U.S. patent application number 15/589189 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-19 for helmet with fan.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mike P. ABRAHAMSON. Invention is credited to Mike P. ABRAHAMSON.
Application Number | 20180103711 15/589189 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61902403 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180103711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ABRAHAMSON; Mike P. |
April 19, 2018 |
HELMET WITH FAN
Abstract
The Present invention relates to ventilated protective headwear.
In particular, the invention relates to a helmet with forced air
from one or more fans built into the body of the helmet. The helmet
is most specifically for use with snowmobiling, motorcycling, ATVs,
and the like.
Inventors: |
ABRAHAMSON; Mike P.;
(Brainerd, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABRAHAMSON; Mike P. |
Brainerd |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61902403 |
Appl. No.: |
15/589189 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62305249 |
Mar 8, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B 3/205 20130101;
A42B 3/286 20130101; A42B 3/125 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A42B 3/28 20060101
A42B003/28; A42B 3/12 20060101 A42B003/12; A42B 3/20 20060101
A42B003/20 |
Claims
1. An article of ventilated protective headwear including: A. A
helmet having a chin guard with mesh having an internal surface and
an external surface; and B. A fan adjacent to said mesh, wherein
said fan is configured to push air into helmet or draw air out of
helmet.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein said fan is adjacent to said
external surface of said mesh.
3. The article of claim 2 further comprising a cover surrounding
said fan, said cover having at least one open side.
4. The article of claim 3 wherein said cover has at least one
semi-open side.
5. The article of claim 3 further comprising at least one strap
connecting said cover to said helmet.
6. The article of claim 5 wherein said helmet further comprises at
least one hook, said strap engaged with said hook.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein said fan is adjacent to said
internal surface of said mesh.
8. A ventilation system including: A. A helmet including a chin
guard with mesh having an internal surface and an external surface;
an external shell; a medial impact absorbent liner; and internal
padding; B. A first fan adjacent to said mesh, said first fan
configured to push air into said helmet or draw air out of said
helmet; C. A power supply electrically engaged with said first fan;
and D. A plurality of buttons attached to said helmet, said button
electrically engaged with said first fan.
9. The ventilation system of claim 8 further comprising a second
fan engaged with said helmet.
10. The ventilation system of claim 9 wherein said second fan is
positioned on the rear side of said helmet.
11. The ventilation system of claim 8 wherein said first fan
further comprises an air diverter.
12. The ventilation system of claim 8 wherein said padding defines
a hole for said first fan.
13. The ventilation system of claim 8 wherein said impact absorbent
liner defines a plurality of apertures to improve air flow within
helmet.
14. The ventilation system of claim 13 wherein said impact
absorbent liner defines a plurality of grooves to improve air flow
within helmet.
15. A method of ventilating a helmet including the steps of: A.
Connecting a first fan to the chin guard of a helmet; B. Engaging
said first fan to a power supply; C. Depressing at least one button
to turn on said fan; and D. Allowing said fan to push air into said
helmet or draw air out of said helmet.
16. The method of ventilating a helmet of claim 15 further
including the step of engaging said power supply with a power
supply housing.
17. The method of ventilating a helmet of claim 16 further
including the step of attaching said power supply housing to a
user.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to, and incorporates
by reference thereto, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/205,249 filed on Mar. 8, 2016.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field
[0002] The present invention relates to ventilated protective
headwear. In particular, the invention relates to a helmet with
forced air, most specifically for use with snowmobiling;
[0003] however, the invention is not so limited.
Background
[0004] A number of activities are associated with protective
headwear such as helmets. These include various sports and
recreational activities, such as, skiing, snowmobiling,
motorcycling, football, and the like.
[0005] In some cases, the flow of air in and out of the headwear
can be restricted and create difficulties. For example,
snowmobiling can have so little air flow that it can become hard to
breathe, and/or hard to ventilate heat from the helmet leading to
excessive sweating or even worse conditions relating to
overheating.
[0006] Various prior art solutions to this problem have been tried
but all suffer from a number of drawbacks. These include U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,813,696, 4,150,443, 4,498,202, 5,085,231, 5,921,467,
6,257,235, and 7,694,353.
[0007] Thus a need exists for an improved type of ventilated
protective headwear that substantially eliminates the drawbacks of
the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a user wearing a ventilation system connected
to a power supply according to one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts the backside of cover with fan removed;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of a ventilation
system;
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a helmet's chin guard with imbedded fan
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a diverter in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a helmet's impact absorbent liner with
apertures;
[0014] FIG. 7 depicts the rear side of a ventilation system having
a second fan;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematic for an embodiment with a
single fan; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematic for an embodiment having
dual fans.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following numbers shall refer to structures in the
figures as indicated: [0018] 10--Ventilation system; [0019]
12--User; [0020] 13--Vehicle; [0021] 20--Helmet; [0022] 21--Rear
side; [0023] 22--Shell; [0024] 23--Padding; [0025] 23a--Padding
hole; [0026] 24--Impact absorbent liner; [0027] 25--Chin guard;
[0028] 26--Front ventilation mesh; [0029] 26a--External surface of
front ventilation mesh; [0030] 26b--Internal surface of front
ventilation mesh; [0031] 27--Power supply connector; [0032]
28--Hooks; [0033] 29--Apertures; [0034] 30--Fan; [0035] 31--Second
fan; [0036] 32--Cover; [0037] 33--Strap; [0038] 35--Diverter;
[0039] 36--Air intake; [0040] 37--Air output; [0041] 40--Controls;
[0042] 41--Grooves; [0043] 42--Wiring; [0044] 43--Connector; [0045]
44--Splice; [0046] 45--Buttons; [0047] 50--Power supply; [0048]
52--Power cord; and [0049] 55--Power supply housing.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, helmet with a fan, hereinafter
"ventilation system" 10 is shown. In particular, the invention
comprises a helmet 20 with outer hard protective shell 22, which
covers the head and chin area of user 12, with an opening over the
face. Protective goggles, eyewear, or face shield can be attached
to the helmet as well. The helmet also includes interior padding
23, shown in FIG. 4, and impact absorbent liner 24, shown in FIG.
6.
[0051] The chin guard 25 includes a reversible electric fan 30 that
can move air into or out of the interior of the helmet for
ventilation and cooling purposes, shown generally in FIG. 4. Air
intake 36, and air output 37 are shown best in FIG. 3. The end of
the chin guard 25 of the helmet has a fan 30 mounted on the inside
of a hole in the chin guard, and a detachable protective cover 32
(see FIG. 2) fits over the outside of the fan. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict
cover 32, which is attached with a bungee cord like strap 33 to
hooks 28 mounted on the sides of the helmet chin guard, as shown in
FIG. 3. The cover protects the fan, which is located behind the
cover inside an opening in the end of the chin guard, from debris
that might impact the area. As shown best in FIG. 2, cover 32
includes open side 38 into which fan 30 is inserted, and semi-open
side 39 which optionally defines grating 34.
[0052] The fan is powered electrically. As shown in FIG. 1, power
cord 52 from the fan extends downward from power supply connector
27 (FIG. 3) of the helmet and can be plugged into power supply 50
worn on a vest or other article of clothing, or the fan can be
connected to battery of a device operated by the user such as a
snowmobile.
[0053] The fan 30 is a variable voltage device, preferably
operating in the range of 5-12 volts, which allows it to work with
different voltage sources, as well as operate at variable speeds.
The fan can provide air for ventilation or cooling purposes. For
example, when operating a snowmobile especially at high altitude,
the flow of air into a prior art helmet is restricted and can be
insufficient for cooling or to maintain necessary oxygen levels.
Further, if the snowmobile is stuck or in an area where it is
moving slowing, and the rider has to exert himself, then he might
become overheated or short of air and the fan can be used to
resolve the problem. The present invention uses forced air from the
fan to provide a sufficient supply of air for breathing and for
cooling.
[0054] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the helmet with a built
in fan, and with internal wiring including power supply connector
27 for a connection to a power supply 50. In particular, a front
fan (not shown) mounts inside/behind the front ventilation mesh 26
in the chin guard 25 of the helmet, adjacent to internal surface of
ventilation mesh 26b (not shown), preferably within padding hole
23a. As used herein, "external surface of ventilation mesh 26a"
shall refer to outwardly facing surface of ventilation mesh, while
"internal surface of ventilation mesh 26b" shall refer to inwardly
facing surface of ventilation mesh. Wires run from the fan,
internally along the inside of the chin guard to power supply
connector 27, which can be connected to a power supply 50. This
type of connection allows for easy connection, or disconnection in
case of repair, replacement of the power supply 50, or in emergency
situations. The power supply 50 is preferably a battery power
supply, that can be located on/inside the helmet, can be worn on
the rider's clothing or the power can be furnished from the power
supply of a device operated by the rider such as a snowmobile or
motorcycle battery. Generally, it is advantageous if the connector
43 is in a location where the rider can access it without removing
the helmet.
[0055] FIG. 3 shows operational buttons 45 which are waterproof,
suitably adapted to the operating environment of the invention. The
buttons turn the power on and off to the fan 30 (or second fan 31
described below). Also, the fans of the invention are reversible
such that they can force air in or out of the helmet and the
buttons 45 control the direction of the fans. In the event that
dual fans 30, 31 are used, the helmet can include 4 buttons to
provide control over both fans as described above. Wiring internal
to the helmet connects the buttons 45 to the fan(s) 30, 31 and to
the connector 43 as well as the power supply 50. The location of
one, two, three, or four buttons can be relocated to different
areas on the helmet for ease of manufacturing, for ergonomic
reasons, or for ease of use by the end user.
[0056] FIG. 4 is an internal view of the chin guard 25 of the
helmet showing the fan 30 embedded in a gap in the padding 23
located behind/inside the chin guard area of the helmet. The fan
can be installed into padding 23 during manufacturing, or added
after the fact. The wiring 42 for the fan goes along the foam
protection padding either below, beneath, or in a channel or groove
created therein. The exact placement of the fan can and will vary
depending on the helmet manufactures design.
[0057] FIG. 5 shows an air diverter 35 mounted onto the inside of
the fan 30. The diverter/deflector is helpful for a number of
reasons. First, the air diverter/deflector alleviates any frosting
or icing of the fan that can result from the rider breathing moist
air onto the fan that then condenses or freezes on the fan when it
contacts cold ambient air. Secondly air diverter/deflector helps
spread out the air flow from the fan to ventilate a larger surface
area of the rider, rather than have all the air directed at the one
spot and/or hitting the rider right in the mouth. Furthermore, the
air diverter/deflector can also be used to drive air into channels
created in the padding, where the air would be dispersed throughout
the helmet from holes in the padding. Still further, the channels
can be created in other internal padded structures inside the
helmet as well, or tubing can be used to direct air to different
locations in the helmet as well.
[0058] It should be understood that fan 30 is secured within a hole
in the chin guard, with the wiring to the buttons 45 extending
there from. In the event that the fan includes forward and reverse
directional controls, additional wiring would be included, and/or
additional buttons would be included. See also FIGS. 8 and 9, which
show more detailed views of the wiring.
[0059] It should be understood that a run/channel is preferably
provided in the padding 23 to embed the wiring. As noted, air vents
can be in the padding 23, and channels can be used, with or without
tubing, to direct the air flow to various parts of the helmet
through similar channels in the impact absorbent liner inside the
helmet.
[0060] It is desirable to wire fan with a quick disconnect
connector to enable the fan to be easily disconnected and removed
without removing any of the electrical components.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows the inside of a helmet with the inner head
cushion removed to show the impact absorbent liner 24. Apertures 29
are defined by impact absorbent liner. The apertures are aligned
with grooves or a channel carved into the top side of the impact
absorbent liner. The grooves lead from the top of the helmet to the
lower back, where a second fan 31 is placed, as shown in FIG. 7. In
this manner the two fans 30 and 31 can both push and pull air
through the helmet. Both fans are reversible in direction so air
can be moved through the helmet in any direction. These features
are described in more detail below.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, wires lead from the buttons 45 to
the electrical connector 43 which leads to the power supply
connector 27. Wires also go from the buttons 45 in the other
direction to the fan 30.
[0063] In an alternative embodiment, buttons 45 are replaced with
technology that allows for remote operational control of the fans
such as electronic devices that use Blue Tooth or voice commands to
operate the switches.
[0064] The location of the fan may vary from helmet to helmet
depending on the exact manufacturing specifications of the helmet
provider.
[0065] The wiring is run through and along impact absorbent liner
24, or through a channel in padding 23.
[0066] Second fan 31 is preferably installed in a hole in impact
absorbent liner 24, with wiring from fan including a quick fit
connector.
[0067] A cavity in impact absorbent liner 24 is used to channel air
through the helmet, from the fan 31 through apertures 29 in the
impact absorbent liner and channel(s) between the holes and the
fan.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, a notch in the bottom of impact
absorbent liner provides air flow.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, notches/channels created in the
top of impact absorbent liner provides air flow.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment, a cavity in the impact absorbent
liner can be used to house the power supply 50, which comprises a
battery pack. Power supply 50 can be built into the helmet;
however, as noted above the power supply can be located external to
the helmet--for example, on the rider's person/clothing or the
power can be provided from the device the rider is riding (i.e. a
snowmobile or motorcycle).
[0071] FIGS. 8 and 9 are block diagram schematics of the electoral
connections of the single and dual fan systems, respectively of the
present invention as described herein.
[0072] The helmet of the present invention would also be useful in
other applications including, racing events (car, trucks, SUVs,
motorcycles, ATVs), snowmobiles, in sports (football, baseball,
hockey), and in workplace activities as well (welding, mining,
chain sawing, hard hats with or without safety shields).
[0073] The invention assists with providing a high volume of fresh
air to the user, as well as removing exhausted air that can be high
in carbon dioxide. These and other advantages will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0074] While the various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the invention is not so limited. Also, the method and
apparatus of the present invention is not necessarily limited to
any particular field, but can be applied to any field where an
interface between a user and a computing device is applicable.
[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods, and materials are described below. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to
the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of
conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will
control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. Those
of ordinary skill in the art that have the disclosure before them
will be able to make modifications and variations therein without
departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, in
addition to the uses for the present invention described above, the
inventions can be used with any type of ATV, or Utility Task
Vehicle (UTV), including those used by off road, or trail
enthusiast for such things as trail riding, dunning, mudding, rock
crawling, go carts. The present invention is also suitable for use
in any hot environments where head gear is or can be worn, such as
sporting activities and events, snowboarding, skiing, BMX, skate
boarding, desert activities such as sand dune, desert, Baha-, dirt
track, stock car, four wheeler, mud runs, rodeos, or swamp boating
events. The invention is also applicable to military purposes, or
for medical purposes as well. The helmet of the present invention
can be of any style, including, (in addition to the style shown in
the Figures) full face (street or dirt style), open face or %
style, 1/2 helmet or beanie style.
* * * * *