U.S. patent application number 14/197792 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for motorcycle helmet with increased visibility.
The applicant listed for this patent is James Randall Beckers, William Harbin Duke, Jeffrey Lynn Eaby, Charles Durward Griffin, Brad Bion Piepmeier. Invention is credited to James Randall Beckers, William Harbin Duke, Jeffrey Lynn Eaby, Charles Durward Griffin, Brad Bion Piepmeier.
Application Number | 20150250247 14/197792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54016127 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150250247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beckers; James Randall ; et
al. |
September 10, 2015 |
MOTORCYCLE HELMET WITH INCREASED VISIBILITY
Abstract
A motorcycle helmet that includes one or more white light type
beam forming LEDs (LEDs with lenses that form a beam) mounted in
the front of the helmet, such as the helmet forehead area. The LEDs
may function as a headlight that may supplement the motorcycle
headlight. The beam(s) projected by the LEDS can be steered or
aimed at an object by the helmet wearer and may help the rider and
motorcycle be more visible to oncoming vehicles or vehicles
entering from a side road while at the same time having a downward
pointing aspect and a power hat does not create glare for other
drivers. The LEDS may be in a self contained module mounted on the
outside of the helmet. The LEDs may be mounted or embedded in the
outer shell of the helmet with the batteries and electronics being
inside the shell and within the foam type compressible inner shell.
The batteries and electronics may also be within the helmet neck
roll near the bottom rim of the helmet. LEDs, red and yellow or
orange, may also be located in the rear of the helmet and function
as additional brake lights and turn signal lights. A cable or
wireless system may be used to send brake turn signal and headlight
signals to the helmet to control the LEDs.
Inventors: |
Beckers; James Randall;
(Rockville, MD) ; Piepmeier; Brad Bion; (Bethesda,
MD) ; Eaby; Jeffrey Lynn; (Brookeville, MD) ;
Duke; William Harbin; (Atlanta, GA) ; Griffin;
Charles Durward; (Leander, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beckers; James Randall
Piepmeier; Brad Bion
Eaby; Jeffrey Lynn
Duke; William Harbin
Griffin; Charles Durward |
Rockville
Bethesda
Brookeville
Atlanta
Leander |
MD
MD
MD
GA
TX |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54016127 |
Appl. No.: |
14/197792 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/422 ;
362/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/044 20130101;
A42B 3/0446 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/04 20060101
A42B003/04 |
Claims
1. A motorcycle helmet, comprising: a shell having a forward facing
side through which a rider views a road where the forward facing
side includes a first hole through the shell having a first axis
parallel with a viewing direction of the rider, and a rearward
facing side having a second, third and fourth rearward facing
linearly arranged holes through the shell, the shell having an
inside surface and an outside surface; a first light emitting diode
(LED) positioned in the first hole to project a white light beam in
the viewing direction and positioned so that an LED surface is
below or at the outside surface of the shell; a reinforcement
member supporting the LED and reinforcing the first hole. a first
control module with an on/off switch mounted inside of the shell;
first wiring connecting the first LED and the first control module;
a first battery compartment mounted on the inside of the shell
adjacent to the first control module; first fixed padding for the
head of the rider covering the first hole and first control module;
removable padding covering the first battery compartment; a second
LED positioned in a center hole of the second, third and fourth
holes to project a red light beam in a rearward direction
responsive to a brake signal; and third and fourth LEDs positioned
in left and right holes of the second, third and fourth holes to
project a yellow light beam in the rearward direction responsive to
turn signals.
2. A motorcycle helmet, comprising: a shell; and a first array of
white light, light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in a front side
of the shell and projecting light in a front direction of the
shell.
3. A helmet as recited in claim 2, wherein the LEDs produce one or
more light beams that a wearer of the helmet may point at an
object.
4. A helmet as recited in claim 2, further comprising a controller
controlling the light produced by the LEDs.
5. A helmet as recited in claim 4, wherein the controller
selectively causes one of a continuous beam and a blinking beam to
be produced.
6. A helmet as recited in claim 4, further comprising a battery
compartment coupled to the controller, wherein the controller and
battery compartment are located within the shell.
7. A helmet as recited in claim 2, wherein the LEDs are mounted in
a forehead region of the shell.
8. A helmet as recited in claim 7, wherein a front surface of the
LEDs is one of and below an outer surface of the shell.
9. A helmet as recited claim 3, wherein a pointing direction of the
LEDs may be adjusted to match a natural viewing direction of a
wearer.
10. A helmet as recited in claim 2, further comprising a second
array of red light LEDs mounted in a rear side of the shell,
projecting light in a rearward direction and producing brake
light.
11. A helmet as recited in claim 10, further comprising third and
fourth arrays of yellow LEDs mounted in the rear side of the shell
on opposite sides of the second array, projecting light in the
rearward direction and producing turn signal light.
12. A helmet as recited in claim 11, wherein the third and fourth
arrays are formed in a shape of arrows and a progression of the
LEDs of the arrows are turned on across the arrows to show a
direction of turn.
13. A motorcycle helmet, comprising: a shell; and a first array of
white light, light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in a front side
of the shell and projecting light in a front direction of the
shell; a controller controlling the light produced by the LED; a
battery compartment coupled to the controller, wherein the
controller and battery compartment are located within the shell; a
second array of red light LEDs mounted in a rear side of the shell,
projecting light in a rearward direction and producing brake light;
and third and fourth arrays of yellow LEDs mounted in the rear side
of the shell on opposite sides of the second array, projecting
light in the rearward direction and producing turn signal light.
wherein the LEDs produce one or more light beams that a wearer of
the helmet may point at an object, wherein the controller
selectively causes one of a continuous beam and a blinking beam to
be produced, wherein the white light LEDs are mounted in a forehead
region of the shell, wherein a front surface of the LEDs is one of
and below an outer surface of the shell, wherein a pointing
direction of the LEDs may be adjusted to match a natural viewing
direction of a wearer, wherein the third and fourth arrays are
formed in a shape of an arrows and a progression of the LEDs of the
arrows are turned on across the arrows to show a direction of turn,
and wherein the white light LEDs each produce beams of different
strength.
14. A helmet as recited in claim 13, wherein LEDs of the first
array are adjustable in pointing direction relative to the shell to
allow a downward pointing aspect when the helmet is worn by the
rider.
Description
FIELD
[0001] A motorcycle helmet with increased visibility and improved
road illumination provided by a front facing beam type light that
can act as a point-able headlight allowing the wearer to point a
light beam at an object in front of the motorcycle, such as an edge
of a road or a vehicle on a side road.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Motorcycles are small vehicles that carry limited road
illumination capability and have reduced visibility to other
drivers.
[0003] The visibility of a motorcycle is particularly low to
automobile drivers entering a road that the motorcycle is traveling
where the auto pulls onto the road from a side road or street or
turns across the road in front of the motorcycle. This appears to
be due to the automobile driver typically looking for other
automobiles and not being accustomed to the low visibility of
motorcycle. What is needed is to increase visibility of a
motorcycle to drivers of automobiles and other larger vehicles.
[0004] Because a motorcycle headlight points in a direction of a
front wheel, when making a turn, the headlight beam may not point
into or around the turn. What is needed is light beam that can be
pointed by the rider in a direction determined by the rider that is
independent of the direction the front wheel is pointing.
[0005] Another frequent motorcycle accident scenario is due to the
poor rear visibility of a motorcyclist when a larger vehicle is
approaching from the rear. Light systems are needed that can be
synchronized with the motorcycles running lights, turn signals and
brake lighting to increase visibility from the rear of a
motorcycle.
[0006] Extra emergency lighting is also needed when the electrical
system malfunctions or when the rider may need to abandon the
motorcycle and travel along a dark road.
SUMMARY
[0007] A motorcycle helmet that includes one or more white light
type beam forming LEDs (LEDs with lenses that form a beam) mounted
in the front of the helmet, such as the helmet forehead area. The
LEDs may function as a headlight that may supplement the motorcycle
headlight by having a downward pointing aspect when worn by the
rider. The beam(s) projected by the LEDS can be steered or aimed at
an object by the helmet wearer and may help the rider and
motorcycle be more visible to oncoming vehicles or vehicles
entering from a side road. The LEDS may be in a self contained
module mounted on the outside of the helmet. The LEDs may be
mounted or embedded in the outer shell of the helmet with the
batteries and electronics being inside the shell and within the
foam type compressible inner shell. The batteries and electronics
may also be within the helmet neck roll near the bottom rim of the
helmet. LEDs, red and yellow or orange, may also be located in the
rear of the helmet and function as additional brake lights and turn
signal lights. A cable or wireless system may be used to send brake
turn signal and headlight signals to the helmet to control the
LEDs. LEDS may also be located on sides of the helmet to increase
visibility from the side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows an open face helmet that includes a front
facing light beam module.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a full face helmet with recessed LEDS.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a clam shell helmet with recessed LEDS.
[0011] FIG. 3a shows a cap type helmet with recessed LEDs.
[0012] FIGS. 4-6 show beam patterns as the rider turns his
head.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows a helmet shell with a recessed LED.
[0014] FIGS. 8 and 9 show other locations for LEDs.
[0015] FIGS. 10a-10e shows other patterns for LED layout.
[0016] FIGS. 11a-11d show overlapping and divergent beam
patterns.
[0017] FIG. 12 depicts an LED and power assembly arranged on an
inside of a helmet shell.
[0018] FIG. 13 shows a helmet with rear brake and turn signal
LEDs.
[0019] FIG. 14 shows a helmet that uses a work light and clips to
secure it from the wind.
[0020] FIG. 15 shows a helmet that is reconfigured to include a
space for the LEDs, battery and circuit.
[0021] FIG. 16 shows a helmet rim circuit and battery
compartment.
[0022] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment that uses a snap for a
visor.
[0023] FIG. 18 depicts a double outer shell helmet creating a
compartment for an LED, circuit and battery.
[0024] FIG. 19 depicts a system for controlling one or more
LEDs.
[0025] FIG. 20a depicts another system for controlling one or more
LEDS,
[0026] FIG. 20b depicts another approach for controlling one or
more LEDs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The visibility and illumination features of a motorcycle
rider can be improved by an embodiment including a light module 10
mounted on a front side of a helmet 12, such as an open face helmet
depicted in FIG. 1. The module 10 includes one or more white light
type light emitting diodes (LEDs) 14 that point away from the front
of the helmet 12 in a direction that a rider is looking and project
one or more white light beams that can be pointed by the helmet
wearer. The module 10 includes batteries, an on/off switch and
electronic components (not shown) needed to power the LED and is,
thus, self contained. The module 10 may even contain LEDs that
allow the beam shape and brightness to be changed. The module 10
may be attached to the helmet 12 by a hinged bracket 16 with a
friction hinge that allows the vertical angle of the beam to be
adjusted/pivoted (see arrows) to align with a rider's preference
for the vertical axis of where the beam is pointed. The bracket 16
may be secured to the helmet 12 via glue, screws, rivets or another
attachment mechanism. The bracket 16 may be mounted on the helmet
above the typical face shield snaps 18 that are used to secure a
face shield (not shown) or the face shield may include a cutout
(not shown) for the module 10. A typical module may be obtained
from Energizer as Energizer 06488 (HD7L33AE). Although FIG. 1 shows
a single LED, more than one LED may be provided and LEDS other than
white light LEDs may be provided, such as also red light LEDs that
may be used at night and may improve the visibility of the
rider.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a full face embodiment of an improved
visibility and illumination helmet 20. This embodiment depicts
three LEDs 22 recessed in a body or shell of the helmet above the
face plate or shield 24 so that a front surface of each LED 22 is
at or below an outside or front surface of the shell. Wiring (not
shown) inside the helmet 20 connects the LEDs 22 to a power and
control module 26 that may be mounted on a rear lower portion of
the helmet 20 allowing access to batteries that can be changed as
well as an on/off switch. By having the LEDs 22 recessed when the
rider raises the face shield 24, when the face shield 24 is
pivoting, the LEDs do not interfere with the shield 24. LEDs, such
as Bolt Beam 5 mm LED Light 5B-C or B from Super Bright LEDs, Inc.,
may be used as LEDs 22. The control module 26 may also be
integrated into the inside of the helmet 20 as discussed later
herein.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts a full face, clam shell, two piece embodiment
of an improved helmet 30. The helmet 30 opens about a pivot 32
located near a rear of the helmet 30. Again the LEDs 34 (four in
this depiction) are recessed into the body of the helmet 30 in an
upper section 36 allowing a lower section 38 to pivot up without
interfering with the LEDs 34. Wiring (not shown) inside the helmet
30 connects the LEDs 34 to a power and control module 40 that may
be mounted on a rear lower portion of the helmet 30.
[0030] FIG. 3a depicts a half helmet or cap type motorcycle helmet
39 that includes one or more LEDs that face forward and can be used
to illuminate objects by the motorcycle rider,
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts side and top views of a preferred embodiment
of a beam pattern 40 produced by the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 when
the rider 41 looks down the road. FIG. 5 depicts the beam pattern
40 when the rider 41 turns his head to the left, such as when a
rider 41 wants to inform an automobile 42 driver of the rider's
presence on the road or a pedestrian standing on a side of the road
who might step out into the road in front of the rider 41 or
illuminate something on the left side of the road. FIG. 6 shows the
beam pattern 40 when the rider 41 looks down at the road surface
44, such as when looking at debris in the road. As can be seen, the
LED(s) produce a pattern 40 that extends in a direction that the
rider 41 is looking independent of motorcycle travel direction and
both helps illuminate the direction of travel and objects
associated with the road and identify the rider to others on and
around the road.
[0032] Other types of helmets can also use recessed LEDs, such as a
cap type helmet and an open face helmet such as shown in FIG. 1.
The cap type can also use the module embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 7 depicts a side cutaway view of a helmet 62 including
an outer shell 64 of fiber glass or carbon fiber, a compressible
inner shell 66 made of a substance, such as closed cell foam
(closed-cell extruded/expanded, polystyrene foam), and padding
68/69. A recessed LED 70 is positioned secured against in the outer
shell 64 and within the inner shell 66 using a reinforcement member
72. The diode 70 is surrounded by the reinforcement member 72 ant
it reinforces the helmet structure around the penetration of the
helmet outer shell 64 resulting from the recessed position of LED
70 and also supports the LED 70. The reinforcement member 72 may
include a tube 74, made of a material such as metal, surrounding
the LED 72 with a flange 76 that are also embedded in the helmet
shell. A light emitting lens surface 77 of the LEDs is even with or
below an outside surface of the shell 64. A transparent protective
cover 78 seals the penetration and smoothes the outside surface for
good airflow. An electronic circuit 80 for the LED 70 along with a
battery compartment 82 for power can also be positioned against the
shell 64 and inside or within the shell 66. An opening in the inner
shell 66 between the padding sections 68 can be provided to allow
the battery to be changed and the LED power to be switched on/off.
As depicted by arrow 81 the angle of the LED as it points through
the shell may be adjusted up/down, right left to allow the pointing
direction of the light beam produced to be adjusted to match a
direction that the wearers eyes naturally look when wearing the
helmet while they may also be generally pointing downward while in
the riding position to avoid creating glare on other drivers eyes.
That is, the LEDs can be adjusted to match the natural viewing
direction of the wearer while avoiding causing a light hazard.
[0034] The LED(s) of the embodiments can also be located at other
places on a helmet and still face forward so that a beam(s) is
projected in a direction that the rider is looking. FIG. 8 shows
recessed LEDs 82 mounted in the lower section 84 of a clam shell
helmet 86 beside the face shield 88. FIG. 9 shows another
embodiment where LEDs 90 are recessed in the lower section or chin
guard portion 92 of a clam shell helmet 94. Of course LEDS could be
as in FIGS. 2, 3, 8 and 9.
[0035] The arrangement/pattern of the LEDs of any particular
grouping, such as the linear array, three LED group as in the
embodiment of FIG. 2 or four LED linear arrangement of FIG. 3 can
have several other arrangements. For example, as shown in FIG. 10a,
the array can be a two dimensional aligned array including six
LEDs, or a staggered array, such as the seven LEDs as in FIG. 10b.
FIGS. 10c-10e show other patterns where, for example, a larger more
powerful LED may be included among less powerful LEDs (see FIG.
10d), The LEDs could also be arranged in an arc(s) or
diagonal(s).
[0036] When multiple LEDs are used the beam pattern(s) produced can
vary. FIG. 11a shows three diodes where the beam patterns overlap.
This overlap can be both horizontal or vertical or both. FIG. 11b
shows beam patterns that diverge and have no overlap. The
divergence of FIG. 11b can be vertical as well as horizontal. FIG.
11c shows two weak beams overlapping with a stronger beam while
FIG. 11d shows two weak beams that do not overlap with a stronger
beam. Of course, the arrangement can allow some beams to overlap
and some to diverge. The patterns can also point at a same spot at
a desired distance from the rider, so that the beams merge. The
beams could also point to the side to illuminate the rider's
peripheral vision areas, as well as downward to illuminate the
motorcycle gauge area.
[0037] The front facing LEDs, as depicted in FIG. 11, may be
designed to produce beams that increase the visibility of the
user/rider to oncoming and side road traffic and for the rider to
be able to direct that increased visibility in a desired direction.
The beams need not be designed as a spotlight that would create
glare, but rather may produce diffuse type or low power beam(s)
that also may be directed as desired. An embodiment, such as in
FIG. 11b or FIG. 11d, because the beams do not overlap, may also be
used to produce a visibility increasing type light that does not
create a spotlight or glare.
[0038] As noted previously, the color of the LEDs can be white or
red as well as other colors such as yellow or orange that may more
particularly get the attention of another driver or illuminate the
road. One or more of the LEDs could blink (or strobe), or allow
changes in brightness over a period of time or based on the
background illuminations, such as be brighter in the day time than
in the night time, or as controlled by the rider, for example, high
beams.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the electronics and battery compartment 26 for
the LEDs as being located on the back lower edge of the helmet 20.
It is also possible to position the compartment 200 (see FIG. 16)
below the back rim 202 of the helmet 204. It is further possible to
have a form factor radio communications modules provided for
motorcycle helmets, such as provided by the Schuberth SRC-S or
Bluetooth System, or configured as in a motorcycle police officer
helmet such as available from PVP Communications, Inc. For example,
the compartment 200 can be a module that replaces the padded neck
roll at the bottom edge of the helmet. In this approach the
compartment does not extend below the bottom edge of the helmet and
buttons for controlling on/off and other functions, such as high
beam, would be located at the bottom edge of the helmet near the
side behind the helmet strap. This compartment may include
rechargeable batteries as well as the control circuit for the LEDs
mounted on the front forehead region of the helmet.
[0040] It is also possible to incorporate the module into the
inside of the helmet as depicted in FIG. 12. As can be seen, the
LED 120 is recessed in the helmet shell 122 and includes wiring 124
that connects to a control module 126 having an adjacent battery
compartment 128 depicting two batteries. This arrangement is
surrounded and covered by padding 130 and may include an optional
hinged pad 132 (shown by dashed lines) that can be used to cover
the battery compartment 128 and allow access when needed to change
the batteries. A simple push button 134 beneath the padding or one
positioned at the interface between the components 128 and 126 can
be used to activate the LED(s).
[0041] FIG. 12 shows the interior electronics arranged above the
LEDs but could be arranged at other places, such as beside the
LEDs. The embodiment of FIG. 12 shows one in which the batteries
can be changed. However, it is possible to have batteries that can
be recharged and provide a recharging plug for recharging the
batteries inside or through the helmet shell. It is preferable that
this plug be located in the rear of the helmet with the male/female
component aligned with the outer helmet shell. It is also possible
to provide an external connection that will allow the module 126 to
be connected to the motorcycle battery, eliminating the need for
batteries.
[0042] The helmet can also include LEDs on the rear side that
function as driving, brake and turn signal lights. FIG. 13 shows
such an arrangement where the rear of a helmet 130 is shown. The
center group 132 of nine recessed red colored LEDs functions as a
driving light shining to provide a reference for the arrow shaped
turn signal groups 134 and functions as a brake light by producing
a brighter set of overlapped beams when the brakes are applied.
This difference in apparent illumination during braking can be
accomplished by changing the LED drive current of all of the LEDs
or by turning some of the LEDS on when the brakes are applied. The
turn signal groups 134 may be yellow LEDS, orange LEDS, blinking
LEDs with a blinking pattern that may change as brakes are applied
with more or less force. FIG. 13 shows the group 132 with nine LEDS
and groups 134 as having nine LEDS each, although the number of
LEDs in each group (132 and 134) may vary. Also shown is wiring
that connects the LEDs 132 and 134 to a control unit 138 that
powers the LEDs based on signals from the motorcycle brake and turn
signal controller 140 using energy from the motorcycle battery 142.
The control unit 138 may be located in the helmet like the previous
discussed embodiments or on the motorcycle. Note, the control
module for the white light front facing LED(s) may also be located
on the motorcycle plug connectable wiring connected between the
helmet and motorcycle. FIG. 13 shows a connector 139 that allows
the control unit, controller and batteries to be plugged into the
helmet. This connector is show as allowing connection from outside
the shell but could be an interior connector. This allows the
control unit to be located on the motorcycle or as a clip-on unit
that can clip to the riders belt or be placed in the rider's
pocket.
[0043] FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment that uses a strap type
headlight or task work light 160, such as available from Energizer
like model HD7L33INE that includes an adjustable tilt feature 161.
In this embodiments clips 162 are provided that hook over the strap
162 and under the edge 164 of the helmet 166 in the front forehead
region) and rear (neck region) to hold the headlight 160 from
sliding off the top of the helmet 166 due to wind and to also allow
the headlight to be easily removed when not in use.
[0044] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment in which a shape of the helmet
180 has been reconfigured to provide a compartment in which the
batteries and LED(s) can be provided without impacting a thickness
of the cell foam inner shell. The reconfiguration includes a "bump"
182 that allows the compartment 184 to be formed between the outer
shell 186 and inner shell 188. A section 190 of the foam inner
shell 188 may be removed to allow access to the compartment
184.
[0045] FIG. 17 shows a strap headlight type embodiment that uses
the snaps on the helmet that can be used to hold a face shield or a
visor. In this embodiment, the helmet outer shell 212 includes a
male snap 214. Another double sided snap 216 is provided that
includes a female snap 218 and a male snap 220. Attached to the
snap 216 is a ring like clip 221 that attaches to the snap 216,
extends upward and wraps around the headlight strap 222 so that the
wind will not blow the headlight off of the top of the helmet.
[0046] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment with a double outer shell 232
that creates a compartment 234 that may be used for the LED 236,
electronics 238, wiring 240 and battery compartment 242. The double
outer shell 232 may include a first outer shell 244 of fiberglass
or carbon fiber and a second outer shell 246, also of fiberglass or
carbon fiber that confronts the closed cell foam inner shell 66. An
opening in the shell 246 can be provided to allow access to the
compartment.
[0047] An alternative to the wired connection is to provide a
wireless connection (see discussion below) between the motorcycle
controller 140 and the LED controller 138, power the LEDs with a
battery like the front LEDs and mount the controller 138 similar to
the previously discussed embodiments in a module on the outside or
inside the helmet.
[0048] FIG. 19 shows a circuit for powering the headlight like LED
(array). An LED 262 (or LED array with individually controllable
LEDs) may be powered by a power circuit 264 from a battery power
source 266. The power circuit is controlled by a control unit 268.
The control unit 268 is controlled by a toggle switch 270 that may
be a multiple position toggle switch 270. The controller 268 may
turn on the LED 262 continuously or with some on/off pattern
depending on the setting of the toggle switch 270. The pattern
could be a blinking or flashing pattern where all of the LEDs in an
array blink, or one where the some of the LEDs in the array blink
and some are on continuously, or in some other pattern. The toggle
switch 270 may be located in association with the lower side edge
of the helmet on a left side and reachable with the rider's left
hand.
[0049] FIG. 20a shows another embodiment for controlling the front
facing LED(s). The control unit 268 may receive a control signal
from a receiver 282. The receiver 282 may receive a wireless signal
from a transmitter 284 via a wireless format, such as Bluetooth.
The signal sent by the transmitter 284 may be a signal from the
motorcycle light control unit. For example, when the ignition key
of the motorcycle is turned on the headlight of the motorcycle is
turned on a control signal to turn on the helmet front facing LED
array may be produced. As another example, the helmet can turn on a
part of the LED array when the headlights are turned on and turn on
all of the LEDS of the array when the "high beam" of the motorcycle
headlight is turned on.
[0050] The control circuits of FIGS. 19 and 20a may also control
the brake and turn light LEDs that may be located on the back of
the helmet and discussed previously herein. For example, the brake
light LEDs on the back of the helmet could be turned on when the
controller 268/282 activates the brake light of the motorcycle.
Likewise when one of the turn signals of the motorcycle is
activated, the controller may turn on the turn signal LEDs on the
back of the helmet. The signals that control the brake and turn
signal LEDs on the back of the helmet may be controlled in a
pattern. For example, the brake signal LEDs could be blinked at a
steady rate or at a rate that increases as the braking force
applied increases. As another example, the array of LEDs for the
turn signal on the back of the helmet may be turned on and off in a
pattern that progresses from the center of the helmet toward the
direction in which the turn is to take place. When the turn signal
array is in the shape of an arrow this would create an arrow that
progressively points in the direction of the turn, further
enhancing the turn direction information conveyed to any driver
behind the motorcycle. In addition the brake light LEDs on the back
of the helmet could also be activated to help the following driver
distinguish the direction of the tern by using the brake light as a
reference.
[0051] FIG. 20b shows a still further embodiment. In this
embodiment a senor 292 located in the helmet and powered by the
battery 266 may be provided. The sensor 292 produces a control
signal supplied to the control unit 268 that controls, for example,
the brake light LEDs on the back of the helmet. The sensor 292 may
be one of several different types of sensors. For example, the
sensor 292 may be an accelerometer that produces a signal when the
motorcycle slows down or slows down at a rate above some threshold.
The rear brake LEDs could also flash at a rate that is proportional
to the deceleration or flash brighter proportional to the
deceleration. The sensor may be a distance type sensor, such as
ultrasonic sensor or radar sensor, that senses a distance of a
following vehicle and turns of the brake light LEDs when the
vehicle is closer that a threshold distance or is closing at above
a threshold closing rate.
[0052] A further alternative is for the accelerometer that will
turn the brake LEDs brighter when there is a deceleration and turn
on the left or right blinking turn signal LEDs when a lean to the
right or left is detected.
[0053] The discussion has included putting the batteries for the
LEDs in the helmet. It is also possible to provide a battery pack
that can be strapped to the waist or attached to the rider's belt.
The pack may also include the circuit components that drive the
LEDs of the helmet. A power cord or cable is then provided to
connect the helmet LEDs to the power pack. This will allow the
rider to dismount the bike without unhooking a power cord.
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