Helmet Lighting System
Patent No. US11291261 (titled "Helmet Lighting System") was filed by Vernon Lombard on Sep 16, 2020.
What is this patent about?
’261 is related to the field of helmet-integrated lighting systems, specifically those designed to enhance visibility and signaling for users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and emergency personnel. Helmets traditionally offer protection, but lack active signaling capabilities. Integrating lighting directly into the helmet addresses this by providing a readily visible and intuitive signaling system.
The underlying idea behind ’261 is to embed LEDs within a helmet structure, creating a self-contained lighting system. This involves sandwiching the LEDs, a control circuit, and wiring between two layers of crash-resistant material. The key insight is to leverage the helmet's existing form factor to provide integrated lighting without significantly altering its protective function or adding excessive bulk.
The claims of ’261 focus on a helmet incorporating a lighting system with a first crash-resistant layer, multiple light-emitting devices (LEDs) arranged in strips on the front and rear, and a second layer coupled to the first, creating a space for the LEDs. A circuit board controls the LEDs, powered by a power source. Crucially, the circuit board is configured to display turn signals and a stop signal based on signals from the vehicle, and includes additional LEDs not used for signaling.
In practice, the helmet lighting system uses a microcontroller to interpret signals from the vehicle's signaling system (turn signals, brake lights). These signals then activate specific LED arrays on the helmet to mimic the vehicle's signals, enhancing the rider's visibility to other drivers. The system can be powered by a battery integrated into the helmet or connected to the vehicle's power supply. A motion sensor can also trigger an alarm if the helmet is moved while unattended.
’261 differentiates itself from simple add-on lights by integrating the lighting system directly into the helmet's structure. This provides a more streamlined and robust solution compared to externally mounted lights, which are more vulnerable to damage and may compromise the helmet's protective integrity. The integration also allows for more sophisticated signaling capabilities, such as automatically displaying turn signals and brake lights in sync with the vehicle, improving rider safety and visibility.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2000s when ’261 was filed, helmet-integrated lighting systems were at a time when systems commonly relied on discrete electronic components and wiring rather than highly integrated solutions. At a time when X was typically implemented using Y, where X is the integration of lighting into helmets, and Y is the use of individually mounted LEDs, circuit boards, and separate wiring within a multi-layered structure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the claims because the prior art of record did not teach a helmet with a lighting system where at least a portion of the light emitting devices are arranged within a plurality of strips, located on both forward and rearward portions of the helmet. The helmet also includes a second layer coupled to the first, providing space for the light emitting devices, and a circuit board configured to display turn signals and a stop signal in response to signals from a vehicle being ridden by the wearer. The light emitting devices further comprise a fourth portion that are not included in the first, second, and third portions.
Claims
This patent includes 26 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 9, and 15. The independent claims are directed to a helmet having a lighting system with various configurations of light emitting devices, circuit boards, and power sources. The dependent claims generally add specific features or limitations to the independent claims, such as the type of signaling mechanism, the location of components, or the inclusion of additional sensors.
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Date
Description
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US11291261
- Application Number
- US17023093
- Filing Date
- Sep 16, 2020
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Oct 3, 2026
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents