Apparatuses and Methods for Adjusting the Temperature Inside a Helmet

Abstract

This disclosure includes various helmets that may include: a thermoelectric element having at least one heating surface and at least one cooling surface, a thermally conductive cloth disposed within the helmet and selectively coupled to either the heating surface or the cooling surface such that the cloth is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, and a power source. Some of the present helmets include a switch configured to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric element. Others of the present helmets include a plurality of thermally conductive fins disposed on an exterior surface of the helmet.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to helmets and more specifically, but not by way of limitation, to helmets with adjustable internal temperature (e.g., heating and / or cooling the climate inside a helmet).[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Examples of helmets with mechanisms for adjusting internal temperature are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,021, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,304.[0005]During an impact, a user's brain is particularly susceptible to injury, for example, traumatic brain injury, which can result in death or life-long disability. Such brain injuries can occur in various settings, including, but not limited to, sporting activities such as football or automobile racing, recreational activities such as bicycling, and / or occupational activities such as construction work. Typically, helmets are a necessary safety feature for preventing serious injury during such activities, and are often mandated by law. While helmets can ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Embodiments of the present helmets can be configured to selectively cool and / or heat the interior of the helmet such that the helmet is suitable for a wide range of activities in varying environmental conditions without compromising the structural integrity of the helmet.

Problems solved by technology

During an impact, a user's brain is particularly susceptible to injury, for example, traumatic brain injury, which can result in death or life-long disability.

While helmets can significantly reduce the risk and / or severity of head injuries, helmets can pose their own unique problems related to the helmet / head interface.

Therefore, depending on the type of helmet and the environment in which it is worn, current helmets can noticeably inhibit a user's ability to regulate their body temperature.

If a user wears such a helmet in a hot climate (e.g., the interior of a racing car), evaporation of perspiration may be inhibited due to the insulating nature of the full helmet and / or helmet padding.

Therefore, such a helmet may make the user may be more susceptible to overheating, dehydration, and / or exhaustion.

However, such air flow channels may make such helmets less desirable in cold environments.

For example, in a cold environment, air flow channels within the helmet may improve convective heat transfer away from the user's head and result in an increased risk for illness, exhaustion and / or hypothermia.

Therefore, a user may be required to wear an additional insulating item underneath the helmet or a different helmet without cooling channels to ensure adequate warmth.

Additionally, cooling vents can compromise the structural strength of a helmet and may be unsuitable for applications requiring full head coverage (e.g., hard hats).

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