AU2014204471A1 - Head protection systems, accessories, communications and/or control systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A head protection system includes a protective shell having: a harness including a chin strap configured, in use, to pass under a user's chin to secure the protective shell to the 5 user's head; and a plurality of first accessory attachment points. The system also includes a plurality of headwear accessories, each including a plurality of second accessory attachment points, the second accessory attachment points being arranged to attach to the plurality of first accessory attachment points, to attach the accessory to the protective shell.

Description

HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEMS, ACCESSORIES, COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR CONTROL SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The invention relates generally to head protection, particularly but not exclusively to head protection for farmers or other off road users of motorbikes, ATVs, quad bikes and the like. The invention also relates to accessories and components for head protection systems. The invention also relates to communications and/or control systems. 10 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Quad bikes (also known as all terrain vehicles (ATVs)) are widely used in farm settings, providing a relatively cheap and convenient means of transport for farm workers. 15 However, there is increasing concern regarding fatal and serious incidents involving quad bikes. Australian Hospital data suggests quad bike accidents are responsible for 8-11% of all 20 on-farm injuries while in New Zealand 28% of all work related accidents involve quad bike use on farms, and 40% of these accidents involve some level of head injury. Most quad bike fatalities are the result of either head injuries or from the rider being trapped under overturned vehicles, causing asphyxia or serious chest injuries. Injuries 25 caused on farm by ATV quad bikes have become a major issue facing the agricultural sector in all agricultural and horticultural growing nations where ATV quad bikes are commonly used. It is estimated that 50% of the fatalities are caused by a roll over; and the other 50% 30 occur when people are flung off the bike and hit their head upon impact ("Quad bike overtakes tractor as deadliest farm vehicle", The Sydney Morning Herald 22 July 2012). It is estimated that these ATV related fatalities and injuries constitute approximately 6% of all motor vehicle related mortalities and morbidities (NZS 8600 All Terrain Vehicle Helmets, Standards New Zealand, 2002). 1 Wearing a helmet has been proven to help in reducing the seriousness of injuries suffered in a quad bike accident, protecting against a crushing force as well as absorbing the impact if the rider is projected from the bike and or experiences a rapid 5 deceleration in speed by making contact with an object on impact. US research suggests using a motorcycle style helmet 'reduces the risk of death and fatal head injury by 42% (G Rodgers "The Characteristics and use Patterns of All-Terrain Vehicle Drivers in the United States", Accident Analysis & Prevention, 1990). 10 Helmets are typically formed with a rigid material and foam material, providing a means of absorbing impact energy and resisting penetration. Helmets also generally include a retention system maintaining the helmet in the correct position on the head. Existing helmets are generally rigid, making them unsuitable for multiple impacts. 15 Farmers are reluctant to wear existing helmets, which generally have not been designed specifically to meet the needs of the farmer. Less than 15% of farmers in New Zealand report that helmets are worn at some time (R Johri "Quad Bikes: A Look at the Safety Behaviour of Accident Victims", Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment, 2012) . 20 Most current quad bike / ATV helmets have simply been based on traditional motorbike helmets. They are big, bulky and heavy. They are also very hot in summer and cold in winter. This makes them very uncomfortable or impractical to wear on the farm. Existing helmet height and elevation off the head makes them sit very high so they cannot easily be worn under a jacket hood. This height elevation off the head also negatively 25 influences the wearer by changing their perception of balance and the position of the top of the head, as well as affecting their peripheral vision, resulting in more head knocks and restricted movement. These helmets also serve only one main purpose: to protect the head while riding a quad bike in the sudden event of an accident. They are hard hats made where one size fits all and they are not designed for real farming needs. Typically 30 these helmets are worn only while riding the ATV / quad bike and removed immediately when dismounting. Reference to any prior art in this specification does not constitute an admission that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 2 It is an object of the invention to provide an improved head protection system and/or components or accessories for a head protection system, and/or an improved communications and/or control system, or at least to provide the public with a useful 5 choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the invention provides a head protection system including: 10 a protective shell having: a bottom rim; a harness attached at a plurality of harness attachment points spaced above the bottom rim on an inside wall of the protective shell, the harness including a chin strap configured, in use, to pass under a user's chin to secure the protective shell to the user's head; and a plurality of first accessory attachment points on the inside wall of the protective shell, the first accessory 15 attachment points being positioned closer to the bottom rim than the harness attachment points; and a plurality of headwear accessories, each including a plurality of second accessory attachment points on an outer surface thereof, the second accessory attachment points being arranged to attach to the plurality of first accessory attachment points, to attach 20 the accessory to the protective shell. Preferably one accessory selected from the plurality of headwear accessories may be attached to the protective shell at any one time. 25 Preferably the plurality of headwear accessories include two or more of: a full hat brim accessory; a cap brim or visor accessory; a warm liner accessory; a peaked warm liner accessory; a balaclava accessory; a rain hood accessory; an external high visibility accessory; accessories with visual branding and or symbols for individual identification; an outer shell cover; an eyewear accessory; and an eye protection accessory. 30 Preferably the headwear accessories may be attached either: inside the harness with the second accessory attachment points extending past the harness to the first accessory attachment points; or outside the harness. 3 Preferably at least some of the headwear accessories are configured for attachment outside the harness and do not extend to cover, in use, the top of a user's head. Preferably at least some of the headwear accessories are configured for attachment 5 inside the harness and extend to cover, in use, the top of a user's head. Preferably the first and second accessory attachment points comprise cooperating fasteners. 10 Preferably the cooperating fasteners are domes, clips, buckles or hook and loop fasteners. Preferably the protective shell includes at least one rigid shell element. 15 Preferably the rigid shell element is a single piece shell with regions of different curvature intersecting at one or more transitional sections. Preferably the bottom rim either lies in a plane or is gently shaped such that all points on the bottom rim lie within 50mm, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 30mm, 20 of a plane. Preferably the protective shell further includes one or more external attachment points for attachment of external accessories. 25 Preferably the external attachment points are configured for attachment of one or more of: a head lamp; a video camera; a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver; a processor; memory; a controller; a cover. Preferably the protective shell includes one or more sensors from the group: an impact 30 or crumple sensor; an accelerometer; a motion sensor; a GPS receiver; proximity sensor; optical sensor; camera; RFID Reader; and Gyroscope. Preferably the protective shell includes a processor configured to receive data from the one or more sensors and memory configured to store the received data. 4 Preferably the protective shell further includes a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver. 5 In another aspect the invention provides a head protection system including: a protective shell having: a harness including a chin strap configured, in use, to pass under a user's chin to secure the protective shell to the user's head; and a plurality of first accessory attachment points; and a plurality of headwear accessories, each including a plurality of second accessory 10 attachment points, the second accessory attachment points being arranged to attach to the plurality of first accessory attachment points, to attach the accessory to the protective shell. In a further aspect the invention provides a distributed sensor and/or control system, 15 including: a plurality of spatially distributed sensor modules and/or control modules, each including a wireless communications transceiver; and a mobile communications module configured to gather sensor data from the sensor modules and/or issue control instructions to the control modules. 20 Preferably the system further includes a head protection device and/or a mobile local hub wherein the moving communications module is part of, or mounted to the head protection device and/or the mobile local hub. In a further aspect the invention provides a vehicle immobiliser system including: a head 25 protective shell; one or more sensors configured to determine whether the protective shell is in place on a user's head; a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to enable vehicle startup or motion only when the protective shell is in place on the user's head. 30 Preferably the one or more sensors include a buckle sensor configured to determine whether a buckle of the head protective shell is closed. Preferably the sensors include one or more pressure, contact and/or temperature sensors. 5 Preferably the sensors communicate with the controller via a low power wireless communication link such that the helmet must be near the vehicle in order for the vehicle to be enabled. 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 Figure 1 is a front view of a protective shell according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is a side view of the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a rear view of the protective shell of Figure 1; 15 Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line 5'-5' in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a cap or visor accessory according to one embodiment; Figure 6A is a side view of the accessory of Figure 6, installed in the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 6B is a front view of the accessory of Figure 6, installed in the protective shell 20 of Figure 1; Figure 6C is a sectional view along the line 6C-6C in Figure 6B; Figure 6D is a sectional view along the line 6D-6D in Figure 6A; Figure 7 shows a full brim accessory according to one embodiment; Figure 7A is a side view of the accessory of Figure 7, installed in the protective shell 25 of Figure 1; Figure 7B is a front view of the accessory of Figure 7, installed in the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 7C is a sectional view along the line 7C-7C in Figure 7B; Figure 7D is a sectional view along the line 7D-7D in Figure 7A; 30 Figure 8 shows a peaked warm liner accessory according to one embodiment; Figure 8A is a side view of the accessory of Figure 8, installed in the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 8B is a front view of the accessory of Figure 8, installed in the protective shell of Figure 1; 6 Figure 8C is a sectional view along the line 8C-8C in Figure 8B; Figure 8D is a sectional view along the line 8D-8D in Figure 8A; Figure 9 is a section view through a protective shell according to a further embodiment; 5 Figure 10 shows a protective shell according to another embodiment; Figure 11 is a side view illustrating curvatures and transitional sections in the protective shell of Figure 1; Figure 11A is a top view illustrating curvatures and transitional sections in the protective shell of Figure 1; 10 Figure 12 is a detailed view of a portion of a protective shell according to one embodiment; Figure 13 is a similar view to Figure 12, showing how an impact force actuates an impact sensor; Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a broader system including a head protection 15 device; Figure 15 shows a farm system including a moving data gathering and/or control system; Figure 16 shows a head protection system with buckle sensor according to a further embodiment; 20 Figure 17 shows the buckle of the system of Figure 16; and Figure 18 is a further view of the buckle of Figure 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 25 Figures 1 to 8D show a modular head protection system according to one embodiment. The head protection system includes a protective shell 1. Figure 1 is a front view, Figure 2 is a side view, Figure 3 is a top view and Figure 4 is a rear view of the protective shell 1. Figure 5 is a section along the line 5-5' in Figure 1. In Figures 1 to 5 the harness is omitted, but will be described in detail below. 30 The protective shell 1 is shaped to accommodate a user's head. The protective shell 1 has an outside surface 2 and an inside surface 3. The protective shell is generally a dome shaped shell, extending upwards from a bottom rim 4. 7 The protective shell may be formed from any materials that provide the required protection for the application. In one embodiment, where the helmet system is intended for use by users of ATVs / quad bikes, the protective shell 1 should provide acceptable impact protection and comply with applicable standards. In the embodiment shown the 5 protective shell is a rigid shell formed from a number of plastic and foam layers. An outer plastic later 6 (Figure 5) provides a hard shell that resists damage from every day use and contributes to impact protection in the event of an accident. This outer plastic layer 6 is bonded to a protective foam layer 7 (e.g. expanded polystyrene or similar). A further liner layer may be provided. The liner may be functional or may be provided for 10 comfort (e.g. a soft foam layer, or foam inserts). Such liners are to be considered part of the protective shell for the purposes of this specification. Similar constructions are well known in various helmets and the materials and the construction need not be discussed further here. 15 This construction provides the necessary impact protection in the event of an accident. In impact situations the plastic outer layer 6 and foam layer 7 will act together to cushion the impact and prevent penetration of the helmet. As shown in particular in Figures 2 and 5 the bottom rim 4 of the helmet is formed with a 20 gentle curvature that stays relatively close to a plane. In some embodiments the bottom rim 4 may lie on a plane, but in any case deviations from the plane are preferably less than around 50mm, more preferably less than 40mm, ideally less than 30mm. Referring to Figure 5, the angle cc between a plane P 1 in which a front section of the rim lies and a plane P 2 in which a rear section of the rim lies is preferably less than 15 degrees, more 25 preferably less than 10 degrees. This flat or gently curved shape facilitates the use of various different accessories, as discussed below. It is suitable for the attachment of various brim or visor accessories. As shown in e.g. Figure 2, the bottom rim 4 may be slightly concave, when viewed from the side. 30 Further, the shape of the bottom rim is preferably designed so as not to restrict the wearer's peripheral vision. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show three different accessories. Figure 6 shows a cap brim or visor accessory 8, which includes a visor 9 and rim 10. Figure 7 shows a full hat brim 8 accessory 11, which includes a brim 12 and rim 13. Figure 8 shows a warm peaked liner accessory 14, which includes a visor 15, warm covering portion 16 and ear flaps 17. Figures 6A-6D, 7A-7D and 8A-8D show the three accessories 8, 11, 14 separately 5 installed in the protective shell 1. Figures 6C, 7C and 8C are sectional views along the lines 6C-6C (Figure 6B), 7C-7C (Figure 7B), and 8C-8C (Figure 8B) respectively. 10 Figures 6D, 7D and 8D are sectional views along the lines 6D-6D (Figure 6A), 7D-7D (Figure 7A), and 8D-8D (Figure 8A) respectively. As shown in these drawings, the head protection system incorporates a harness 20. The harness 20 includes a chin strap 21 that is configured to be fastened, in use, 15 beneath a user's chin, to secure the head protection system to the user's head. The chin strap 21 may have a clip, clasp or buckle 22 to fasten the two sides of the chin strap 21 to each other. The harness and chin strap should comply with applicable international standards. 20 The harness may also include a number of harness straps 23 that connect the chin strap 21 to the protective shell 1. The attachment of the harness straps 23 to the protective shell 1 is shown most clearly in Figures 6D, 7D and 8D. Figure 6D shows a harness strap 23a, which passes along an inner surface of the protective shell 1 to a harness attachment point 25, at which it is attached to the protective shell. The attachment may 25 be made to any suitable layer of the protective shell, including an outer layer (e.g. a rigid plastic layer), middle layer and/or a shell liner. The harness attachment point is spaced well above the bottom rim 4 and the harness strap 23a is not attached to the protective shell in the region near the bottom rim 4. In the embodiment shown the end of the harness strap 23a is embedded in the protective foam layer 7, but any suitable means of 30 attachment of the harness straps 23 to the protective shell 1 may be used. The other harness straps 23 are attached to the protective shell 1 at further similar harness attachment points, also spaced above the bottom rim 4. 9 This placement of the harness attachment points allows various configurations to be achieved, as will be discussed below. Figure 6D also shows the position of the rim 10 of the visor accessory 8. Each 5 accessory 8, 11, 14 includes one or more, preferably two or more, accessory attachment points 28. In the embodiment shown dome or snap fasteners are used. However, any suitable attachment method may be used, including clips, buckles, domes, snap fasteners, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro

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). The accessory attachment points 28 on the accessory cooperate with corresponding accessory attachment points 29 on the 10 protective shell. In the embodiment shown the accessory attachment points 29 are mounted on the outer plastic layer 6 and a small recess 30 is formed in the foam layer 7. While the mountings 31 of accessory attachment points 29 are in this embodiment visible from the outside of the protective shell (see e.g. Figure 6A) the attachment points 15 29 are in fact provided on the inner surface of the protective shell 1, as shown in Figure 6D. The accessory attachment points 29 are positioned closer to the bottom rim 4 than the harness attachment points 25. This arrangement allows accessories to be attached to 20 the protective shell and positioned either in between the harness and protective shell or, if desired, inside the harness. In some embodiments the accessory attachment points 29 may be provided on the bottom rim 4. However, preferably they are positioned on the inner surface of the 25 protective shell 1. In further embodiments the accessory attachment points 29 may be positioned on the inner surface of the protective shell, with a liner (e.g. a padded foam layer) to the inside of the inner surface. The visor accessory 8 and full brim accessory 11 are attached in between the protective 30 shell 1 and harness 20, as is clear in Figures 6B, 6C, 6D and 7B, 7C and 7D. In each case the rim 10, 13 is positioned outside the harness straps 23 and inside the protective shell 1, with the accessory attachment points 28, 29 cooperating to attach the accessory to the protective shell. This arrangement provides full functionality for the accessory and the harness, with neither interfering with the operation of the other. 10 On the other hand, the warm liner of Figures 8-8D is positioned inside the harness. As shown most clearly in Figure 8D, the liner accessory 14 is positioned inside the harness at all points, with the harness straps 23 passing between the inner surface of the 5 protective shell 1 and the outside of the accessory 14. The accessory attachment points 28 extend past the harness straps 23 to attach to the attachment points 29 on the protective shell, thereby attaching the liner accessory 14 to the shell 1. Various accessories may be part of the head protection system, including: a full hat brim 10 accessory, a cap brim or visor accessory, a warm liner accessory, a peaked warm liner accessory; a balaclava accessory; a rain hood accessory; eyewear or eye protection accessories; a high visibility accessory; accessories with visual branding and or symbols for individual identification communication; a cover; and any other desired accessories. These accessories may be attached to the protective shell by one of the arrangements 15 discussed above. In general, accessories that are closed over the top of a user's head will be attached in a similar manner to the peaked warm liner accessory 14, with the accessory to the inside of the harness straps 23. Accessories that are open to the top of a user's head may be attached using the same arrangement as the visor or full brim accessories 8, 11, with the accessory being positioned between the protective shell and 20 the harness. In use, a wearer of the helmet may select one accessory based on their preferences, the season, temperature and other weather conditions. That selected accessory may be conveniently and easily attached to the protective shell. The accessories are 25 interchangeable. Further, each element of the head protection system may be replaced if necessary without replacing the entire system. The Applicant's attachment method may be used with protective shells of any desired construction. For some applications the shell may be a simple rigid plastic shell without 30 any foam layer. Rigid or semi-rigid protective shells may be used. For other applications a non-rigid protective shell may be used. A shell that has some flexibility provides a softer, more comfortable system that may be suitable for some applications if it provides adequate protection against impacts and penetration etc. 11 Flexible shells may be formed from laminations of two or more layers of material, such as foams, flexible plastics or the like. Flexible shells may also provide multi-impact durability, unlike fully rigid helmets that crack and shatter after one impact. 5 In any case, the protective shell is preferably designed to take a wide range of impacts from low impact and penetration forces to high impact and penetration forces, making it suitable for a range of activities. In a farm setting such a protective shell may be suitable across various farm and agricultural uses. 10 The protective shell may include vents and/or channels allowing moisture and heat to travel through the protective shell, for user comfort. Suitable rigid materials for use in the protective shell include, but are not limited to: ABS plastic, polycarbonate, carbon fibre, glass fibre, Kevlar, nanofibre laminate materials, 15 bio-plastic and bio-composite materials. Suitable soft materials for use in the protective shell include, but are not limited to: foams, rubbers, soft thermoplastic or thermoset polymers, foam fabric, nano fibre membrane, and aerogel foams. 20 Any appropriate textile laminates or layers may be used, for example between the outer shell layer and a shell lining. These laminates may be formed from any suitable material, such as Kevlar, or nylon, cotton canvas, aramid fibres, felt or high abrasion resistant ballistic materials. 25 Protective rigid foam materials include, but are not limited to: Vinyl Nitrile (VN) foam, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), silicone foam or visco elastic foam. 30 Any suitable reinforcement elements may be included in the structure of the protective shell. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the protective shell may be formed from two laminated layers 35, 36, with a plurality of cables, wires, straps, ribs, fibres or other reinforcing elements 37 spanning the join between the two layers. As shown in Figure 10, cables, wires, straps, ribs, fibres or other reinforcing elements 38 may also be laid 12 parallel to the surface of the protective shell 1. Figure 10 also shows a number of openings for ventilation purposes. Ribs created within the structure of the impact absorbing materials are believed to help 5 lengthen the duration of the impact itself by reverberating energy through the shell and liner structures to smooth a high impact from a sharp object, to a relatively smooth curve of deceleration. Cables forming a network matrix through the impact absorbing materials in the protective 10 shell channel the force across and through the structure. The protective shell may include a liner material that wicks moisture and sweat away from the head quickly to a point where it can evaporate. Any suitable absorbent and wicking materials may be used to transport liquid moisture and moisture vapour. 15 All materials, particularly those on the surface, should be relatively stable under exposure to sunlight, UV, temperature extremes and rain. The protective properties of the protective shell may be adapted to be suitable for any 20 desired application. These protective properties are well understood in various applications and need not be discussed in detail here. In one embodiment, the Applicant's system may be used in farming applications. The system can be configured and interchanged to suit different weather conditions and 25 farming activities. The protective shell may be provided with a number of external attachment points. These may be used for attachment of further accessories, such a head lamp; a video camera; a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver; eyewear or eye protection 30 accessories; electronic devices for onfarm management, including devices for receiving and relaying information, communication devices etc; or any other desired accessory. The helmet may include a number of transitional sections 40, as shown in dashed line in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Each transitional section is a region where the curvature of the 13 protective shell surface changes. Figures 11 and 1 1A show the radius of curvature R4 in a top part of the shell 1, with a radius R3 along the back of the shell 1 and a transitional section 40 between the two. The transitional sections add rigidity and strength to a part of the shell, with the connection of the two surfaces acting like a reinforcing rib. The 5 transitional sections 40 therefore increase the rigidity of the shell, and aid resistance against impacts. The transitional sections may have the same, greater, or less thickness than other parts of the helmet. Transitional sections are positioned in the protective shell in order to 10 provide structure in regions where impact forces may be expected in the particular application. Properly placed transitional sections also increase the rigidity of the main contact surface (i.e. the top of the helmet) so that it deforms less on occurrence of an impact. 15 Transitional sections also facilitates a hat / helmet having a lower profile contact surface (i.e. greater radius of curvature), and manufacturing of a thinner, lighter-weight head protection system with a lower height elevation off the top of the head. As shown, the protective shell 1 may include a number of contact surfaces with different 20 curvatures (in the horizontal and/or vertical axes). The term "contact surface" means a surface of the helmet against which an impact may occur. The shapes and thicknesses of the contact surfaces ensure that the helmet has sufficient material to be able to absorb force of an impact and thereby prevent injury. 25 The curvatures shown in the drawings provide the helmet with a desirable profile when worn, providing a relatively low profile, slim line and unobtrusive shape with an ergonomic fit. It is believed that farmers and other workers are therefore more likely to wear the helmet. 30 The Applicant's head protection system may also include one or more sensors in order to collect desired information as to helmet use, or information relating to the operation of the farm or other application. 14 In preferred embodiments the sensors include a number of impact sensors designed to detect impacts. This information may be used to detect an accident and trigger an alert. Impact sensors may include mechanical crumple sensors, pressure sensors, switches etc built into the structure of the protective shell 1. For example, as shown in Figures 5 5 and 12, the protective shell 1 may include an inner layer 42. An impact force F on the outside of the protective shell 1 will cause a compression on the region R of the impact, causing the inner layer 42 to contact the next layer 7, as shown in Figure 13. The layer 42, and/or layer 7, may be equipped with one or more pressure sensors, mechanical switches or the like to detect this compression. 10 The layers of the protective shell 1 may be designed to trigger an impact detection when impact forces greater than a threshold are imparted. For example, the threshold may be around 50N. 15 The head protection system may also be provided with an internal accelerometer that detects rapid changes in speed (e.g. deceleration). Rapid deceleration may be indicative of a crash. Other suitable sensors may be used, including any one or more of: proximity sensing 20 devices, photo optical sensors, camera configured to read RFID tags, number recognition on geographical landmarks or electronic animal tags, animal health sensor implants, pasture growth sensing data, remote weather station data, GPS enabled to track and monitor wearer movement across time and terrain, optical sensors, micro cameras, and motion sensors configured to detect lack of motion / movement. 25 The head protection system may be equipped with a processor or other appropriate circuitry to gather data from the sensors and one or more transponders or transceivers with associated antennas for transmitting / receiving data. The transponders or transceivers may be configured to communicate with a farm network, or with a mobile 30 local hub, such as a hub mounted on the user's ATV or quad bike or other farm vehicle including car truck or tractor. The transponders or transceivers may also communicate with stationary communication hubs, for example hubs mounted in a dairy shed, or storage tank or trough, or associated with electric fencing. The transponders or transceivers may communicate over greater distances with a farm hub, or even over a 15 cellular or satellite communications network or the like. Where a local hub is used it may be configured to communicate with a farm hub or other central facility by any suitable means, including an on-farm network, cellular network etc. 5 As farms become more networked remote sensors are likely to be used in the field to measure a variety of parameters, for example rain fall, grass growth, animal health, milking aspects, animal activity and growth. The Applicant's system uses the normal activities of farm workers to connect these distributed sensors, gathering data and relaying it where necessary. This is particularly advantageous in areas where 10 communications through fixed networks such as cell phone networks may not be available, as is the case on many farms. The head protection system may also include memory configured to store data from the various devices. This may include USD or SD Card reader or other similar storage 15 devices, along with other devices. The sensor system may transmit an alert signal in the event of an accident, for example the sensor system may transmit a signal to a farm hub that is configured to send an alert to a farm manager or directly to emergency services. 20 The head protection system may also capture and record information using the sensors and transmit this information to another head protection system worn by another person or to a farm hub. For example, a farmer may take a photo using the micro camera in the head protection device 101 of a farm situation, such as a broken fence, and this may be 25 transmitted to a the local hub 103, to notify other workers of the situation along with the GPS information so this can be easily located. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 including a head protection device 101, a central device 102 and an optional local hub 103. The head protection device 30 includes a number of sensors 104. A processor 105 receives data from the sensors 104. The processor may store the sensor data in memory 106. The processor also controls one or more transceivers 107, which are configured to communicate over a wireless link 108 with central device 102 and/or over a local wireless link 109 with the local hub 103. The central device includes a transceiver 110 configured to communicate with the head 16 protection device 101 and/or a transceiver 111 configured to communicate with the local hub 103. The central device also includes a processor 112 and memory 113. The central device 102 may also include an alert system 114, or may be connected to an external alert system, to generate alerts in the case of an accident condition being 5 detected. The local hub 103 may for example be mounted on the user's ATV or quad bike. The local hub 103 includes a transceiver 116 for communicating with the head protection device 101 and optionally a transceiver 117 for communicating with the central device 10 102. The local hub may also include a processor 118 and memory 119. Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of a broader system 200, in which the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103 acts as a moving controller and/or data collector that interacts with spatially distributed sensors and/or controllers. For example, 15 a number of sensors and/or controllers may be distributed over a large farm. As the farmer moves around the farm, the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103 interact with those sensors and/or controllers. These interactions may simply be gathering of data, or communication of instructions, or any other desired interaction. 20 As shown in Figure 15, one or more distributed sensor modules 201 each include a sensor 202, a processor 203, memory 204 and a transceiver 205. In one embodiment the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103 may periodically issue a wakeup signal. When a sensor is within range of the wakeup signal it will wake up and either transmit previously gathered data from the sensor, or take a reading using the 25 sensor and transmit that reading. In this way the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103 may gather data from sensors during the course of the farmer's everyday activities. Any desired sensors may be used, including weather sensors (rain, sunshine, 30 temperature), soil moisture and temperature sensors, nutrient level sensors in soil, fertiliser application sensors, effluent sensors, animal weight scales, digital devices used to manage animal health, milking production sensors, animal supplement and feed sensors, pasture and crop growth sensors, animal movement sensing, water level sensors (e.g. for reservoirs, water troughs, ponds etc). 17 Figure 15 also shows a number of distributed control modules 210. Each distributed control module 210 may include an actuator 211, controller 212, transceiver 213 and memory 214. Control instructions may be preloaded onto the head protection device 5 101 and/or the local hub 103. For example, a farmer may create an irrigation plan using a farm computer. Instructions in accordance with that plan are then loaded onto the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103. As the farmer drives around the farm the head protection device 101 and/or the local hub 103 transmit these instructions to the appropriate irrigation controllers. 10 The system may include any desired controllers, including irrigation controllers, electric fence controllers, stream and water flow gate and value controllers, milk cup controllers, automatic gate controllers, milking cup and line pump controllers, effluent recovery pond controllers, automated animal feed controllers, among others. 15 A single module may include sensors and controllers. Any suitable power sources may be used for each device. Any suitable wireless links may be used. 20 In a further embodiment the Applicant's system includes one or more sensors associated with the helmet and configured to determine whether or not the helmet is in place on a user's head. These sensors may include one or more pressure, contact and/or temperature sensors on the inside of the protective shell. Preferably, a wireless sensor 25 or low power digital radio technology device may be located within the Applicant's harness strapping and or attachment buckles. This sensor may include a very small circuit board with a radio transmitter and control chip that communicates with a mobiliser device fitted to the ignition of the motor vehicle or ATV. 30 When the rider (user) connects the helmet strap a switch is actuated and the sensor sends a code and a command to the receiver device on the motor vehicle or ATV allowing the vehicle to be started and ridden. Thus, when the helmet strap is connected i.e the two parts connect correctly together, the device authenticates, acting as the security switch. This communication may rely on a personal area network created by 18 Zigbee, Bluetooth or other wireless protocol that does not require a continual stream of data to be transferred between the devices. Further, a low range communication system may be used, ensuring that the head protection system must be close to the vehicle in order to enable the vehicle. 5 These sensors are configured to communicate with a controller capable of enabling or disabling the user's vehicle (either by preventing ignition or start-up of the vehicle, or preventing motion or acceleration). If the helmet is not in place on the user's head with the buckle engaged, then the controller prevents use of the vehicle. 10 Figures 16 to 18 show a head protection system including such a buckle sensor. As shown in Figure 17, the male part 220 of buckle 22 may include a central component 221, which provides a contact surface 222. When the buckle is engaged, the contact surface 222 presses against a switch 223 (shown in dashed line in Figure 18) mounted 15 in the female component 224 of the buckle 22. The switch 223 may be of any suitable type, and may provide a signal to a micro processor mounted locally to the buckle, or as shown in Figure 16 the switch may provide a signal over a wire 225 to a processor 226 mounted on or in the protective shell 1. The switch may be configured to provide a signal to a key fob worn on the wearer or on the key chain of the vehicle. Alternatively, the 20 signal may be transmitted wirelessly from the switch component. Various other switching arrangements may be suitable. The processor may communicate over a wireless connection to the local hub 103, or to any other desired component of the communications system. 25 In some countries it is now a legal requirement for farmers to wear helmets when using a motor vehicle or ATV on farm. The Applicant's system of Figures 16 to 18 assists with safety and helmet use by making it a'key' requirement for enabling ignition. 30 This device could also be configured or synchronized with a specific vehicle or network of vehicles to provide a higher level of on farm security, i.e. a specific helmet can be paired to one or more vehicles but only that helmet or helmets configured this way will allow a user to start those vehicles. This can also help determine who can operate an 19 ATV, which in some cases could prevent underage or non-trained ATV riders where a kids helmet is only paired with a lower CC rated vehicle. Farmers are used to wearing hats that are light weight, flexible and durable. The 5 Applicant's system provides a head protection system that provides impact protection as well as user comfort (e.g. warmth, sun protection etc) in a relatively light and comfortable manner. The system provides an everyday helmet system that can be worn across all farm activities, protecting against injury in the event of an accident while also protecting against changing weather conditions. The system is particularly suited to users of ATVs 10 / quad bikes, but may also be used in other farm activities. Further, while the Applicant's head protection system is primarily intended for farmers and agricultural workers, the invention may also be suitable for other users, including builders, construction workers, roading workers, horse riders, surfers and surf lifesavers. 15 The invention may be adapted for other applications where head protection and other functions are required in a helmet system. The invention provides an adaptable and versatile head protection system that meets the needs of farmers. The system provides a wearable, comfortable helmet system with 20 a choice. While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such 25 detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept. 30 20

Claims (23)

1. A head protection system including: i. a protective shell having: 5 a) a bottom rim; b) a harness attached at a plurality of harness attachment points spaced above the bottom rim on an inside wall of the protective shell, the harness including a chin strap configured, in use, to pass under a user's chin to secure the protective shell to the user's head; and 10 c) a plurality of first accessory attachment points on the inside wall of the protective shell, the first accessory attachment points being positioned closer to the bottom rim than the harness attachment points; and ii. a plurality of headwear accessories, each including a plurality of second accessory attachment points on an outer surface thereof, the second accessory 15 attachment points being arranged to attach to the plurality of first accessory attachment points, to attach the accessory to the protective shell.

2. A head protection system as claimed in claim 1 wherein one accessory selected from the plurality of headwear accessories may be attached to the protective shell at any 20 one time.

3. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of headwear accessories include two or more of: i. a full hat brim accessory; 25 ii. a cap brim or visor accessory; iii. a warm liner accessory; iv. a peaked warm liner accessory; v. a balaclava accessory; vi. a rain hood accessory; 30 vii. an eyewear accessory; viii. an eye protection accessory; ix. a cover; x. a high visibility accessory; xi. an accessory with visual branding; and 21 xii. an accessory with symbols for identification.

4. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the headwear accessories may be attached either: 5 i. inside the harness with the second accessory attachment points extending past the harness to the first accessory attachment points; or ii. outside the harness.

5. A head protection system as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least some of the 10 headwear accessories are configured for attachment outside the harness and do not extend to cover, in use, the top of a user's head.

6. A head protection system as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein at least some of the headwear accessories are configured for attachment inside the harness and extend 15 to cover, in use, the top of a user's head.

7. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second accessory attachment points comprise cooperating fasteners. 20

8. A head protection system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cooperating fasteners are domes, clips, buckles or hook and loop fasteners.

9. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the protective shell includes at least one rigid shell element. 25

10. A head protection system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the rigid shell element is a single piece shell with regions of different curvature intersecting at one or more transitional sections. 30

11. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bottom rim either lies in a plane or is gently shaped such that all points on the bottom rim lie within 50mm, preferably within 40 mm, more preferably within 30mm, of a plane. 22

12. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the protective shell further includes one or more external attachment points for attachment of external accessories. 5

13. A head protection system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the external attachment points are configured for attachment of one or more of: a head lamp; a video camera; a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver; a processor; memory; a controller a cover. 10

14. A head protection system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the protective shell includes one or more sensors from the group: i. an impact or crumple sensor; ii. an accelerometer; iii. a motion sensor; 15 iv. a GPS receiver; v. proximity sensor; vi. optical sensor; vii. camera; viii. RFID Reader; and 20 ix. Gyroscope.

15. A head protection system as claimed in claim 14 wherein the protective shell includes a processor configured to receive data from the one or more sensors and memory configured to store the received data. 25

16. A head protection system as claimed in claim 14 or 15 wherein the protective shell further includes a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver.

17. A head protection system including: 30 i. a protective shell having: a) a harness including a chin strap configured, in use, to pass under a user's chin to secure the protective shell to the user's head; and b) a plurality of first accessory attachment points; and 23 ii. a plurality of headwear accessories, each including a plurality of second accessory attachment points, the second accessory attachment points being arranged to attach to the plurality of first accessory attachment points, to attach the accessory to the protective shell. 5

18. A distributed sensor and/or control system, including: i. a plurality of spatially distributed sensor modules and/or control modules, each including a wireless communications transceiver; and ii. a mobile communications module configured to gather sensor data from the 10 sensor modules and/or issue control instructions to the control modules.

19. A system as claimed in claim 18, further including a head protection device and/or a mobile local hub wherein the moving communications module is part of, or mounted to the head protection device and/or the mobile local hub. 15

20. A vehicle immobiliser system including: i. a head protective shell; ii. one or more sensors configured to determine whether the protective shell is in place on a user's head; 20 iii. a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors and to enable vehicle startup or motion only when the protective shell is in place on the user's head.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20 wherein the one or more sensors include a buckle 25 sensor configured to determine whether a buckle of the head protective shell is closed.

22. A system as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the sensors include one or more pressure, contact and/or temperature sensors. 30

23. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the sensors communicate with the controller via a low power wireless communication link such that the helmet must be near the vehicle in order for the vehicle to be enabled. 24