Patent Application
20080080170
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different formulations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the compositions or formulations of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but are merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The lighting system utilizes 1 watt high voltage LED lights. These high voltage lights are clearly visible and alert onlookers of the user's presence. The LED lights are pin shaped lights so that when the lighting system is turned off, the light holes are only visible from about 5 feet away. From 10 feet away the light holes and integrated lighting system will not be visible and the helmet will appear to be a standard motorcycle helmet.
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The battery pack 18 may also be charged through a spring loaded extension 26 located under the seat of the motorcycle. This apparatus will be connected to an adapter 30 on the motorcycle's battery 27. The battery pack 18 from the helmet can then be connected to the spring loaded extension 26 through the utility belt 25 of the user. When the battery pack 18 is connected in this manner it can be charged through the motorcycle's battery 27 and have an unlimited source of power while connected to the motorcycle.
The shell of the helmet will contain a heat shield that will prevent overheating or damage due to the heat being emitted from the LED light source. In the currently preferred embodiment, the shell will be treated with a fire protective coating.
The integrated lighting system incorporated into helmets exceeds or meets the United States standards for vehicle helmets and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements for use in the workplace. Additionally, the system is in full compliance with the Snell Memorial Foundation standard for protective headgear that is well known in the field of helmet design and manufacturing.
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In an alternative embodiment of the invention, logos and designs may be placed in the transparent plastic layer. These can be placed for advertising purposes, to promote specific brands, or to designate and distinguish users.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system may be made with lights in different colors and patterns. These can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of various users. Some examples include toy helmets for children that can be used in Halloween costumes or decorative helmets that could be used in parades or football halftime shows.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted with a dimmer control. This will reduce the energy emission from the LED lights. This will subsequently save battery power and reduce the heat being emitted to the helmet.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted with an automatic shut-off mechanism. This mechanism will turn off the lighting system if it reaches a predetermined temperature level to prevent heat damage to the helmet or injury to the user.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the wireless remote control maybe integrated with the lighting system on a law enforcement motorcycle. In this manner the lights on the helmet will flash in synch with the lights on the law enforcement motorcycle.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the integrated lighting system will be fitted in helmet that is waterproof. This will allow the system to be used at sea or for under water rescue purposes.
The integrated lighting system described above may also be designed to fit helmets intended for other specific uses. These include but are not limited to hard hat or safety helmets, United States Coast Guard helmets, various police and law enforcement uses, civilian helmets used for biking or watercrafts, and government/military personnel.
It is appreciated that additional advantages, modifications and equivalent embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and representative devices, shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications, such as helmet design or alternative materials of construction, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
