WO2015128703A1

WO2015128703A1 - Accessory for a safety helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2015128703A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/062187
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pablo SUAREZ LOIRA
Original assignee: ASESORIAS Y SERVICIOS INNOVAXXION SpA
Current assignee: ASESORIAS Y SERVICIOS INNOVAXXION SpA
Priority date: 2014-02-28
Filing date: 2014-06-12
Publication date: 2015-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-28
Also published as: CL2014000503A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory for a safety helmet (1) such as the ones used in mining and construction activities, complying with the Ansi Z89 standard, said helmet is formed by two containers (11, 12) having engaging means (13, 14) for the standard slots (4) of the helmet (1 ), wherein said containers (11, 12) have on the front outer wall (15, 18) a light (25) for illuminating the work zone and on the back outer wall, a warning light (26) for showing the worker's location (23) said light can be of red color, making the worker visible in 360Q. On the side outer wall (17, 18) is located a removable lid to provide access to the inner cavity (24) in such a way of allowing the replacement of a battery feeding the lights (25, 26) as well as the electronic system which can be stored in the containers wherein said electronic system can provide several functionalities such as the impact detection, detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the outside, automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts; the worker's localization; vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light, among others.

Description

ACCESSORY FOR A SAFETY HELMET

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accessory for a safety helmet such as the ones used in mining and construction activities, complying with the Ansi Z89 Standard, said helmet is formed by two containers having engaging means for the standard slots of the helmet, wherein said containers have a light on a front outer wall for illuminating the work zone and have a light on the back outer wall for showing the worker's location, said light can be of red color.

On the side outer wall is located a removable lid to provide access to change the battery feeding the lights as well as the electronic system which can be stored in the containers wherein said electronic system can provide several functionalities such as the impact detection, detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending messages to the outside, automatized sending of warning or S.O.S alerts, the worker's localization, vibration notices or warning signals by means of sound or light, among others.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most used safety helmets worldwide correspond to the white plastic helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard, said helmet specifies the conditions of impact protection, penetration protection and electric insulation protection, which are complied with by means of a simple design of a resistant plastic dome which is connected to a strap of a soft and padding material which supports the helmet on the user's scalp.

This strap also has the mission of separating the crown of the head from the plastic layer of the dome of the helmet in such a way of leaving a clearance or space of enough air to allow the user to be insulated from a strong impact.

The problem appears when additional functionalities must be associated to the helmets such as the illumination, which in the case of helmets used, for instance, in underground mining, require a strong front connector which allows fixing the spotlight.

The installation of said connector, normally involves through bolts which make the helmet loose electric insulation properties specified by the standard, considering that the outer zone of the helmet must be totally insulated from the inner zone, therefore, no perforations are allowed on the coverage or dome of the helmet in order to avoid the exposure of the user's head to the contact with electric current from the exterior.

This embodiment of the previous art is shown in figure 1 of the figures, wherein a helmet (1 ) with a dome (2), a visor (3) and a standard slot (4) is positioned on the central zone of a support element (6) by means of bolts (7) to mount a spotlight (5).

In the case of designs incorporating illumination and batteries within the helmet's structure, these also present the problem of not being able to electrically insulate the outer zone of the helmet from the inner one from high voltage discharges, since they contain LEDs spotlights, batteries and switches connecting the electronic components and the exterior of the helmet.

This embodiment of the previous art is shown in figure 2 of figures, wherein a helmet (1 ) with a dome (2) and a visor (3) are installed on the LEDs outer front zone (8), perforating the front portion of the helmet (1 ) wherein towards the back portion there is a cavity (9) to house a battery for the provision of electric power.

This also results in the problem that an inner battery eliminates or reduces the air clearance or space between the head and the strap which allows insulating the user from a strong impact, in addition to the perforations that must be done in order to mount the plurality of LEDs providing front illumination.

There have been several attempts to provide a helmet with different functionalities.

For instance, document WO 2013/076325 discloses a helmet made up of a plastic dome containing in its interior an electronic control system, actuators and data-acquisition sensors capable of performing the following functions: 1 . detecting fumes; 2. detecting impacts; 3. detecting extended periods without movement; 4. sending two-way messages to the outside; 5. automatically sending alarms— SOS, impacts, fumes, person motionless— to the outside; 6. actively locating the worker; 7. passively locating the worker; 8. vibrating and luminous warnings to the operator; and 9. luminous location when launching an SOS by means of "headlamp" LEDs.

The solution disclosed in document WO 2013/076325 requires the electronic systems to be inside the helmet, that is, it is required to manufacture a new helmet for all the mining activities, leaving aside all currently existing helmets and which comply with the Ansi Z89 standard. On the other hand, this helmet in the same way as some of the previous art must be perforated in order to install the warning headlamps, which means that the Ansi Z89 standard will no longer be complied with.

In document JP2007254926 is disclosed a helmet with a molded container on the outer back portion of the dome with the purpose of being configured in order to form a container to load it with an electronic unit.

The loading of the containing unit is performed by means of the selection of one from multiple electronic devices which can be connected to several inner accessories.

Some inner accessories such as, for instance, the speakers for the transmission of messages, are located inside the helmet which means that it is necessary to perforate the dome in order to make the connection.

First of all, these perforations infringe the Ansi Z89 standard. In addition, the fact that the molded container in the helmet is located on the back part, makes the weight concentrate towards that zone, thus generating an unbalance of the dome, which means that the helmet tends to move backwards with respect to user's head.

Document US 201 1314594 discloses a hinge mechanism for attaching ear accessories to a helmet which allows an accessory to be attached at a point outside the helmet shell utilizing, for example, a slidable mounting rail, and to reach under the edge of dome of the helmet so that the accessory is supported in contact with the wearer or user's head.

The hinge mechanism is well suited for use in connection with military helmets that have a "bulge" or protrusion over the ear.

This hinge mechanism is attached to the military helmet by means of the utilization of through bolts going through the dome which means that the Ansi Z89 standard will no longer be complied with.

Document US 2009/0038056 discloses an electronic module adapter for headgear which includes a housing defining a chamber. A clip is positioned on the dome and is adapted to attach the housing to the helmet. A cap lamp mounting bracket is optionally positioned on the dome and is adapted to attach a cap lamp to the dome. Electronic circuitry is positioned within the chamber of the housing or dome and may include a radio frequency identification tag, a global positioning system tag and/or a gas sensor.

In this case, also the housing defining a chamber which is molded on the exterior of the dome and specifically on the front portion, in order to mount an exterior lamp that allows illuminating the work zone.

The accessories used in the solution showed in document US 2009/0038056 are mounted on the housing by means of bolts and also the fact that the housing is molded on the front part, makes the weight concentrate towards said zone, thus generating an unbalance of the dome, which means that the helmet tends to move towards the user's forehead, which presents a significant disadvantage.

Due to the aforementioned, an objective of the present invention is providing an outer accessory for standard helmets complying with the Ansi Z89 standard so as to be mounted on the outer slots of said helmet, which is provided with a front and back illumination which allows making the helmet's user visible in 360^Q and also, generating a housing means to store an electronic system which provides functionalities such as for example impact detection; detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the outside, automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts, localization of the worker, vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light.

Another objective of the present invention is providing an accessory which can be mounted on standard safety helmets which are already in use in mining plants or construction zones without the need of having to manufacture especially designed helmets to provide the previously mentioned functionalities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accessory for a safety helmet such as, for instance, the ones used in mining and construction activities which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard, which incorporates own illumination and comprises a front light projection to illuminate the surroundings and a back light which can be of red color to make the helmet's user visible in 360^Q.

The main characteristic of the proposed accessory is that it is outwardly connected and mounted through standard side slots that have the helmets, under the ANSI Z89 standard and which are normally used to house hearing protectors of optional use. When being outwardly connected to the helmet, the accessory does not modify the standard common helmet and allows maintaining the conditions with regard to the impact protection, penetration protection and electric insulation protection.

However, when using active illumination (which does not require a light source to reflect, as in the case of the reflective clothing) it is possible to provide an extra safety level to the user when making him highly visible when in presence of poor lighting, which is a decisive factor in the incidence of accidents in work zones wherein heavy vehicles and load at height are mobilized.

The accessory has a replaceable or rechargeable battery which is attached to the exterior in such a way that it is not necessary to remove the accessory from the helmet in order to recharge it.

In this way, the user can put the replaceable batteries without the need of taking off the helmet for the replacement or charge of said batteries.

Another important feature of the proposed feature is that since it has its own electric feeding, it is possible to integrate additional functionalities to the electronic system located in its interior as for instance, impact, temperature, gas, lighting sensors (for automatically activating the lights in low lighting conditions), wireless communication or others of small size and that can be integrated into the accessory.

The accessory can be in wireless communication with sensors or apparatuses located in the mining plants or work zones in such a way that when being located on the outer side zones of the helmet, it allows an optimal high position for an antenna.

Basically, the accessory is formed by two containers which have engaging means for the standard slots of the helmet, wherein said containers have a light on a front outer wall for illuminating the work zone and have a light on the back outer wall for showing the worker' s location; said light can be of red color.

On the side outer wall is located a removable lid to provide access for the change of the battery feeding the lights as well as the electronic system which can be stored in the containers wherein said electronic system can provide several functionalities such as the impact detection, detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the exterior, automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts; the worker's localization; vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures enclosed, are included in order to provide a better understanding of the previous art and also for explaining the principles of this invention.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the helmet of the previous art having a spotlight mounted of the front portion of the helmet, in which a support element with bolts is used.

Figure 2 shows a half-cut view of a helmet of the previous art having a plurality of LEDs integrated in the front portion of the helmet as well as a battery located on the inner back portion of the helmet.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the accessory of the present invention aimed to be mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein the containers of said accessory are connected to each other by a physical means.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the accessory of the present invention aimed to be mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein the containers of said accessory are connected to each other by a wireless means.

Figure 5 shows a frontal view of the accessory of figure 3, mounted on the helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard, being used by a worker.

Figure 6 shows a frontal view of the accessory of figure 4, mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard, being used by a worker.

Figure 7 shows a plant view of the accessory of the present invention aimed to be mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein the containers of said accessory are connected to each other by a physical means.

Figure 8 shows a plant view of the accessory of the present invention aimed to be mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein the containers of said accessory are connected to each other by a wireless means. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the accessory of the present invention being mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein an engaging means is used on the side slot of the helmet.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the accessory of the present invention being mounted on a helmet which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard wherein the inside of the accessory is illustrated with its lid in explosion.

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a worker, using a helmet with the accessory of the present invention wherein the lighting provided by the accessory is illustrated.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a helmet with the accessory of the present invention, on which is mounted a hearing protector.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the helmet of figure 12 being used by a worker.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accessory for a safety helmet (1 ) such as the ones used in mining and construction activities, complying with the Ansi Z89 standard, said helmet is formed by two containers (1 1 , 12) having engaging means (13, 14) for the standard slots (4) of the helmet (1 ), wherein said containers (1 1 , 12) have a light (25) on the front outer wall (15, 18) for illuminating the work zone and have a warning light (26) on the back outer wall for showing the worker' s location (23), said light can be of red color, making visible the worker in 360^Q.

On the side outer wall (17, 18) is located a removable lid to provide access to the inner cavity (24) in such a way of allowing the replacement of a battery feeding the lights (25, 26) as well as the electronic system which can be stored in the containers wherein said electronic system can provide several functionalities such as the impact detection, detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the exterior, automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts; the worker's localization; vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light, among others.

A preferred embodiment of this invention is said shown in figures. In said figures, the accessory (10) is shown as being formed by a first container (1 1 ) and a second container (12). The first container (1 1 ) is formed by a first box having a first front wall (15), a first back wall (16) and a first outer wall (17) wherein a first lid is located to have access to the first inner cavity (24) of the first container (1 1 ), also having on the first lower portion of the first box a first engaging means (13) as for example a buckle so as this is fit into the slot (4) of the helmet (1 ).

The second container (12) is formed by a second box having a second front wall (18), a second back wall (19) and a second outer wall (20) wherein a second lid is located to have access to the second inner cavity (24) of the container, also having on the second lower portion of the second box a second engaging means (14) as for example a buckle that is fit into the slot (4) of the helmet (1 ).

As shown in figure 3, both containers (1 1 , 12) can be connected by a physical means (21 ). On the other hand, as shown in figure 4, both containers (1 1 , 12) can be connected by a wireless means (22).

On the first and second front walls (15, 18) of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) are installed front lights (25) to illuminate the worker's work area (23). On the first and second back walls (15, 18) of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) are installed back lights (26) which can be of red color to warn third parties about the worker's location (23).

The first and second lower portions of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) can have a slot (27) to allow that a third engaging means (29) of a hearing protector (28) can be installed on the accessory.

In the inner cavities (24) of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) the electronic systems is housed which can provide functionalities such as impact detection, detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the outside; automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts, the worker's location, vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light, among others.

One of the important advantage of the accessory (10) of the present invention is that when having two containers (1 1 , 12) located on both sides of the helmet (1 ) it is possible to house warning means such as for instance, vibrators, which means that it is possible to make warnings with regard to the side of the source of the danger. For example, if a truck is coming towards the right side of the worker (23), only the container located on said side will vibrate.

Claims

1 . - An accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) such as for example safety helmets used in mining and construction activities which complies with the Ansi Z89 standard, being said helmet (1 ) formed by a dome (2), a visor (3) and a standard slot (4) wherein said accessory (10) makes possible to provide said helmet (1 ) with functionalities such as the impact detection; detection of extended periods without movements, fumes or gas detection, sending of messages to the outside, automatized sending of warnings or S.O.S alerts, the worker's location, vibration notices or warnings by means of sound or light, being said accessory (10) characterized in that it comprises a first container (1 1 ) and a second container (12) mounted on each side of the helmet (1 );

the first container (1 1 ) is formed by a first box having a first front wall (15), a first back wall (16) and a first outer wall (17) wherein a first lid is located to have access to the first inner cavity (24) of the first container (1 1 ), also having on the first lower portion of the first box a first engaging means (13) so as this is fit into the slot (4) of the helmet (1 );

the second container (12) is formed by a second box having a second front wall (18), a second back wall (19) and a second outer wall (20) wherein a second lid is located to have access to the second inner cavity (24) of the container, also having on the second lower portion of the second box a second engaging means (14) so as this is fit into the slot (4) of the helmet (1 );

wherein on the first and second front walls (15, 18) of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) are installed front lights (25) for illuminating the worker's work area; and

wherein on the first and second back walls (15, 18) of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) are installed back lights (26) to warn third parties about the worker's location (23).

2. - The accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that both containers (1 1 , 12) are connected by a physical means (21 ).

3. - The accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) according to claim 1 characterized in that both containers (1 1 , 12) are connected by a wireless means (22).

4. - The accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) according to any of the precedent claims characterized in that the first and second lower portions of the first and second containers (1 1 , 12) have a slot (27) to allow that a third engaging means (29) of a hearing protector (28) can be fit into said accessory (10).

5. - The accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) according to any of the precedent claims characterized in that the first engaging means (13) and the second engaging means (13) is a buckle.

6. - The accessory (10) for a safety helmet (1 ) according to any of the precedent claims characterized in that the back lights (26) are of red color.