WO2006031318A1

WO2006031318A1 - Adapter for a modular wireless communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2006031318A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/028136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harold L. Wikel; Jon Godston
Original assignee: Motorola Inc.
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2005-08-09
Publication date: 2006-03-23
Also published as: US20060057972A1; TW200635246A

Abstract

A safety helmet adapter for a modular wireless communication device. The safety helmet adapter can include a base housing configured to be detachably coupled to the safety helmet, a housing cover coupled to the base housing, the housing cover having an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position, an audio plug fixably attached to the housing, the audio plug extending into the interior housing portion when the cover is in the closed position, a speaker coupled to the audio plug, and a microphone coupled to the audio plug.

Description

ADAPTER FOR A MODULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to an adapter for a modular wireless communication device. For example, the present disclosure is directed to a safety helmet adapter for securing a modular short range wireless communication device to a safety helmet. Background Art

Presently, safety helmets having communications capabilities are used in work and recreational environments. They allow an individual to easily communicate with others without removing the helmet, which would otherwise necessitate stopping the activity requiring the helmet. There are basically two approaches that are used, which combine a safety helmet with communications capabilities. The first being a helmet with built-in communications and entertainment capabilities at the time of purchase. The second being a helmet that has been upgraded to include communications capabilities through the purchase and attachment of additional equipment providing this functionality. Although the first type of helmets achieve the desired functionality in a highly integrated manner, it is generally a more expensive solution, especially if an individual already owns a helmet. Furthermore, because not all available helmets are likely to include these capabilities, the choice of helmet styles is limited. For the second type of helmet, several solutions are offered that can provide this upgraded functionality. Unfortunately, these solutions have presented several problems. One problem being the size of the additional equipment can be quite bulky and heavy, which not only increases the weight to be supported by an individual's neck, but also creates a visually obtrusive addition to the rest of the helmet. Another problem being the requirement of a connecting cable or "umbilical cord" from the helmet to another separately located/worn element of the system, making the helmet more awkward to use. Another problem being the method of attaching the additional equipment to a helmet may not be compatible with many different helmet styles available. Another problem being the requirement of tedious modifications and potentially permanent damage in order to attach the additional equipment to an existing helmet. Additionally, the buttons and/or knobs for controlling the communication capabilities with either type described above can be complicated and difficult to use, especially when wearing gloves. Furthermore, a solution has not been offered that allows the communication capabilities to be used when the helmet is not being worn and therefore, this functionality lays dormant and under-utilized for a significant portion of time. These and other problems can be solved by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY A safety helmet adapter for a modular wireless communication device. The safety helmet adapter can include a base housing configured to be detachably coupled to the safety helmet, a housing cover coupled to the base housing, the housing cover having an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position, an audio plug fixably attached to the housing, the audio plug extending into the interior housing portion when the cover is in the closed position, a speaker coupled to the audio plug, and a microphone coupled to the audio plug.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like numerals designate like elements, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is an exemplary illustration of an open position of an adapter for a modular wireless communication device according to one embodiment;

Fig. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a closed position of the adapter for a modular wireless communication device according to one embodiment;

Fig. 3 is an exemplary illustration of the adapter coupled to a safety helmet according to one embodiment;

Fig. 4 is an exemplary exploded view of the adapter for the modular wireless communication device according to one embodiment; Fig. 5 is an exemplary view of an exterior housing portion of the housing cover according to one embodiment; Fig. 6 is an exemplary view of an interior housing portion of the housing cover according to one embodiment;

Fig. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the housing cover according to one embodiment; Fig. 8 is an exemplary exploded view of the housing cover according to one embodiment;

Fig. 9 is an exemplary top perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment;

Fig. 10 is an exemplary side view of a housing according to one embodiment; Fig. 11 is an exemplary bottom perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an exemplary top exploded perspective view of an adapter mount according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 13 is an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of the adapter mount according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the adapter mount according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 15 is an exemplary exploded view of an adapter mount according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 16 is an exemplary illustration of the adapter mount and the housing coupled to a safety helmet according to the second embodiment;

Fig. 17 is an exemplary bottom perspective view of the adapter mount coupled to the housing according to the second embodiment;

Fig. 18 is an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of an adapter mount according to the second embodiment; Fig. 19 is an exemplary top exploded perspective view of the adapter mount according to the second embodiment; and

Fig. 20 is an exemplary illustration of a long range portable communication device wirelessly coupled to the modular wireless communication device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is an exemplary illustration of an open position of an adapter 100 for a modular wireless communication device 2000 according to one embodiment. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can be a modular short range wireless communication device such as a Bluetooth device, an 802.11 wireless device, or any other device capable of short range wireless communications. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can be modular in the sense that it may only provide audio input and output and short range wireless communication functions. The adapter 100 can be an adapter for securing the modular wireless communication device 2000 to a safety helmet. The adapter 100 can include an interior housing portion 101.

Fig. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a closed position of the adapter 100 for a modular wireless communication device 2000 according to one embodiment. When in the closed position, the modular wireless communication device 2000 may be securely contained and protected within the interior housing portion 101 of the adapter 100 for use with the adapter 100.

Fig. 3 is an exemplary illustration of the adapter 100 coupled to a safety helmet 300 according to one embodiment. The safety helmet 300 may be a motorcycle helmet, a bicycle safety helmet, a snowboarding safety helmet, a construction hard hat, or any other apparatus that provides safety for the head of a user of the safety helmet. The adapter 100 may be coupled to various locations on the safety helmet 300.

Fig. 4 is an exemplary exploded view of the adapter 100 for the modular wireless communication device 2000 according to one embodiment. The adapter 100 can include a speaker 110 coupled to an audio plug 105 via a speaker wire 112, a microphone 115 coupled to the audio plug 105 via a microphone boom 117 containing a microphone cable, a housing cover 500, a hinge housing 120, a mounting screw 125, a finishing ring 130, a housing 900 including a latch aperture 950, at least one housing screw 135, and a safety helmet adapter mount 400. The speaker wire 112 may be hidden along a seam of a safety helmet. The speaker 110 can be thin, so that it can be comfortably fitted within a recess in the helmet, or tucked behind an inner helmet cushion padding which is acoustically transparent to the speaker 110. The speaker 110 can also be location-adjustable, which can allow the user to position it near the ear for optimal performance and then fixed via a hook and loop-type fastener, adhesive, or the like. The speaker 110 can further be permeable for enhanced safety so that ambient sounds can still be heard.

The microphone 115 can be location-adjustable due to a semi-rigid nature of the boom 117, which can allow the user to position it near the mouth for optimal performance. The microphone 115 can also be tucked under the front of a full-face style safety helmet, if necessary. Both the speaker 110 and the microphone 115 can be detachable with a quick-disconnect plug, so that the connecting wire may be also routed through an opening in a safety helmet shell.

The safety helmet adapter mount 400 can be used to secure the adapter 100 to a safety helmet, such as the safety helmet 300. The housing 900 can be secured to the safety helmet adapter mount 400 using any useful coupling means such as the mounting screw 125, latches, adhesive, or any other useful coupling means. The safety helmet adapter mount 400 can include a securing means 445, such as adhesive, a screw, hook and loop fasteners, or any other means for securing a mount to a safety helmet. For example when the securing means 445 is adhesive, the securing means can include an adhesive liner 447, which can protect the adhesive and which can be removed for securing the mount 400 to a safety helmet.

The housing 100 can be configured to receive the modular wireless communication device 2000. For example, the housing cover 500 can have an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position. The audio plug 105 can be fixably attached to the housing 900. For example, fixably attached means the audio plug 105 is not easily removed because a latch, the finishing ring 130, at least one housing screw 135, or the like can be used to hold the audio plug 105 in place. Thus, the audio plug 105 cannot be easily attached by merely inserting the audio plug 105 into an audio input and output jack on the housing 900 and cannot be easily removed by merely removing the audio plug 105 from an audio input and output jack on the housing 900. Furthermore, the audio plug 900 can be securely fixably attached to the housing 900 by requiring tools to remove the audio plug 900 from the housing 900. For example, the hinge housing 120 can secure the audio plug 105 in place by securing the audio plug 105 to the housing 900. The hinge housing 120 thus can be connected to the housing 900 using housing screws 135. The hinge housing 120 and the audio plug 105 can also be secured to the housing 900 using the finishing ring 130.

The hinge housing 120 can also secure the housing cover 500 to the housing 900. Thus, the housing cover 500 can be pivotably attached to the hinge housing 120 and/or the housing 900. The housing cover 500 can include pass through buttons 530 and 540 explained more in detail below. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can include a device housing 2170, an audio input and output section 2130 coupled to the housing 2170, and actuation buttons 2140 and 2150 coupled to the housing 2170. For example, the modular wireless communication device 2000 can include a first actuation button 2140, such as an activation button, and a second actuation button 2150, such as a volume control button. The audio input and output section 2130 can include a female audio input and output jack.

Fig. 5 is an exemplary view of an exterior housing portion of the housing cover 500 according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exemplary view of an interior housing portion of the housing cover 500 according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exemplary illustration of a portion of the housing cover 500 according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 is an exemplary exploded view of the housing cover 500 according to one embodiment. The housing cover 500 can include an exterior cover face 510, an interior cover face 520, the interior cover face 520 facing the interior housing portion 101 when the housing cover 500 is in the closed position, a first pass through button 530, a second pass through button 540, a third pass through button 550, a housing cover hinge section 560, and a latch 570.

The first pass though button 530 can include an exterior button surface 532 exterior to the exterior cover face 510, a rubber material section 533, and an interior button section 535. The interior button section 535 can extend into the interior housing portion 101 when the housing cover 500 is coupled to the housing 100.

When the modular wireless communication device 2000 is inserted into the interior housing portion 101, the interior button section 535 can engage the actuation button 2140 of the modular wireless communication device 2000. The second pass through button 540 can include a second pass through button exterior section 542 and a second pass through button interior section 545 coupled to the second pass through button exterior section 542. The second pass through button interior section 545 can engage a volume control on the modular wireless communication device 2000 when the second pass through button exterior section 542 is engaged by a user. The third pass through button 550 can include a third pass through button exterior section 552 and a third pass through button interior section 555 coupled to the third pass through button exterior section 552. The third pass through button interior section 555 can engage a volume control on the modular wireless communication device 2000 when the third pass through button exterior section 552 is engaged by a user.

The housing cover 500 can also include a first actuation button seal 515, a second actuation button seal 547, a third actuation button seal 557, and a latch seal 575. The seals 515, 547, 557, and 575 can operate to seal the interior housing portion 101, even when the buttons 530, 540, 550, and/or the latch 570 are actuated. The seals 515, 547, 557, and 575 can also provide a flexible support for the buttons 530, 540, 550, and/or the latch 570 that allows the buttons 530, 540, 550, and/or the latch 570 to return to an original position after being actuated. For example, the seals 515, 547, 557, and 575 can be molded in second shot, a bellows-style relief in rubber material, or any other useful material for providing a seal and/or for providing actuation response. Also, the buttons 530, 540, 550, and/or the latch 570 can be loosely coupled to the seals 515, 547, 557, and 575 and buttons on the modular wireless communication device 2000, springs, or the like can be used to return the buttons 530, 540, 550 and/or the latch 570 to an original position after actuation. The latch 570 can couple to the latch aperture 950 of the housing 900 when the housing cover 500 is in the closed position. Small posts 572 may be used to guide the latch 570 into a correct position to couple with the latch aperture 950.

The hinge section 560 can couple to a housing hinge section of the housing 900, such as the hinge housing 120. The hinge section 560 can include rotation stops 563 that can be used to limit a hinge open angle. The hinge section 560 can also include hinge seals 566 molded out of any useful material for providing a seal for the hinge section 560.

Fig. 9 is an exemplary top perspective view of a housing 900 according to one embodiment. For example, the top perspective view illustrates a first side that can be interior to the interior housing portion 101 when the housing cover 500 is in a closed position. Fig. 10 is an exemplary side view of a housing 900 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11 is an exemplary bottom perspective view of a housing 900 according to one embodiment. For example, the bottom perspective view illustrates a second side that can be opposite the first side. The housing 900 can include a seal 910 coupled to the housing 900, a hinge and audio plug section 920, a mounting screw aperture 930, reinforcement ribs 940, and the latch aperture 950. The seal 910 can be made of a flexible material such as rubber to prevent water from reaching the modular wireless communication device 2000 when the housing cover 500 is in a closed position. Thus, the housing cover 500 can combine with the housing 900 and the seal 910 to create a weatherproof chamber for the modular wireless communication device 2000 when the housing cover 500 is in the closed position. The hinge and plug section 920 can include apertures 925 for insertion of the housing screws 135 to secure the hinge housing 120 to the housing 900. The housing screws 135 and the hinge housing 120 can securely anchor the microphone boom 117, the speaker wire 112, and the audio plug 105 between the hinge housing 120 and the housing 900.

According to one embodiment, the mounting screw aperture 930 can extend from the first side to the second side of the housing 900. The mounting screw aperture 930 can allow the mounting screw 120 to extend through the aperture to couple the housing 900 to the safety helmet adapter mount 400. An o-ring may be used between the mounting screw aperture 930 and the mounting screw 120 to seal the aperture 930 against a head of the mounting screw 120. The latch aperture 150 can detachably couple with the latch 570 to secure the housing 900 with the housing cover 500 when the housing cover 500 is in a closed position. The latch aperture 150 may be outside of a sealed area when the housing cover 500 is in a closed position. The reinforcement ribs 940 can provide for keyed alignment with the safety helmet adapter mount 400 as discussed below. Fig. 12 is an exemplary top perspective view of an adapter mount 1200 according to a first embodiment. For example, the adapter mount 1200 may operate as the safety helmet adapter mount 400. Fig. 13 is an exemplary bottom perspective view of the adapter mount 1200 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a side view of the adapter mount 1200 according to the first embodiment. The adapter mount 1200 can include a first part 1210 and a second part 1230. The first part 1210 can include a threaded receiver 1215 and slots 1220. The threaded receiver 1215 can include threads molded or formed in the first part 1210, a nut, or any other receiver for coupling to a screw. The slots 1220 can correspond to the reinforcement ribs 940 and may provide [adjustable! alignment for the housing 900 with the adapter mount 1200. The first part 1210 can also include ribs 1225 that can provide for rigidity and can couple to the second part 1220. The first part 1210 can further include ears 1227 to help prevent tear out of the first part 1210 from the second part 1230.

The second part 1230 can include a flexible material such as rubber including second slots 1235. The portions between the second slots 1235 can fill cavities of the first part 1210 to maximize the bonding strength between the second part 1230 and the first part 1210. Thus, the ribs 1225 of the first part 1210 can fill the slots 1235 of the second part 1230. According to one embodiment, the first part 1210 may be made of hard plastic and the second part 1230 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber. The second part 1230 can also include a securing means 1245, such as adhesive, a screw, hook and loop fasteners, or any other means for securing a mount to a safety helmet. The second part 1230 can also include a slight curvature in end areas 1250 of the second part 1230. These end areas 1250 can accommodate a helmet shape to the second part 1230. The end areas 1250 may also flex to allow the second part 1230 to form a tight bond to different helmet curvatures.

Fig. 15 is an exemplary exploded view of an adapter mount 1500 according to a second embodiment. For example, the adapter mount 1500 may operate as the safety helmet adapter mount 400. (Fig. 16 (is an exemplary illustration of the adapter mount 1500 and the housing 900 coupled to a safety helmet 300 according to the second embodiment. While this illustration does not show features such as the housing cover 500, the hinge housing 120, and other features of the adapter 100, these features can be typically included on the adapter 100 before the adapter 100 is attached to the helmet 300 via the adapter mount 1500. Fig. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the adapter mount 1500 coupled to the housing 900 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is an exemplary bottom exploded perspective view of an adapter mount 1500 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is an exemplary top exploded perspective view of the adapter mount 1500 according to the second embodiment. The adapter mount 1500 can include an anti rotation part 1511. The anti rotation standoff 1511 can include an anti rotation part 1510, a standoff part 1520, a visor stop screw 1530, and a visor mounting screw 1540. The anti rotation standoff 1510 can include a slot 1512, a standoff aperture 1514 including a ridge

1515, an arm 1517, and a visor stop screw aperture 1516. The standoff part 1520 may be a washer including a washer standoff aperture 1525.

The standoff part 1520 can be press fit onto the ridge 1515 surrounding the aperture 1514. The slot 1512 can be pressed onto a reinforcement rib 940 before attachment to a safety helmet 300. The arm 1517 can be flexible for bendable adjustment during attachment to the safety helmet 300. The adapter mount 1500 can then be attached to the helmet 300 using the visor mounting screw 1540 and the visor stop screw 1530 where the visor mounting screw 1540 can be inserted into a visor pivot section 320 of a safety helmet 300 and the visor stop screw 1530 can be inserted into a visor stop section 310 of the safety helmet 300.

Fig. 20 is an exemplary illustration of a long range portable communication device 2100 wirelessly coupled to the modular wireless communication device 2000 according to one embodiment. The long range portable communication device 2100 can be wirelessly coupled to the modular wireless communication device 2000 using Bluetooth communication, using 802.11 communication, or using any other wireless short range communication. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can include a controller 2010, a short range wireless transceiver 2020, an audio input and output section 2030 that can include a female audio input and output jack, an actuation button 2040, a first volume control button 2050, and a second volume control button 2060, all coupled to a device housing 2070. The long range portable communication device 2100 can include a controller 2110, a short range wireless transceiver 2120, a long range wireless transceiver 2130, and an antenna 2140, all coupled to another device housing 2150. The long range portable communication device 2100 can be a wireless telephone, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a personal computer, a mobile communication device, or any other device that is capable of sending and receiving communication signals to and from a base station 2190 on a long range communication network such as a code division multiple access network, a time division multiple access network, a global system for mobile communication network, or any other long range wireless communication network. According to another embodiment, the modular wireless communication device 2000 can be wirelessly coupled to a portable audio player having a short range wireless transceiver, another modular wireless communication device, or any other device having a having a short range wireless transceiver.

In operation, the controllers 2110 and 2010 can control the operations of the respective devices. The actuation button 2040 can actuate various functions of the modular wireless communication device 2000. The volume control buttons 2050 and 2060 can control the volume of the modular wireless communication device 2000. The audio input and output section 2030 can send audio signals to and receive audio signals from the modular wireless communication device 2000. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can be coupled with the long range portable communication device 2100 by using the short range wireless transceiver 2020 to transmit and receive short range wireless communication signals with the long range portable communication device 2100. The modular wireless communication device 2000 can also communicate with other modular wireless communication devices or communication devices located on other helmets, such as a safety helmet on a passenger on a motorcycle. The short range wireless transceiver 2120 can send and receive signals to and from the modular wireless communication device 2000. The long range transceiver 2130 can communicate with a long range wireless communication network via the antenna 2140 and the base station 2190.

Thus, for example, among other benefits, the present disclosure can provide a safety helmet adapter, for use with a modular wireless communication device 2000 (module), that can provide communication capabilities to an individual wearing a safety helmet. When the module is removed from the helmet, it can maintain its functionality and also the connection between itself and a device it is linked to. It can then be worn as a hands-free device, for example, or it may be clipped to a combination neck lanyard with earbud headset. The housing cover 500 can protect the cosmetic surface of the module from getting scratched. The adapter 100 can reduce wind noise by minimizing exposed openings and can provide consistent appearance on a safety helmet whether or not the module is docked in the adapter and can protect the audio plug 105 when module is not docked. When a flexible rubber adapter mount 400 is used, noise vibration can be minimized. The present disclosure can also provide an economical solution by being able to upgrade an existing helmet with extended communications capabilities rather than having to purchase a new helmet. After helmet use, the module can be easily removed for seamless continued use of its wireless communication capabilities in wearable applications. The present disclosure can additionally provide a substantial reduction in size and weight over other devices. The present disclosure can further provide an integrated and self-contained unit on the helmet system, having no physical connections between the helmet and any other part of the wearer's equipment. The present disclosure additionally may require no modifications to an existing helmet, and can be attached to a wide range of helmet styles. The present disclosure can also provide for simple, easy-to-locate buttons for controlling the communications capabilities. The present disclosure can additionally provide for communication and entertainment functionality for several different helmet applications, including motorcycle, recreational activities such as bicycling, mountain biking, skiing, skating, rollerblading, paragliding, motocross, snowmobiling, off-road vehicles, etc., public service such as police, firemen, etc., industrial/construction, aviation, and/or language translation. The adapter 100 of the present disclosure can further be upgraded to newer technology and/or other various applications, such as broadcast radio, without changing the adapter 100 design. The operations of the electronic devices of this disclosure are preferably implemented on a programmed processor. However, the controllers and modules may also be implemented on a general purpose or special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device on which resides a finite state machine capable of implementing the devices shown in the Figures may be used to implement the processor functions of this disclosure.

While this disclosure has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Also, all of the elements of each figure are not necessary for operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art of the disclosed embodiments would be enabled to make and use the disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A safety helmet adapter for securing a modular short range wireless communication device to a safety helmet, the safety helmet adapter comprising: a housing configured to receive the modular short range wireless communication device; a housing cover coupled to the housing, the housing cover having an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position; an audio plug fixably attached to the housing, the audio plug extending into the interior housing portion when the cover is in the closed position; a speaker coupled to the audio plug; and a microphone coupled to the audio plug.

2. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 1, wherein the housing cover further comprises: an exterior cover face; an interior cover face, the interior cover face facing the interior housing portion when the housing cover is in the closed position; and a pass through button including: an exterior button surface exterior to the exterior cover face; and an interior button section extending into the interior housing portion, the interior button section configured to engage an actuation button of the modular short range wireless communication device.

3. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 2, wherein the pass through button comprises a first pass through button, and wherein the housing cover further comprises: a second pass through button configured to engage a first volume control on the modular short range wireless communication device; and a third pass through button configured to engage a second volume control on the modular short range wireless communication device.

4. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 1, wherein the housing cover further comprises a hinge, wherein the cover is pivotably coupled to the hinge.

5. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 1, wherein the speaker is configured to be located in an interior section of the safety helmet.

6. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a seal coupled to the housing, wherein the housing cover combines with the housing and the seal to create a weatherproof chamber for the modular short range wireless communication device when the housing cover is in the closed position.

7. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a safety helmet adapter mount configured to secure the safety helmet adapter to a safety helmet.

8. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 7, wherein the housing further comprises a first side interior to the interior housing portion when the housing cover is in the closed position; a second side; an aperture extending from the first side to the second side; and a mounting screw extending through the aperture, the mounting screw configured to couple with the safety helmet adapter mount.

9. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises reinforcement ribs coupled to the second side of the housing, and wherein the safety helmet adapter mount comprises: a threaded receiver configured to couple to the mounting screw, and slots corresponding to the reinforcement ribs to provide adjustable alignment for the housing.

10. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 8, wherein the mounting screw comprises a visor mount screw, and wherein the safety helmet adapter mount comprises an anti-rotation standoff.

11. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 8, wherein the safety helmet adapter mount comprises one of an adhesive bonding area or hook and loop connection area, and a screw for securing the safety helmet adapter mount to the safety helmet.

12. An apparatus comprising: a modular short range wireless communication device, the modular short range wireless communication device including a female audio input and output jack; a short range wireless transceiver; and an actuation button; a housing detachably coupled to the modular short range wireless communication device; a housing cover coupled to the housing, the housing cover having an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position to include the modular short range wireless communication device within the interior housing portion; an audio plug fixably attached to the housing, the audio plug extending into the interior housing portion when the cover is in the closed position, the audio plug detachably coupled to the audio input and output jack of the modular short range wireless communication device; a speaker coupled to the audio plug; and a microphone coupled to the audio plug.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the housing cover further comprises: an exterior cover face; an interior cover face, the interior cover face facing the interior housing portion when the housing cover is in the closed position; and a pass through button including: an exterior button surface exterior to the exterior cover face; an interior button section extending into the interior housing portion, the interior button section configured to engage the actuation button of the modular short range wireless communication device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the modular short range wireless communication device further includes a first volume control button and a second volume control button, wherein the pass through button comprises a first pass through button, and wherein the housing cover further comprises: a second pass through button configured to engage the first volume control button; and a third pass through button configured to engage the second volume control button.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a hinge coupled to the housing, wherein the housing cover is rotatably coupled to the hinge.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a seal coupled to the housing, wherein the housing cover combines with the housing and the seal to create a weatherproof chamber for the modular short range wireless communication device when the housing cover is in the closed position.

17. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a safety helmet adapter mount configured to secure the safety helmet adapter to a safety helmet.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises a first side interior to the interior housing portion when the housing cover is in the closed position; a second side; an aperture extending from the first side to the second side; and a mounting screw extending through the aperture, the mounting screw configured to couple with the safety helmet adapter mount.

19. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a portable telephone wirelessly coupled to the modular short range wireless communication device

20. A safety helmet adapter comprising: a base housing configured to be detachably coupled to a safety helmet; a housing cover coupled to the base housing, the housing cover having an open position and a closed position, the housing cover creating an interior housing portion when in the closed position; an audio plug fixably attached to the housing, the audio plug extending into the interior housing portion when the cover is in the closed position; a speaker coupled to the audio plug, the speaker configured to be inserted into the safety helmet; and a microphone coupled to the audio plug.

21. The safety helmet adapter according to claim 20, wherein the housing cover further comprises: an exterior cover face; an interior cover face, the interior cover face facing the interior housing portion when the housing cover is in the closed position; and a pass through button including: an exterior button surface exterior to the exterior cover face; and an interior button section extending into the interior housing portion.