WO2005067751A1 - Motorcycle helmet - Google Patents

Motorcycle helmet Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005067751A1
WO2005067751A1 PCT/US2004/000104 US2004000104W WO2005067751A1 WO 2005067751 A1 WO2005067751 A1 WO 2005067751A1 US 2004000104 W US2004000104 W US 2004000104W WO 2005067751 A1 WO2005067751 A1 WO 2005067751A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
motorcycle
head
signal
cover
covering portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/000104
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lonnie S. Linnartz
Lisa Linnartz
Original Assignee
Linnartz Lonnie S
Lisa Linnartz
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linnartz Lonnie S, Lisa Linnartz filed Critical Linnartz Lonnie S
Priority to PCT/US2004/000104 priority Critical patent/WO2005067751A1/en
Publication of WO2005067751A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005067751A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04—Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/0406—Accessories for helmets
    • A42B3/0433—Detecting, signalling or lighting devices
    • A42B3/0453—Signalling devices, e.g. auxiliary brake or indicator lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2673—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on parts worn by the driver, e.g. clothes, gloves or bags, specially adapted to provide auxiliary vehicle signalling
    • B60Q1/2676—Helmets

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general art of helmets, and to the particular field of motorcycle helmets .
  • motorcycle riding can be for recreation, transportation, or any other objective that is common to most land vehicles.
  • a vehicle generally a car or a truck, or other such full-size vehicle, not recognizing when a motorcycle is turning or stopping, is a common problem encountered by many motorcycle riders. This can be dangerous since the following vehicle does not know the intentions of the motorcyclist and can accidentally collide with the motorcycle as the motorcycle slows down to stop or make a turn. Therefore, there is a need for a means for notifying drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn. The inventor has recognized that this problem is often caused because the driver of a following vehicle may not notice the signal indicators oh the rear of the motorcycle.
  • a motorcycle helmet that has turn signals and stop signals in the rear of the helmet.
  • the signals are located near the top of the helmet and emit different colors, with the turn signals having an amber color and the stop signals having a red color so the signals will be readily visible to drivers of other vehicles, especially large vehicles such as trucks or SUVs .
  • the signals in the helmet are electrically coupled to the corresponding signals in the motorcycle by wireless communications so that, for example, when the motorcyclist activates a turn signal, a signal on the helmet that corresponds to the activated turn signal of the motorcycle will also be activated. In this manner, the motorcycle provides two signals of the turning intention.
  • One signal is on the motorcycle where a driver of another vehicle may be looking and a second signal is on the helmet to ensure that even an inattentive driver will notice the signal.
  • Using the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention will permit a motorcycle driver to reliably and readily alert drivers, especially drivers in large vehicles that may be following the motorcycle, of an intention to slow down or turn.
  • the signals on the helmet of the present invention are also designed to alert even inattentive drivers of the stop or turn intentions of a motorcycle.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wireless transmitter that is mounted on a motorcycle and is connected to the signal system associated with the motorcycle and is used in connection with the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention to relay signals from a motorcycle to signals in the helmet via wireless communication.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram indicating the control circuit used to couple signal lights in the helmet to signal circuits in a motorcycle via wireless communications .
  • Helmet 10 comprises a head-covering portion 12 having a first portion 14 that is adapted to be located adjacent to a wearer's face W when the head-covering portion 12 is worn, a second portion 16 that is adapted to be located adjacent to the rear of the wearer's head when the head- covering portion 12 is worn, and a third portion 18 that is adapted to be located on top of the wearer's head when the head-covering portion 12 is worn.
  • the helmet head- covering portion 12 can be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art of motorcycle helmets.
  • a signal unit 20 is mounted in the second portion 16 of the head-covering portion 12.
  • Signal portion 20 includes a first signal light 22, a second signal light 24, and a third signal light 26.
  • a power source 30 is mounted in the helmet 10 and is electrically connected to the first, second and third signal lights 22, 24, 26 as will be understood from the following discussion.
  • a first cover 40 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the first signal light 22.
  • the first cover 40 is translucent and has a first color.
  • the first color is preferably amber and includes a direction arrow 42 thereon which is illuminated when the first signal light 22 is activated.
  • a second cover 44 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the second signal light 24.
  • the second cover 44 is translucent and has a color identical to the first color, preferably amber.
  • the second cover 44 also includes a direction arrow 46 which is illuminated when the second signal light 24 is activated.
  • a third cover 50 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the third signal light 26.
  • the third cover 50 is translucent and has a third color, preferably red, which is different from the first and second colors.
  • An electrical communication circuit 60 includes a transmitter 62 mounted on a motorcycle M.
  • the transmitter 62 is electrically connected to turn and braking signal systems of the motorcycle via lead lines, such as lead line 63.
  • the transmitter 62 generates a first turn signal 64 and second turn signal 66 associated with turn signals operated on the motorcycle, the transmitter 62 also generates a third signal 68 associated with a brake signal of the motorcycle.
  • a receiver 70 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 and is adapted to receive wireless communication signals generated by the transmitter 62 on the motorcycle. Using leads, such as leads 72, 74 and 76, the receiver 70 is electrically connected to the first signal light 22, the second signal light 24, and the third signal light 26. The receiver 70 connects the signal lights 22, 24, 26 to the power source 30 and activates the signal lights 22, 24, 26 according to signals received from the transmitter 62. It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)

Abstract

A motorcycle helmet (10) includes signals (20) that are coupled to signal systems on the motorcycle via wireless communications (60). The signals on the helmet correspond to the signals of the motorcycle so that braking and/or turning is signaled both on the motorcycle and on the helmet (10). The signals on the helmet (10) are variously colored to attract attention.

Description

MOTORCYCLE HELMET
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the general art of helmets, and to the particular field of motorcycle helmets .
2. Discussion of the Related Art Many people ride some form of motorcycle. Motorcycle riding can be for recreation, transportation, or any other objective that is common to most land vehicles. A vehicle, generally a car or a truck, or other such full-size vehicle, not recognizing when a motorcycle is turning or stopping, is a common problem encountered by many motorcycle riders. This can be dangerous since the following vehicle does not know the intentions of the motorcyclist and can accidentally collide with the motorcycle as the motorcycle slows down to stop or make a turn. Therefore, there is a need for a means for notifying drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn. The inventor has recognized that this problem is often caused because the driver of a following vehicle may not notice the signal indicators oh the rear of the motorcycle. This results from either the driver being inattentive, or because the driver in the following vehicle is sitting so high above the ground that he or she cannot see the signal indicators of the motorcycle. For example, a driver in a large SUV may not even see the signals on a small motorcycle. Therefore, there is a need for a means for notifying following drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn in a manner that will permit drivers of large vehicles to notice the signal indicators. While the prior art does contain examples of motorcycle helmets with signals, the inventor is not aware of any such devices that take extra steps to ensure that even inattentive drivers will notice the signal of the motorcycle. Therefore, there is a need for a means for notifying following drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn in a manner that will permit even inattentive drivers to notice the signal indicators .
PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is a main object of the present invention to provide a means for notifying following drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn. It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for notifying following drivers of a motorcyclist ' s intention to slow down and/or turn in a manner that will permit drivers of large vehicles to notice the signal indicators of the motorcycle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for notifying following drivers of a motorcyclist's intention to slow down and/or turn in a manner that will permit even inattentive drivers to notice the signal indicators of the motorcycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These, and other, objects are achieved by a motorcycle helmet that has turn signals and stop signals in the rear of the helmet. The signals are located near the top of the helmet and emit different colors, with the turn signals having an amber color and the stop signals having a red color so the signals will be readily visible to drivers of other vehicles, especially large vehicles such as trucks or SUVs . The signals in the helmet are electrically coupled to the corresponding signals in the motorcycle by wireless communications so that, for example, when the motorcyclist activates a turn signal, a signal on the helmet that corresponds to the activated turn signal of the motorcycle will also be activated. In this manner, the motorcycle provides two signals of the turning intention. One signal is on the motorcycle where a driver of another vehicle may be looking and a second signal is on the helmet to ensure that even an inattentive driver will notice the signal. Using the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention will permit a motorcycle driver to reliably and readily alert drivers, especially drivers in large vehicles that may be following the motorcycle, of an intention to slow down or turn. The signals on the helmet of the present invention are also designed to alert even inattentive drivers of the stop or turn intentions of a motorcycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wireless transmitter that is mounted on a motorcycle and is connected to the signal system associated with the motorcycle and is used in connection with the motorcycle helmet embodying the present invention to relay signals from a motorcycle to signals in the helmet via wireless communication. Figure 4 is a block diagram indicating the control circuit used to couple signal lights in the helmet to signal circuits in a motorcycle via wireless communications .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings . Referring to the Figures, it can be understood that the present invention is embodied in a motorcycle helmet 10. Helmet 10 comprises a head-covering portion 12 having a first portion 14 that is adapted to be located adjacent to a wearer's face W when the head-covering portion 12 is worn, a second portion 16 that is adapted to be located adjacent to the rear of the wearer's head when the head- covering portion 12 is worn, and a third portion 18 that is adapted to be located on top of the wearer's head when the head-covering portion 12 is worn. The helmet head- covering portion 12 can be formed of materials known to those skilled in the art of motorcycle helmets. A signal unit 20 is mounted in the second portion 16 of the head-covering portion 12. Signal portion 20 includes a first signal light 22, a second signal light 24, and a third signal light 26. A power source 30 is mounted in the helmet 10 and is electrically connected to the first, second and third signal lights 22, 24, 26 as will be understood from the following discussion. A first cover 40 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the first signal light 22. The first cover 40 is translucent and has a first color. The first color is preferably amber and includes a direction arrow 42 thereon which is illuminated when the first signal light 22 is activated. A second cover 44 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the second signal light 24. The second cover 44 is translucent and has a color identical to the first color, preferably amber. The second cover 44 also includes a direction arrow 46 which is illuminated when the second signal light 24 is activated. A third cover 50 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 in position to cover the third signal light 26. The third cover 50 is translucent and has a third color, preferably red, which is different from the first and second colors. An electrical communication circuit 60 includes a transmitter 62 mounted on a motorcycle M. The transmitter 62 is electrically connected to turn and braking signal systems of the motorcycle via lead lines, such as lead line 63. The transmitter 62 generates a first turn signal 64 and second turn signal 66 associated with turn signals operated on the motorcycle, the transmitter 62 also generates a third signal 68 associated with a brake signal of the motorcycle. A receiver 70 is mounted on the head-covering portion 12 and is adapted to receive wireless communication signals generated by the transmitter 62 on the motorcycle. Using leads, such as leads 72, 74 and 76, the receiver 70 is electrically connected to the first signal light 22, the second signal light 24, and the third signal light 26. The receiver 70 connects the signal lights 22, 24, 26 to the power source 30 and activates the signal lights 22, 24, 26 according to signals received from the transmitter 62. It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Claims

CLAIMS What is desired to be covered by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A motorcycle helmet comprising: a) a head-covering portion having a first portion that is adapted to be located adjacent to a wearer's face when said head-covering portion is worn, a second portion that is adapted to be located adjacent to the rear of the wearer's head when said head-covering portion is worn, and a third portion that is adapted to be located on top of the wearer's head when said head-covering portion is worn; b) a signal unit mounted in the second portion of said head-covering portion and including (1) a first signal light, (2) a second signal light, (3) a third signal light, (4) a power source electrically connected to the first, second, and third signal lights, (5) a first cover mounted on said head-covering portion in position to cover the first signal light, the first cover being translucent and having a first color, (6) a second cover mounted on said head- covering portion in position to cover the second signal light, the second cover being translucent and having a color identical to the first color, and
(7) a third cover mounted on said head-covering portion in position to cover the third signal light, the third cover being translucent and having a third color which is different from the first color; and an electrical communication circuit which includes
(1) a transmitter mounted on a motorcycle, the transmitter being electrically connected to turn and braking signal systems of the motorcycle, the transmitter generating a first and second turn signals associated with turn signals operated on the motorcycle and generating a third signal associated with a brake signal of the motorcycle, and
(2) a receiver mounted on said head-covering portion and which is adapted to receive wireless communication signals generated by the transmitter on the motorcycle, the receiver being electrically connected to the first signal light, the second signal light, and the third signal light, the receiver connecting the signal lights to the power source and activating the signal lights according to signals received from the transmitter.
2. The motorcycle helmet as described in claim 1 wherein the first and second colors are amber and the third color is red.
3. The motorcycle helmet as described in claim 1 wherein the first and second covers include direction arrows.
PCT/US2004/000104 2004-01-07 2004-01-07 Motorcycle helmet WO2005067751A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/000104 WO2005067751A1 (en) 2004-01-07 2004-01-07 Motorcycle helmet

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/000104 WO2005067751A1 (en) 2004-01-07 2004-01-07 Motorcycle helmet

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005067751A1 true WO2005067751A1 (en) 2005-07-28

Family

ID=34795943

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/000104 WO2005067751A1 (en) 2004-01-07 2004-01-07 Motorcycle helmet

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005067751A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2898324A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-14 Francois Claude Miche Verryden Safety device e.g. stop light, for e.g. motorcycle helmet, has stop and go lights with transmitting module connected in parallel to brake sensor for sending signal to receiver, where LEDs of lights indicate brake provided by user
WO2008007399A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-01-17 Ber Racing Italy S.R.L. A light device for signalling and an article of clothing, in particular a rash helmet, provided with the light device
WO2018038759A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2018-03-01 Bell Sports, Inc. Helmet safety lighting system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4559586A (en) * 1984-12-26 1985-12-17 Michael Slarve Safety helmet
US4891736A (en) * 1988-02-04 1990-01-02 Adam Gouda Signal helmet
US5207500A (en) * 1991-08-26 1993-05-04 Obdulio Rios Motorcycle helmet with headlights
US6406168B1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-06-18 William Scott Whiting Helmet mounted brake lights
US6529126B1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-04 John Junior Henry Safety helmet system
US20030137413A1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-07-24 Morse Kevin C. Protective helmet navigation system
US20030231109A1 (en) * 2002-06-13 2003-12-18 Jounghoon Kim Brake light control system for a motorcycle

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4559586A (en) * 1984-12-26 1985-12-17 Michael Slarve Safety helmet
US4891736A (en) * 1988-02-04 1990-01-02 Adam Gouda Signal helmet
US5207500A (en) * 1991-08-26 1993-05-04 Obdulio Rios Motorcycle helmet with headlights
US6406168B1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-06-18 William Scott Whiting Helmet mounted brake lights
US6529126B1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-04 John Junior Henry Safety helmet system
US20030137413A1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-07-24 Morse Kevin C. Protective helmet navigation system
US20030231109A1 (en) * 2002-06-13 2003-12-18 Jounghoon Kim Brake light control system for a motorcycle

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2898324A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-14 Francois Claude Miche Verryden Safety device e.g. stop light, for e.g. motorcycle helmet, has stop and go lights with transmitting module connected in parallel to brake sensor for sending signal to receiver, where LEDs of lights indicate brake provided by user
WO2008007399A1 (en) * 2006-07-11 2008-01-17 Ber Racing Italy S.R.L. A light device for signalling and an article of clothing, in particular a rash helmet, provided with the light device
WO2018038759A1 (en) * 2016-08-23 2018-03-01 Bell Sports, Inc. Helmet safety lighting system
US9968153B2 (en) 2016-08-23 2018-05-15 Bell Sports, Inc. Helmet safety lighting system
US10349695B2 (en) 2016-08-23 2019-07-16 Bell Sports, Inc Helmet safety lighting system

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