MOTORCYCLE HELMET WITH ELECTRONIC SAFETY FEATURES

• US 20130093585A1
• Filed: 10/17/2011
• Published: 04/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Amar Vimal Ambani
• Original Assignee: Amar Vimal Ambani
• Inventors: AMBANI, Amar Vimal
• Application Number:
  US13/274,908
• Publication Number:
  US 20130093585A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/475
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0413 Anti-theft arrangements supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening helmets B62J11/24; locks E05
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0453 Signalling devices, e.g. auxiliary brake or indicator lights
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/303 Communication between riders or passengers
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/306 Audio entertainment systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2676 Helmets
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 6/045 indicating braking

Abstract

A system for enhancing the safety and functionality of a motorcycle or bicycle type helmet includes built-in turn and brake indicators, a transceiver for wireless communications with a corresponding transceiver mounted on a motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle, and a speaker and a microphone. The speaker and microphone permits two-way audio communications between the wearer of the helmet and others, either through a cellular network or through a wireless connection to the helmet of a passenger of the vehicle, and further permits such enhanced features as transmission of voice instructions to a navigation system and reception/playback of responsive navigation information, playback from a music system, and audio feedback that the turn signals are being operated, as well as anti-theft protection.

Claims

1. A motorcycle or bicycle type helmet, comprising:

a helmet body;

turn and brake indicators on the helmet body;

at least one speaker on the helmet body;

at least one microphone on the helmet body;

a wireless transceiver on the helmet body, said transceiver on the helmet body being connected securely and wirelessly to a corresponding transceiver mounted on a motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle,

wherein the turn and brake indicators are activated by signals received via the transceiver on the helmet body, and wherein the speaker plays back and the microphone generates audio signals for transmission via the transceiver on the helmet body.

2. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are digital wireless signals.

3. A helmet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the signals are Bluetooth signals.

4. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are cellular telephone voice signals.

5. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are audio turn-by-turn directions and navigation system voice commands.

6. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are audio signals from an entertainment system.

7. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are further transmitted to another helmet so that the operator of the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle can communicate with a passenger.

8. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a battery pack mounted on the helmet.

9. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speakers and microphone are integrated into the helmet body.

10. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a controller connected to the transceiver on the helmet, said controller being capable of encrypting and decrypting communications through the transceiver to thereby digitally pair the helmet with a particular vehicle such that signaling features of the helmet are inoperative unless a smart-key is in proximity to the vehicle.

11. A system for enhancing safety of a motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle for which an operator wears a helmet, comprising:

a helmet;

turn and brake indicators on the helmet;

at least one speaker on the helmet;

at least one microphone on the helmet;

a wireless transceiver on the helmet;

a wireless transceiver on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle, said transceiver on the helmet being connected to the turn and brake indicators and to the speaker and microphone to carry out wireless communications with the corresponding transceiver on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle,

wherein the turn and brake indicators are activated by signals received via the transceiver on the helmet body, and wherein the speaker plays back and the microphone generates audio signals for transmission via the transceiver on the helmet body.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are digital wireless signals.

13. A system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the signals are Bluetooth signals.

14. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are cellular telephone voice signals.

15. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are audio turn-by-turn directions and navigation system voice commands.

16. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are audio signals from an entertainment system.

17. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the signals transmitted between the transceivers on the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle and on the helmet body are further transmitted to another helmet so that the operator of the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle can communicate with a passenger.

18. A system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a battery pack mounted on the helmet.

19. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the speakers and microphone are integrated into the helmet body.

20. A system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a controller connected to the transceiver on the helmet, said controller being capable of encrypting and decrypting communications through the transceiver to thereby digitally pair the helmet with a particular vehicle such that signaling features of the helmet are inoperative unless the helmet is in proximity to the vehicle.

21. A system as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a locking cable for securing the helmet to the motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle when the helmet is not being worn.