US20160058095A1

US20160058095A1 - Safety module helmet

Info

Publication number: US20160058095A1
Application number: US14/468,309
Authority: US
Inventors: David Barta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-23
Filing date: 2014-08-25
Publication date: 2016-03-03

Abstract

A safety module helmet configured with detachable tubular panels, a suspension-based interior padding for a cooler ride, and a plethora of additional, exciting features that promote both safety and comfort is provided.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/869,098 filed Aug. 23, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Safety Module Helmet.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a safety module helmet and, more particularly, the invention relates to a safety module motorcycle helmet configured with detachable panels, a suspension-based interior padding for a cooler ride, and a plethora of additional, exciting features that promote both safety and comfort.
2. Description of the Prior Art
To keep motorcycle riding safe for all who participate, it is highly recommended that a helmet be donned whenever sliding onto one of these units. A hard, durable shell that covers the head, a helmet can prevent or lessen the severity of brain injury in the event of a crash. Helmets work by absorbing some of the energy and dissipating the sharp energy peak of the blow over a larger area for a slightly longer time. In addition, the face covering provided by helmets helps to keep flying debris, as well as rain, away from their eyes as one rides. Yet, as necessary as helmets are for optimal protection, their use can present some drawbacks. Particularly, the heavy, insulated material of these units can trap heat within the head and face area, and this can be quite uncomfortable for the biker, especially during the heat of summer. Additionally, the solid construction of helmets can sometimes prove to be an actual detriment in the event of an accident. Should the rider experience head impact, emergency personnel are charged with removing the helmet from the head in order to properly attend to the patient. However, if the head is swelling from the injury, it can be quite difficult, and even dangerous, to attempt to wrestle the tight-fitting helmet from the head.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved helmet for use by motorcyclists and other potentially hazardous sports enthusiasts and people undertaking dangerous activities wherein the helmet can be quickly, easily and safely removed in the unfortunate event of a crash or accident.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an easily removable helmet wherein the helmet is modular, tubular and detachable.
It is a still further object of the present invention an improved helmet that transfers force of impact from a wearers head and neck to the impacting surface in the event of a crash or accident.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved helmet that allows air flow to the head of a wearer.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved helmet that is more lightweight than prior art helmets thus preventing neck strain by the wearer.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved helmet capable of supporting an outer covering, or skin, wherein the skin can comprise Neoprene™, leather, or plastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the helmet of the present invention wherein modules are connected to each other.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of five of the structural modules of the helmet of the present invention wherein the modules are separated from each other.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective of a conceptual design of the helmet of the present invention showing the face shield and the skin covering the helmet.

FIG. 4 is an alternative frame design for the helmet of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in the figures, the present invention is a safety module helmet configured with detachable tubular panels, a suspension-based interior padding for a cooler ride, and a plethora of additional, exciting features that promote both safety and comfort, as set forth herein.
The safety module helmet (SMH) of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is fashioned from a collection of durable, heavy duty aluminum-based tubular panels, or “modules,” that snap together via lockable fittings, forming a dome-shaped head covering sized appropriately for riders of any stature. The cross section of the tubular members can be elliptical. The lockable fittings useful in this helmet can include pop-sert fittings wherein one element is inserted into a receiving element and is secured into place by a depression disconnect, or spring loaded button 37 on the inserted element that emerges from the inserted element through an opening on the receiving element, thereby preventing movement of the two elements until the button 37 is manually depressed, allowing the two elements to be separated.
In an embodiment, the modules are comprised of tubular aluminum wherein the outer surface of the aluminum is anodized to create a reflective outer surface.
In an embodiment, the tubular modules comprise integrated LED lights 66 to create an illuminated silhouette of the wearer's head for added safety if used at night or in other dark conditions. One possible placement of these LEDs are shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 shows five (5) structural modules, wherein the helmet is separated as follows: left main can helmet 22 and right can helmet 24, left helmet skirt 32, right full helmet skirt 34, and chin guard 36.
Attached to left main can helmet 22 is left field retrospective convex mirror attachment 42. Right field retrospective convex mirror 44 is attached to right can helmet 24.
FIG. 3 shows a protective lenses/face mask 46 that shields the nose and eyes, and is positioned in the front of the face area. The face mask or shield 46 can be clear, tinted, smoke colored, yellow, or illuminated.
FIGS. 1 and 2 further show the tubular modules additionally including suspension elements 72 of cushioning. In an embodiment, these suspension elements can include pneumatic suspension, suspension leather, or high density foam. Mesh or netting can be included. Suspension element cushions 72 help provide natural air flow during the ride, keeping the rider refreshingly cool. The suspension elements 72 also provide safety for the wearer be cushioning the points of contact between the wearer's cranium and the helmet.
In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the helmet can include an exterior, removable “skin” 74 material enveloping all of the interlocking components; this feature can be made of Neoprene™, leather, vinyl, or urethane to withstand any weather conditions, and are adaptable to design customization to reflect the rider's personal interests. For additional safety while riding, the helmet is lined with a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 66, which provide an easily visible silhouette of the rider after dark. The rider also possesses a pair of convex mirror extensions 42, 44 on each side of the helmet, facilitating full 180 degrees of vision and much stronger retrofield view. The helmet can come complete with Bluetooth capabilities, as well as fixed headphones.
In an embodiment, the helmet can further include a camera and mount 82 to transmit or record images experienced by the wearer.
Use and application of the safety module helmet of the present invention is very simple and straightforward. According to weather conditions or the wearer's personal preference, the user assembles all of the sections of the helmet for complete head and face protection or, if desired, create half of a helmet that leaves the face free of the confines of the helmet while still covering the head itself. Donning the helmet, the user can then take off on a biking adventure. In the unfortunate event of a crash, the helmet can be removed from the head of the biker by emergency personnel concentrating on each localized section; they simply unsnap each module section from the assemblage and remove accordingly. After use, the helmet sections can be easily cleaned, inside and out, as often as needed.
There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the safety module helmet of the present invention. Foremost, the helmet offers a highly advanced means of ensuring safety and comfort when riding a motorcycle. A collection of protective sections that connect to form a fully functional head covering, the helmet eliminates many of the hassles inherent in conventional helmets. Primarily, the modules ensure accurate, easy, and safe removal of particular parts of the helmet in case of an accident, alleviating the risk of further injury to the rider while simplifying the life-saving abilities of emergency personnel. In addition, the suspension padding of the interior of the panels offer a natural means of keeping the rider from experiencing the discomfiting heat buildup common to standard helmets. Whether speeding down open roads or sitting in traffic, the biker is able to remain cool and comfortable, and the enjoyment of the biking experience is greatly increased. Adding in the product's LEDs, mirrors, and Bluetooth and headphone capabilities, the helmet envelopes the rider in luxury as well as protection. Easy to use, the helmet can be donned and removed in a matter of seconds. As the helmet concept is universal in scope, this idea can be extended to include other extreme sports participants as well as workers in potentially injurious professions, such as construction professionals.
The safety module helmet of the present invention greatly enhances the comfort and safety of all passengers on motorcycles. Practical as well as attractive, the helmet is an invaluable addition to the motorcycle accessories market.
In the inventor's own words, The SMH design was designed in overlays of perceptual need and values. As being a motorcycle rider the needs were given focus to values of existing design method, and the outdated principles to standardize the effects of contusion and its function of and colliding force with the human head apt its physical conditions. I paid close attention to the details of equated math, or said “solving from both sides of the equation, algebra at its best” !! I was most concerned with blunt force trauma that is common place to head, back, and neck injuries, as well as injury insulted by the movement of a rider whom has gone down and found gravity and roadway . . . this giving reasoning to the split sections of helmet (right and left can) and (right and left skirt) with set pop sert fittings to connect the sections . . . this allowing the EMT or law enforcement to disconnect, mobilize, and safely move the rider to the proper medical attentions. The “rest assured notion” is to look at a deeper conclusion to override the action of hitting the roadway. We need to look at the force itself. and how when existing helmets were designed in a fashion that a 4″ block of obtuse density foam. would absorb the energy protecting the head from the road. Well in premise it was correct. ??, but true math shows the helmet was in two math formulas simultaneously. The other action was the place where when the skin or plastic case of helmet transferred its energy to the foam. The foam than became traction and as a tire breaking traction on a tire of car . . . and the outcome of that force was . . . injury to back, neck and head, by the block head of foam and unnatural size surrounding the riders head. if you ask some ladies whom ride they will often complain when riding how the wind drag alone, is enough to create neck pain and injury. this helmet will weigh 1/10^ththe weight of any marketed helmet. and when the tubular construct connects with the road between the suspension absorbing the energy in a two fold suspension of restrictive protection to your head. the splitting of energy forces shows that the rigid construct of tube will resist the energy to roadway, and cause the helmet to slide until the energy of the force is exhausted. This is so mathematically correct. it surpasses any testing ever used in the forms of DOT standards. This serves all parties concerned, as you can only imagine the stress medical professionals go through when cutting a helmet off a person. knowing that they will most probably further injure that potential by the limits of existing helmet design.
In this overlay of design, I paid attention to the convenience of serving the riders needs, as being a rider . . . all these will reflect back to each overlay, or (safety). The rider will have the ability to have a half-can full helmet and full faced closed application. At the same time keeping all stowed on his bike. The helmet design brings math to the table for the 180 degree retrospective mirrors, and the overlay skins for personal desire to its details. These are cosmetic to the real safety of the helmet design, but will greatly attract the potential for its marketing abilities. The skins will pull around the caged affect with that of, a swimmers cap—and be in the same cut sections as the tubular construct. formed material as neoprene, leather or plastic coat which is existing design. The tubular construct would have LED lighting for scale and silhouetting These would also have a reflective anodized coating. to further the illumination of the riders scale. The retrospective mirrors would condition a view of traffic behind the rider which handle bar mirrors have not provided . . . (these would be 180 degree rear spherical to an upper quadrant that is presently blind.) this commonly causes riders to turn their heads and take from the view of what's ahead. All design returns to safety . . . the open tubing of this construct will allow the complete exhausting of heat stress accompanied by existing helmets. They vent but not as riding liberated without a helmet, like this design so promotes. It's the best of all helmet legislation $ being spent today as it solves from both sides of the equation law is abided for . . . and a riders liberation as well.
This new interpretation of the caged affect, that resolves in an air flow that will keep you cool in many different aspects of your motorcycle ride! You will cast a cause affect that is not only interpreting heat stress on a hot day, but the varied applications, including the primary affect of this creative design, which embarks to crest your cranium with a cage that is removable by as six pieces, modular and sectional interlocking sequences, by rescue/EMT professionals, if you should have the misfortune to go down—Head injuries as well as back injuries are most likely affected largely in part to the block head, you've become accustom to supporting!! Even the natural affect of wind drift can pull your head and neck on long rides, This will be so light weight in its application you will be defined by the caged affect in sighed your brain! Where the ride really begins. So as you look deeply into the profound nature of this design, you will realize that is only the beginning, of the security offered, including—pneumatic suspension interior, accent LED lights to scale the outline of your silhouette, casting images of safety long down the line of sight, and featured by attachable convex-ed mirrors which will increase your restrospects, by a full glance of 180 degrees spherically, and so needed in the fast pace casting of split second choices. I believe that featured skins will allow you to create your own personal impression and will also have structure mounts for your MP3-bluetooth applications. I do believe this design to take us far down the highways of tomorrow with all thoughts in tact—that tact is the price of the helmet, its value writes its own story, in a vastly changed horizon that counts more motorcycles and more needs to observe the blind spot and look for the unthought of math—The equation's yours to ride the equated by mine is yours. It's the thought that counts—yo bro—count.
The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A safety module helmet comprising detachable tubular panels, a suspension-based interior padding, wherein the tubular panels are capable of being detachably snapped together to form a dome shaped head covering by means of lockable fittings, further wherein the tubular panels comprise left main can helmet, right can helmet, left helmet skirt, right full helmet skirt, and chin guard.

2. The safety module helmet of claim 1 wherein the lockable fittings comprise pop-sert fittings wherein an inserting element is inserted into a receiving element and is secured into place by a depression disconnect, or spring loaded button on the inserting element that emerges from the inserted element through an opening on the receiving element, thereby preventing movement of the two elements until the button is manually depressed, allowing the two elements to be separated.

3. The safety module helmet of claim 2, further comprising one or more suspension elements.

4. The safety module helmet of claim 2 wherein the tubular panels are comprised of aluminum.

5. The safety module helmet of claim 3 wherein the cross section of the tubular members is elliptical.

6. The safety module helmet of claim 4 wherein the outer surface of the aluminum is anodized.

7. The safety module helmet of claim 1 further comprising left field retrospective convex mirror attachment attached to left main can helmet and right field retrospective convex mirror attached to right can helmet.

8. The safety module helmet of claim 3, further comprising integrated LED lights mounted to the tubular panels to create an illuminated silhouette of the wearer's head for added safety if used at night or in other dark conditions.

9. The safety module helmet of claim 3, further comprising a protective lenses/face mask that shields the nose and eyes, and is positioned in the front of the face area.

10. The safety module helmet of claim 9, wherein the face mask or shield can be clear, tinted, smoke colored, yellow, or illuminated.

11. The safety module helmet of claim 3, wherein the suspension elements comprise pneumatic suspension, suspension leather, or high density foam.

12. The safety module helmet of claim 11, further comprising mesh or netting.

13. The safety module helmet of claim 3, further comprising an exterior, removable skin material enveloping all of the tubular elements forming the dome shaped head covering.

14. The safety module helmet of claim 13, wherein the exterior, removable skin material comprises Neoprene™, leather, vinyl, or urethane, alone or in combination, and is adaptable to design customization to reflect the rider's personal interests.

15. The safety module helmet of claim 14, further comprising Bluetooth capabilities, as well as fixed headphones.

16. The safety module helmet of claim 14, further comprising a camera and mount to transmit or record images experienced by the wearer.