GB2497345A

GB2497345A - Riding helmet with damage indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2497345A
Application number: GB201121168A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ann-Marie Rutledge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-09
Filing date: 2011-12-09
Publication date: 2013-06-12
Also published as: GB201121168D0

Abstract

A riding helmet comprises an outer shell 3, an impact absorbing lining 5 inside the outer shell and a strap 7 for releasably securing the riding helmet in position on a user's head. The helmet has a damage indicator device 9 and a damage indicator device activation means 11. The damage indicator device activation means is responsive to an impact to the riding helmet and activates the damage indicator device upon the riding helmet being subjected to an impact of at least a given magnitude sufficient to cause damage to the riding helmet. Preferably, the damage indicator device is mounted on the exterior of the riding helmet. The indicator may be a dye, a chemi-luminescent liquid, a light or an audible alarm.

Description

"A riding helmet"

Introduction

This invention relates to a riding helmet of the type compdsing an outer shell, an impact absorbing lining inside the outer shefl and a strap for releasably securing the riding helmet in position on a user's head.

Riding helmets are used by sportspeople engaged in equestrian pursuits to provide a degree of protection to the rider's head. Regrettably, it is not entirely uncommon for riders to experience a blow to the head during their purstht. This impact may be caused by the rider being thrown from the horse, by being kicked by the horse or by unexpectedly coming into contact with an object during riding such as a low lying branch.

The use of a riding helmet can help to reduce the effects of the blow to the head.

As with all safety helmets, the purpose of the riding helmet is to absorb at least some of the energy of the impact thereby reducing the possibility of brain injury to the rider caused by the impact. However, the ability of the riding helmet to absorb the energy of an impact is diminished if the riding helmet is damaged. This damage may for example have been caused by a previous impact to the helmet. It is therefore imperative that a damaged riding helmet is not used until it has been adequately repaired or if not possible to repair, replaced.

Most manufacturers of riding helmets recommend that if the helmet has been subjected to an impact, it should be returned to the manufacturers for inspection. This is due to the fact that there is often no immediately apparent indication visible to the rider that the helmet has been damaged. The manufactures however have the appropriate skill and expertise to determine whether or not the helmet is safe to use or whether it has been damaged and is in need of repair/replacement.

Unfortunately, it is usually quite expensive to return a helmet to the manufacturers for inspection and potential repair. Furthermore, it can take a significant period of time for the riding helmet to reach the manufactures, be inspected, repaired if possible and returned to the user and therefore the riding helmet will not be available for use for an extended period of time. For these reasons, it is not uncommon for the riders to disregard the manufacturer's advice and not return the helmet to the manufacturers after each impact. As a direct consequence, it is believed that there are many riding helmets currently in use that are damaged and unsuitable for use. These helmets pose a threat to the safety of the rider as they will not provide the desired amount of protection in the case of a subsequent impact.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a riding helmet that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned problems and that provides a useful choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a riding helmet comprising an outer shell, an impact absorbing lining inside the outer shell, a strap for releasably securing the riding helmet in position on a user's head, and in which there is provided, mounted on the helmet, a damage indicator device and a damage indicator device activation means responsive to an impact to the riding helmet which activates the damage indicator device upon the riding helmet being subjected to an impact of at least a given magnitude sufficient to cause damage to the riding helmet.

By having such a riding helmet, if the riding helmet is subjected to an impact sufficient to cause damage to the riding helmet, the damage indicator device activation means will activate the damage indicator device. The damage indicator device will provide a clear indication to the rider as to whether or not the riding helmet has been damaged. If the damage indicator device has been activated, the rider will know with certainty that the helmet is not safe for use in its present condition and must be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replaced.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device is mounted on the exterior of the outer shell. This is seen as a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention. By having the damage indicator device mounted on the exterior of the outer shell, it will be immediately apparent to third parties in the vicinity of the riding helmet whether or not the helmet has been damaged and therefore riding instructors, competition organizers and the like have a dear indication whether or not the helmet being worn by the rider is suitable for use.

Furthermore, by having the damage indicator device mounted on the exterior of the outer shell, it will be immediately apparent to medical personnel or others attending a victim of an impact whether or not their helmet and perhaps their head has been subjected to a potential trauma.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device comprises one of a transparent or a translucent cap.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device comprises one of a transparent or translucent tube mounted on a rim of the riding helmet.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which there is provided a neck protector and in which the damage indicator device is mounted on the neck protector.

in one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device activation means comprises a liquid filled tube in fluid communication with the damage indicator device, the liquid filled tube being led around an inner surface of the riding helmet intermediate the outer shell and the impact absorbing lining.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the liquid filled tube is led around the surface of the riding helmet in a figure of eight configuration.

in one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the liquid filled tube further comprises a perishable container housed therein.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the perishable container is filled with a dye.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the perishable container is filled with a second liquid that when mixed with the liquid in the tube causes a chemical reaction-induced chemilurninescence.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which there is provided a valve intermediate the damage indicator device and the liquid filled tube, and in which the damage indicator device is filled with a second liquid that when mixed with the liquid in the tube causes a chemical reaction-induced chemiluminescence.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device comprises a light and there is provided a battery to power the light.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device activation means comprises a pressure sensor.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the pressure sensor is mounted internal the helmet intermediate the outer shell and the impact absorbing lining.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a riding helmet in which the damage indicator device comprises an audible alarm and there is provided a battery to power the audible alarm.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a side view of a riding helmet according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side, part cross sectional view of the riding helmet of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top, part cross sectional view of the riding helmet of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top, part cross sectional view of an alternative construction of riding helmet similar to Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of an alternative construction of riding helmet according to the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of a second alternative construction of riding helmet according to the invention; Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a riding helmet, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising an outer shell 3, an impact absorbing lining 5 inside the outer shell and a strap 7 for releasably securing the riding helmet in position about the user's head. The outer shell 3, the impact absorbing lining 5 and the strap 7 are standard components typically used in the manufacture of riding helmets. It is envisaged that the impact absorbing lining 5 is an expandable foam of the type normally used in riding helmets. The riding helmet 1 further comprises a damage indicator device 9 and a damage indicator device activation means 11. The damage indicator device activation means 11 is responsive to an impact to the riding helmet in such a way so that when the riding helmet experiences an impact of at least a given magnitude to potentially cause damage to the riding helmet, the damage indicator device activation means will activate the damage indicator device.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the damage indicator device 9 is mounted on the exterior of the outer shell 3 and comprises a transparent cap. The damage indicator device activation means 11 comprise a liquid filled tube in fluid communication with the damage indicator device 9 and is positioned between the outer shell 3 and the impact absorbing lining 5. The liquid filled tube is in turn provided with a perishable container (not shown) housed therein. The perishable container is constructed from a glass or like material and filled with a dye. As an alternative to glass, a plastic material could be used to ensure no harm is caused to the wearer by the perishable container when it breaks. When the riding helmet is subjected to an impact of a given magnitude sufficient to cause damage to the riding helmet, the perishable container will rupture thereby releasing the dye into the liquid of the liquid filled tube. The change in liquid colour will be clearly visible in the cap which is in fluid communication with the liquid filled tube and this wifl demonstrate that the riding helmet has been damaged. As an alternative to the dye in the perishable container, the perishable container may be filled with a second liquid that when mixed with the liquid in the liquid filled tube will together provide a chemical reaction-induced chemiluminescence. Again, this will provide a clearly visible indicator that the riding helmet has been damaged.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a top, part cross sectional view of the riding helmet 1. The damage indicator device activation means 11 comprises a plurality of arms that extend radially outwardly from the damage indicator device 9. The arms are evenly spread across the entire surface of the helmet so that an impact at any point about the helmet will cause the damage indicator device activation means to activate the damage indicator device. In the embodiment shown, only eight arms have been shown for clarity however several more may be provided to ensure adequate coverage of the helmet.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a top, part cross sectional view of an alternative construction of riding helmet in which the damage indicator device activation means comprises a liquid filled tube led in a figure-of-eight configuration about the helmet. It will be understood that various other configurations of damage indicator device activation means could be provided to ensure adequate coverage over the surface of the helmet.

Referring to Figure 5 of the drawings, there is shown an alternative construction of riding helmet, indicated generally by the reference numeral 21. The riding helmet 21 comprises a transparent tube 23 mounted on a rim of the riding helmet. The transparent tube functions as the damage indicator device and may be provided in addition to or instead of the transparent cap on top of the helmet. In other words, the transparent tube will be in liquid communication with the damage indicator device activation means (not shown) and if the helmet is subjected to an impact sufficient to cause damage to the helmet, the colour of the liquid in the transparent tube 23 will change thereby providing a visual indicator that the helmet is potentially damaged and in need of inspection.

Referring to Figure 6 of the drawings, there is shown another alternative construction of riding helmet, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31. The riding helmet 31 comprises a neck protector 33 on which there is provided a transparent tube 35 mounted thereon. The transparent tube 35 functions as the damage indicator device and may be provided in addition to or instead of the transparent cap on top of the helmet and/or the transparent tube 23 on the rim of the helmet, It will be understood that the transparent tube 35 will be in liquid communication with the damage indicator device activation means (not shown) and if the helmet 31 is subjected to an impact sufficient to cause damage to the helmet, the colour of the liquid in the transparent tube 35 will change thereby providing a visual indicator that the helmet is potentially damaged and in need of inspection. The neck protector 33 is usually optionafly fitted to the helmet and clips into place. Therefore, suitable connectors (not shown) will be provided on both the transparent tube 35 on the neck protector and the damage indicator device activation means on the helmet. These connectors will be provided to allow the transparent tube 35 to be placed in liquid communication with the damage indicator device activation means on the helmet.

Various alternative constructions of damage indicator device and damage indicator device activation means could be provided without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, the damage indicator device has been shown to comprise a cap on top of the helmet however one or more similar caps may be placed elsewhere about the helmet. Furthermore, the damage indicator device may comprise a Ught source in the transparent cap or an audible alarm while the damage indicator device activation means may comprise a pressure pad sensor that when compressed will send a signal to turn on the damage indicator device. A battery will be provided to power the light/audible alarm and various other control circuitry may be provided to translate the signal from the pressure pad sensor to the damage indicator device. The battery and for control circuitry may be located in a neck protector, a rim or a visor portion (not shown) of the riding helmet.

In another embodiment of the invention, a valve (not shown) is provided intermediate the damage indicator device 9 and the damage indicator device activation means 11 to prevent inadvertent flow of liquid from the liquid filled tube into the cap. The valve pressure, i.e. that force that is required to overcome the valve barrier and allow liquid flow from the liquid fifed tube into the cap is selectively chosen so that the valve pressure is only overcome in the event of the helmet, and by extension the liquid fifed tube, experiencing an impact sufficient to potentially cause damage to the riding helmet.

Such a force will cause the liquid in the liquid filled tube to be forced past the valve and into the cap. There may be provided a first liquid in the liquid filled tube and a second liquid in the cap that when mixed together provide a chemical reaction-induced chemiluminescence. Alternatively, the liquid in the liquid filled tube may be of a distinctive colour so that its presence in the cap will be immediately apparent.

In the embodiments described, the damage indicator device activation means 11 has been described as being mounted intermediate the outer shell 3 and the impact absorbing lining 5 however it will be understood that the damage indicator device activation means 11 may be located elsewhere. For example, the damage indicator device activation means could be located on the exterior of the helmet, on the interior of the impact absorbing lining, as an integral internal layer in either the outer shell or the impact absorbing lining or indeed parts of the damage indicator device activation means may be located on either side of the impact absorbing lining. Furthermore, various combinations of the above embodiments are also envisaged, for example, parts of the damage indicator device activation means could be located as an internal layer in the impact absorbing lining and other parts of the damage indicator device activation means could be located intermediate the outer shell and the impact absorbing lining.

In certain embodiments, specifically those where the damage indicator device activation means is formed from a pair of layers separated by at least part of the impact absorbing lining, the damage indicator device activation means may operate by measuring an electrical property such as, but not limited to, the capacitance between the two layers.

Effectively, the two layers and the impact absorbing lining therebetween will form a capacitor. If the impact absorbing lining is compressed, the distance between the two layers and hence the capacitance value will change thereby indicating that the impact absorbing lining has been compressed and in need of repair. There may be provided a number of individual pairs of pads forming a plurality of capacitors spaced about the helmet if desired.

Indeed, other constructions of damage indicator device and damage indicator device activation means are also envisaged. For example, there may be a construction in which there is provided a liquid filled vial below the transparent cap and the impact absorbing lining is so configured that when the helmet is subjected to a serious impact, the force on the impact absorbing lining, regardless of the location of the force on the impact absorbing lining, is translated to the vial causing the liquid in the vial to pass into the cap.

Effectively therefore, the vial will be similar to a squeezable tube positioned below the cap inside the foam. When the foam compresses, it will squeeze the tube and force the liquid in the tube to run up through the vial and into the cap.

Throughout the specification, reference is made to dyes and liquids used in the damage indicator device and damage indicator device activation means. It will be understood that these dyes and liquids will, wherever possible, be not harmful to humans. For example, a food dye might be used as the dye. Therefore, if the dye or liquid should come into contact with the person wearing the helmet they will not cause harm the person.

The invention has been described in terms of riding helmets and it is believed that the present invention has particularly useful application in that field. However, it is envisaged that the present invention may also be applied to other safety helmets including, but not limited, to motorcycle/motorsport crash helmets, cyclist helmets, miners helmets, construction helmets, emergency services helmets, rock climbing helmets, and sports helmets generally such as those worn in the sports of canoeing/kayaking, white water rafting, skydiving, hurling. camogie, ice-hockey, field hockey, lacrosse, roller blading/skating, skateboarding, cricket, baseball, American football and the like.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in detail within the scope of the claims.