U.S. patent application number 13/204071 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for hearing protection system for use within a helmet.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPEAR LABS, LLC. Invention is credited to Kevin S. Divers, James A. Gee, III, Dale Lott, Chad R. Thornton.
Application Number | 20120102629 13/204071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995038 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120102629 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lott; Dale ; et al. |
May 3, 2012 |
HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITHIN A HELMET
Abstract
An ear seal assembly comprises a front panel, an outer panel, a
hidden panel, a rear panel, and an acoustic transparent fabric
inner panel, wherein a front edge of the acoustic transparent
fabric inner panel is positioned at a right angle along an inside
circumference of the front panel and a rear edge of the acoustic
transparent fabric inner panel is positioned at a right angle along
an inside circumference of the hidden panel.
Inventors: |
Lott; Dale; (Nashville,
TN) ; Thornton; Chad R.; (Barnesville, GA) ;
Gee, III; James A.; (Fairview, TN) ; Divers; Kevin
S.; (Kingston Springs, TN) |
Assignee: |
SPEAR LABS, LLC
Goodlettsville
TN
|
Family ID: |
45995038 |
Appl. No.: |
13/204071 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61371993 |
Aug 9, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/410 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/0335 20130101;
H04R 1/1008 20130101; A42B 3/166 20130101; H04R 2201/023 20130101;
H04R 1/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/410 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05 |
Claims
1. An ear seal assembly comprises: a front panel that includes an
outside circumference in accordance with a first shape and an
inside circumference in accordance with a second shape, wherein an
ear opening is formed by the inside circumference of the front
panel; an outer panel, wherein a front edge of the outer panel is
positioned at a right angle along the outside circumference of the
front panel; a hidden panel that includes an outside circumference
in accordance with the first shape and an inside circumference in
accordance with the second shape, wherein the inside circumference
forms an ear cup opening and the outside circumference of the
hidden panel is positioned a right angle along a rear edge of the
outer panel; a rear panel, wherein an outside circumference of the
rear panel is positioned a right angle along a rear edge of the
outer panel; and an acoustic transparent fabric inner panel,
wherein a front edge of the acoustic transparent fabric inner panel
is positioned at a right angle along the inside circumference of
the front panel and a rear edge of the acoustic transparent fabric
inner panel is positioned at a right angle along the inside
circumference of the hidden panel.
2. The ear seal assembly of claim 1 further comprises at least one
of: a toroid shaped filler, wherein the toroid shaped filler is
implemented between the inner panel, the hidden panel, the outer
panel, and the front panel; the rear panel is deformable
implemented utilizing stretchy material; the hidden panel, the
outer panel, and the front panel are implemented utilizing an
ambient noise attenuating material; the inner panel and filler are
implemented utilizing sweat wicking material; an ear cup includes
an ear cup top for housing a speaker and an ear cup bottom that
includes an ear cup opening, wherein the ear cup is positioned
between the rear panel and the hidden panel; and a hook fastener is
positioned to a rear side of the rear panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS
[0001] The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/371,993, entitled "HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR USE
WITHIN A HELMET," (Attorney Docket No. SPL002), filed Aug. 9, 2010,
pending, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent
Application for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] NOT APPLICABLE
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] NOT APPLICABLE
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0004] NOT APPLICABLE
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0005] NOT APPLICABLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0007] This invention relates generally to hearing protection and
more particularly to ambient noise reduction while utilizing a
helmet.
[0008] 2. Description of Related Art
[0009] Headphones are known to provide an improved listening
experience for listening to a variety of audio sources. For
example, headphones may be used in commercial settings (e.g.,
recording studio, audio laboratories, etc.) to listen to audio
content (e.g., music, audio signals, voice signals, etc.) with
little to no interference from external sources (e.g., background
noise). As another example, headphones may be used in recreational
settings (e.g., at home, at the office, etc.) to listen to audio
output by a digital audio player (e.g., MP3), an AM/FM radio, a
television, a CD player, a DVD player, etc. with reduced
interference from external sources and/or for private listening. In
another example, headphones may be used in military settings (e.g.,
in an aircraft, in a vehicle, etc.) to listen to audio output by a
battlefield two-way radio, an intercom, a satellite phone, a
computer system, a guidance system, a navigation system, etc. with
reduced interference from external sources and/or for private
listening.
[0010] In general, a headphone includes one or more speakers
(typically two) that can be held closely to the user's ears and
circuitry for connecting to an audio source. For example, ear-bud
headphones are held close to the user's ears by a pressure fit and
include a male audio jack for connecting to a source. As other
examples, the headphone may have an ear-cup or on-ear design that
fit over the ears; may have a circumaural or full size design that
completely surround the ears; or may have a supra-aural design that
are light-weight and sits on the ears.
[0011] Headsets are known to provide "hands-free" operation of a
communication device (e.g., landline telephone, cellular telephone,
voice over IP telephone, two-way radio, etc.). As is also known, a
headset is essentially a headphone with one or more microphones. In
this regard, a headset provides the listening features of a headset
with the added ability to transmit voice and/or other audio
signals.
[0012] To further improve the listening experience, some headphones
and/or headsets include noise cancelling circuitry. As is known,
the noise cancelling circuitry includes one or more
omni-directional microphones to receive noise that is proximal to
user but does not receive noise that is further away. The noise
received by the microphone may be filtered, amplified, and phase
inverted to cause a reduction in proximal noise to the user. An
audio signal may also be combined with the noise cancelling
circuitry in a manner that does not allow the audio signal to be
reduced by the system. In this manner, the audio signal provided to
the speaker(s) of the headset or headphone includes the desired
audio signal and a suppressed version of the noise.
[0013] Headphones are known to provide a reduction of ambient noise
utilizing passive noise reduction techniques. For example, an
ear-cup based headphone may be constructed with materials to absorb
some undesired ambient noise that penetrates the ear-cup to the
inside of the ear-cup. In general, headphones that utilize more
noise absorbing material absorb more of the undesired ambient noise
that penetrates the ear-cup.
[0014] Helmets are known to provide improved survivability and/or
less trauma resulting from a crash or accident where otherwise a
more serious head injury or death may result. Helmets are also
known to be utilized by individuals participating in activities
that are at a higher risk of a crash or accident. For example,
helmets may be used in consumer applications by recreational
vehicle operators (e.g., motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain
vehicles). In another example, helmets may be used in military
settings by operators and occupants of military transport (e.g.,
aircraft, vehicles).
[0015] Helmets are known to comprise multiple layers of protection
around the head of the user including an outside hard shell, an
inner layer of energy absorbing material, and an inside liner.
Helmets constructed with thicker layers may provide better user
protection than helmets constructed with thinner layers. Helmets
constructed with thicker layers may weigh more than helmets
constructed with thinner layers. Helmets are heavier may cause more
undesired fatigue to the user. Headphones utilizing larger ear-cups
that accommodate more noise absorbing material are more difficult
to fit inside of a helmet without substantially increasing the size
of the helmet. Headphones utilizing ear-cups that readily fit
inside of a helmet may not provide a satisfactory level of passive
ambient noise reduction when the headphone is utilized in a helmet
being used in extremely loud environment (e.g., military
helicopters, military jets, military tanks, military transport
vehicles, autoracing etc.). Conventional noise canceling circuitry
and ambient noise absorbing materials within helmet headphones are
inadequate and a more robust noise reduction approach is
needed.
[0016] Helmets utilized in military and police applications are
known to accommodate one or more add-on helmet accessories
including a visor, an oxygen mask, a breathing filter, a chin
strap, a neck shield, a face shield, a camouflage cover, and night
vision goggles. Use of one or more of the helmet accessories can
add a substantial amount of weight to the combination of the
accessories and the helmet. A helmet system, that includes the
helmet and the one or more accessories, introduces more fatigue to
the user especially when utilizing the helmet system for longer
periods of time. Some accessories may introduce a more substantial
moment of weight on one side of the helmet versus the opposite side
creating a center of gravity issue. For example, helmets equipped
with night vision goggles tend to be very front heavy causing the
helmet to gradually slipped down in the front over time. Some
accessories may introduce ancillary devices that require periodic
maintenance and/or attention. For example, night vision goggles may
require a separate battery pack where the batteries are changed
from time to time. Mission requirements may require that the
periodic maintenance and/or attention be applied during a mission
such that the helmet not be removed. Ancillary devices associated
with a helmet accessory may not be attached to the helmet system.
Detached ancillary devices may be cumbersome to accommodate one
putting on or taking off the helmet system. For example, a cable
between night vision goggles attached to the helmet and the
separate battery pack may become entangled in other elements of the
environment (e.g., a harness, a radio cord, an ejection seat
control, etc.).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a hearing
enhancement system in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an ear
seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a side-view diagram of an embodiment of an ear
seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
undeployed ear seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of a
deployed ear seal in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
ear-cup in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an ear-cup
in accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5B is a side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
ear-cup in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6A is a bottom-view diagram of an embodiment of an air
bladder in accordance with the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6B is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an air
bladder in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fully articulating
air bladder system in accordance with the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8A is a stowed configuration diagram of an embodiment
of an accessory containment system in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 8B is an accessory access configuration diagram of an
embodiment of an accessory containment system in accordance with
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a
hearing enhancement system 10 that includes a left ear unit, a
right ear unit, a left bladder, and a right bladder. Each of the
left and right ear units includes an ear-cup and an ear seal.
[0031] Each of the left and right bladders may be included as part
of a fully articulating air bladder system. In this configuration,
the hearing enhancement system 10 provides improved ambient noise
reduction and enables the use of one or more helmet accessories. As
such, the hearing enhancement system 10 is well suited for use in
extremely noisy environments.
[0032] The left ear unit includes a left ear-cup mechanically
coupled to a left ear seal. Similarly, the right ear unit includes
a write ear-cup mechanically coupled to a right ear seal. The ear
seals may have a torus (e.g., doughnut) shaped structure where an
outside pliable material (e.g., plastic, cloth, leather) is filled
with a material (e.g., foam, gas, gel, liquid) that compresses as
the ear unit is pressed against the user's head around the user's
ear. The ear seals provide acoustic isolation of the inside of
ear-cup housing from the outside of the ear units while providing
the user greater comfort. The left and right ear units provide
attenuation of outside acoustic vibrations in a proximal
environment by utilizing sound absorbing materials inside of the
ear units. The acoustic vibrations may correspond to engine noise,
wind noise, propeller noise, rotor noise, explosion noise, and/or
any other sound.
[0033] The left and right bladders are utilized between the left
and right ear units and a helmet worn by the user where the helmet
substantially fits on the outside of both of the ear units. The
bladder may expand between a helmet liner of the helmet and the ear
unit so as to force the ear-cup and the ear seal against the head
to maximize a consistent contact all the way around the ear seal
and the head producing an improved level of acoustic isolation. The
bladder is inflatable with air, gas, or a liquid, to provide an
adjustable fit to the user's head and ears to improve the
consistency of the effectiveness of the ear seal.
[0034] In an example of operation, the left and right ear units
mechanically couple to the left and right bladders utilizing hook
and loop fasteners and the left and right bladders mechanically
couple to the helmet liner utilizing hook and loop fasteners. A
bulb pump provides air pressure through plastic tubes to the left
and right bladders causing compression of the ear seals against the
user's head and further stability of the helmet in a position
relative to the users head. Acoustic absorption material within the
left and right ear units attenuates acoustic vibrations from the
outside that enter the ears of the user.
[0035] Note that a gross fit is provided by helmet size selection
and fine-level fit is provided by adjusting air bladder position
and air pressure. The ear seal is discussed in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 2A-3B. The ear-cup is discussed in greater
detail with reference to FIGS. 3B-5B. The fully articulating air
bladder system is discussed in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 6A-7.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an ear
seal. As illustrated, the ear seal is shaped into a triangular
torus that includes an outer panel (e.g., an outer circumference),
a front panel, and an inner panel. In an example, the ear seal
height is 119.6 mm. Note that an inner circumference of the seal
forms a triangular shaped ear opening space. In example, the ear
opening has a height of 72.8 mm and a width of 85.7 mm. Note that
the ear opening space may provide the hearing enhanced system 10
with a comfort and efficiency improvement as the triangular shape
is similar to a human ear.
[0037] The front panel is compressed against a user's head around
the ear and may be exposed to ambient noise. The outer panel is
typically exposed to the ambient noise. As such, the front and
outer panels may be constructed with a material (e.g., leather,
plastic, vinyl, vinyl leatherette) that attenuates ambient noise
entering the ear opening space through the front and outer panels
and serves to form an acoustic space on the inside of the seal. The
inner panel is typically not exposed directly to the ambient noise.
The inner panel may be constructed with a material that is
acoustically transparent (e.g., sweat wicking breathable
antimicrobial cloth) to expand the effective acoustic volume of the
ear opening space while not changing the size of the overall ear
seal. In other words, sounds around the ear in the ear opening
space more readily travel through the inner panel to the inside of
the ear seal but are substantially trapped by the other seal panels
to form a larger acoustic volume. The inside of the ear seal volume
may be filled with a filler that includes a sound absorbing
material (e.g., a visco-elastic foam) to help absorb unwanted
acoustic vibrations within the acoustic volume around the ear and
to provide comfort by cushioning the ear seal against the head.
Note that by utilizing the inner panel constructed with the
acoustically transparent material, the large area of sound
absorbing material (e.g., foam) of the inside of the ear seal
increases available air volume to the ear providing increased
passive attenuation of the undesired acoustic vibrations from the
outside.
[0038] FIG. 2B is a side-view diagram of an embodiment of an ear
seal. As illustrated, the ear seal includes an outer panel, a front
panel, and a rear panel. In an example, the ear seal thickness is
26 mm when not compressed. Note that the ear seal thickness
compresses when the ear seal is in use. The front and outer panels
are as previously described. As illustrated, the rear panel covers
the entire back of the ear seal. The rear panel may be constructed
with a stretchy material (e.g., stretchy fabric) that stretches
thus enabling insertion of an ear-cup to the rear of the ear seal
to further expand air volume to the ear and provide space for a
headphone speaker. The stretching of the rear panel to accommodate
insertion of the ear-cup is discussed in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 3A-3B.
[0039] FIG. 3A is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
undeployed ear seal. As illustrated, the ear seal includes a hook
fastener, a rear panel, a hidden panel, an inner panel, an outer
panel, a filler, and a front panel. The rear panel, outer panel,
front panel, and inner panel are constructed and function as
previously discussed. The ear seal is undeployed as no ear-cup has
been inserted in through a front of the ear seal (e.g., through an
ear opening) to a rear of the ear seal (e.g., to an ear-cup
opening).
[0040] The hidden panel is typically exposed to the ambient noise
penetrating the rear panel. As such, the hidden panel may be
constructed with a material (e.g., leather, plastic, vinyl, vinyl
leatherette) that attenuates ambient noise entering the ear space
through the hidden panel and serves to form an acoustic space on
the inside of the seal. Note that a "C" shaped toroidal volume is
formed by the hidden panel, outer panel, and front panel. The
filler occupies the space of the "C" shaped volume. Note that by
utilizing the inner panel constructed with the acoustically
transparent material, the large area of sound absorbing material
(e.g., foam) of the inside of the "C" shaped volume (e.g., ear seal
interior) increases available air volume to the ear providing
increased passive attenuation of the undesired acoustic vibrations
from the outside. The "C" shaped volume provides improved heat
production around the ear and head through the additional air
volume and sweat wicking fabric of the inner panel and/or
filler.
[0041] The rear panel is mechanically coupled (e.g., sewn) to the
outer panel (e.g., at the outside edge of the rear panel diameter)
and may or may not be mechanically coupled to the hidden panel.
Note that this facilitates insertion of an ear-cup to the ear-cup
opening as is discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG.
3B. As illustrated, the hook fastener is mechanically coupled
(e.g., sewn) to the rear panel. The hook fastener may be
implemented with a stretchy material backing such that the hook
fastener remains formed to the rear panel even as the panel is
displaced in an irregular fashion when the ear-cup is inserted. In
an example of operation, the hook fastener is temporarily coupled
to a loop fastener that is permanently attached to an air bladder
of a fully articulating air bladder system. Air pressure is
increased in the air bladder, which results in compression of the
filler and outer panel of the ear seal as the front panel presses
against a head of a user.
[0042] FIG. 3B is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of a
deployed ear seal. As illustrated, the ear seal includes a hook
fastener, a rear panel, a hidden panel, an inner panel, an outer
panel, a filler, a front panel, and an ear-cup. The rear panel,
outer panel, front panel, inner panel, and hidden panel are
constructed and function as previously discussed. The ear seal is
deployed as the ear-cup has been inserted in through a front of the
ear seal (e.g., through an ear opening) to a rear of the ear seal
(e.g., to a ear-cup opening). The ear-cup may be constructed with a
semi-rigid material (e.g., high density plastic, carbon fiber,
etc.) to provide a fixed portion of an air volume around the ear.
Note that the inserted ear-cup stretches the rear panel away from
the hidden panel as the opening side of the ear-cup presses against
the hidden panel. In this deployed position, the rear panel adds an
additional layer around the entire ear-cup, adds malleable material
for dampening low-frequency vibrations to the back of the ear-cup,
and adds a stable platform for mounting the ear seal and ear-cup in
a helmet utilizing a fully articulating bladder system.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a cutout side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
ear-cup. As illustrated, the ear-cup includes an ear-cup top and an
ear-cup bottom. The ear-cup top and ear-cup bottom may be
manufactured as one piece or as two pieces that are mechanically
coupled during a manufacturing process (e.g., small screws, radio
frequency welded). As illustrated, the ear-cup top minimizes the
top most area to include a speaker recessed area to accommodate a
speaker of a helmet headphone while enabling the ear-cup to better
fit inside of a helmet where space is limited. The ear-cup top
includes a middle area to provide space for one or more of air
volume, a speaker, a speaker grill, speaker cloth, a sensor, a
microphone, a pressure sensor, a noise sensor, sweat wicking
material, and sound absorbing material. Note that the microphone or
the noise sensor may be utilized in determining noise reduction
effectiveness and to facilitate active noise cancellation.
[0044] As illustrated, the ear-cup bottom includes a flat lowest
area that mechanically couples (e.g., rests on) a hidden panel of
an ear seal and curves up into an ear-cup opening thus forming an
overhang space within the volume of ear-cup. The overhanging space
traps low to mid-frequency noise to further reduce ambient noise
from reaching an ear of a user. A plurality of retention fingers is
implemented along the circumference of the ear-cup opening formed
by the ear-cup bottom. The retention fingers are mechanically
coupled to the top of the ear-cup bottom and protrude upwards into
the volume of the ear-cup. The retention fingers retain items that
are inserted into the ear-cup space (e.g., the speaker cloth, the
sound absorption material, the sweat wicking material, the speaker,
etc.).
[0045] FIG. 5A is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an
ear-cup. As illustrated, the ear-cup has an outside triangular
shape that includes an ear-cup top and an ear-cup bottom. The
ear-cup is constructed with a material as previously discussed. In
an example, the ear-cup has a height of 106.1 mm and a width of
109.4 mm. As illustrated, the ear-cup top includes a speaker recess
area to accommodate the installation of a speaker. In an example,
the speaker recess area is circular and positioned at the center of
the ear-cup top. As illustrated, the ear-cup bottom includes an
ear-cup opening that is regular in shape substantially aligned with
the outside circumference of the ear-cup. In an example, the
ear-cup opening has a height of 63.4 mm and a width of 75.7 mm and
is positioned at the center of the ear-cup bottom. Note that the
inside edge of the ear-cup bottom turns up at the ear-cup opening
towards the ear-cup top. Note that an ear opening space formed by
the ear-cup top and ear-cup bottom may provide the hearing enhanced
system 10 with a comfort and efficiency improvement as the
triangular shape is similar to a human ear.
[0046] FIG. 5B is a side-view diagram of an embodiment of an
ear-cup. As illustrated, the ear-cup includes an ear-cup top and an
ear-cup bottom. The ear-cup is constructed with a material as
previously discussed. In an example, the ear-cup has an overall
thickness from the ear-cup bottom to the top of ear-cup top of 22.8
mm. Note that the ear-cup bottom is substantially flat to
accommodate interfacing with an ear-cup seal. Note that the ear-cup
top has a left-to-right downward slope to enable it better fit in a
helmet that has a similar slope. In example, a left portion of the
ear-cup top has a thickness of 18.2 mm and a right portion of
ear-cup top has a thickness of 13.3 mm. In an example of operation,
the ear-cup is positioned between the helmet and a side of a user
head with the left portion of the top of the ear-cup positioned at
the bottom of the helmet when the helmet expands outward towards
the bottom of the helmet. In another example of operation, the
ear-cup is positioned between the helmet and the side of the user
head with the right portion of the top of the ear-cup positioned at
the bottom of the helmet when the helmet contracts inward towards
the bottom of the helmet.
[0047] FIG. 6A is a bottom-view diagram of an embodiment of an air
bladder. As illustrated, the air bladder includes a bottom side, an
outer structure, an inner hole, a side tube, and a shrink fit tube
nipple point. The outer structure forms and oval-shaped annulus
where the inner hole forms the inside of annulus. The outer
structure diameter is determined by an amount of desired inflation
travel when air is pumped into the air bladder. Note that the inner
hole has an oval shape. The inner hole of the air bladder abates
high-pressure rebound in a side crash such that side-impact energy
is absorbed and not amplified.
[0048] The air bladder may be constructed with a pliable material
that can hold air pressure while expanding or contracting (e.g.,
plastic). The air bladder forms the side tube on one side that
interfaces with the shrink fit tube nipple point. In an operational
example, the side tube extends towards the back of a helmet where
the air bladder is installed. Note that the side tube is
constructed as one piece of the air bladder and hence is of the
same pliable material. Such a construction avoids breakage of the
side tube from the rest of air bladder in a side impact
scenario.
[0049] The bottom side of the air bladder couples to a helmet liner
of the helmet via a plurality of bottom hook fasteners that are
permanently attached (e.g., radio frequency welded) to the air
bladder. In an example, the helmet liner is constructed utilizing a
material that is a loop fastener material of a hook and loop
fastener system. Note that the plurality of hook fasteners is
larger relative to fasteners on a top side of the air bladder since
the helmet liner provides an anchor point for the air bladder to
expand and contract. In an example, the diameter of the hook
fastener is 21 mm.
[0050] FIG. 6B is a top-view diagram of an embodiment of an air
bladder. As illustrated, the air bladder includes a top side, an
outer structure, an inner hole, a side tube, and a shrink fit tube
nipple point. The outer structure, inner hole, side tube, and
shrink fit tube nipple point are constructed and function as
previously discussed. The top side of the air bladder couples to an
ear unit (e.g., an ear seal) via a plurality of top loop fasteners
that is permanently attached to the air bladder (e.g., radio
frequency welded to better stay in place as the air bladder expands
and contracts). In instance, the ear seal is constructed utilizing
a material that is a hook fastener material of a hook and loop
fastener system. Note that the plurality of loop fasteners is
smaller relative to fasteners on a bottom side of the air bladder
since the ear unit provides an expansion point for the air bladder
to expand and contract. In an example, the diameter of the loop
fastener is 14 mm. The air bladder may be utilized in conjunction
with a fully articulating air bladder system as is discussed in
greater detail with reference to FIG. 7.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fully articulating
air bladder system. As illustrated, the system includes a first air
bladder, a second air bladder, a first tube, a second tube, T-block
nipple fitting, a pump tube, a pressure relief valve, a bulb pump,
and a one-way valve. The one-way valve allows air to enter the bulb
pump. The bulb pump applies pressure to the pressure relief valve
when squeezed. In a first mode of operation, air passes through the
pressure relief valve from the bulb pump side to the pump tube side
to facilitate simultaneously inflating the air bladders. In a
second mode of operation, air passes through the pressure relief
valve to the atmosphere from the pump tube side to facilitate
simultaneously deflating the air bladders. The pump tube
facilitates moving air between the pressure relief valve and the
first and second tubes. The length of the pump tube enables ease of
operation by placing the bulb pump within reach of a user. In an
example, the pump tube is 76 mm in length. The T-block nipple
fitting mechanically couples the pump tube to the first tube and
the second tube and functionally passes air between the pump tube
and the first and second tubes.
[0052] As illustrated, the first tube is mechanically coupled to
the T-block nipple fitting at one end and the shrink fit tube
nipple point of the first air bladder at the other end. In an
example, the first tube is 160 mm in length. The second tube is
mechanically coupled to the T-block nipple fitting at one end and
the shrink fit tube nipple point of the second air bladder at the
other end. In an example, the second tube is 48 mm in length. In
this set of examples, the first tube is longer than the second tube
offsetting the location of the bulb pump to one side of the user to
facilitate ease of access to the bulb pump. The pump tube, first
tube, and second tube may be constructed with a tubing material
that is both pliable and durable to withstand numerous deployment
cycles.
[0053] As an example of operation, the first and second air
bladders are deployed between left and right ear units and a
helmet. The bulb pump provides air pressure to mechanically expand
the air bladders providing a beneficial seal of the left and right
ear units to side of a head of a user. Note that mechanical
stability is provided between the helmet and the left and right ear
units, which facilitates the helmet staying in one position on the
user's head even when the helmet has an unfavorable center of
gravity (e.g., from use of night vision goggles). The pressure
relief valve lowers the air pressure to the air bladders providing
less compression of the left and right ear units to the head. As an
example, some of the air pressure is relieved to adjust helmet
comfort or to reset the position of the helmet on the head. In
another example, all of the air pressure is relieved to facilitate
removal of the air bladders and the left and right ear units from
helmet.
[0054] In another implementation example, an electric pump provides
air pressure instead of and/or in addition to the bulb pump. The
electric pump may be operably coupled to a pump controller and
sensors. For instance, the pump controller determines an
effectiveness level of noise reduction in an air volume around an
ear based on the sensors and operates the electric pump in
accordance with the effectiveness level to improve noise reduction
effectiveness.
[0055] FIG. 8A is a stowed configuration diagram of an embodiment
of an accessory containment system. As illustrated, the system
includes a primary eyelet, a primary strap, an accessory container,
a primary strap coupler, a secondary strap coupler, a secondary
strap, and a secondary eyelet. The primary and secondary straps may
be constructed with a material such as a ribbed flexible fabric.
The accessory container functions to mechanically support and hold
in place one or more accessories associated with a helmet system
including one or more of a battery pack, a bulb pump, an electric
pump, a fuel cell, a compressed gas cylinder, a noise cancellation
module, etc. The accessory container may be constructed with the
material such as a tubular stretchy fabric that is permanently
mechanically attached to the primary strap. In an example, the
accessory container attaches (e.g., sewn along the length) to the
primary strap such that the primary strap is external to the
accessory container. In another example, the accessory container
attaches (e.g., sewn around one and) to the primary strap such that
the primary strap is inside of the accessory container. As
illustrated, the primary strap is longer than the secondary strap
providing an associated longer space for the accessory container to
provide space for larger or more accessories.
[0056] The primary and secondary eyelets provide a feed-through
opening to accommodate a fastener and may be constructed with the
materials such as plastic or metal. The primary and secondary
eyelets are permanently mechanically couple to the primary strap
and secondary strap. As an example, metal edges of the primary
eyelet make contact with the primary strap (e.g., press fit) in a
circular pattern around a hole through the strap to accommodate the
eyelet. A pair of fasteners may be utilized through the primary and
secondary eyelets to mechanically couple the containment system to
a helmet. Such fasteners may enable the primary and secondary
straps to be rotated around the fasteners while keeping the straps
attached to helmet (e.g., the fasteners are adjusted such that the
strap has some free travel around the fastener against the
helmet).
[0057] The primary and secondary strap couplers mechanically join
the primary and secondary straps while the couplers are in a
coupled mode. The primary and secondary strap couplers may be
constructed with a material such as plastic or metal. The primary
and secondary strap couplers may be joined in the coupled mode by
inserting one coupler into the other or by activating a latch
mechanism. The primary and secondary strap couplers include a
release function to enable separating the couplers from the coupled
mode when the release function is activated. For example, the
release function may be provided by a pair of plastic actuators.
Note that while the primary and secondary strap couplers are in the
coupled mode, the primary and secondary straps form the system that
is held in place to the helmet in substantially one position via
the fasteners through the eyelets. Note that the primary and/or
secondary strap may swing away from the other strap pivoting on the
associated primary or secondary eyelet when the primary and
secondary strap couplers are not in the coupled mode as is
discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 8B.
[0058] FIG. 8B is an accessory access configuration diagram of an
embodiment of an accessory containment system. As illustrated, the
system includes a primary eyelet, a primary strap, an accessory
container, a primary strap coupler, a secondary strap coupler, a
secondary strap, and a secondary eyelet, which are constructed and
function as previously described. As illustrated, the primary strap
coupler and secondary strap coupler are not in a coupled mode
enabling the primary strap and associated accessory container to
swing out from a nape area behind a helmet enabling easier access
to accessories contained in the accessory container. In an example
of operation, a release function is activated (e.g., by a user of
the helmet) associated with the primary and/or secondary strap
couplers to separate the couplers enabling the primary strap and
accessory container to swing down and away from the helmet. Next,
items within the accessory container may be accessed (e.g., to
squeeze a bulb pump, to change a night vision goggle battery, etc.)
without requiring the helmet to be removed. Note that an
improvement to a center of gravity aspect of the helmet may be
provided as the weight due to the accessories utilizing the
accessory containment system at the rear of the helmet in part
counter balances weight of accessory items mounted to a front of
the helmet (e.g., a visor, night vision goggles, etc.). Note that
an improvement to a wind loading aspect of the helmet may be
provided as the accessories utilizing the accessory containment
system at the rear of the helmet are not subject to wind loading on
the front of the helmet (e.g., an aircraft with an open door and/or
window, and activated aircraft ejection seat scenario).
[0059] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its
corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to
fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component
values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature
variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such
relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent
to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s)
"operably coupled to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes
direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between
items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not
limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module)
where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify
the information of a signal but may adjust its current level,
voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,
inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another
element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between
two items in the same manner as "coupled to". As may even further
be used herein, the term "operable to" or "operably coupled to"
indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,
input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more
its corresponding functions and may further include inferred
coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used
herein, the term "associated with", includes direct and/or indirect
coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within
another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares favorably",
indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals,
etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the
desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than
signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude
of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude
of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
[0060] As may also be used herein, the terms "processing module",
"module", "processing circuit", and/or "processing unit" may be a
single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such
a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller,
digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit,
field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state
machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital)
based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational
instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit,
and/or processing unit may have an associated memory and/or an
integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a
plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the
processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing
unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access
memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,
dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that
stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,
module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more
than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally
located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or
wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g.,
cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network
and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing
module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit
implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog
circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory
and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational
instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry
comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry,
and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element
may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit,
and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational
instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or
functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory
device or memory element can be included in an article of
manufacture.
[0061] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions
and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these
functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily
defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries
and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and
relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate
boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the
claimed invention. Further, the boundaries of these functional
building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of
description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the
certain significant functions are appropriately performed.
Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily
defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To
the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence
could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain
significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both
functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences
are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One
of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional
building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and
components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete
components, application specific integrated circuits, processors
executing appropriate software and the like or any combination
thereof.
[0062] The present invention may have also been described, at least
in part, in terms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the
present invention is used herein to illustrate the present
invention, an aspect thereof, a feature thereof, a concept thereof,
and/or an example thereof. A physical embodiment of an apparatus,
an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process that
embodies the present invention may include one or more of the
aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with
reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein.
Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the
same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may
use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the
functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar
functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.
[0063] While the transistors in the above described figure(s)
is/are shown as field effect transistors (FETs), as one of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate, the transistors may be
implemented using any type of transistor structure including, but
not limited to, bipolar, metal oxide semiconductor field effect
transistors (MOSFET), N-well transistors, P-well transistors,
enhancement mode, depletion mode, and zero voltage threshold (VT)
transistors.
[0064] Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from,
and/or between elements in a figure of any of the figures presented
herein may be analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time,
and single-ended or differential. For instance, if a signal path is
shown as a single-ended path, it also represents a differential
signal path. Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential
path, it also represents a single-ended signal path. While one or
more particular architectures are described herein, other
architectures can likewise be implemented that use one or more data
buses not expressly shown, direct connectivity between elements,
and/or indirect coupling between other elements as recognized by
one of average skill in the art.
[0065] The term "module" is used in the description of the various
embodiments of the present invention. A module includes a
functional block that is implemented via hardware to perform one or
module functions such as the processing of one or more input
signals to produce one or more output signals. The hardware that
implements the module may itself operate in conjunction software,
and/or firmware. As used herein, a module may contain one or more
sub-modules that themselves are modules.
[0066] While particular combinations of various functions and
features of the present invention have been expressly described
herein, other combinations of these features and functions are
likewise possible. The present invention is not limited by the
particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates
these other combinations.
* * * * *