1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to illuminated safety helmets. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an illuminated bicycle helmet having a plurality of light emitting diodes activated via a motion detecting switch.
2. Background
Generally speaking, illuminated protective helmets, i.e. bicycle helmets and the like, are well known in the art. Properly crafted, such helmets may provide an added measure of safety through enticing the wearer to wear the helmet. Further, the helmets may be worn simply because such helmets can provide an expression of the individualism of the particular wearer. One often finds the illumination of such helmets integrated with the overall graphical presentation on the exterior of the helmet to complement the helmet's particular style.
A number of lighting schemes have been used to illuminate helmets such as, for example, incandescent lights, electroluminescent lights, and light emitting diodes (“LEDs” or “LED lamps”). Each lighting scheme has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, incandescent bulbs are relatively inefficient and typically enclosed in glass which can be hazardous if broken. On the other hand, incandescent bulbs typically have a wide viewing angle and are relatively inexpensive. Electroluminescent devices are viewable over wide angles and tend to be more efficient than incandescent bulbs but, unfortunately, require a relatively high AC voltage for operation which complicates their use in battery operated environments. Electroluminescent panels tend to be relatively expensive.
LED lamps have a number of attributes which make them particularly attractive for use on a helmet. LEDs are relatively inexpensive as compared to electro-luminescent panels, relatively efficient as compared to incandescent lighting, and especially well suited to being driven by solid state electronics. While LEDs have a relatively narrow viewing angle, at least in comparison with incandescent and electro-luminescent lighting elements, placement of the LEDs relative to the exterior of the helmet can, to a large degree, overcome this disadvantage. The vivid colors produced by LED lamps and their suitability for use with electronic controls make LEDs particularly well suited to producing aesthetic effects.
Another consideration in a lighted helmet, regardless of the lighting scheme employed, is maximizing battery life. While lamp brightness and efficiency are perhaps the most important factors, there are other factors which significantly impact battery life. For example, batteries may be consumed through inadvertent failure to turn off the lights when the helmet is not in use. Further, operating the lights at one hundred percent duty cycle, when unnecessary, will adversely effect battery life.
Other considerations in a lighted helmet include: wire routing between lamps; battery placement; and, above all, not comprising the safety aspects of the helmet by adding the illumination system.
The present invention satisfies the needs and alleviates the problems and shortcomings indicated above. In one aspect, the present invention provides lighted headgear, such as a bicycle helmet, including: a protective layer formed from an impact absorbing material; an outer shell covering a portion of said protective layer, having a plurality of translucent windows therein; a plurality of lamps positioned on the exterior surface of the protective layer and covered by the outer shell such that each lamp can project light through a translucent window; and a power source for supplying power to the lamps.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a lighted bicycle helmet which includes a motion activated switch for automatically connecting the power source to the lamps upon movement of the helmet. Upon movement of the helmet, electronic circuitry is activated which flashes LED lamps located on the helmet in a predetermined fashion. When the helmet is on the head of a rider, the motion activated switch will retrigger operation of the lamps in virtually a continuous manner. Once the helmet becomes stationary, the active sequence will complete and operation of the LED lamps will cease until the helmet is again put into operation.
Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examining the accompanying drawings and upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is important to understand that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction illustrated and the steps described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
Referring to
Anchor members 26 are located on an inside surface 14 of protective shell 12. A housing assembly 28 is located in the housing cavity 24. In another embodiment, anchor members 26 may be eliminated and the housing assembly 28 secured, e.g., glued within housing cavity 24. Housing assembly 28 includes a housing base 30. Housing base 30 defines a receptacle 32 and a flange 34. Housing base 30 is preferably comprised of an injection moldable material, such as polyethylene or other suitable material. A circuit board 36 (
A battery floor 38 (
A plurality of wires 48 are in communication with circuit board 36. Wires 48 extend from receptacle 32. Each of the plurality of wires 48 are preferably located in one of channels 20. The plurality of wires 48 allow for flexibility in light placement since each of wires 48 may be located in a desired channel 20 for forming a desired pattern of lights.
A plurality of light emitting diode (“LED”) lamps 50 are provided. Preferably, each LED lamp 50 is in communication with one of a plurality of wires 48. Each of the lamps 50 are located in one of recessed areas 22 and preferably do not protrude above the outside surface 16 of the protective shell 12.
Outer shell 52 (
In one embodiment, shown in
Turning to
In a preferred embodiment, module 60 is programmed to cycle through various programs of LED flashing upon the cycling of switch 66. After a program is complete, preferably the LEDs 50 are extinguished until the next cycling of switch 66. By way of example and not limitation, upon the first actuation of switch 66, all LEDs 50 might be illuminated. Upon a subsequent actuation of switch 66, each LED 50 may be individually illuminated in a sequential manner. Upon another subsequent actuation of switch 66, LEDs 50 may be individually flashed in a random manner for a period of time. Any number of programmed events may be cycled until the end of the program is reached whereupon the process repeats, beginning with all LEDs 50 on.
If switch 66 is actuated by motion, as a wearer moves around with the helmet 10 (
One example of a suitable motion detecting switch 66 is switch 68 shown in
Another example of a suitable motion detecting switch 66 is switch 82 shown in
Numerous other possibilities are equally well suited to trigger module 60. By way of example and not limitation such possibilities include: a mercury switch; a Piezo-type accelerometer; a pendulum-type switch, or even a conventional accelerometer in combination with circuitry to produce a binary output indicative of motion of the helmet. The important aspect of such motion detecting switches being to provide occasional transitions in response to small accelerations, preferably at least in a front to back direction, which invariably occur when helmet 10 is in motion.
Thus, once a user dons helmet 10, even small movements of the user's head result in forces that periodically trigger the motion detecting switch 66. Operation of the motion detecting switch, in turn, triggers module 60 which flashes LED lamps 50 through a predetermined program. Upon completion of the program, a subsequent operation of switch 66 will trigger the next program of module 60, and so the process continues until helmet 10 is placed in a stationary position.
In use, LED lamps 50 project light through protrusions 56 in outer shell 52. Protrusions 56 are clear, or otherwise translucent, so that light emitted from LED lamps 50 illuminate protrusions 56. Protrusions 56 are preferably oblong and arranged in a aerodynamic orientation. Lamps 50 preferably do not extend above the outside surface 16 of protective shell 12 so that a lamp 50 will not be forced inwardly upon impact of the helmet 10 against a surface. The appearance of helmet 10 may be customized by locating LED lamps 50 in selected channels 20 or recessed areas 22 of protective shell 12 as desired.
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the appended claims.
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