JP2009523198A - Safety helmet with integrated lighting signal device, especially for motorcycle drivers - Google Patents

Abstract

In a safety helmet (10) integrated with a lighting signal device (16) and / or (16 '), in particular for a motorcycle driver, the lighting signal device is fixed to the helmet shell (12) and / or Or it is an integrated means, said means interacting between the means themselves and the vehicle braking device actuated by the driver.

Description

  The present invention relates to a safety helmet with integrated lighting signal device, especially for motorcycle drivers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a safety helmet for improving the visibility of a helmet wearer from other vehicle drivers.

  It is known that the main function of a helmet is to protect the helmet wearer from, for example, concussions caused by traffic accidents or falling objects. Taking motorcycle drivers as an example, to protect road safety and the physical safety of motorcycle drivers and other automobile drivers on the road, other vehicle drivers that follow, especially when decelerating and braking. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that the vehicle driver is well recognized.

  In addition to the conventional brake light arranged in the rear optical unit, the third brake light is incorporated in the rear window or spoiler and is positioned higher than the conventional brake light, so that the vehicle that applies the brake Unlike cars that are visible to the driver of a car that runs vertically in the same row, but not immediately behind, motorcycles and scooters are typically a single unit on the rear lighting unit. Because of this, there are times when it is not immediately recognized by the following vehicle.

  Moreover, normal helmets do not have the function to improve or broaden the visibility of motorcycle drivers from other vehicle drivers, often to increase such visibility, for example, helmets Accessories such as adhesive bands made of reflective material used on the surface are used.

  However, these accessories cannot effectively improve the visibility of motorcycle drivers from other vehicle drivers, and their function tends to decline during the day.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.

  More particularly, the object of the present invention is a safety helmet, especially for motorcycle drivers, which improves the visibility of motorcycle drivers from other vehicle drivers and is always effective throughout the day, day and night. It is to provide a safety helmet integrated with a typical lighting signal device.

  A further object of the present invention is to make it possible for the user to use the above-described safety helmet, which can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and can ensure an appropriate resistance level and reliability at any time.

  These and other objectives are lighting signal devices and means that are attached to and / or integrated with the helmet shell and interact with themselves and with the vehicle braking device operated by the driver. This is achieved by a light emitting display device for the helmet of the present invention comprising:

  The structural and functional characteristics of the safety helmet integrated with the lighting signal device of the present invention will be well understood from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is not limited. FIG. 1 is a side view of a safety helmet integrated with a lighting signal device according to the invention, in particular for a motorcycle driver, and FIG. 2 is a front-axis projection of the safety helmet for the purposes of the invention. It is a schematic diagram.

  Based on the above figures, a safety helmet integrated with a lighting signal device, especially for motorcycle drivers, has an existing helmet shell 12 which is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1 and is generally a sphere. On the upper part of the helmet shell 12, one or a plurality of supports 14 attached by a known method is provided.

  The support 14 is made from plastic material, carbon fiber or other suitable material, and has a contour shaped to complement the shell 12, as shown in FIGS. It is arranged from the central front part to a part of the rear part.

  The support 14 in the vicinity of the front part and the rear part has lighting signal devices 16 and 16 'having, for example, a plurality of high-intensity LEDs (light emitting diodes) and the like. To be attached to the support 14 described above.

  The support 14 is preferably provided with two cover elements 18 and 20 for covering and protecting the lighting signal devices 16 and 16 ', respectively. It is arranged near the rear part and near the front part.

  The cover elements 18, 20 are transparent, if desired, transparent or opaque, such as polycarbonate, plexiglass, or similar materials, preferably at least partially on the inner surface, It is made of a plastic material provided with irregularities or facets that constitute a screen suitable for increasing the brightness and reflection effects of the 16 'itself.

  The lighting signal devices 16 arranged under the cover elements 18 of the support 14 are arranged along essentially vertically and / or horizontally oriented lines.

  Similarly, the lighting signal devices 16 ′ arranged below the cover element 20 of the support 14 are basically arranged along vertical and / or horizontal lines.

  The lighting signal device 16 arranged in the vicinity of the cover element 18 of the support 14 is connected to a brake operating device as described later, and is red or an intermediate color. In the latter case, the cover element 18 is red. Reminiscent of the brake lights of motorcycle rear lighting units.

  On the other hand, the lighting signal device 16 ′ located near the cover element 20 is fixed in operation and can be switched on manually by a motorcycle driver for the purpose described in detail below. The safety helmet which is the object of the present invention is connected to the brake actuator and when the motorcycle driver operates the brake actuator as usual, the motorcycle brake light is activated and at the same time is lit under the cover element 18 The signal device 16 is also lit intermittently or continuously.

  Such a signal contributing to lighting is preferably transmitted from the brake circuit to the lighting signal device 16 of the cover element 18 of the support 14 of the shell 12 by the transceiver unit.

  A transmitter (not shown) is a conventional two-channel encoded transmitter, which is arranged in an assembly of the vehicle, for example with a brake light, connected to the electrical circuit of the brake, the vehicle battery and / or Powered by an independent battery.

  The receiver is preferably an existing two-channel encoded receiver, preferably provided on the support 14 of the shell 12 or other suitable location along the shell 12, and is therefore not shown. This receiver is also powered by a battery.

  The safety helmet of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment, utilizes an existing holder with a lock for inserting the ignition key of the motorcycle for its activation, which is the motorcycle itself, such as under the seat. Located in an easily accessible area and connected to an electric brake circuit. Yet another actuation system consists of a helmet fixing strap 15 disposed on the shell 12 and having an electrical wire or electrical strap (not shown) therein, the end of the electrical wire or electrical strap being at the end of the shell 12. The other end portion is connected to a fixing buckle 15 ′ of the strap 15.

  In activating a lighting signal device incorporated in a helmet, a motorcycle driver, scooter driver, or similar vehicle driver, activates the receiver circuit by wearing a helmet and fastening the strap 15 with a buckle. Thus, after enabling the helmet safety circuit by inserting the key into the above-described holder lock, the key is once pulled out and inserted into the vehicle instrument panel to start the vehicle normally.

  Thus, since the vehicle driver has enabled communication between the transmitter and the receiver, each time the driver operates the brake lever, the lighting signal of the brake light is arranged under the cover element 18. Is transmitted.

  The lighting signal device 16 'located near the cover element 20 does not light up when the motorcycle driver switches on the actuator, but the motorcycle driver is in the immediate vicinity of the driver itself, for example to check the motorcycle. When it is necessary to illuminate the front area more brightly, a manual multi-position switch (not shown) located near the lower edge 22 of the shell 12 is operated, preferably in manual mode. Can be switched on. In addition to switching on the lighting signal device 16 ', this switch also lights the lighting signal device 16 in fixed mode at the same time so that the vehicle driver can easily see it from other vehicles on the road. In addition, if there is a passenger on this switch, the motorcycle, the connection between the transmitter and the receiver can be disabled so that only one lighting signal device can be activated, i.e. only the lighting signal device of the passenger's helmet. .

  In an alternative embodiment, the support 14 is either integrated into the helmet frame, i.e. the shell 12, or is integrally formed. This solution may be particularly practical because it prevents any interference between the support 14 and the helmet visor 24 when the helmet visor 24, indicated by reference numeral 24, is raised. It turns out.

  Furthermore, the lighting signal devices 16 and 16 'may be made by a fluorescent band attached to the support 14 or directly to the shell 12, and for transmitting a brake light lighting signal from the brake circuit to the helmet. May use a transmission / reception system using Bluetooth technology.

  In yet another alternative embodiment, the helmet safety circuit activation system is incorporated into the motorcycle instrument panel, and the safety device is operated in the same manner when the vehicle is started with a key inserted into the vehicle instrument panel. Be made operable. Further, the receiver may be powered by a battery that is recharged by solar cell means disposed on the support 14 of the shell 12.

  As can be inferred from the above description, the advantages of the present invention are clear.

  The safety helmet integrated with the lighting signal device 16 of the present invention, particularly for a motorcycle driver, can advantageously improve the visibility of the helmet wearer from other vehicle drivers day and night. , Each person's safety level can be greatly improved.

  A further advantage is that communication between the receiver and the transmitter is effected by a switch located near the lower edge 22 of the shell 12 when no connection to the transmitter is required, for example when the vehicle is being inspected. Since it can be invalidated, the life of the battery can be extended.

  Of particular benefit is the safety helmet when the vehicle's brake lights are not activated, because the transmitter is connected to the electric brake circuit and powered by the vehicle battery and / or a separate battery. Is to work reliably.

  Further advantageously, the additional lighting signal device 16 'can be manually activated so that the user can utilize the light when needed.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, this is merely an example of the features of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is considered that other embodiments and modification examples can be considered with reference to the description. Thus, the present invention includes all modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the claims.

1 is a side view of a safety helmet integrated with a lighting signal device according to the invention, in particular for motorcycle drivers. FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a frontal axial projection of a safety helmet that serves the purpose of the present invention.

Claims (13)

  In a safety helmet (10) integrated with a lighting signal device (16) and / or (16 '), especially for a motorcycle driver, the lighting signal device is fixed to the helmet shell (12) and / or A safety helmet (10) characterized in that it has means incorporated therein, which also interact with the vehicle braking device operated by the driver between the means themselves.   The safety helmet according to claim 1, wherein the shell (12) has one or more supports (14), the support (14) being a plastic material, carbon fiber or other suitable material. The lighting signal device for automatic operation, comprising a contour made to complement the contour of the shell (12) and arranged near the central front region and / or part of the rear region of the shell 16) and a safety helmet comprising the lighting signal device (16 ') for manual operation.   3. The safety helmet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means interacting with the vehicle braking system both between the means itself and having a coded two-channel transmitter and receiver. Safety helmet to do.   4. The safety helmet according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is mounted in an instrument panel having a lock for a motorcycle or vehicle brake light or a start key. The safety helmet is characterized in that the receiver is configured integrally with or fixed to the support (14) of the shell (12).   5. The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission / reception system is made using Bluetooth technology.   6. The safety helmet according to claim 1, wherein the lighting signal device (16, 16 ') of the support (14) of the shell (12) is colored if necessary. A safety helmet characterized by being protected by cover elements (18), (20) made of a transparent or opaque material.   The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover element (18 and 20) is arranged near the support (14) of the shell (12). Safety helmet to do.   8. The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting signal devices (16, 16 ') are arranged along lines that are essentially oriented vertically and / or horizontally. A safety helmet comprising a plurality of high-intensity light-emitting diodes.   The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lighting signal device (16, 16 ') is basically composed of fluorescent bands oriented vertically and / or horizontally. Safety helmet characterized by   The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lighting signal device (16, 16 ') is arranged in the vicinity of the cover element (20, 18) of the support (14). A safety helmet that can be manually actuated by a multi-position switch disposed near the lower edge (22) of the shell (12).   The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the cover elements (18), (20) are at least partially uneven or faceted. Safety helmet characterized by being.   12. The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the receiver is powered from a battery that is recharged by a solar cell disposed on the support (14) of the shell (12). Safety helmet characterized in that it is supplied.   The safety helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the helmet (10) comprises a fixing strap (15), the fixing strap having an electric wire or a metal strap therein. , One end of which is connected to the receiver disposed in the support (14) of the shell (12) and the other end is a fixing buckle (15) of the fixing strap (15). ′) Safety helmet characterized by being connected to.

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