Radar detection helmet

• US 4,719,462 A
• Filed: 11/17/1986
• Issued: 01/12/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David E. Hawkins
• Original Assignee: David E. Hawkins
• Inventors: Hawkins, David E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tubbesing, T. H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GREGORY, BERNARR E
• Application Number:
  US06/931,729
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 2/2.1 A, 2/6, 2/2.1 R, 342/20, 340/901-905, 340/670, 340/600, 455/39, 455/49, 455/66, 455/79, 455/132, 455/135, 455/156, 455/160, 455/227, 455/229
• US Class Current: 342/20
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/0433 Detecting, signalling or lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/28 Ventilating arrangements A42B3/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/022 Road traffic radar detectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/276 for mounting on helmets

Abstract

According with the present disclosure to provide a suitable protective headgear for the sports vehicle operator/motorcyclist that incorporates internal radar detection electronics capable of detecting X and K band radar signals as well as any future bands that may be used. To provide both audio and visual alarm signals that will allow the operator to adjust speed accordingly to avoid violations. To provide the light panel display in the vision proximity of wearer so that the operator never has to look away from their immediate trajectory. To provide ventilation for both the wearer and the electronics inclosed therewith that would compensate for any additional heat caused by the electronic circuitry. Helmets would be sized to fit different size heads with a comfortable snug fit.

Claims

1. A safety helmet for use by an operator of a motorcycle or like sports vehicle, said helmet for providing to said operator a warning of radar signals, said helmet comprising:

an impact resistant helmet shell to provide safety protection to said operator, said shell having a forward portion defining a face opening surrounding the face of said operator, a rearward portion, a top portion and opposite side portions, said shell having a peripheral edge;

at least one radar signal receiving means for receiving said radar signals mounted within at least said forward portion of said shell;

a radar signal detection circuit connected to said receiving means and mounted within said shell, said detection circuit providing an output signal corresponding to a detection of said radar signals by said receiving means;

visual indicator means mounted within said shell proximate said face opening within view of eyes of said operator, said visual indicator means connected with said signal detection circuit, said indicator means visually displaying information to said operator as to said output signal of said detection circuit; and

padding material encasing said at least one radar signal receiving means and said detection circuit, said padding substantially conforming on one surface with an inner surface of said shell, and substantially conforming on an opposite surface to the head of said operator, said padding extending substantially to said peripheral edge of said shell.

2. The safety helmet of claim 1 further comprising audible indicator means mounted within said padding of said shell proximate said side portions of said shell to be proximate ears of said operator, said audible indicator means being connected to said detection circuit whereby output signals from said detection circuit provide audible signals to said operator of the presence of said radar signals.

3. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said radar signal receiving means is a wave guide in said forward portion of said shell and a further wave guide connected to said detection circuit mounted within said padding in said rearward portion of said shell for receiving said radar signals.

4. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said radar receiving means is a 360 degree radar antenna mounted within said top portion of said shell and extending to said forward portion, said antenna connected to said signal detection circuit.

5. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said signal detection circuit is provided with:

first switching means for activating said circuit;

second switching means for selecting sensitivity of said circuit to radar signal strengths in selected environments;

volume control means; and

a source of voltage for operating said circuit.

6. The safety helmet of claim 5 wherein said source of voltage is a battery, said battery and said circuit being positioned within said padding of said shell proximate said rearward portion;

and wherein said first and second switching means are positioned within said padding proximate said peripheral edge of said shell for activation by said operator.

7. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said visual indicator means is a plurality of lamps illuminated as a function of output signal strength of said detection circuit, the number and color of said lamps providing to said operator an indication of strength of said radar signals.

8. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said shell is provided with inlet openings in said side portions and with ducts within said padding whereby air entering said openings flows through said ducts thereby cooling the interior of said helmet.

9. The safety helmet of claim 1 wherein said face opening is closed with a transparent window to give full face protection to said operator.

10. A safety helmet for use by an operator of a motorcycle or like sports vehicle, said helmet for providing to said operator a warning of radar signals, said helmet comprising:

an impact resistant helmet shell to provide safety protection for the head of said operator, said shell having a forward portion defining a face opening surrounding the face of said operator, a rearward portion and opposite side portions, said shell having a peripheral edge;

at least one radar signal receiving means for receiving said radar signals mounted within at least said forward portion of said shell, said radar signal receiving means being a wave guide antenna;

a radar signal detection circuit connected to said antenna and mounted within said shell proximate said rearward portion, said detection circuit providing an output signal corresponding to a detection of said radar signals;

padding material encasing said wave guide antenna and said detection circuit, said padding substantially conforming on one surface with an inner surface of said shell, and substantially conforming on an opposite surface to said head of said operator, said padding extending substantially to said peripheral edge of said shell;

indicator lamps mounted within said padding in said shell proximate said face opening within view of eyes of said operator, said lamps connected to said detection circuit whereby selected of said lamps are illuminated for selected strengths of said output signal of said circuit;

a control panel connected to said detection circuit and mounted within said padding proximate said peripheral edge of said shell for activation by said operator, said control panel including first switching means for activating said detection circuit, second switching means for selecting sensitivity of said detection circuit to radar signal strengths in selected environments, and a volume control means for regulating volume of said output signal; and

power source means connected to said detection circuit through said control panel.

11. The safety helmet of claim 10 further comprising audible indicator means mounted within said padding of said shell proximate side portions of said shell to be proximate ears of said operator, said audible indicator means being connected to said detection circuit whereby output signals from said detection circuit provide audible signals to said operator.

12. The safety helmet of claim 10 wherein said shell is provided with inlet openings in said side portions and with ducts within said padding whereby air entering said openings flows through said ducts thereby cooling the interior of said helmet.

13. The safety helmet of claim 10 wherein said face opening is closed with a transparent window to give full face protection to said operator.