Protective helmet with voice communication system

• US 4,152,553 A
• Filed: 04/05/1978
• Issued: 05/01/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Maynard E. White
• Original Assignee: Maynard E. White
• Inventors: White, Maynard E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cooper, William C.
• Application Number:
  US05/893,672
• Time in Patent Office: 391 Days
• Field of Search: 179/156 R, 325/16, 325/111, 325/118, 325/181 W
• US Class Current: 379/430
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/30 Mounting radio sets or communication systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast

Abstract

An improved protective helmet of the type including a two-way voice controlled communication system having electronic transmitting and receiving circuitry. When incoming signals are received by the voice communication system, a transducer vibrates a rigid portion of the helmet, causing the helmet to act as a diaphragm to produce intelligible audible sounds. The electronic circuitry of the voice communication system is mounted in a resilient carrier for protection against damage from impact and shock to the helmet. Alternatively, the electronic circuitry may be supported on and protected by the conventional cushion lining of a protective helmet.

Claims

1. In a protective helmet of the type including a voice communication system for selectively operating in transmitting and receiving modes, the improvement comprising:

said protective helmet including a rigid portion capable of vibration in the audio frequency range;

an audio signal transducer including a vibratable drive member, actuable in response to a received signal; and

,

said drive member being positioned relative to said helmet to drivingly contact said rigid portion whereby said rigid portion functions as a diaphragm of the transducer to produce signals in the audio frequency range.

2. A structure as in claim 1 further including a voice-controlled electronic switch means for selectively controlling the system to operate in transmitting and receiving modes.

3. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said vibratable element comprises a piezoelectric element receiving signals from said communication system and in contact with said helmet rigid portion for vibrating the same.

4. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said vibratable element comprises an electromechanical element receiving signals from said voice communication system and in contact with said helmet rigid body portion for vibrating the same.

5. A structure as in claim 1 further including a resilient member secured to the outside of said protective helmet;

said communication system including a transmitting and receiving circuit, and said recieving circuit supported by said resilient member and cushioned by said resilient member against damage from impact and the like.

6. A structure as in claim 1 wherein said voice communication system includes a first antenna for said transmitting circuit and a second antenna for said receiving circuit, each of said antennae supported by and cushioned by said resilient member.