Patent · US Expired

Helmet with sound ducts

US5361419A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
17References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 12, 1991
Grant dateNov 8, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 12, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA42B3/30
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A helmet for use with a bicycle, motorcycle or other vehicle. In one embodiment, a duct is located at each side of the helmet, and used for the dual functions of drawing air from the interior of the helmet and channeling ambient sounds inside the helmet where the sounds can be heard by a user. Sounds may be enhanced by the use of microphones, speakers, and other electronic equipment. The side ducts extend to the rear of the helmet and help to reduce drag and turbulence-induced vibration due to air flow. In another embodiment, separate air and sound ducts are located at each side of the helmet. The separate air and sound ducts function more efficiently because air and sound waves pass through different inlet ports and openings in the helmet. Breakaway joints may be used for the helmet. The breakaway joints provide increased protection for a user because the joints will break apart when the helmet is subjected to excessive forces, causing the air and sound ducts to break apart and separate from the rest of the helmet. The helmet has an adjustable face shield which may be moved forward or backward.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.