WO2016074017A1

WO2016074017A1 - Improvements in protective headgear

Info

Publication number: WO2016074017A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobin King
Original assignee: Tobin King
Priority date: 2014-11-11
Filing date: 2015-11-11
Publication date: 2016-05-19

Abstract

Headgear for people on foot or on bicycles or other conveyances provides a human- readable visual identifier identifying the wearer by a license number or other code. A set of safety features and convenience features is also provided.

Description

Improvements in protective headgear

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to headgear for people on foot or on bicycles or other conveyances. The headgear provides a variety of safety related features, information for the wearer, and displays the identity of the wearer (or licensed owner of the headgear) to the public.

This invention is primarily intended for use as a safety system for personal unpowered transportation devices, such as bicycles, and will be described below with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

The safety of bicycle riders is an issue for concern. Existing approaches to minimise the risk of injury to road users range from the physical separation of the cyclist (cycling paths) through to the wearing of safety devices, (such as helmets). However, a number of technical limitations have restricted the ability of such dedicated spatial regions and wearable systems to minimise the risk and prevention of injury.

Apart from safety considerations, it is desirable to be able to identify cyclists (or their

vehicles), to make them accountable for their behavior in a similar way to drivers of motor vehicles. Ideally, cyclists and/or their vehicles would be registered. Before now, there has been no system available which is readily adaptable and practical for cyclists in this regard.

It is object of this invention to ameliorate at least some of these deficiencies of the prior art.

Aspects of the Invention

The invention has several different aspects, each of which may be used separately.

Alternately, two or more or all the aspects may be combined. In one aspect, the invention there is provided a cyclist identification and safety system, in which a safety helmet has an integrated means to communicate the identity and/or status of the bicycle rider. The identity and/or status may be designed for recognition by current technology, such as remote electronic reading or sensing apparatus. Preferably, the identity/status means comprises a registration or identification plate mounted to a helmet, preferably to the rear of the helmet. In this embodiment, the plate may be reflective and/or back-illuminated. The plate is preferably reversibly fixed to the helmet by a suitable attachment.

In other embodiments, the plate or equivalent may be inserted in a pocket provided for the purpose, or adhered to the helmet.

Instead of a plate, a plastic film may be used.

In another aspect, the helmet of the invention may incorporate one or more of: headlight means;

turn indicating means;

brake light means;

a crash bar;

a retractable or drop-down visor, optionally with side mirrors; and

wiping means for the visor.

The headlight means is preferably one or more lights mounted on or in the helmet and switched on and off manually by a switch on the helmet. If desired, the headlight means may be turned on and off by sensors responding to ambient light.

The turn indicating means preferably comprise a pair of intermittent lights, one mounted on each side of the helmet. Preferably, a relevant turn indicator is activated by the relevant switch on the handlebars of the bicycle and communicating with the turn indicator by Bluetooth or another wireless system. As an alternative, the turn indicators may be activated manually - for example, by pushing in and releasing, to provide a 20 second flash period.

The brake light means may comprise one or more lights, preferably mounted at the rear of the helmet. Preferably, the brake light means is activated by an accelerometer.

The crash bar preferably takes the form of a relatively rigid but impact-absorbing bar, designed to protect the face of the user.

The visor may be a simple drop-down visor to protect the user's eyes and which can accommodate glasses or sunglasses by sitting out in front of them. The visor may have side mirrors for rear view, preferably spring-loaded side mirrors, which may be folded in when the visor is returned to a position inside the helmet. The visor may be pulled down by a stab on the flip-out side mirror part. To close, the mirrors are simply pushed in and the visor springs up into the helmet to the home position. The visor may be designed to break off under impact. More preferably, however the visor is designed to have 'smart' functions, such as an instant display, which shows one or more of speed, proximity to vehicles, whether indicators are activated, time elapsed since last setting, tilt and GPS information.

A wiper may be provided for the visor. The wiper may be sited between the visor display and the top of the visor, unobtrusively when not in use, and pivots down when activated. The wiper arm may be powered by a motorised worm-driven pinion wheel with a boss on it that rotates in one direction and moves the arm in an up & down motion twice during one revolution.

The front arm of the wiper assembly may accommodates a removable wiper blade and may be sprung by two torsion springs in the pivot corners to push the blade against the visor during wiping cycles.

It is especially preferred that a smart phone or similar device is mountable in the helmet, to provide music and at least some of the functions described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a multi-layered safety helmet, optionally with an integrated mechanical-electrical-optical system and a mountable remote control. The remote control, which represents a further aspect of the invention, is preferably mountable on one of the bicycle handlebars. It may include the switch for the turn indicator, if present.

Preferably, the helmet has three layers. Preferably, these are a flexible outer skin, a hard shell and an inner core - with polystyrene balls under a formed mesh and a thin upper plastic skin. These can act in unison to decouple shock from the helmet to the occupant. Preferably, the helmet is constructed with a fourth element: a crash bar with air dampener. The crash bar can prevent facial injury. If the registration or identification plate option is combined with the layered helmet of this aspect, the plate is attached to and viewable from outer layer.

In this aspect of the invention, the layered helmet may have a mechanical system to provide shock absorption and motorised movement. An electrical system may include fixed sensors and/or removable computing components. An optical system may provide improved perceptual abilities via emissive, transparent and reflective surfaces.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a 'smart' helmet using electronics to provide recognised illuminated road signals and safety aids (ultrasonics proximity) to the rider. In combination with some of the aspects of the invention, the 'smart' helmet includes a registration moulding to provide cyclist identification by road users, pedestrians and authorities.

An etag or similar device may be included in the helmet to allow riders to pay for services.

When used with a smart phone, the helmet may provide on an internal display useful data such as GPS satnav, speed, temperature, heart rate and proximity data. The helmet may also incorporate a speaker for directions and warnings, etc.

Optionally, a Bluetooth switch is in the signal indicator operation unit may which cancel after the bike returns to a near vertical angle after a turn. A switch may also controls a wiper function for the visor in the helmet. The switch may have additional accelerometers to increase speedometer accuracy with the smart phone and activate the brake lights in the helmet under braking. The switch may have an internal speaker which 'pings' when pedestrians are close so they know a rider is near.

A photo sensor in the switch front may turn on the head light and rear lights in the helmet.

The switch may be demountable easily to be taken off the bike when not in use, for replacing battery, etc. Summary of the Invention:

The present invention relates to headgear comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders wherein the visual identifier is at least four square centimetres.

Preferably, the visual identifier is at least ten square centimetres.

More preferably, the visual identifier is at least 25 square centimetres.

In one preferred configuration, the visual identifier is a pressed metal license plate.

In another preferred configuration, the visual identifier is a printed identifier. In another preferred configuration, the visual identifier is an illuminated printed identifier.

In another preferred configuration, the visual identifier is a computer readable visually coded identifier.

In a preferred configuration, the computer readable visually coded identifier is a QR code.

In another preferred configuration, the computer readable visually coded identifier is a one dimensional bar code.

In another preferred configuration, the computer readable visually coded identifier is a two dimensional bar code.

In a preferred configuration, the visual identifier is an electronic display.

In a preferred configuration, the electronic display is an OLED display. In another preferred configuration, the electronic display is an inorganic light emitting diode display.

In another preferred configuration, the electronic display is a Liquid Crystal Display.

In another preferred configuration, the electronic display is an ePaper display.

A further aspect of the invention provides protective headgear comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders wherein the visual identifier is at least four square centimetres.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear comprises a weatherproof outer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear includes at least one human-visible light, which may be any combination of: one or more a turn signals; one or more head lights; one or more tail lights; and/or one or more a brake signals.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear an RFID tag. In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear includes at least one rear-vision mirror.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear includes a visor.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear a chin protector.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear includes an emergency beacon.

In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear includes a noise-cancelling system. In a preferred embodiment, the protective headgear comprises a four layer shell.

In a preferred configuration, the four layer shell comprises a first compressible inner layer partially surrounded by a first rigid layer, the first rigid layer being partially surrounded by a second compressible layer, the second compressible layer being partially surrounded by a second rigid layer. In a preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second rigid layers is comprised of moulded polycarbonate.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second rigid layers is comprised of carbon-fibre epoxy laminate.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second rigid layers is comprised of fibreglass.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second rigid layers is comprised of formed sheet metal.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second rigid layers is comprised of machined metal. In a preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second compressible layers is comprised of moulded polymer foam. In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second compressible layers is comprised of moulded polystyrene foam.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second compressible layers is comprised of expanded polystyrene spheres.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second compressible layers is comprised of natural fibre.

In an alternative preferred configuration, at least one of the first and second compressible layers is comprised of cotton wool.

The invention further provides headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and one or more sensors, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a position determination sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a temperature sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise an atmospheric pressure sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise an accelerometer.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a gyroscope.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a wearer command interface sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a toxic gas sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a speed sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a sound sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise an ultrasonic distance sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise an image sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a time sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a road slope sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a battery power sensor. In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a radio communications signal strength sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a time sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a sensor to sense the heart rate of the wearer of the headgear.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sensors comprise a sensor to sense metabolic information of the wearer of the headgear.

The invention further provides headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and one or more sensors, wherein information is transferred from the computing system to the wearer of the headgear by the output system, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the information comprises the speed that the wearer is travelling at.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the ambient temperature.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the presence of obstacles in or around the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the distance to obstacles in or around the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises route indicators along the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises road maps relating to the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises turn instructions relating to the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises speed zones relating to the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises over-speed information. In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises turn signal indicator information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises journey duration information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises distance covered on the wearer's journey.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises distance remaining on the wearer's journey.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises time remaining on the wearer's journey.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises battery power information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises wireless signal strength information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises radio signal connectivity information.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the ambient temperatu re.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the wearer's heart rate.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises information relating to the wearer's metabolic state.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the altitude of the wearer.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises information relating to the presence of toxic gasses

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the present slope of the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises the slope to be encountered along the wearer's path. In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises amenities near the wearer's path.

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises food service outlets near the wearer's path. In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises advertising messages

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises music

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises a podcast

In a further preferred embodiment, the information comprises an audio broadcast

The invention further provides headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and a receiver for a position determination system, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the position determination system comprises the GPS Global Navigation Satellite System. In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises the Glonass Global Navigation Satellite System.

In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System.

In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises position determination using Cellphone towers.

In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises position determination using WiFi points of access. In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises position determination using radio beacons.

In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises position determination using dead reckoning. In an alternative embodiment, the position determination system comprises position determination visual landmark interpretation.

The invention further provides protective headgear comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a member of a set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers

In a further preferred embodiment, the set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of government license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a project.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of employees of a company.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a crew.

The invention further provides headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and a wearer command interface sensor, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises a switch.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises a touch screen sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises a body position sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises an eye position sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises a microphone.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wearer command interface sensor comprises a head tilt sensor. The invention further provides headgear incorporating a visor, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the headgear includes a wiper, the wiper being operatively positioned to wipe the outer surface of the visor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the headgear includes a mechanism which linearly traverses the wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of the visor.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the headgear includes a mechanism which rotationally traverses the wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of the visor. In a preferred embodiment, the headgear includes a mechanism which traverses the wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of the visor at a rate which can be altered by the wearer of the headgear.

The invention further provides headgear incorporating a system for visually communicating information processed by a computer to the wearer of the headgear, the headgear also comprising a visual identifier, the visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

In a preferred embodiment, the system for visually communicating information comprises a flat panel screen mounted in the visual field of the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment, the system for visually communicating information further comprises an optical system to allow the wearer to focus on the flat panel screen when the flat panel screen is mounted close to the eyes of the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment, the system for visually communicating information further comprises a computer configured to provide electronic information to the flat panel screen which is displayed on the flat panel screen as regions of varying brightness and/or color. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is a smartphone.

In a further preferred embodiment, the smartphone is a mounted on the headgear.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the smartphone is a mounted within the headgear. In a further preferred embodiment, the system for visually communicating information comprises a smartphone mounted in the visual field of the wearer.

In a further preferred embodiment, the system for visually communicating information further comprises an optical system to allow the wearer to focus on the screen of the smartphone when the screen is mounted close to the eyes of the wearer.

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the follow description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of Drawings:

A preferred embodiment of the invention in its various aspects will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing features of the preferred embodiment from the front; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing features of the preferred embodiment from the rear;

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view showing an embodiment of connection of the registration plate;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment from the side;

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view detailing layers of preferred embodiment of the helmet; Figure 7 shows orthographic views of the embodiment;

Figure 8 is a side view showing the scenario of an impact with a ground surface, with facial injury prevented by the helmet structure and crash bar in the preferred embodiment;

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the electronics system of the preferred embodiment;

Figure 10 is a fully exploded perspective view showing the features of indicator unit, the sprung visor assembly and the motorised wiper assembly;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the visor and the wiper assembly in the down position of a wiping cycle on the visor moulding; Figure 12 is a side and front elevation of the visor and the wiper assembly in the down position of a wiping cycle on the visor;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the visor and the wiper assembly in the up position of a wiping cycle on the visor moulding; Figure 14 is a side and front elevation of the visor and the wiper assembly in the up position of a wiping cycle on the visor;

Figure 15 is a side elevation of the visor in the down position and the wiper assembly in the home position within the preferred embodiment;

Figure 16 is a side elevation of the visor in the up position and the wiper assembly in the home position within the preferred embodiment;

Figure 17 is a detailed view of the switch mounted to a bicycle handlebar in two positions;

Figure 18 is an upper perspective view showing the main features of the switch and clamp;

Figure 19 is a lower perspective view showing the main features of the switch and clamp;

Figure 20 is an exploded view of the mechanical-electrical-optical switch system; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the switch and clamp embodiment through the centre;

Figure 22 shows orthographic views of the switch and clamp embodiment;

Figure 23 is an upper view of the switch de-mounting from the clamp;

Figure 24 is a lower view of the switch de-mounting from the clamp;

Figure 25 is an elevation of a graphic display inside the preferred embodiment; and Figure 26 is a plan view of the ultrasonic sensing system in a real environment.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to the drawings, non-limiting embodiments of many of the different aspects of the invention are shown in combination. It will be appreciated that the drawings are not all on the same scale.

Reference is made to Figs 1 to 5. In Fig 1, the helmet assembly 21 is shown as having three structural layers. The first layer is a flexible outer skin 1, which is waterproof. It has affixed to it at the rear a registration or identity plate 2, in this embodiment being a custom registration moulding, displaying identity details (Fig 3).

The first layer 1 also has an aperture for a left hand side rear light diffuser 2, to cover a brake light as shown in Fig 2. A second brake light diffuser 9 is assembled in an aperture on the right hand side of the helmet 21, as seen in Fig 3.

A smart phone 4 is mountable against a foam insert 5 in the helmet 21. In this embodiment, an etag 6 is also included, to provide automatic payment of tolls on tollways or other fees.

The second layer 7 of the helmet 21 is a hard shell moulding, accommodating an integrated digital camera and LED headlight unit 8. The camera is useful for recording journeys and the circumstances of any collision. The headlight part of unit 8 protrudes through an aperture in first layer 1 as shown in Fig 2. It is protected by headlight lens 24, visible in Fig 5.

Brake light diffusers 2 and 9 are attached to layer 7.

Fig 4 shows an embodiment of how layer 1 may be joined to layer 7, via a pull-through flexible fastener 23.

The third layer 10 for the helmet 21 is a soft inner composite protective core assembly, which provides head protection and decouples shock which may otherwise be transmitted by the second layer 7. In this embodiment, third layer 10 is an open cell to fit different skull shapes and allow air circulation, channelled in through the neck part of the first layer 1 and through the visor area.

A 25mm x 45mm cylindrical fan (not shown) may be located in the top part of the hard shell second layer 7, behind the camera and headlight unit 8. The fan may be powered by the light pcb and circulate air through an opening in the upper skin of the inner core, through the ball layer and mesh of the third layer. As can be seen from Fig 5, mounted between layer 7 and layer 10 is structure which provides mounting for or incorporates LED brake and night life flex printed circuit board (pcb) 11, batteries 12 (C size in this embodiment), battery cover 13, flex pcb 14 with ultrasonic sensors and display and computer 15. An assembly which accommodate or incorporates a wiper assembly 16 (for the visor), an indicator unit 17 and the sprung visor assembly 18 is mounted as shown in Fig 5.

Crash bar 19, with a dampener, can be seen in Figs 1 to 3 and 5, as can helmet strap 20 with helmet strap mount 26. Smart phone 4 is located in storage area 25, seen in Fig 5.

Turning now to Fig 6, this shows detail of the helmet assembly 21. Second layer 7 is covered by outer layer 1. Below second layer 7 is an inner core thin wall outer moulding 27, an inner core bead fill layer 28 and an inner core contoured mesh 29. Third layer 10 is made up of moulding 27, layer 28 and mesh 29 in this embodiment. Many of the features describe above are also shown in the orthographic views in Fig 7.

The usefulness of the design of helmet 21 and crash bar 18 is illustrated in Fig 8, showing how each protect the face of the rider in the case of an impact with ground 30. Each of the leading edge of helmet 21 and the crash bar 19 will encounter ground 30 first.

In Fig 9 can be seen further detail of the structure from Fig 1 which provides mounting for or incorporates LED brake and night life flex printed circuit board (pcb) 11, batteries 12 (C size in this embodiment), battery cover 13, flex pcb 14 with ultrasonic sensors and display and computer 15. In Fig 9 are shown multiple ultrasonic sensors 31, an indicator unit flex pcb with LEDs 32 and a micro motor worm drive 33. Battery power connector 34 connects battery 12. Figs 10 to 14 detail the assembly for the visor, including wiper assembly 16 (for the visor), indicator unit 17 and the sprung visor assembly 18, also seen in Fig 1. The visor is attached to visor metal arm 35, with visor return spring 36 allowing for retraction of the visor. Wiper blade 37 is provided for clearing water or debris. Sprung visor side moulding 38 includes mirrors 22, one of which may also be seen in Fig 3. Indicator diffusor 39 covers indicator unit front part 41, which is attached via fixing screws 40 to the part which also carries pinion gear wiping arm 42. LEDs 32 are sandwiched as shown, to emit light through diffuser 39 in use. Indicator unit rear part 43 is also shown in Fig 10. Fig 15 shows in side elevation the visor in the 'down' position and the wiper assembly in the 'home' position, illustrating wiper sprung front arm 44.

Fig 16 shows in side elevation the visor in the 'up' position and the wiper assembly in the 'home' position. In Fig 17 part of a bicycle is shown having is two switches 45, one mounted near the centre of the handlebars and one mounted nearer the end. These are two examples of positions for switch 45.

As shown in Figs 18 to 24, switch 45 has a metal clamp 50 for attaching to the handlebars, a right turn illuminated switch 46, a left turn illuminated switch 48, an indicator 47 to signal 'on', 'Bluetooth' or low battery, and a rotary 3-speed wiper control 49 for activating and controlling the wiper for the visor.

In Fig 20, which is an exploded view of the mechanical-electrical-optical switch system of Figs 18 and 19, there is shown an infrared window 51 for photo-sensor 57, a switch upper moulding 52, a switch lower moulding 53, a flex pcb with indicator LEDs 54, an on/off switch 55, a warning speaker 56 (for alerting the rider to proximity of vehicles), a switch battery 58, a keeper plate 59 and a magnet 60.

Clamp mount 61, clamp ring adjuster screw 62 and clamp ring adjuster grooves 63 (see Fig 21) provide for clamping the switch system to the handlebar.

Fig 21 shows location detail 64 on the switch lower part. Turning now to Fig 25, this shows a snapshot of a graphic display inside the visor. Any suitable combination of display elements may appear on the display. Shown in Fig 25 are an indicator signal 65 to show that an indicator is on, a tilt display 66 to show degree of tilt from the vertical, a heart rate monitor 67, monitoring the rider by suitable means, an ambient temperature signal 68, a GPS or sat-nav map 69, an ultrasonic proximity display 70, to show distance from close objects, system function icons 71 (such a Bluetooth, shown) and a readout 72 indicating actual speed and speed restrictions.

Figure 26 is a plan- view of the ultrasonic sensing system included in the invention, in a real environment. Rider 74 is close to object 75 (in this case, a vehicle on the same road).

Ultrasonic ranging zone 74, established through ultrasonic sensors (see Figs 5 and 9) in helmet 21, detect object 75 and rider 74 is warned, by display 70 (Fig 25) or by an audible warning signal.

Conclusion

The invention in its various aspects represents a significant advance in the art and offer a wide range of options for hi-tech featu res in helmets while at the same time enhancing safety and identification.

The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and number of specific alternative embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant fields that a number of other embodiments, differing from those specifically described, will also fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described in the present specification, including documents incorporated by cross-reference as appropriate. The scope of the invention is only limited by the attached claims.

Claims

I Claim:

1. Headgear comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders wherein said visual identifier is at least four square centimetres.

2. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is at least ten square centimetres.

3. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is at least 25 square centimetres.

4. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is a pressed metal license plate.

5. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is a printed identifier.

6. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is an illuminated printed identifier.

7. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is a computer readable visually coded identifier.

8. Headgear as claimed in claim 6 wherein said computer readable visually coded

identifier is a QR code.

9. Headgear as claimed in claim 6 wherein said computer readable visually coded

identifier is a one dimensional bar code.

10. Headgear as claimed in claim 6 wherein said computer readable visually coded

identifier is a two dimensional bar code.

11. Headgear as claimed in claim 1 wherein said visual identifier is an electronic display.

12. Headgear as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electronic display is an OLED display.

13. Headgear as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electronic display is an inorganic light emitting diode display.

14. Headgear as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electronic display is a Liquid Crystal Display.

15. Headgear as claimed in claim 12 wherein said electronic display is an ePaper display.

16. Protective headgear comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders wherein said visual identifier is at least four square centimetres.

17. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear comprises a

weatherproof outer layer.

18. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes at least one human-visible light.

19. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 18 wherein said human-visible light is a turn signal.

20. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 18 wherein said human-visible light is a

head-light.

21. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 18 wherein said human-visible light is a tail- light.

22. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 18 wherein said human-visible light is a brake signal.

23. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes an RFID tag.

24. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes at least one rear-vision mirror.

25. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes a visor.

26. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes a chin protector.

27. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes an

emergency beacon.

28. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 16 wherein said headgear includes a noise- cancelling system.

29. Protective headgear comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

30. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 29 wherein said protective headgear

comprises a four layer shell.

31. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 30 wherein said four layer shell comprises a first compressible inner layer partially surrounded by a first rigid layer, said first rigid layer being partially surrounded by a second compressible layer, said second compressible layer being partially surrounded by a second rigid layer.

32. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second rigid layers is comprised of moulded polycarbonate.

33. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second rigid layers is comprised of carbon-fibre epoxy laminate.

34. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second rigid layers is comprised of fibreglass.

35. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second rigid layers is comprised of formed sheet metal.

36. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second rigid layers is comprised of machined metal.

37. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second compressible layers is comprised of moulded polymer foam.

38. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second compressible layers is comprised of moulded polystyrene foam.

39. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second compressible layers is comprised of expanded polystyrene spheres.

40. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second compressible layers is comprised of natural fibre.

41. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 31 wherein at least one of said first and second compressible layers is comprised of cotton wool.

42. Headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and one or more sensors, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

43. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a position

determination sensor.

44. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a temperature

sensor.

45. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise an atmospheric pressure sensor.

46. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise an accelerometer.

47. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a gyroscope.

48. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a wearer command interface sensor.

49. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a toxic gas sensor.

50. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a speed sensor.

51. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a sound sensor.

52. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise an ultrasonic distance sensor.

53. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise an image sensor.

54. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a time sensor.

55. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a road slope sensor.

56. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a battery power sensor.

57. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a radio

communications signal strength sensor.

58. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a time sensor.

59. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a sensor to sense the heart rate of the wearer of said headgear.

60. Headgear as claimed in claim 42 wherein said sensors comprise a sensor to sense metabolic information of the wearer of said headgear.

61. Headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and one or more sensors, wherein information is transferred from said computing system to the wearer of said headgear by said output system, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

62. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the speed that the wearer is travelling at.

63. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the ambient temperature.

64. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the presence of obstacles in or around the wearer's path.

65. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the distance to obstacles in or around the wearer's path.

66. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises route indicators along the wearer's path.

67. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises road maps relating to the wearer's path.

68. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises turn

instructions relating to the wearer's path.

69. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises speed zones relating to the wearer's path.

70. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises over-speed information.

71. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises turn signal indicator information.

72. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises journey

duration information.

73. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises distance

covered on the wearer's journey.

74. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises distance

remaining on the wearer's journey.

75. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises time remaining on the wearer's journey.

76. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises battery power information.

77. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises wireless signal strength information.

78. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises radio signal connectivity information.

79. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the ambient temperature.

80. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the wearer's heart rate.

81. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises information relating to the wearer's metabolic state.

82. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the altitude of the wearer.

83. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises information relating to the presence of toxic gasses

84. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the present slope of the wearer's path.

85. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises the slope to be encountered along the wearer's path.

86. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises amenities near the wearer's path.

87. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises food service outlets near the wearer's path.

88. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises advertising messages

89. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises music

90. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises a podcast

91. Headgear as claimed in claim 61 wherein said information comprises an audio

broadcast

92. Headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and a receiver for a position determination system, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

93. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises the GPS Global Navigation Satellite System.

94. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises the Glonass Global Navigation Satellite System.

95. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System.

96. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System.

97. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises position determination using Cellphone towers.

98. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises position determination using WiFi points of access.

99. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises position determination using radio beacons.

100. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises position determination using dead reckoning.

101. Headgear as claimed in claim 92 wherein said position determination system

comprises position determination visual landmark interpretation.

102. Protective headgear comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a member of a set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers

103. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 102 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of government license holders.

104. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 102 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a project.

105. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 102 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of employees of a company.

106. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 102 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a crew.

107. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 102 wherein said visual identifier is at least 50 square centimetres.

108. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 107 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of government license holders.

109. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 107 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a project.

110. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 107 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of employees of a company.

111. Protective headgear as claimed in claim 107 wherein said set of uniquely allocated authorised wearers comprises a set of workers on a crew.

112. Headgear incorporating a computing system comprising a computational element, a memory element, a power supply, an output system, and a wearer command interface sensor, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

113. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises a switch.

114. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises a touch screen sensor.

115. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises a body position sensor.

116. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises an eye position sensor.

117. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises a microphone.

118. Headgear as claimed in claim 112 wherein said wearer command interface sensor comprises a head tilt sensor.

119. Headgear incorporating a visor, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

120. Headgear as claimed in claim 119 wherein said headgear includes a wiper, said wiper being operatively positioned to wipe the outer surface of said visor.

121. Headgear as claimed in claim 120 wherein said headgear includes a mechanism

which linearly traverses said wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of said visor.

122. Headgear as claimed in claim 120 wherein said headgear includes a mechanism

which rotationally traverses said wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of said visor.

123. Headgear as claimed in claim 120 wherein said headgear includes a mechanism

which traverses said wiper across a substantial portion of the outer surface of said visor at a rate which can be altered by the wearer of the headgear.

124. Headgear incorporating a system for visually communicating information processed by a computer to the wearer of said headgear, said headgear also comprising a visual identifier, said visual identifier identifying a unique member of a set of license holders.

125. Headgear as claimed in claim 124 wherein said system for visually communicating information comprises a flat panel screen mounted in the visual field of the wearer.

126. Headgear as claimed in claim 125 wherein said system for visually communicating information further comprises an optical system to allow said wearer to focus on the said flat panel screen when said flat panel screen is mounted close to the eyes of said wearer.

127. Headgear as claimed in claim 125 wherein said system for visually communicating information further comprises a computer configured to provide electronic information to said flat panel screen which is displayed on said flat panel screen as regions of varying brightness and/or color.

128. Headgear as claimed in claim 127 wherein said computer is a smartphone.

129. Headgear as claimed in claim 128 wherein said smartphone is a mounted on said headgear.

130. Headgear as claimed in claim 128 wherein said smartphone is a mounted within said headgear.

131. Headgear as claimed in claim 124 wherein said system for visually communicating information comprises a smartphone mounted in the visual field of said wearer.

132. Headgear as claimed in claim 131 wherein said system for visually communicating information further comprises an optical system to allow said wearer to focus on the screen of said smartphone when said screen is mounted close to the eyes of said wearer.