GB2529238A

GB2529238A - Helmet and helmet system

Info

Publication number: GB2529238A
Application number: GB1414474.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anna Wojdecka
Original assignee: Royal College of Art
Current assignee: Royal College of Art
Priority date: 2014-08-14
Filing date: 2014-08-14
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Also published as: GB201414474D0

Abstract

A helmet system that comprises: a helmet body 110 configured to fit the head of a user 10; a filter receptacle; a pump (Fig 1,140) arranged to direct ambient air 132 through an air filter 130 retained in the filter receptacle; a conduit configured to receive filtered air from the air filter 130; and a jaw piece 120 configured to receive the filtered air (Fig 1,134) and direct it to a zone adjacent to the user's mouth and/or nose. The jaw piece 120 can be adjusted and placed in an operational position 122, adjacent to the user's jaw, or a stowed position 124. The helmet 110 may further include a pollution sensor, a flow rate sensor or a speed sensor. The pump (140) can be controlled wirelessly and powered by a battery, solar cell, dynamo or turbine. The system may also direct air to cool the cranium of the user 10.

Description

HELMET AND HELMET SYSTEM

This invention relates to a helmet, a helmet system and a kit, In particular, but not S exclusively, the invention r&ates to bicycling helmets.

Background

Bicycling has many established advantages. Bicycling can deliver health benefits by providing a cardiovascular and respiratory workout for the bicyclist. Bicycling has very little environmental impact and does not emit carbon gases or other pollutants into the atmosphere. Bicycling is an economical form of commuting and in large city centres, such as London, bicycling can often be quicker than driving or using public transport. Unfortunately, bicyclists in metropolitan areas are often exposed to pollutants, particularly pollutants from motor vehicles that share the roads with the bicyclists. Such motor vehicles can often be in close proximity to the bicyclist.

Bicyclists typically take in 10 to 20 times as much air, and thus pollutants, per unit time as sedentary people do. As such, half an hour bicycling on a street will mean that the bicyclist may inhale the same amount of pollutants as a person who stands next the street for eight hours, Over 4,000 premature deaths in London are attributable to long term exposure to particulate pollution. These occur mostly as heart attacks and strokes. For this reason, some doctors advise city dwellers to exercise indoors.

Exposure to pollution is an important factor that may dissuade a person from bicycling in towns and cities and therefore miss out on the benefits mentioned above. In particular a person may not take up cycling for improved fitness if there is health risk from exposure to pollutants.

Air pollution masks are available for bicyclists to use but they are generally ineffective, Such masks create a resistance that makes it harder for a user to breathe, Such masks also tend to stop working as soon as moisture gathers in them. Face masks suffer from many drawbacks: the masks usually make breathing harder for the user since they act as barrier to air passing into the mouth and nose of the wearer, this can make the user feel like they are suffocating; the masks can be uncomfortable to wear and can leave marks on the face of the user where the mask presses on the skin of the user; and the masks impede a user's communication, for exampk by acting as a barrier to sound issuing from the user's mouth or by restricting movement of the user's jaw. Despite these problems face masks continue to be used.

United States patent US 5,139.017 describes a bicycle helmet that has a plurality of vents, air supply tubing and a filtration element for supplying filtered air to the user.

Filtered air is delivered through an inlet one-way valve and a mouthpiece to the user upon demand. To receive ffltered air, the user sucks on the mouthpiece. This means that the user has to perform extra work to receive the filtered air compared to natural breathing, That is, the system has brought in an extra resistance into the breathing process. Also, the user may find having a device (the mouthpiece) inside the mouth uncomfortable and unhygienic.

United States patent application US 2013/0067644 Al also describes a helmet that can be used for bicychng. The helmet has ventdation ports to control the flow of ambient air to the interior of the helmet. However, the helmet does not provide filtered air for the user to breath.

Respirators are commonly used in conjunction with helmets for personnel who may be exposed to hazardous conditions. Such respirators/hdmets are mainly used in extreme situations such as military, fire and police operations where the user may be exposed to toxic substances, such as smoke or chemical or biological agents. The respirators require a full face mask that is sealed around the face of the user and are generally heavy and cumbersome compared to a bicycling helmet, As such, these respirators are not suitable for bicyclists; neither would a bicyclist desire to wear one. Details of such respirator helmets and assemblies can be found in patent applications WO 03/000109 A2, US 2010/0319701 Al, US 2012/0024289 Al and patent US 7,934,497 Bl.

United States patent apphcation US2OI 0/0300435 describes a motorcychng helmet having an oxygen conversion unit that chemically converts polluted air to breathable oxygen. This helmet has a visor to keep debris and air out of the face of the rider.

Motorcycling helmets are heavy compared to bicycling helmets and would be unappealing to bicyclists.

The use of a visor can detract from the experience of the cyclist who may prefer to feel the air pass over her face and generafly be more connected to the environment that she is riding through. A visor can, at least psychologically and also physically, obstruct some of the field of view of the user or distract them. Visors are also prone to S "fogging" in that moisture can condense on the visor and obscure the user's view.

Both face masks and visors inhibit the user from eating and drinking and also communicating as freely as they would like. Also, both face masks and visors are generally aesthetically unappeahng.

Summary

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out according to the appended claims. I5

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a helmet system comprising: an air fUter for removing poflutants from ambient air received from the environment of the user: a pump, which when powered, forces ambient air through the filter; ajaw piece; and a conduit providing fluid communication between the air filter and the jaw piece, tile pump in use forcing ambient air through the filter and the conduit, and; wherein the jaw piece is configured to be spaced forward of the user's jaw and direct air into a region in front of the user's mouth and/or nose.

The system may be used in conjunction with a helmet such as a bicyde helmet.

The system is advantageous in that it can provide filtered air to the user without providing resistance or hindrance to the user's breathing. The pump may pull or push air through the filter and conduit.

Often a bicyclist can move past and/or between motor vehicles but can be blocked by buses or other heavy vehicles. Such heavy vehicles are prone to emitting a large amount of pollutants into the atmosphere, for example diesel powered buses and heavy goods vehicles produce particulate poflutants and noxious exhaust gases which provide a health risk and are unpleasant for a bicyclist that is stationary or moving slowly behind such vehicles. With the current invention, the filtered air is provided for the user even if the user is stationary (for example, in a queue or at traffic lights), or moving slowly as may be the case when the user is cycling past stationary traffic.

The hehnet system can be configured to be retro-fitted to a bicycle helmet. For S example the pump may be affixed or strapped to the shell or some other outer surface of the helmet, in some embodiments of tile invention the pump and/or the filter are provided so as to fit into cavities or recesses in the body of the helmet.

A second aspect of the invention provides a helmet system comprising: a helmet body configured to fit the head of a user; a filter receptacle configured to hold an air filter; a pump arranged to pull ambient air through an air filter retained in the filter receptacle; a conduit configured to receive filtered air from the air filter; and a jaw piece configured to receive the filtered air from the conduit and direct it to a zone adjacent to at least one of the user's mouth and/or nose and or jaw or cheek; wherein the jaw piece. when in use, is spaced adjacent to and/or forward of the user's jaw.

The jaw piece may comprise an arm extending to the side of a user's face, A bridge or nose/mouth piece may be carried at the end of the arm (or it may not be provided, the jaw piece comprising the arm, but no bridge or nose/mouth piece). A second arm may also be provided as part of the jaw piece, and that second arm may or may not connect to the bridge or nose/mouth piece if such a bridge or nose/mouth piece is provided, The helmet system of the second aspect of the invention may be provided without the air filter which may be supplied separately or the helmet system may be provided with the air filter, In embodiments of the invention, the air filter is a consumable that can be replaced after a period of use.

\7%'hen supplied separately, the air filter may also be supplied with instructions to fit the air filter to the helmet body. When the helmet system is provided with the air filter, the air filter may be pre-fitted in the air filter cavity, in this case one or more spare filters may also be provided, optionally with fitting instructions.

In an embodiment of the invention the helmet body comprises impact resistant material and the filter receptacle comprises a void within the impact resistant material, The helmet body may comprise a shell or casing with the filter receptacle contained in the sheD or casing.

Preferably, the jaw piece is sized to cover the mouth and/or nose of the user. For example, the jaw piece may have a height of less than or equal to one of: 9 cm; 8 cm; 7 cm; 6 cm; 5 cm: 4 cm; 3 cm; 2 cm; and 1 cm. Preferably, the jaw piece has a height between 1 cm and 4cm. Such a jaw piece provides filtered air directed towards the mouth and nose of the user whilst allowing ambient air from the environment to impact direcfly on other parts of the face of the user. Such an arrangement provides the user with a more pleasant riding experience. For example, the user's face (e.g. non-nose, non-mouth parts) can remain fairly open and, as such, prevents the user from feeling claustrophobic or separated from the environment in which she is cycling. The face of the user may be cooler than if using a more enclosing face piece.

A full face mask, particularly one that encloses the face of the wearer impairs the hearing of the user. This is problematic for cyclists who need to hear traffic or other hazards. Restricting the extent of the jaw piece so as to allow more ambient air to enter the helmet lessens this problem.

The jaw piece, when it has a bridge or nose/mouth piece, provides a barrier between the user's mouth and/or nose and the ambient air. Such an arrangement prevents, or mitigates against. polluted ambient air from mixing with, or disturbing, the flow of filtered air to the user's mouth and/or nose. Moreover, the jaw piece can direct the flow of ambient poHuted air, for example, when a cyclist is cychng along, away from their mouth and/or nose. As such, the jaw piece may create a calm zone, substantially free of an ambient polluted air stream, between it and the user's mouth and/or nose, In an embodiment of the invention, the jaw piece is movable between an operational (in use) position and a stowed position. Preferably, in the stowed position. the jaw piece does not significant'y cover any part of the face of the user.

The arm (or arms) of the jaw piece can sit against the helmet, or it/they too could fit inside a recess provided in the body of the h&met. so that better aerodynamics are achieved when the jaw piece is in a "up" position when not in use to provide cleaner air to the user. This may also improve the visual aesthetics, In the stowed position the jaw piece can be arranged to at least partiaHy cover, completely cover, or substantially completely cover an external surface of the filter.

This has the advantage of protecting the filter. In some embodiments, when in the S stowed position, the jaw piece acts to prevent or inhibit precipitation (e.g. rain) from entering the filter.

Movement of the jaw piece from the operational position to the stowed position can be used as a means to turn the pump off, Simflarlv. movement of the jaw piece from the stowed position to the operational position can be used as a means to turn the pump on, For example, the movement may operate a switch, The jaw piece i'nay be adjustable to provide a plurality of different spacings between the jaw piece and the jaw of the user. This feature allows the jaw piece to be adjusted for the comfort of the user. There may be a linear adjustment (e.g. towards and away from the user's mouth), or an angular adjustment (with angular movement altering the mouth -jaw piece spacing), or there may be a combination of linear and angular adj ustment.

In sonic embodiments of the invention, the jaw piece is arranged, in use. to blow fUtered air (e.g. upwards) in a curtain in the region of the user's mouth and nose, In this away an air curtain can be formed in front of the user's mouth and/or nose. An air curtain is a flow of air that separates two zones. Hence, the air curtain acts as a barrier between at least part of the user's face and the ambient air. Instead of facing upwards in front of the user's mouth/nose region, the air curtain may face downwards or sideways. The air may flow in a curtain for part of its flow and also towards a user's mouth/nose later. or indeed the air curtain may be directed at a user's mouth/nose.

The helmet above a user's eyes and/or to the side of them may be provided with air outlet apertures to blow an air curtain over the user's face, for example over the region of their eyes.

The jaw piece may be arranged to deflect filtered air inwards towards the mouth and/or nose of the user or to a region direct'y in front of the mouth and/or nose of the user, The jaw piece may hold the conduit so that it directs ffltered air inwards toward the face of the user.

S The conduit may be a separate tube, separate from a stmctura component of the jaw piece, or it may be a hollow passage or space formed in tl1e jaw piece itself, The helmet system may comprise a controller to control the rate of operation of the pump. In this way the flow of filtered air to the user's mouth can be controlled to suit the circumstances. For example, if the user is cycling at a fairly high speed then ambient air may pass through the filter at a sufficient rate without the need for the pump to operate at all or for it operate at a reduced rate. In contrast, at low speeds and/or when pollutants are at high levels the pump can be controlled to operate at a higher capacity.

The controHer may be manuafly adjustable by the user and/or the controfler may operate in response to the output from one or more sensors or a combination of manual control and sensor control, The controller may itself be controlled by a wireless device, or it could be a wireless device (e.g. mobile phone) capable of controlling the pump. The svireess controller may also be capable of receiving signals from the sensors if sensor signals arc used to control the operation of the pump.

The one or more sensors may comprise one or more pollution sensors and the controller may control the rate at which the pump pumps air in response to the level of pollution that is sensed. The one or more sensors may comprise a flow rate sensor that is configured to measure the rate of ambient air flowing into the helmet or the rate of flow of air passing through the filter. The one or more sensors may comprise a speed sensor that is configured to measure the relative speed that the user is travelling through the ambient air, The pump may operate at predetermined lev&s of speed pump volume flow rate/or power in dependence on the level of pollutants and/or flow rates monitored by the one or more sensors.

The controller may control the pump rate so that the flow rate of filtered air is at or above a minimum value.

S The helmet may comprise a power source to power the pump, the power source may be any one of: (i) a battery or other electrical storage device; (ii) a solar cell; (iii) a dynamo; (iv) a turbine; and (v) any combination of (i) to (iv).

Being able to control the operation of the pump to match conditions (either manually or automatically in response to sensor output), means that it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the pump when the pump is required to work less hard (e.g. at low pollution levels and high transit speeds of the bicycle). Therefore, if the pump is electrically powered by an electrical storage unit, such as, say, a battery, the electrical storage unit will have charge available to power the pump for a longer period of time.

The pump may be housed in a space within the impact resistant material and/or beneath an outer surface of the helmet body. Similarly, the power source may be housed in a space within thc impact resistant material and/or beneath an outer surface of the helmet body. Either or both of the pump and power source could be mounted externally of the helmet, possibly on the helmet.

The helmet system may be configurable to cause air to be directed under helmet to cool the user. The air can be pumped air and can be either filtered or unfiltered air.

For, example the helmet system may comprise an air distributor configured to direct pumped air either: (i) underneath the helmet; (ii) through the conduit to the jaw piece; or a combination of (i) and (ii).

The helmet system may comprise a turbine. The turbine can be driven by inflowing ambient air so as to provide power to the pump and/or charge a battery or other energy storage device, Such a turbine is useful when the user is cycling at high speeds. The turbine can be supported by the helmet or by the bicycle.

The turbine can be configured to either charge an energy storage device and/or act to pump air depending upon the operating conditions that the helmet is experiencing or by manual control of the user, For example, if filtered air is not required (e.g. when pollution is low), the turbine can be used to charge an energy storage device, whereas in pofluted areas charge can be released from the energy storage device to operate the turbine and pump air through the filter.

S An aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising: an air filter; a jaw piece; a conduit for fluidly connccting the air filter to the jaw piece; a pump for forcing ambient air through the air filter; and instructions for fitting the components to a helmet. The air filter may be provided separately from the kit as a consumable.

An aspect of the invention provides a helmet comprising: a casing and/or a helmet body configured to fit the head of a user; a filter receptacle configured to hold an air filter; means, such as a pump, for pulling in ambient air so that the ambient air will pass through an air filter retained in the filter receptacle; a conduit configured to receive filtered air from the air filter; and a jaw piece configured to receive the filtered air and direct it to a zone adjacent to the user's mouth and/or nose, wherein the jaw piece, when in use, is spaced a'ongside or forward of the user's jaw. The filter receptacle can comprise a space or void within the casing and the conduit may provide fluid communication between the void and the jaw piece.

An aspect of the invention provides a helmet comprising: a shell for protecting the head of a user; an air filter for removing poflutants from air received from the environment of the user; a compressor or blower, which when powered, forces air through the filter; a jaw piece; and a conduit providing fluid communication between the air filter and the jaw piece. Generafly, the jaw piece is spaced alongside or forward of the user's jaw.

An aspect of the invention provides an open-face bicycling helmet comprising: a shell for protecting the head of a user; an air filter for removing pollutants from air received from the environment of the user; a conduit providing fluid communication between the air fflter and a jaw piece, wherein the jaw piece directs air supplied by the conduit to the mouth and/or nose of the user.

An aspect of the invention is a method of providing filtered air to a cyclist comprising: pushing, pulling or otherwise forcing ambient air into a filter to provide filtered air; directing the filtered air to a jaw piece. wherein, in use, the jaw piece is positioned spaced apart from the mouth and/or nose of the user.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a method of delivering filtered air S to a user, such as a cyclist, using aspects and embodiments of hdmet, helmet system or kit as set out herein.

The skilled person will appreciate that various embodiments of the invention may be combined in various ways and are not tied to a particular aspect of the invention. For example, the various embodiments and variations that relate to the helmet system aspects of the invention are also taken to be disclosed as relating to the kit aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings I5

There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a helmet system; Figure 2 illustrates a helmet; Figure 3 illustrates a helmet fitted to the head of a user; Figure 4 illustrates a helmet having a helmet body with an internal void; Figure 5 illustrates a jaw piece with a tube conduit: Figure 5A iHustrates a tube conduit with exit orifices; Figure 6 illustrates a jaw piece with a channel conduit; Figures ÔA illustrates an open channel conduit; Figure 7 illustrates the air flow from a helmet having ajaw piece;

H

Figure 8 iflustrates the air flow from a he'met having a jaw piece and the air flow from above the face of the helmet user; S Figure 9 illustrates the air flow from a helmet having a jaw piece that has a lesser height than the jaw piece illustrated in Figure 7 and the air flow from above the face of the helmet user; Figure 10 illustrates the air flow from a helmet having a law piece that has a lesser height than the jaw piece illustrated in Figure 7; Figure 1OA illustrates the height dimension of a jaw piece; Figure 11 illustrates a helmet with a jaw piece that is adjustable to move upwards and downwards; Figure 1 IA illustrates a helmet with a jaw piece that is adjustable to move inwards and outwards; Figure 12 illustrates a helmet with a jaw piece that is movable between a stowed position and an in-use position; Figure 12A illustrates a helmet with a jaw piece does not extend across the entire width of a user's face; Figure 13 illustrates a power source and/or pump attached to a helmet body and/or an internal receptacle for receiving a power source and/or pump; Figure 14 illustrates a he'met with an external receptacle for receiving a power source and/or pump; Figure 15 illustrates a controller system; Figure 16 illustrates a helmet system comprising a power source that is not carried by the helmet; Figure 17 illustrates a helmet system comprising a pump, a power source and/or a filter that are not carried by the helmet; S Figure 18 illustrates a kit for use with a helmet; Figure 18A illustrates the kit of Figure 18 attached to a helmet, fitted to the head of a user; Figure 19 illustrates another embodiment of helmet in accordance with the invention; Figure 20 illustrates airflow in the jaw piece of the hdmet of figure 19; and Figure 21 illustrates airflow from another jaw piece in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates a helmet system 100 that can be used in conj unction with a helmet.

For example, the system can be used in conjunction with a bicycling helmet. The helmet system 100 comprises an air filter 130, a pump 140 for pulling ambient air 132 through the filter 130 a jaw piece 120 and a conduit 150 for receiving filtered air 134 from the filter 130 and directing it to the jaw piece 120. The helmet system 100 can be provided as part of a helmet or it may be rctro-fittcd to a helmet. The pump 140 may be powered by a power source 160 such as a battery 162, Figure 2 illustrates a helmet 50 and shows a helmet body 110, the filter 130 and the jaw piece 120, The helmet body 110 is designed to fit over the head of a user 10, as iflustrated in Figure 3, so as to protect the head of the user 10. The helmet body 110 covers the cranium of the user 10 but generally does not cover the face of the user 10, For example, the front 112 of the helmet body 110 terminates above the eyes of the user 10 and the side I 14 of the helmet body I 10 may terminate either above the ears of the user 10 or terminate in line with part of the ears of the user 10. Generally, the helmet body 110 does not extend to cover the jaw line of the user 10. A helmet with such a hehnet body 110 is often termed an "open-face helmet".

The helmet body I 10 can take a similar form as that found on a conventional bicycle S helmet. For example the helmet body 110 may comprise an impact resistant material such as foam, honeycomb material or composite material or a combination of these materials (although other types of impact-resistant material could be used). The impact resistant material may be covered, at least in part, by a hard shell.

Alternatively, a hard shell may not be used so that the upper surface of an impact resistant material such as, say, foam. may be exposed to the atmosphere.

Optionally, the helmet body 110 has one or more vents 170. The vents 170 allow ambient air 132 to reach the cranium of the user 10 so as to cool the head of the user 10, The vents may take the form of voids in the helmet body that are in fluid connection with the ambient air. Such voids have the effect of lightening the helmet 50.

The filter 130 is designed to remove pollution from the air that passes through it. For example the filter 130 may remove particulate pollutants. The filter 130 may also act to remove gaseous pollutants. Common gaseous pollutants that may be removed may include, by way of example. nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone and carbon based gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The filter 130 can be a mechanical filter such as paper or other fibrous material and/or a chemical filter such an activated charcoal or a packed-bed carbon filter, Figures 2 and 3 show the filter 130 fitted to a helmet body 110. In these examples, the filter 130 is fitted into a filter receptacle that takes the form of a space or void 118 in the helmet body. In the examples illustrated the filter 130 is fitted to the front of the helmet 50. A filter 130 in this position is able to receive a flow of air ambient air 132 caused by the motion of the user 10 when cycling. That is, ambient air 132 is driven through the filter 130 when the cyclist is moving forwards, However, the pump 140 (not illustrated in these figures) can be used to increase the flow of air through the filter 130. In particular, the pump 140 can provide a flow of air through the filter 130 even when the user 10 is stationary, This is advantageous because the user 10 may be exposed to high levels of pollutants when she is stationary in traffic, The provision of a pump 140 also means that there is freedom to position the filter 130 at various other locations with respect to the helmet body 110 (rather than being restricted to being at the front of the helmet body 110), for example the filter 130 may be positioned toward the top or rear of the helmet body I 10, Figure 4 illustrates a void 1 1 near the top of the helmet body 110 for receiving a filter 130. It will be appreciated that other locations can be used for the filter 130. In some configurations there is more than one filter 130 with the filters being placed at different ocations, In one particular arrangement. the filter 130 or filters 130 may be placed circumferentially around the rim, or part of the rim, of the helmet body 110.

The filter 130 may be situated so the surface of the filter 130 that receives ambient air 132 is flush with, or protrudes, from the hehnet body I 10. Tn this way there is no barrier to ambient air 132 entering the filter 130, Such an arrangement is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In this arrangement it is easy for the user 10 to fit or replace the filter 130. Mso, it is easy for the user 10 to visually inspect the Lifter 130 for damage or clogging. Alternatively, the fUter 130 may be positioned beneath the outer surface of the helmet body 110 but connected to the atmosphere by vents 170, for example, such as the vents 170 illustrated in Figure 2. In this arrangement, the filter 130 is protected from damage by the material of the helmet body 110.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the jaw piece 120 is arranged to receive filtered air 134, that is, ambient air 132 that has passed through the filter 130. The filtered air 134 is represented by arrows in these figures. The filtered air 134 is directed to the jaw piece 120 by the conduit 150, The conduit 150 may take the form of one or more tubes 151 or one or more channels 152 or a combination of tubes 151 and channels 152, As illustrated in Figure 5, the jaw piece 120 may be joined to the helmet body 110 via connection to an arm 121. As illustrated in Figure 6, the jaw piece 120 may have an integral arm piece for connection to the h&met body 110, Figures 5 and 6 show one side arm 121. The jaw piece shown in the embodiment of figures 1 to 4 has two side arms 121 connected together by a bridge or nose/mouth piece. However, in other embodiments there is only one side arm 121 and the bridge nose/mouth piece. In other embodiments there is one side arm and no bridge or nose/mouth piece. In another embodiment there are two side arms, bitt they are not joined by a bridge or nose/mouth piece.

As iflustrated in Figure 5, filtered air 134 may be supphed to the jaw piece 120 by a tube 151 that runs alongside the arm 121. The tube 151 could be dipped or otherwise attached to the arm 121. The jaw piece 120 may comprises a deflector portion 123 that deflects air towards the mouth and/or nose of the user 10. In this case the tube 151 may terminate before the deflector portion 123 and filtered air 134 that exits from the tube may deflect or "bounce" off the deflector portion 123 towards the mouth and/or nose of the user 10. As illustrated in Figure SA, the tube 151 could also run along the inside of the front of the jaw piece 120 with the tube 151 having a plurality of orifices 153 to direct the filtered air.

As illustrated in Figure 6 filtered air 134 may be supplied to the jaw piece 120 by a channel that runs in the arm 121. The channel 152 may be closed or partially open along at least some of its longitudinal extent. In Figure 6 the channd 152 is a closed section elongated cavity within the arm 121. In one configuration the channel 152 diverges to open out at the jaw piece 120 which can then deflect the filtered air 134 that issues from the channel 152, Figure 6a shows an embodiment with a channel 152 which is open to the interior of the ami 121.

Part of the channd 152 may be endosed and part of the channel 152 may be open. for example, the channel 152 may be enclosed for the section of the arm 121 that is proximate to the helmet body 110 and open in the portion of the arm 121 that is proximate to the jaw piece 120 and/or open in the deflector portion 123 of the jaw piece 120.

There may be one or more tubes 151 or channels 152 formed in the helmet body 110 to direct filtered air 134 to the jaw piece 120, for example, via either a channel 152 in the arm or via a tiLbe 151.

The filtered air may be directed inwards towards the mouth and/or nose of the user 10 or it may be directed upwards in front of the mouth and/or nose of the user 10, In both these cases the filtered air is directed to a zone adjacent to the mouth and/or nose of the user. The filtered air may form an air curtain. An air curtain is a flow of air that separates two zones. The air curtain can provide a barrier to prevent or impede pollutants entering the nose and mouth of the user 10. The air curtain could extend S further up the face of the user 10 so as to provide protection for the user's eyes from pollutants or other airborne matter (for example flies or other small insects).

In arrangements in which the helmet body has a void 118 for receiving a filter 130, the conduit provides fluid communication between the void 118 and the jaw piece 120, Figures 7 to 10 show the flow of the air onto the mouth and/or nose of a user 10 via the jaw piece 120. In Figures 7 and 8, the jaw piece 120 has sufficient height to cover both the mouth and at east part of the nose of the user 10. The jaw piece 120 is spaced away from and in front of the nose and mouth of the user 10 so that air can be directed at the nose and mouth of the user 10. By way of example, the jaw piece 120 may have a height between 2 cm and 5 cm or between 2.5 cm and 4 cm. The jaw piece may have a height that is greater than 4cm but increasing the height of the jaw piece 120 will reduce the open-face helmet experience of the user. As illustrated in Figure lOa the height of the jaw piece 120 can be defined as the vertical height "h" of the jaw piece 120 or it can be defined as the curved extent "c" of the jaw piece 120 in the vertical direction. The height defined as the curved extent c wifl be arger than the vertical direction h. As iflustrated in Figure 7, a portion of the fUtered air 134 may be directed in front of the eyes of the user 10 so as to protect the eyes from air borne pollutants. As illustrated in Figure 8, filtered air 134 may be directed from the top of the helmet in front of the eyes of the user 10; again so as to protect the eyes of the user 10.

Figures 9 and 10 correspond to Figures 7 and 8 respectively except that the jaw piece 120 is narrower. The narrower jaw piece 120 iflustrated in Figures 9 and 10 may be able to direct the air flow more accurately than the wider jaw piece 120 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. For example, the jaw piece 120 can be arranged so that more of the filtered air 134 is directed at the mouth of the user 10 than to the nose of the user 10.

By way of examp'e, the jaw piece 120 may have a height between 0,5 and 2.5 cm or between 1 cm and 2 cm. Jaw piece 120 can be configured to direct air upwards to a zone adjacent to the user's nose and mouth, for example, in the form of an air curtain.

The jaw piece 120 can be configured to move vertically, that is, up and down with S respect to the user's face. This aflows the air flow to be directed onto specific areas of the users face according to the user's preference. For example, the jaw piece 120 could be moved downward so that filtered air 134 is directed to both the mouth of the user and the nose of the user 10. To enable the jaw piece 120 to move vertically it can be configured to rotate, for example, about pivot 127 as iflustrated in Figure I I. However, it should be appreciated that the vertical motion can be achieved by translation or a combination of translation and rotation, The vertical motion can be performed by a simple mechanical operation by the user 10, for example, directly on the jaw piece 120 or on a component connected to the jaw piece 120 such as, for

example, arm 121,

The jaw piece 120 need not extend fully across the front of the face of the user 10. As illustrated in Figure 12A, the jaw piece 120 may only extend across half of the face of the user 10 or just over half of the face of the user 10. For example the jaw piece 120 may extend from one side of the face of the user 10 to pass the nose and/or lips of the user but then terminate. In some embodiments the jaw piece 120 may not cover the mouth of the user 10: it may be to the side of the mouth, but not cover it. In i'nanv other embodiments it is better to cover the mouth. The jaw piece 120 may also be configured so that it can move to cover a varying portion of the user's mouth. For example, as illustrated in Figure 12 A. the jaw piece 120 may be configured so that the user can slide the jaw piece in to varying degrees in front of the face, The dashed line in Figure 12A represents the jaw piece 120 in a retracted position (in this example, to the side of the user's mouth) and the solid line represents the jaw piece covering part of the mouth of the user 10. In one configuration the jaw piece 120 is moveabk to slide with respect to the arm 121 or helmet body 110, for example, in to and out of an arm 121 that receives the jaw piece 120, The jaw piece 120 can act as barrier to ambient air 132 entering the mouth and/or nose of the user 10 direcfiy (i.e. without being filtered). As iflustrated in Figure 12, the ambient air 132 is deflected from the outer surface of the jaw piece 120 so that the ambient air does not mix with the filtered air 134 provided via the inner surface of the jaw piece 120.

Figure 12 illustrates the jaw piece 120 in an in-use or operational position 122 (solid S line) and in a stowed position 124 (dashed line). The jaw piece 120 is movable between these positions via the vertical motion described above. By having such a configurable jaw piece 120, the user 10 can choose to have the jaw piece 120 in its operational position 122 when cycling in polluted conditions or in its stowed position 124 when the user 10 is cycling in less polluted conditions. For example, when cycling in the countryside the user 10 may prefer to have the jaw piece 120 in the stowed position 124 so as to enjoy a more open face" experience and more readily take in the smells and sounds from the environment. The jaw piece 120 may also be placed in the stowed position 124 when the helmet is not in use, In the stowed position 124 the jaw piece 120 will be less vulnerable to being damaged.

In one embodiment the jaw piece 120 at least partially covers, and preferably fully covers, the exterior surface of the filter 130 (that is, the surface through which ambient air 132 enters the filter 130). This protects the filter 130 from damage and from water ingress when the filter 130 is not in use. If the filter 130 is below the exterior surface of the helmet body 110, the jaw piece 120 can be arranged to at least partially cover a vent 170 that is in fluid communication with a surface of the filter 130.

The motion of the jaw piece 120 can be used to control the pump 140. For example, moving the jaw piece 120 to its operational position 122 may turn the pump 140 on and moving the jaw piece 120 to its stowed position 124 may cause the pump 140 to turn off. Such a system may be achieved using one or more micro-switches/interlocks or other types of sensor. The arrangement of having a moveable jaw piece 120 that can control the pump 140 provides a person wearing the helmet with an easily accessible control for the pump 140. For example, the control of the pump 140 can be performed in one fluid motion of the user's hand that moves the jaw piece 120 or a component attached to the jaw piece 120.

The jaw piece 120 may be transparent for at least part of its extent. The jaw piece 120 may be partially transparent or clear. A jaw piece 120 that is at least partially transparent is advantageous in that it allows other people to see more of the face (or the entire face) of the user 10, This aids communication in that other people can more easily see the user's expression and the user's lips move.

S The jaw piece 120 may have the technical feature of being interchangeabk so that the user 10 cai chose a jaw piece 120 for its aesthetic appeal, for example a transparent jaw piece 120 may be aesthetically pleasing. In some embodiments the jaw piece 120 is coloured whilst being either transparent or opaque. Thc jaw piece 120 may also carry a visual design/pattern and/or wording. The user 10 may choose to emp'oy ajaw piece 120 that co-ordinates with the appearance of the helmet body 110, her apparel, bicycle or other bicycle accessories, The jaw pieces 120 may be interchangeable so that different functionality is provided, for example the interchangeable jaw pieces may have different heights or the interchangeabk jaw pieces 120 may provide the filtered air in a different way and/or different directions with respect to the user's face/mouth.

The pump 140 illustrated in Figure I may take many forms. Generally, the pump 140 is a means to pull air through the filter 130. The pump 140 provides motive force to the air, In one form the pump 140 comprises a rotor or impeller. In another form the pump 140 comprises one or more pistons. The pump 140 may take the form of a compressor or an air blower. The pump may be operable to provide flow rates in excess of about 50 litres per minute (1/nun), in excess of about 100 1/mm or in excess of about 150 1/mm. The pump 140 may typically create a flow rate of about 160 1/mm.

The flow rate of the pump may be variabk between certain ranges of flow rate, for example, 0-50 1/mm. 0-100 1/mm. 0-150 1/mm and 0-200 1/mm Depending upon the configuration the flow rate may be from 0-300 1/mm (through the filter). The flow rate coming from any particular orifice may be different from the flow rate from another orifice, For example, the flow rate from orifice in side arms of the jaw piece may be higher (or tower) than that at the front part of the jaw piece.

In some embodiments the pump 140 is an electrical pump 140 that can be connected to an electrical power source 160. The power source 160 can be an electrical storage device such as a battery 162 or one or more electrical components such as a capacitor or inductor or a combination of these, An example battery is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Electrical charge may also be provided to the pump 140 by a solar cell and/or a bike dynamo in addition to or instead of an energy storage device. The solar cell and/or dynamo may be configured to provide charge to an electrical storage device when the solar cell and/or dynamo are operating.

S Charge stored in the dectrical storage device is then available to be released when the solar cell and/or dynamo are not operating (for example, respectively, when it is dark/cloudy or the bicycle is not in motion).

The helmet system 100 may comprise an air turbine (not iflustrated) to harvest energy caused by relative motion of the cyclist relative to the ambient air 132 (cyclist moving through the air and/or the wind moving past the cyclist). The harvested energy can be used to pump air through the filter 130 or it can be stored. If the energy is stored then it may be stored in an electrical storage device or a niechanica energy storage device.

The mechanical storage device may comprise one or more springs. When the cyclist is in motion, for example when cycling at or above a certain speed, the turbinc may store energy in the storage device (for example the one or springs may be wound up) whereas when the cychst is stationary, or moving at lower speeds, the energy may be released from the storage device (for example, the one or more springs may unwind) to power the pump 140, The energy storage device and the power source 160 may be the same component or share common components, for example the energy storage device/power source may comprise a rechargeable battery and/or a removable/replaceable battery.

The pump 140 and/or the energy storage device and/or the power source 160 may be fitted within the helmet body 110, For example, these components (or sub sets thereof) may be partially or totally beneath thc top surface of the helmet body 110. As illustrated in Figure 13. in some embodiment the components (or sub sets thereof) may be housed within one or more cavities or voids I I formed within the impact resistant material of the helmet body 110.

Figure 13 also illustrates an embodiment in which the pump 140 and/or the power source 160 are fitted to the outside of the hdmet body I 10. These components may be attached in any convenient way.

As illustrated in Figure 14, a receptacle 116 may be attached to the helmet body 110 for retaining the pump 140 and/or power source 160. By way of example, the receptacle 116 or the pump/power source may be strapped to the helmet, fastened to the hehnet by connectors, glued to the helmet or attached by way of a hook and loop fastener such as V&cro ® or it may be attached by any combination of these means.

The power source 160 may comprise a battery 162 or a battcry pack that attaches to the helmet body 110 or fits into the receptacle 116.

Figure 15 illustrates a controfler system in which a controfler 210 operates the pump 140. The controller 210 is typically a computer means and may comprise a microprocessor and may be in computer chip/printed circuit board form. The controller 210 may turn the pump 140 on and off or otherwise control the rate at which the pump 140 pufls air. For example. the controller 210 may control the amount of electrical power supplied to an electrical pump.

The controller 210 can act in response to one or i'nore sensors 220. The one or more sensors 220 may comprise one or more pollution sensor 220 that provide an indication of the level of one or more pollutants. The onc or more pollution sensors 220 may detect and/or quantify particulate pollutants and/or gaseous pollutants. The controller 210 can be configured to run the pump 140 at higher rates (i.e. work harder) when the one or more pollutants reach or exceed a certain concentration, For exanipk more electrical power may be provided to the pump 140.

A sensor may a'so sense the speed of the air coming into the filter and be caused to control the speed of the pump responsive to airflow signals, The one or more pollution sensors 220 can monitor the quality of ambient air 132 and/or the air once it has passed throttgh the filter 130. Monitoring filtered air 134 allows the controfler 210 to be responsive to a filter 130 becoming less efficient, for example the fflter 130 could be dogged or damaged or otherwise degraded. As such, the controller 210 can increase the flow rate of the pump 140 if the filter 130 is degraded and/or give an indication that the filter 130 needs to be changed.

The controller 210 may calculate the air quahty of index from data provided from the oue or more sensors 220 and operate the pump 140 at a power level concomitant with the calculated index. In one embodiment the controller 210 system comprises an antenna 230 or other receiving means that can receive a signal that contains data on the air quality index. The controller 210 can then adjust the operation of the pump 140 in response to this signal. The signal could be a broadcast signal or it could be a signal S that is available from the Internet by a Wi-Fi signal or via Bluetooth. 3G or 4G conncction or via another telecommunications protocol.

Thc controller may communicatc with thc pump via wireless electromagnetic signals (e.g. Wi-Fi). The sensors may communicate with the controller wirelessly, The suitable wireless controller could be a mobile telephone provided with a suitable application runnable on it.

Pollutants levels are commonly measured in parts per miHion (ppm) or micrograms per cubic meter (g mj. Table 1 gives the air quality characterised by the levels of ozone, nitrogcn dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates. The term PM2.5" used in the table refers to particles less than 25 micrometres in diameter which are termed "fine particles". The term p410 used in the table refers to particles between 2,5 and micrometres in diameter and which are termed "coarse particles". The "Daily Air Quality Index" is a scale from 1 to 10 that corresponds to the pollution concentrations averaged over specified periods selected by the "Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants" (COMEAP). The table also shows bands of the index "Low", "Moderate", "High" and "Very High" that are often used by the UK Met Office.

The controller 210 may set the power of the pump 140 using an algorithm that uses the concentration level of a single pollutant or a combination of the concentration levels of more than one pollutant. For example, the controller 210 may set the pump operating level based on only the level of particulatcs, or the controller 210 may use an algorithm that is biased so that the pump operating level is determined more by the level of particulates than by the level of other pollutants that may be present, Particles having a diameter of less than 10 micronietres are of particular concern since they are small enough to penetrate the lungs, potentially causing serious health problems, Table 1: Daily Air Quality Index Band Index Ozone Nitrogen Sulphur PM2,5 PM10 Dioxide Dioxide Particles Particles Running 8 Hourly 15 minute 24 hour 24 hour hourly mean mean mean mean mean _________ _______ ________ tgm1 ________ ________ tgm Low 1 0-33 0-67 0-88 0-11 0-16 __________ 2 34-66 68-134 89-177 12-23 17-33 ___________ 3 67-100 135-200 178-266 24-35 34-50 Moderate 4 0-l20 201-267 267-354 36-41 51-58 ___________ 5 121-140 268-334 355-443 42-47 59-66 ___________ 6 141-160 335-400 444-532 48-53 67-75 High 7 161-187 401-467 533-710 54-58 76-83 __________ 8 188-213 468-534 711-887 59-64 84-91 ___________ 9 214-240 535-600 888-1064 65-70 92-100 VeryHigh 10 241 or 601 or 1065 or 71 or 101 or more more more more more The controller 210 may be configured to act in response to an air speed sensor 220 instead of or in combination with, one or more pollution sensors 220. The air speed sensor 220 may measure the speed that ambient air 132 travels past the helmet, for example due to the relative motion of the user 10 through the air when cycling. An air speed sensor 220 could also be used to measure the speed of the filtered air 134. In this case the sensor 220 would be able to respond to degradation of the filter 130 and/or indicate that the filter 130 needs to be changed (since a degraded filter may decrease the speed of the filtered air 134).

The air speed sensor can be attached to, or integral with, the helmet body or attached to or otherwise carried by the bicycle.

A speed sensor 220 eolLld also be provided that measures the speed of the bicycle. For example, such a speed sensor may measure the speed of the bicycle wheels, gears or chain or other part that moves in correspondence to the speed of the bicycle. Typically such a speed sensor 220 is mounted or otherwise carried by the bicycle.

Figure 16 illustrates a system in which the power source 160 is not fixed to the helmet body 110. For example, the power source 160 may be attached to, or otherwise carried by, a bicycle. In this case the helmet system 100 may be supplied with an electrical connection 164 so that the power source can be connected to a pump 140 that is fitted to or retained by the helmet body 110. Tn this way the user 10 may disconnect the power solLrce 160, dismount from the bicycle and walk round still wearing the helmet or carrying the helmet. The disconnected helmet will be lighter and less of a hindrance compared to a helmet in which power source 160 is retained by the helmet. Carrying the power source 160 on the bicyc'e means that the power source 160 can be made S bigger and/or heavier so that it can provide energy for longer or at a higher rate. For example larger longer lasting batteries could be used or a larger solar panel could be employed. The power source 160 could also comprise a dynamo that is fitted to the bike so as to convert the kinetic energy of the rotating wheels of the bicycle, when the bike is in use, into electrica' energy. Similady, the power source 160 could comprise a turbine that is fitted to the bicycle so as to convert the kinetic energy of passing ambient air into electrical energy when the bicycle is in use Figure 17 iflustrates a system in which the pump 140 and/or fdter 130 could be fitted to, or carried by, a bicycle. The helmet system 100 in this case provides a conduit connector 158 for the conduit 150 so as to fluidly connect the pump 140 and/or filter to the jaw piece 120. Such an arrangement would have simflar advantages as having the power source 160 carried by the bicycle. That is, the weight and size of the pump 140 and/or filter 130 are less of an issue if they are on bicycle rather than supported by thc hcad of thc uscr 10, As such a larger more powcrful pump 140 can be employed.

Figure 18 illustrates a kit 300 that can be used to provide filtered air 134 to a cyclist or other helmet user 10. The kit 300 comprises one or more of the following items: an air filter 130; a jaw piece 120; a conduit ISO; a pump 140; a power source 160; electrical connection(s) 164; and instructions 180 for fitting/ utilising the kit.

Typically, the kit 300 comprises a jaw piece 120; a pump 140 and an air filter 130, The power supply 160, particularly in the form of batteries 162, may be a consumable that is supplied with the kit and/or separately from the kit 300. Similarly, the filter may be a consumable that is supplied with the kit 300 and/or separately from the kit 300, The kit 300 may comprise a plurality of jaw pieces 120 so that the user 10 has the option to interchange the jaw pieces 120, As iflustrated in Figure I 8A, at least part of the kit 300 is designed to be attached to a helmet body 100, which in Figure 1 8A is shown fitted to the head of a user, The power source 160, such as a battery 162, dynamo, or solar cell, may match the voltage requirements of the pump 140 and/or controller 210, Alternatdy, a regulator may be provided that matches the voltage from the power source 160 to the voltage requirements of the pump 140 and/or controfler 210, It may weD be that the pump 140 and the controfler 210 have different power requirements (different v&tage and currcnt requirements), for example thc pump 140 may require more power than the controller 210. In this case different power sources (e.g. different batteries) or different rcgulators 215 may bc uscd to providc thc corrcct electrical powcr to thc pump 140 and controfler 210.

The helmet system 100 of the current invention is particularly useful for bicyclists but it may also have other applications. For example, in some industries it may be preferable for personne' to wear a face mask although it may not necessarfly be compulsory for them to do so. For example, face masks can provide protection from airborne dust and dirt in an industrial environment, such as a construction site or sawmill, or protection from other particulate matter such as flour that may be present in the air in a bakery. Face masks are also used in domestic situations where particulate matter can become airborne, for example, when sanding, grinding or performing other DIY activities, However, many people chose not to wear a face mask because it is uncomfortable. Face masks can also hinder communication and make the wearer feel hot. The hdmet system 100 of the current application can provide filtered air to such people without the need to use a face mask.

In some circumstances, it may not be necessary for the user's head to be protected by a helmet body 110 and the helmet system 100 may provide a filter 130, a pump 140 and ajaw piece 120 that can be supported directly on the user's head (for example by means of straps). For example. a baker may not need nor desire to wear a protective helmet but lie may well desire to breathe filtered air.

Tn a variant of the helmet system 100, the air that is drawn into the system is treated in a way that is in addition to the filtering or instead of the filtering. For example, the air that is pulled in by the pump 140 may be irradiated with UV radiation. In this way micro-organisms present in the air may be kflled. In another exanipk, the air may be treated by deodorising the air or adding one or more olfactory agents to the air (such as perfume). Such systems may find use in industries were malodourous waste material is handleth for example sewage, material to be recycled, or garbage and/or where micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses may be present.

Figure 19 shows another helmet 400 having jaw piece 402, The jaw piece 402 has a S first arm 404 connected to a helmet body 406 at one, proximal, end 408, and a second arm 410 connected to the helmet body 406 at one, proximal, end 412. The jaw piece 402 also has a bridge 414 connected to the other, distal, ends of the arms 404, 410, and connecting their distal ends 416, 418.

The bridge 414 extends in front of the user's nose and mouth in use. It can be moved in and out by the user, closer to and further from, the user's face, as best seen in Figure 20. The bridge 414 has tubular projections 420 that extend slidably in corresponding sockets (not shown) in the distal ends 416, 418 of the arms 404, 410, Figures 19 and 20 also show airflow in the jaw piece, and new the user's face. In this example. air is directed towards the user's nose and mouth. Arrows 430 show airflow.

Figure 20 shows the arms 404, 410 as hoflow elongate extensions, Air hoks 432 are provided in the arms and communicate with a fluid pathway 433 connecting the holes and communication with a pump and air filter, to direct air 434 onto the side of a user's face (e.g. onto their jaw or cheeks). The bridge 414 also has air holes 436 to direct air from a region in front of the user's nose and mouth towards the user's nose and mouth. The size of the air holes 432 may be different from the size of the air holes 436 (to obtain different airfiows; or to obtain the same or similar airflows if a pressure drop exists along the fluid pathway 433.

There may be more than one air hole in the side arms 402, 404, These may be the same size/shape or different.

In addition to being ab'e to move in and out relative to the user's face, the bridge may have an up and down (generally vertically) adjustability to position it relative to the user's face where they want it, This may be achieved by generally linear relative movement between components, or accurate movement.

The proximal ends 408 and 412 may have a connection with the body 406 that prevents the jaw piece to be moved out of register with the users face, for example over a replaceable air filter.

Figure 21 shows another embodiment of a helmet, or h&met system. It shows a bridge 414a disposed in front of a user's nose and mouth, and spaced from them, It has several/many relatively small air holes 436a to direct air towards the user's nose and mouth. It also has several/many relatively small holes 450 and 452 to direct air upwards and downwards in front of the user's face to create an air curtain 454. This air curtain can help to keep particles or flies or other debris out of a user's eyes (the part of it in front of their eyes). The lower air curtain can help cool a user's neck and also direct/deflect air borne debris away from that region.

It will be appreciated that the jaw piece may not be the only part of the helmet where air may be pumped out: for example it may be emitted from the top part of the helmet above a user's forehead. Air may be emitted from the arm(s) of the jaw piece and/or a mouth piece/nose piece (if it has one).

There may be different sized and/or shaped air exit holes in the helmet (e.g. jaw piece) depending upon where the air hole is located.

The air hole may be round. It may have a fixed shaped/cross section. In an alternative embodiment one or more air holes have a variable shape or cross section.

For example a sliding obstruction or deflector may be moveabk across an air hole to modify the cross-section, The cross section, or otherwise air-flow modifier, may be controlled by the controller, or may be manually controlled,

Claims

CLAIMS1 A helmet system comprising: a helmet body configured to fit the head of a user; a filter receptacle; a pump arranged to direct ambient air through an air filter retained in the filter receptacle; a conduit configured to receive filtered air from thc air filter; and a jaw piece configured to receive the filtered air from the conduit and direct it to a zone adjacent to the user's mouth and/or nose, wherein the jaw piece, when in use, is spaced adjacent to the user's jaw.
2, The helmet system of claim I, comprising an air filter for removing poflutants from the ambient air, optionally a replaceable air filter,
3. The hdmet system of claim I or claim 2, wherein the helmet body comprises impact resistant material and the filter receptacle comprises a void within the impact resistant material, the conduit fluidly connecting the void and the jaw piece.
4. The helmet system of any preceding claim, wherein the jaw piece comprises one of: - (i) a side arm extending in use adjacent to a user's jaw or cheek; (ii) a side arm extending in use adjacent a user's jaw or cheek and a nose or mouth piece extending in use in front ofa user's nose and/or mouth; (iii) two side arms extending in use adjacent to a user's jaw or cheek, one to each side of the user's face; (iv) two side arms as in (iii) and a connecting bridge connecting the distal ends of the side arms and extending in use in front of a user's nose and/or mouth.
5. A helmet system comprising: an air filter for removing poflutants from air received from the environment of the user; a pump, which when powered, forces air through the air Lifter; S ajaw piece; and a conduit providing fluid communication between the air filter and the jaw piece; wherein the jaw piece is configured to direct filtered air into a region towards, at, or in front of the user's mouth and/or nose.
6. The helmet system of ally preceding claim, wherein, in use, the jaw piece provides a barrier between the user's mouth and/or nose and ambient air.
7, The helmet of ciaim 6, wherein the jaw piece is sized to cover the mouth and/or nose of the user.
8. The helmet system of claim 7, wherein the jaw piece has a height between 1 cm and 9 cm. or between 1 and 4 cm,
9. The helmet system of any preceding claim, wherein the jaw piece in use leaves the user's eyes unobstructed,
10. The helmet system of any preceding claim, wherein the space between the jaw piece and the face of the user is adjustaHe.
11, The helmet system of any preceding claim. wherein the position of the jaw piece relative to the user's mouth can be adjusted upwards or downwards to different positions of use to suit the user.
12, The helmet system of any preceding daim, wherein the jaw piece is movable between an in-use position and a stowed position.
13. The helmet system of claim 12 wherein, in the stowed position, the jaw piece does not obscure any part of the face of the user,
14. The helmet system of claim 12, wherein the jaw piece overlays or protects the fdter when in the stowed position.The helmet system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the jaw piece at least partially covers an external surface of the filter when in the stowed position.16. The helmet system of any preceding claim, comprising a controller to control the ratc of operation of thc pump.17, The helmet system of the preceding claim, wherein the controller is manually adjustable by the uscr.18. The helmet system of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein in the controfler operates in response to the output from one or more sensors.19. The helmet system of claim 18. wherein the one or more sensors comprise a pollution sensor and the controller controls the flow rate at which air is pumped in responsc to thc level of pollution sensed by the pollution sensor, 20. The hclmct systcm of claim 18 or claim 19, whcrcin the one or more scnsors comprise a flow rate sensor that is configured to measure the rate of flow of ambient air with rcspect to thc helmet.21, The helmet system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one or more sensors comprise a speed sensor that is configured to measure the relative speed of a bicycle that carries the user, 22. The helmet system of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the controller controls the pump so that the flow of fUtered air is above a minimum value, 23, The helmet system of any one of claims 16 to 22 wherein the controller is a wireless controller adapted to control the pump wirelessly.24. The helmet of any preceding claim, wherein the jaw piece is arranged to direct or deflect fihered air inwards towards the mouth and/or nose of the user or to a region directly in front of the mouth and/or nose of the user.25. The helmet system of any preceding claim, wherein the jaw piece is arranged, in use. to be below the mouth of the user and blow filtered air upwards to the user's mouth and nose and optionally the filtered air forms an air curtain.26. The hdmet system of any preceding daim wherein an air curtain is, in use, formed in front of a user's face.27. The helmet system of claim 26 wherein the air curtain is provided from the top of the hehnet directed downwards, and/or from the jaw piece diverted upwards, and/or from the jaw piece directed sidewards.28, The hdmet system of any one of claims 5 to 27. comprising a helmet body for protecting the head of a user, the helmet body comprising impact resistant material.29, The helmet system of claim 28, wherein the air filter is housed, or is configured to be housed, in a void within the impact resistant material and/or beneath an outer surface of the helmet body.30. The helmet system of any preceding claim, comprising a power source to provide power to the pump.31, The helmet system of claim 30 wherein the power source is housed, or is configured to be housed, in a void within impact resistant material of the system and/or beneath an outer surface of the helmet body.32, The helmet system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configurable to cause air to be directed to cool the cranium of the user, 33. The helmet system of any preceding claim comprising, an air distributor configured to direct pumped air either: (i) underneath the helmet; (ii) through the conduit; or a combination of (i) and (ii).34, The hdmet system of claim 30, wherein the power source is any one of: (i) a battery or other electrical storage device; (ii) a solar ecU: S (iii) a dynamo (e.g. pedal powered); (iv) a turbine: or (v) any combination of (i) to (iv).35, The helmet system of daim 34, wherein the turbine is driven by inflowing ambient air so as to provide power to the pump and/or to charge a battery or other energy storage device.36. The henlet system of claim 34 or 35. wherein the pump comprises the turbine and the energy storage device powers the turbine, 37. A hdrnet comprising the helmet system of any preceding claim.38, A kit comprising the components: (i) an air filter; (ii) a jaw piece; (iii) a conduit for fluidly connecting the air filter to the jaw piece; (iv) a pump for forcing ambient air through the air filter; and (v) instructions for fitting the components (i)-(iv) to a helmet.39, The kit of claim 38, wherein the pump is an electrical pump and the kit further comprises a power source for supplying power to the electrical pump and, optionally, an electrical connection for connecting the power source to the electrical pump.40, The helmet system, helmet or kit of any preceding claim wherein the hdmet is a cycling hdmet, 41. A method of providing filtered air to a cyclist comprising: drawing ambient air into a filter to provide filtered air; directing the filtered air to ajaw piece, wherein. ifl use. the jaw piece is positioned spaced apart from the mouth and/or nose of the user.42, A helmet system or kit substantiaflv as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.