US20120192338A1

US20120192338A1 - Safety Light Helmet

Info

Publication number: US20120192338A1
Application number: US13/354,828
Authority: US
Inventors: Darryl William Munns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-31
Filing date: 2012-01-20
Publication date: 2012-08-02

Abstract

The Safety Light Helmet is a helmet with a light on it. The light is affixed to the top center of the helmet for 360 degree visibility by other riders/vehicles whose coming or going passed the helmet wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application for a patent and is not based on any pending domestic or international applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a safety light helmet, and more particularly to a helmet having a lighting fixture which breaks without protruding from the exterior shell of the helmet upon an impact in the event of a collision.
Safety is amongst one of the greatest concerns to people who participate in motorcycling, bicycling, skateboarding, dirt biking, and any other sports which may require protective gear to be worn by riders. This is especially true given the proximity of riders on or around busy roads and highways. The wearing of a safety helmet while participating in these activities is an important safety measure taken by riders to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle and bicycle helmets are well-known means of protection worn by riders to protect head during collisions. Helmets have been improved to conform better to the rider's head and provide a greater degree of protection.
However, there exists a need for additional measures to be taken to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. It is also important that any preventive measure not take away the effectiveness and functionality of the protective mechanism.
The attached light enhances the visibility to surrounding vehicle riders and pedestrians. Whether the final embodiment contains a flashing, constant, or intermittent lighting scheme, the use of the device will reduce accidents by putting others on notice of the exact location of the rider. It may also serve as a back-up safety mechanism if a headlight or taillight were to fail while the rider is on the road.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,587 to Marni Hurwitz entitled “Illuminated Safety Helmet” discloses a battery-powered electroluminescent strip adhered to the top exterior surface of the helmet;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,429 to Walter Johnson entitled “Flashing Light Safety Device for Cyclists Helmets” discloses a flashing light mounted atop a cyclists' helmet to provide 360 degrees of visibility;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,588 to Louis Garneau entitled “Safety Helmet for Cyclists” discloses a streamlined, aerodynamically contoured safety helmet with light device anchored into an external shell cavity located in the lower end portion of the helmet;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,369 to Mario Vega entitled “Helmet with Safety Light” discloses a helmet with a safety light disposed within a cavity on the back exterior portion of the helmet's shell.
However when a light is affixed to a safety helmet, problems often encountered include a compromise of the existing aerodynamics, aesthetics, or safety functionality of the helmet. An external light may add bulkiness, which may compromise aerodynamic efficiency, rider comfort and overall aesthetics. More notably, the addition of a light may reduce the effectiveness of the helmet in preventing head injury. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,429 features alight affixed to the top of the helmet with an elevated position giving the rider visibility in all directions. However there is the possibility that in the event of a collision wherein the top of the helmet is the first point to contact the pavement, another vehicle, or some other fixed object, the light fixture will be forced upon impact through the top portion of the helmet shell thereby harming the rider. Additionally, the elevated position of the light on top of the helmet could affect secondary considerations such as aerodynamic qualities and aesthetic appearance of the helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention satisfies the need for a safety helmet that provides illumination but does not compromise the safety function, aerodynamic quality and aesthetic appearance of the helmet.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a safety helmet comprising an exterior shell; a cylinder affixed to the exterior shell; a light unit positioned within the cylinder; a bored hole; and a cap disposed inside the helmet; wherein the cylinder is positioned through the bored hole and attached to the cap.
In another embodiment, the cylinder is made of hard plastic material that breaks upon impact in the event of a collision.
In another embodiment, the cylinder is attached to the cap by threaded screw grooves.
In another embodiment, the bored hole has a metal ring fitted around its circumference, and the inner diameter of the metal ring is comparable to the outer diameter of the cylinder.
In another embodiment, the cap is made of hard plastic.
In another embodiment, a thin plate or washer overlays the cap to prevent the cylinder from protruding beyond the cap upon impact.
In another embodiment, a cushion overlays the cap to provide comfort and increased protection.
In another embodiment, the cylinder is detachable from the helmet.
In another embodiment, the light is positioned at the top, center of the helmet to provide 360 degrees of visibility.
In another embodiment, a rubber seal overlays the exterior of the light to prevent moisture
In another embodiment, the light may be powered by a battery or a wire running from a power source located on the user or on the transportation where the user is situated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an outside view of an example of a safety light helmet of the present invention with a safety light installed.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a safety light of the present invention.

FIG. 3, panel a) shows a side view of an example of the safety light of the present invention prior to installation into a helmet. Panel b) shows a top view of an example of a safety light of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed structure of an example of a safety light helmet of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, a new safety light helmet employing the principles and concepts of the preferred embodiment of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.
FIG. 1 shows an outside view of a safety light helmet 10 with a safety light 22, alight switch 24, and a rubber seals 23 installed. From this view, one is able to gain a greater appreciation for the spatial orientation of the safety light 22 on top of the helmet 10. Geometrically, the safety light 22 blends into the exterior surface of the helmet. The positioning of the safety light 22 is such that the helmet does not lose any of its aerodynamic or aesthetic qualities while still providing 360 degrees of visibility to surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. A light switch 24 is disposed on the side of the safety light 22 above the light base. The light switch 24 may be horizontally disposed in the center of light when viewing the light from its right side. A rubber seals 23 lines the exterior of the safety light 22 to prevent moisture from getting inside the fixture.
The configuration of the light 22, rubber seal 23, metal washer 18, cap 16, and cylinder 12 is better understood with reference to FIG. 2. Reference numeral 12 shows the cylinder within which the light unit is positioned. The cylinder 12 is made of had plastic and designed so that it breaks upon impact in the event of a collision. Thread grooves line the outer circumference of the cylinder 12 in order to provide means through which the cylinder 12 may be attached to the cap 16 on the inside of the helmet 10. An underlying thin metal plate or washer 18 is located at the bottom of the cap 16 to prevent the cylinder 12 from protruding beyond the cap upon impact.
FIG. 3 shows aside view of an example of the safety light of the present invention prior to installation into a helmet as well as an example of atop view of a safety light of the present invention. From this view, one is able to gain a greater appreciation of the configuration of the lighting unit with respect to the helmet shell. As illustrated by FIG. 3, panel a) the cylinder 12 is positioned through the bored hole 14 in the helmet shell to engage the cap 16 disposed inside the helmet 10. The length of the cylinder 12 and depth of the bored hole 14 will vary with respect to the thickness of the helmet shell. Threaded grooves on the exterior of the cylinder 12 and the interior of the cap 16 allow for the cylinder 12 to engage the cap 16 by way of screwing the two parts together. The method of screwing the two parts together would require one to position the cylinder 12 through the bored hole 14 and match the cylinder 12 with the cap 16. The bored hole 14 may also have a metal ring fitted around its circumference. The metal ring has an inner diameter, comparable to the outer diameter of the cylinder 12, within which the cylinder 12 will be positioned. FIG. 3 a also exemplifies the ease of detachability of the safety light 22 from the helmet 10. By merely unscrewing the cylinder 12 from the cap 16 the user is able to detach the light from the helmet 10.
FIG. 3, panel b) shows atop plan view of the safety light 22. The means for lighting may consist of, but is not limited to: light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”), 12-volt powered bulbs, battery powered bulbs or some other power source located on the user or on the user's mode of transport if applicable. Furthermore, the lighting pattern may include flashing, constant, or intermittent lighting schemes.
FIG. 4 shows a detailed structure of an example of a safety light helmet of the present invention.
The foregoing written description of the invention is to be considered an exemplification of the invention, thereof those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, and provide for all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A safety helmet comprising

an exterior shell;

a cylinder affixed to the exterior shell;

a light unit positioned within the cylinder;

a bored hole; and

a cap disposed inside the helmet;

wherein the cylinder is positioned through the bored hole and attached to the cap.

2. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is made of hard plastic material that breaks upon impact in the event of a collision.

3. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is attached to the cap by threaded screw grooves.

4. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the bored hole has a metal ring fitted around its circumference, and the inner diameter of the metal ring is comparable to the outer diameter of the cylinder.

5. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the cap is made of hard plastic.

6. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein a thin plate or washer overlays the cap to prevent the cylinder from protruding beyond the cap upon impact.

7. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein a cushion overlays the cap to provide comfort and increased protection.

8. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is detachable from the helmet.

9. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the light is positioned at the top, center of the helmet to provide 360 degrees of visibility.

10. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein a rubber seal overlays the exterior of the light to prevent moisture.

11. The safety helmet of claim 1, wherein the light may be powered by a battery or a wire running from a power source located on the user or on the transportation where the user is situated.