 102, left portion 106, and/or right portion 108 may also or alternatively include a signaling device. The at least one signaling device 138 may further include a battery (e.g., button cell) for providing power to the lights, circuitry for controlling operation of the light sources, and a housing for containing the internal components of signaling device 138. The housing may include a transparent or translucent window to allow the light produced by the one or more light sources to be visible externally according to some embodiments. The transparent or translucent window may include, for example, a lens, light diffuser, light filter (e.g., a color filter) or other optical element that is configured to modify the light produced by the one or more light sources. In some embodiments, the housing of the at least one signaling device 138 may be waterproof to prevent water from entering the at least one signaling device 138. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may further include an on/off switch or button that can be activated by user. In some embodiments, for example, the at least one signaling device 138 is configured to be activated by the user by pressing signaling device 138. The at least one signaling device 138 may be permanently attached to exterior surface 110. In other embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may be removably secured to exterior surface 110, e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener or other reversible fastener. In some embodiments, exterior surface 110 includes a track to which the at least one signaling device 138 may be slid on and off.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, shell 140 includes an inner surface 144 configured to couple with impact attenuation layer 142, and an outer surface 146 opposite inner surface 144. In some such embodiments, inner surface 144 may form a generally concave shape around interior space 114 of helmet 100. Outer surface 146 may have a generally convex shape in some embodiments. In some embodiments, shell 140 may have a thickness between inner surface 144 and outer surface 146 ranging, for example, from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 1.1 mm to about 1.9 mm, from about 1.2 mm to about 1.8 mm, from about 1.3 mm to about 1.7 mm, or from about 1.4 mm to about 1.6 mm. In some embodiments, shell 140 includes a thickness less than 1.0 mm, e.g., from about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm. In some embodiments, shell 140 may have an uneven thickness. In some embodiments, shell 140 may be provided with one or more thinned sections, e.g., in the form of grooves along inner surface 144, forming predetermined hinges or fold lines which may be configured to allow portions of shell 140 to flex or bend along the thinned sections as will be described further herein. Portions of shell 140 between the thinned sections may have a greater thickness than the thinned sections.
In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 includes a plurality of pads 148 which are configured to couple to inner surface 144 of shell 140 and surround interior space 114 and the user's head during use. In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 includes at least two pads 148, at least three pads 148, at least four pads 148, at least five pads 148, at least six pads 148, at least seven pads 148, or at least eight pads 148. In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 includes eight or up to eight pads 148. Each pad 148 may be configured to couple to a different location on inner surface 144. In some embodiments, pads 148 are made from a material which is configured to absorb or attenuate an impact force which strikes external surface 110 of helmet 100 during use. Pads 148, in some embodiments, may include or be made from a cushioning or foam material such as, for example, a urethane foam. In one embodiment, the pads 148 are comprised of a cellular or microcellular urethane foam, for example, available under the tradename PORON® (e.g., PORON® XRD™ extreme impact protection material, PORON® ShockPad Foam, PORON® 4701-40, PORON® 4701-50, PORON® 4701-60). Pads 148 may be made from other shock-absorbing materials known in the art. In some embodiments, pads 148 include or are made from a silicone or silicone-based material, for example, under the tradename DEFLEXION™. In some embodiments, pads 148 include or are made a shear-thickening material. In some embodiments, pads 148 includes or is made from an elastomer having rate-sensitive stress vs. strain characteristics, for example, having a resistance to force that increases with the speed of impact against the material. In one example embodiment, pads 148 may include or be made from D3O® elastomer. In some embodiments, impact attenuation layer 142 does not include expanded polystyrene.
In some embodiments, each pad 148 may have a thickness of, for example, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, or about 7 mm. In some embodiments, each pad 148 has a thickness that is less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or less than 4 mm. In some embodiments, pads 148 are separate from one another and may be configured to move relative to each other. In certain embodiments, each pad 148 may be configured to couple to inner surface 144 of shell 140 using one or more fastening elements 150 which couple to corresponding fastening elements 152 provided on inner surface 144. For example, in some embodiments the fastening elements 150, 152 may form a hook-and-loop type fastener, magnetic fastener, snap fastener, or other type of fastener. In some embodiments, pads 148 are not rigidly fixed to inner surface 144. Rather, in some embodiments, pads 148 may be configured to shift or move slightly relative to shell 140 in the event of an impact which, in some instances, may help better absorb or distribute the force of the impact.
In some embodiments, helmet 100 may also be configured to withstand more than one impact. For example, many typical safety helmets (e.g., typical cycling helmets) rely on a layer of expanded polystyrene for impact attenuation. However, such a material may crack after only a single impact such that the helmet cannot be safely reused. In some embodiments, the materials selected for pads 148 are sufficiently elastic or resilient to be able to return to their original form after an impact such that helmet 100 may be reused after an impact. In further embodiments, the combination of shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 as described herein allows helmet 100 to perform better at impact attenuation than most typical cycling helmets using a layer of expanded polystyrene. In some embodiments, a helmet in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may have an impact attenuation ability of at least 2 times or at least 2.5 times better than a typical cycling helmet using expanded polystyrene. In further embodiments, the combination of shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 as described herein is capable of providing the same or better impact attenuation than a typical cycling helmet using expanded polystyrene while being thinner than the typical cycling helmet using expanded polystyrene.
In some embodiments, helmet 100 further includes a cover 154 which is sized and configured to fit around shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, cover 154 provides the exterior surface 110 and the interior surface 112 of helmet 100 when cover 144 is fitted around shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 are substantially or completely concealed by cover 154 when cover 154 is fitted around shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, a user's head is separated from impact attenuation layer 142 and/or shell 140 by cover 154 during use of helmet 100. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may be secured to cover 154. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 may be removably coupled to cover 154. In some embodiments, the at least one signaling device 138 is securable directly to shell 140 and cover 154 is provided with an opening configured to allow the at least one signaling device 138 to extend therethrough. In some embodiments, tabs 130a, 130b, 132a, and/or 132b of retention system 118 may be secured to shell 140 and configured to extend through cover 154, e.g., via slots provided in cover 154. In other embodiments, tabs 130a, 130b, 132a, and/or 132b of retention system 118 may be secured instead to cover 154.
In some embodiments, cover 154 includes a fabric or textile sleeve that is configured to form a snug fit around and conform to the shape of shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, cover 154 may include a first material configured to cover outer surface 146 of shell 140 and a second material configured to cover inner surface 144 and/or impact attenuation layer 142 when cover 154 is fitted around shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142. In some embodiments, first material lines exterior surface 110 of helmet 100 and the second material lines interior surface 112 of helmet 100. The first material may be the same as or different than the second material. In some embodiments, the first material may be, for example, a durable canvas, denim, duck cloth, twill cloth, cotton, or linen material while the second material may be a softer textile for improved comfort to the user. The first and/or second materials, in some embodiments, may be constructed from synthetic materials, preferably a recyclable and abrasion-resistant material (e.g., a polyethylene woven textile). In some embodiments, the first material and the second material are the same material, but each is produced with a different texture and/or using a different weave. For example, in some embodiments, the first material is made from a plain weave while the second material is made with a satin weave. In some embodiments, the first material is made with a lower thread count than the second material. In some embodiments, the first material has a coarser texture than the second material. In some embodiments, cover 154 includes a breathable fabric which is configured to allow water vapor to pass. In some embodiments, cover 154 includes a breathable fabric which is configured to allow water vapor to pass through while repelling liquid water (e.g., a stretched polytetrafluoroethylene fabric). In some embodiments, second material of cover 154, which is disposed between the user's head and impact attenuation layer 142 during use, may comprise a wicking material configured to draw moisture away from the user's head. In some embodiments, the first material may also be treated to be water/stain resistant, include reflective, retroreflective, or high visibility materials, decorated with decals or stickers, printed or stitched with various logos or designs, and/or otherwise customized by the user. In some embodiments, cover 154 may be removable from the rest of helmet 100 to allow for washing of cover 154 or replacement of cover 154. In some embodiments, having cover 154 be removable permits the user to change to a different color or style of cover 154 for further personalization and customization. In some embodiments, cover 154 includes an opening 156 through which shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 may be inserted or removed. In some embodiments, opening 156 is configured to be positioned at or proximate rear portion 104 of helmet 100 and/or rear rim section 116b, though opening 156 may be located at other locations on cover 154 according to other embodiments. Opening 156 may, in some embodiments, include a zipper closure, hook-and-loop closure, snap closure, or other closure device for closing opening 156 after shell 140 and impact attenuation layer 142 are inserted into cover 154.
As previously discussed, helmet 100 in certain preferred embodiments is able to transition from the expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration in order to provide a more compact form for storage or transport when helmet 100 is not in use. Helmet 100 may also be transitioned from the collapsed configuration back to the expanded configuration when helmet 100 is ready to be used. For example, a helmet 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention having a front to back length of about 14.5 inches and a left to right width of 13 inches in the expanded configuration may be folded in the collapsed configuration to have a length of about 5 inches, a width of about 7.5 inches, and a thickness of 4.5 inches. In some embodiments, the distance between front portion 102 and rear portion 104 in the collapsed configuration is less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, or less than 20% of the distance between front portion 102 and rear portion 104 in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, the distance between left portion 106 and right portion 108 in the collapsed configuration is less than 90%, less than 85%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, or less than 40 the distance between left portion 106 and right portion 106 in the expanded configuration.
In some embodiments, one or more portions of helmet 100 may be folded and/or flattened to collapse helmet 100. In some embodiments, shell 140 provides one or more hinges about which portions of helmet 100 may be folded to collapse helmet 100. The one or more hinges may be located at predetermined locations on shell 140 and helmet 100. The one or more hinges may be aligned with spaces or gaps between pads 148 of the impact attenuation layer 142. In some such embodiments, pads 148 are configured to move or pivot with respect to each other about the one or more hinges. As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiments, the first portion is shown as left portion 106 or a section thereof. First hinge 158, in some such embodiments, may extend from rim 116 between adjacent sections 106a and 106b of left portion 106 which are configured to pivot toward each other about first hinge 158. In some embodiments, first hinge 158 defines an axis of rotation that may be vertical or generally vertical between adjacent sections 106a and 106b of left portion 106. In some embodiments, sections 106a and 106b may be pivoted about first hinge 158 such that an external surface of section 106a faces toward and/or contacts an external surface of section 106b. As sections 106a and 106b are folded toward each other about first hinge 158, first hinge 158 moves inwardly and draws sections 106a and 106b toward interior space 114 of helmet 100. In some embodiments, a concavity is formed between the external surface of section 106a and the external surface of section 106b when sections 106a and 106b are folded about first hinge 158.
In some embodiments, helmet 100 includes a second hinge 160. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 may define an axis of rotation that is not parallel to the axis of rotation defined by first hinge 158. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 may define an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to or generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by first hinge 158. For example, in some embodiments, first hinge 158 may define a generally vertical axis of rotation while second hinge 160 defines a generally horizontal axis of rotation. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 may be separated from or spaced apart from first hinge 158 such that, for example, second hinge 160 and first hinge 158 do not form a continuous fold line. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 is arranged to allow a second portion of helmet 100 to fold towards the first folded portion of helmet 100. Where, for example, the first fold portion is or includes left portion 106 (or right portion 108), the second portion may include front portion 102 and/or rear portion 104 according to some embodiments.
As shown in the illustrated embodiments, second hinge 160 may be arranged along a top portion of helmet 100. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 is located along a top portion of helmet 100 that is at or approximately at a middle point between front portion 102 and rear portion 104. In some embodiments, second hinge 160 extends between left portion 106 and right portion 108 and is positioned to allow front portion 102 and rear portion 104 to pivot toward each other. In some such embodiments, as front portion 102 and rear portion 104 are pivoted about second hinge 160, second hinge 160 does not move inwardly toward interior space 114. Rather, in some embodiments, second hinge 160 may move outwardly as front portion 102 and rear portion 104 are pivoted toward each other about second hinge 160.
In some embodiments, helmet 100 includes a third hinge. The third hinge may be configured to allow a third portion of helmet 100 to fold inwardly toward and/or into interior space 114 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the third hinge may be symmetrically arranged with respect to first hinge 158. For example, while in the illustrated embodiments left portion 106 of helmet 100 is depicted as the first folded portion having first hinge 158, it should be appreciated that right portion 108 may also include a hinge that is configured to permit right portion 108 to fold similarly or symmetrically to left portion 106. The third hinge, according to these embodiments, may be extend from rim 116 between adjacent sections of right portion 108 which are configured to pivot toward each other about the third hinge. In some embodiments, the third hinge defines an axis of rotation that may be vertical or generally vertical between adjacent sections of right portion 108. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation defined by the third hinge may be parallel to or generally parallel to the axis of rotation defined by first hinge 158. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation defined by the third hinge may be perpendicular to or generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation defined by second hinge 160. In some embodiments, the adjacent sections of right portion 108 may be pivoted about the third hinge such that the external surfaces of the sections of right portion 108 face toward and/or contact each other. As the sections of right portion 108 are folded toward each other about the third hinge, the third hinge may be configured to move inwardly and draws the sections of third portion 106 toward interior space 114 of helmet 100. In some embodiments, a concavity is formed between the external surfaces of the sections of right portion 108 when the sections are folded about the third hinge. In some embodiments, first hinge 158 and the third hinge both move inwardly and toward each other as helmet 100 is folded into the collapsed configuration. In further embodiments, the second portion of helmet 100 (e.g., front portion 102 or rear portion 104), which is configured pivots about second hinge 160, is configured to move toward the first folded portion (e.g., left portion 106) and the third folded portion (e.g., right portion 108) when helmet 100 is moved into the collapsed configuration. Helmet 100 may be unfolded from the collapsed configuration to return helmet 100 to the expanded configuration for use.
In some embodiments, the first hinge 158 and the third hinge are configured to allow opposing portions of helmet 100 to pivot towards each other in the collapsed configuration (e.g., left portion 106 and right portion 108). In some embodiments, each of first hinge 158 and the third hinge may be disposed between additional side hinges which are configured to help collapse helmet 100. The side hinges may be located at predetermined locations on shell 140. As further shown in
As particularly shown in
The one or more hinges of helmet 100 (e.g., first hinge 158, second hinge 160, etc.), may be provided on shell 140. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges of helmet 100 are flexure bearings included in shell 140. In some embodiments, the one or more hinges of helmet 100 are living hinges included in shell 140. In some embodiments, shell 140 may be provided with one or more thinned sections, e.g., in the form of grooves along inner surface 144, which form the living hinges to allow portions of shell 140 to flex or bend along the thinned sections. Referring now to
In some embodiments, the one or more hinges of helmet 100 may be living hinges formed along one or more of grooves 164. In some embodiments, first hinge 158, second hinge 160, and the third hinge described above may be formed in particular grooves which have a reduced thickness in comparison to other grooves 164. In some embodiments, providing grooves having thicknesses which are thinner than the other grooves 164 creates zones of greater weakness at these thinner grooves which in turn facilitates folding about these thinner grooves. In some embodiments, folding along the thinner grooves occurs before folding along the other grooves 164 as helmet 100 is transitioned to the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments, for example, first hinge 158 is formed along groove 168a and second hinge 160 is formed along groove 168b, shell 140 having a thickness at grooves 168a and 168b that is thinner than at grooves 164. Similarly, the third hinge, in some embodiments, may be formed along groove 168c which is thinner than grooves 164. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, side hinges 158a and 158b may be living hinges provided on shell 140 and formed along grooves which are positioned on either side of groove 168a. For example, side hinges 158a and 158b may be formed along grooves 168d and 168e, respectively, as shown in
In some embodiments, helmet 100 may be provided in a kit. In some embodiments, for example, a kit may include a shell 140, pads 148, at least one cover 154, and at least one retention system 118. The components of helmet 100 may be included in the kit in preassembled form or as separate components. In further embodiments, a kit may include a single shell 140 and more than one cover 154 and/or more than one retention system 118. The kit, for example, may include multiple covers 154 and/or retention systems 118 having different styles, patterns, or colors. In other embodiments, covers 154 and/or retention systems 118 may be offered individually or separately from shell 140. In some embodiments, a kit of the present invention may also include one or more additional pads 148 in case a user needs to replace a pad 148.
While embodiments of helmet 100 have been described herein in the context of use as a cycling helmet, it should be appreciated by those skilled the art that the present invention is not necessarily limited to such use. Embodiments of the helmet 100 according to the present invention may be used or adapted for other purposes where head protection may be desired, for example, sporting activities (e.g., animal riding, rock climbing, skiing, watersports, etc.), military or law enforcement use, construction, etc.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. It should also be apparent that individual elements identified herein as belonging to a particular embodiment may be included in other embodiments of the invention. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the referenced element. Moreover, unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.”
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Unless the context or language dictates otherwise, any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/401,873, filed Sep. 29, 2016, entitled “Collapsible LED-Lit Safety Helmet,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2017/054474 | 9/29/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62401873 | Sep 2016 | US |
