GB2488770A

GB2488770A - Vicinity indicator for a helmet

Info

Publication number: GB2488770A
Application number: GB1103786.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Perry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-05
Filing date: 2011-03-05
Publication date: 2012-09-12
Also published as: GB201103786D0

Abstract

A vicinity indicator for headwear, particularly a helmet includes a plurality of proximity measuring means 11, 12, 14, 16 and an alert. The alert may have a visual component such as a light 10 mounted on the underside of a peak 101 of the helmet, which is visible to a user of the helmet. The alert may also have an aural component such as a buzzer. The proximity measuring means may utilize ultrasonic sensing. The present invention provides a means of alerting construction workers, miners and other hard hat wearers in dangerous environments of danger approaching their heads.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

PAUL PERRY

FOR

VICINITY INDICATOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vicinity indicator, more particularly a safety device.

Background

Whilst working in a dangerous environment such as mining situations or construction environments there are many hazards.

For example in a construction environment crane-held members such as metal beams may be held in the air and manoeuvred in areas close to workers.

Prior Art

Granted United States patent US 7 755 744 (LEBERER) discloses an environment sensing device for a visually impaired user capable of real-time tactile transference of environmental information to a user to simulate touching an object with the fingertips, the environment sensing device comprising: a. a single housing member having at least a handle and retaining all components of the environment sensing device; b. an electro-opto modulator that generates a line of modulated light such that the light has a phase shift from 0 deg. to 90 deg., the reflection of the modulated light from a scanned object is received by the environment sensing device and a distance of the object from the environment sensing device is determined; c. a phase comparator having at least eight phase comparators, that determine a difference in phase between the light sent by the electro-opto modulator and light received by the environment sensing device; d. a 3-D line sensor having at least eight photo-diodes, one each to correspond with a phase comparator, that detects, receives, and transmits signals regarding reflected light; e. a single light source directed orthogonally from the environment sensing device and controlled, in part, by said electro-opto modulator; f. a processing and control apparatus that determines the distance of the reflected light from an object and controls said electro-opto modulator system, said phase comparator, and an output apparatus; g. the output apparatus having at least one column of tactile elements displaceable continuously along a path perpendicular to the handle of the housing as a two dimensional representation of the distances measured by said environment sensing device, which are displaced by mechanical actuators, said displacement conveying to the user the physical shape, contours and texture of the scanned object; and h. a wireless, lightweight, power supply located in said housing member, which powers the environment and sensing device.

International patent application WO 2009 158 471 (FREDERICK) discloses a personal alarm device comprising: a controller; and a warning device electrically coupled to the controller, the warning device including a sounder device adapted to be positioned proximate to a worker's ear.

European patent application EP 2 133 700 (ASPRAY) discloses an impact sensor comprising a support, a first inertial weight, and a first retainer holding the weight against movement relative to the support, the retainer being movable relative to the support to permit release the weight for movement relative to the support in the event that the support is subject to an acceleration/deceleration of magnitude greater than a predetermined level.

Granted European patent EP 0 815 467 discloses a helmet including a laser detection system comprising: a plurality of sensors, said sensors adapted to generate an output signal in response to detected laser energy; a viewing screen coupled to said sensors and responsive to said output signal for forming a visual display; and an amplifier coupled to said sensors and responsive to said output signal to produce a signal having a corresponding amplitude, a processor in communication with the amplifier to evaluate the signal amplitude and produce a corresponding quadrant detection signal and generate a video and audio signal; a display drive module, coupled to said processor and responsive to said detection, video and audio signals to provide a warning signal and video display signal; a sensor display module coupled to said display drive module and further coupled to said viewing screen; wherein the sensor display module is responsive to said video display signal for forming said visual display on said viewing screen; and a headset assembly coupled to said helmet and responsive to said audio signal to provide an audible tone responsive to the level of laser energy.

The present invention in contrast provides a means of alerting construction workers, miners and other hard hat wearers in dangerous environments of danger approaching their heads.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a vicinity indicator for headwear; including a plurality of proximity measuring means and alert.

According to a second aspect of the invention the alert may be visual and/or audible.

The preferred embodiments of the indicator are incorporated mainly into headwear or headgear such as hard hats or helmets, such as those used as protective headgear on construction sites or mines.

Such items of headgear are typically provided with a moulded plastic carcass and a brace, cradle, support or chassis in contact with a user's head.

Incorporation of the indicator thereby provides a protective helmet for those involved in the construction industry that may encounter overhead dangers. Such a helmet is typically fitted with six sensors which detect objects close to the head.

Said means or sensors are ideally located about the helmet in such a way as to ensure that approaching objects from a large variety of angles are detected. In order to achieve this ideally more than four sensors may be incorporated or it may be possible that less may be used.

Each of said sensors is preferably provided with a transparent cover which prevents interference from liquid or accidental impact damage.

It is envisaged that these sensors will be connected to one another within the carcass of the helmet, preferably either with wiring that is inlaid or inset into the plastic or wherein wiring is held between the carcass and padding or inner cradle.

Ideally headgear incorporating the indicator includes ear portions that ideally cover the ears and may include loudspeakers for transmission of the alert.

In ordinary functioning state once an object is within sixteen inches or 40 cm from the head, a buzzer within the helmet may loudly sound to alert the user of the risk. Some embodiments may include increasing volume, frequency or tone alerts, corresponding to increasing proximity.

These controls or others may be included on the headgear and may be accessible from the interior or exterior of the headgear.

Additionally or in the alternative a small light emitting diode (LED) in or on the helmet peak will flash to provide a visual warning.

Further embodiments may include vibration facility. Yet further embodiments may include a plurality of larger lights which may be dispersed about the helmet and may additionally act to alert other persons in the vicinity and/or illuminate the surroundings.

A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated into the helmet or separately provided. The pack may be provided as a necklace or clip on belt accessory and typically controls the volume of the buzzer. A cable or wire typically connects the sensors with the pack.

This pack may include volume control for the alert, or other controls such as a vicinity or proximity level adjustment.

The invention has been described by way ol examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the pads of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the ad, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Fudher, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the ad, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resoded to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Descrition of Fjures Figure 1 is a side view of a helmet for use as a pad of a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an overhead isometric view of the helmet; Figures 3 show a front and rear view of the helmet; Figure 4 shows a view of the helmet from below; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a pack for use as a pad of a preferred embodiment of the invention; And Figures 6 show a rear and side view of the pack.

Detailed Description of Figures

The vicinity indicator in the pictured embodiment comprises a helmet and pack. The helmet I carries an audible alert or buzzer and visible alert or light emitting diode(s).

The pack includes battery power (preferably rechargeable) and user controls or setting.

In preferred embodiments a helmet buzzer (Figures 3, 2) is mounted inside ear protectors (20) to provide an audible warning when objects are within sixteen inches of one or more of the sensors (11-16).

Battery provision for powering the buzzer may be situate somewhere about the helmet 1.

In all preferred embodiments a light emitting diode (LED) (10) on the underside of the helmet peak (101) gives a visual indication when objects are within sixteen inches.

The pictured helmet has all the features of a regular hard hat; including an adjustable band (102) and a padded strap (103) which rests on the forehead. Accordingly, inside the helmet is a suspension that spreads the helmet's weight over the top of the head. It provides a space of approximately 30 mm between the helmet's shell or carcass and the user's head so that if an object strikes the shell, the impact is less likely to be transmitted directly to the skull. Calculation of this space may be combined with the sensor warning distance.

Six ultrasonic sensors (11-16) are positioned around the helmet (1). These cover the areaaroundthesides(12, 13, 15, 16),rear(14)andtop(1I)ofthehelmet(1).

Each sensor is made up of a receiver and an emitter. Sensors emit ultrasonic pulses which detect distance. The LED 10 in the peak 101 provides a visual indication of the danger of an approximating object. The audible alert or buzzer changes from intermittent to constant, as the object gets closer.

The pictured embodiment of a pack in Figures may be utilisable with preferred embodiments of the helmet shown in Figures 1 to 4, and shows a rechargeable battery pack (3) with volume adjustment (30) and power switch (31).

In use the power pack is clipped onto the user's belt or trouser waistline securely using the belt clip 35. The user then connects a lead from the helmet to the 3.5mm jack socket (33) in the power pack (3).

An aerial 32 is included to facilitate a wireless connection of the pack to the helmet in some embodiments, or other users or a control centre. Further embodiments may combine with short or long wave transmitters and/or receivers.

The power is connected and the in-helmet buzzer 2 sounds to indicate that the sensors are active.

The volume is adjusted to a comfortable level using the dial (30) on the front face.

The emitters on the sensors 11-16 send out ultrasonic pulses which bounce off nearby objects and are detected by the receivers on the sensors 11-16.

In preferred embodiments when the user is within sixteen inches of an overhead object the buzzer(s) 2 will sound intermittently, the buzz increasing to a continuous sound as the object gets closer. The LED 10 on the underside of the peak 101 will also flash, giving the user a visual indication of the danger.

Further embodiments may include vibration or visual or audible alert at the pack, in addition or in the alternative.

Claims

Claims 1. A vicinity indicator for headwear; including a plurality of proximity measuring means and alert.
2. An indicator according to claim 1 wherein the alert has a visual component.
3. An indicator according to claim 2 wherein the visual component includes a light on the headwear which is visible to a user in use.
4. An indicator according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the alert has an aural component.
5. An indicator according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein in use the means and alert are in separate locations about a user.
6. An indicator according to any preceding claim wherein the means utilise ultrasonic sensing.
7. A helmet incorporating a vicinity indicator according to any preceding claim.
8. A means of providing safety headgear according to any preceding claim.