Dual helmet

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a dual-shell helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and that both helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet desired standards. The helmet includes a first shell defining a shell of a first helmet and a second shell defining a shell of a second helmet. The second shell is detachably disposed above the first shell, such that the helmet can be used as a single combined helmet when the two shells are together, and the second shell can also be separated from the first shell to form two separate helmets. The helmet includes a first cushioning pad disposed within the first shell, and a second cushioning pad for the second helmet, the second cushioning pad being detachably fitted within the first cushioning pad, such that the second cushioning pad can be separated by slightly bending the second cushioning pad, and subsequently, as needed, the second cushioning pad can be assembled with the second shell to form the second helmet and the first helmet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of protective headgear. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a protective helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and that the two helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet required industry standards. Background Technology

[0002] The background description includes information that can be used to understand the present invention. This background description is not an admission that any information provided herein is prior art or related to the currently claimed invention, nor is it an admission that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Protective helmets and headgear are known to protect the wearer's head from accidental injuries. For example, users / riders of two-wheeled vehicles worldwide are strictly required to wear helmets because they are most prone to accidents. Furthermore, construction workers frequently need to wear hard hats or other safety headgear due to the increased risk of falling objects in and around construction sites. Similarly, athletes need to wear protective helmets, such as football helmets, baseball helmets, hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, ski helmets, snowboard helmets, skydiving helmets, and cycling helmets, to protect their heads in the event of a high-impact collision.

[0004] Two-wheeled vehicle accidents account for the largest number of traffic accidents and fatalities worldwide. Strict warnings are in place in various jurisdictions around the world requiring two-wheeled vehicle riders to wear helmets. Furthermore, there are stringent standards regarding the type and attributes of helmets, which must be followed and maintained during helmet manufacturing. Helmets that do not meet or maintain these standards are not permitted to be manufactured or worn by riders while driving. Only certified helmets that meet these standards are permitted to be manufactured and used by riders.

[0005] The Department of Transportation (DOT), the Indian Standards Institute (ISI), the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), and the SNELL Memorial Foundation have established various types of certification standards for helmet manufacturers worldwide. Before a helmet is approved to meet these standards and allowed to be worn on the road by riders, it undergoes a variety of safety tests, including impact tests, penetration tests, and rigidity tests. All of these tests are conducted by the manufacturer. If a helmet fails these safety tests, the entire batch is recalled from the market. Furthermore, manufacturers may be subject to penalties if their helmets do not meet the standards.

[0006] Typical helmets available on the market are manufactured with the critical impact zones of the head in mind, areas that the rider can witness during an accident. Essentially, the head has four areas considered the most critical impact zones: the forehead, the top of the head, the ears, and the back of the head. A typical helmet includes a rigid outer shell defining the exterior and interior of the shell, configured to be worn over the wearer's head and extending to provide circumferential and vertical protective coverage over the top of the wearer's skull. The helmet includes an impact absorber line located beneath the rigid outer shell. Additionally, multiple comfortable pads are located within this absorber line and positioned above the most critical impact zones in the rider's head and face (chin). The helmet features a face shield to protect the rider from dust and wind. Furthermore, a retaining system is included to keep the helmet above the rider's head.

[0007] Two-wheeled vehicles are mostly ridden by one or two riders. The first rider is the driver, and the second rider is the person sitting behind the driver. In general practice, the driver is accustomed to wearing a helmet; however, the person sitting behind the driver usually does not wear any helmet. This irresponsible practice has undermined the effectiveness of the stringent warnings used by jurisdictions to reduce the number of fatal accidents and deaths caused by two-wheeled vehicle traffic accidents.

[0008] However, recent stringent warnings in India and around the world have compelled both riders to wear standard-compliant helmets. This has resulted in two riders using two different helmets while riding. Due to these restrictions and warnings, it is difficult for riders to carry two helmets, as the space in their vehicles for helmet storage is limited to just one. Vehicles such as scooty have space under the seat. However, this space is limited to storing only one helmet. Furthermore, motorcycles only have space for hanging one helmet.

[0009] In many situations, when riding on the road or during a ride, a single rider (the driver of the vehicle) is required to accompany another rider without prior notice. Even if the driver is wearing his / her helmet, the second rider cannot ride with the driver because, under normal circumstances, a single rider will not carry an additional helmet.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a protective helmet that can be easily and quickly converted into two helmets with different protective cushioning, and that both helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet the required industry standards.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure

[0012] Some of the objectives of this disclosure are satisfied by at least one embodiment described herein, as listed below.

[0013] The purpose of this disclosure is to protect the driver and front passenger of a vehicle, particularly the driver and front passenger of a two-wheeled vehicle, from accidents.

[0014] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a robust and reliable protective helmet that can be easily and quickly converted into two helmets with protective cushioning.

[0015] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a protective helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and that the two helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet the required industry standards.

[0016] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a compact and comfortable cushioning device for helmets that can be easily and quickly converted into two sets of cushioning pads for two different helmets when needed.

[0017] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cushioning device comprising two cushioning pads that are detachably assembled with each other, wherein the two cushioning pads have an effective design that allows the two cushioning pads to form a single, compact and comfortable cushioning pad when assembled together.

[0018] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a compact and effective retention system for helmets that can be easily and quickly converted into two sets of retention straps for two different helmets when needed. Summary of the Invention

[0019] This disclosure relates to a protective helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and that the two helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet required industry standards.

[0020] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a dual helmet adapted to transform into two separate helmets. The dual helmet may include a first shell adapted to be worn over a user's head and extending circumferentially and vertically over the user's head. The dual helmet may also include a second shell adapted to be detachably fitted over the first shell, such that at least a portion of the second shell is adapted to move between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to an expanded position, in which the second shell expands to allow separation from the first shell, and the second position may correspond to a retracted position, in which the second shell retracts and is adapted to be fitted over either the first shell or the user's head. Furthermore, the dual helmet may include a protective cushioning device adapted to be fitted onto an inner surface of the first shell. The protective cushioning device may include a first cushioning pad and a second cushioning pad, the first cushioning pad adapted to be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell, and the second cushioning pad adapted to be detachably fitted onto the inner surface of the second shell and within either the first cushioning pad.

[0021] Therefore, when the second shell is separated from the first shell, the first cushioning pad can be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell to form a first helmet, and the second cushioning pad can be fitted onto the inner surface of the second shell to form a second helmet. Furthermore, when the second shell is fitted over the first shell, the protective cushioning pad device can be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell to form a combined helmet.

[0022] In one aspect, the first cushioning pad may include a first set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the first cushioning pad, such that a first set of recesses are formed between the first set of protrusions. Furthermore, the second cushioning pad may include a second set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the second cushioning pad, such that a second set of recesses are formed between the second set of protrusions. Therefore, when the second cushioning pad is assembled within the first cushioning pad to form a protective cushioning device, the first set of protrusions of the first cushioning pad can engage with the second set of recesses of the second cushioning pad, and the second set of protrusions of the second cushioning pad can engage with the first set of recesses of the first cushioning pad.

[0023] In one aspect, the first helmet and / or the second helmet may include locking devices to facilitate locking of the first helmet and the second helmet, thereby forming a combined helmet. In another aspect, the dual helmet may include comfort foam adapted to be detachably fitted and disposed within either the first cushioning pad and the second cushioning pad or a combination thereof, and wherein the dual helmet includes a face protector adapted to be detachably coupled to any of the first helmet, the second helmet, and the combined helmet.

[0024] In one aspect, the dual helmet may include a first strap and a second strap, which are detachably connected to each other to form a combined strap, and may be adapted to hold any one of the first helmet, the second helmet, and the combined helmet above the user's head. The first strap may be adapted to be fitted with the first helmet, the second strap may be adapted to be fitted with the second helmet, and the combined strap may be adapted to be fitted with the combined helmet. Furthermore, each of the first and second straps may include an ear canal to accommodate the user's ear. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings, similar parts and / or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various parts of the same type can be distinguished by adding a second numeral after the reference numeral to differentiate among multiple similar parts. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any similar parts having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0027] Figure 1A An exemplary view of a first embodiment of a dual helmet (with a face shield or chin guard) in a combined state, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0028] Figure 1B An exemplary side view and an exemplary front view of a second embodiment of a dual helmet (without a face shield or chin guard) in a combined state, as proposed according to an embodiment of the present invention, are shown.

[0029] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A An exemplary view of the proposed dual helmet, which is divided into a first helmet and a second helmet.

[0030] Figure 1D It shows Figure 1B An exemplary view of the proposed dual helmet, which is divided into a first helmet and a second helmet.

[0031] Figure 1E It shows Figure 1A An exemplary view of a first helmet and a second helmet that are completely separated from each other.

[0032] Figure 1F It shows Figure 1B An exemplary view of a first helmet and a second helmet that are completely separated from each other.

[0033] Figure 1G It shows Figure 1A , Figure 1C and Figure 1E An example of a combined view.

[0034] Figure 1H It shows Figure 1B , Figure 1D and Figure 1F An example of a combined view.

[0035] Figure 2 An exemplary view of a first and second cushioning pad in a proposed dual helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is a detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are described in as much detail as possible to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the contemplation of the embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0038] If the specification states that a component or feature "may," "will," "is able to," or "may" be included or have a certain characteristic, then that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that characteristic.

[0039] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the words “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein and throughout the following claims shall have the meaning of the plural. Furthermore, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, as used herein, “in” shall have the meaning of both “in” and “on”.

[0040] The use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof in this document means that the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as any additional items, are included. The terms “a” and “an” in this document do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the cited items is present. Furthermore, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., in this document does not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but is used to distinguish one element from another.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “for example”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. The language in the specification should not be construed as indicating any unclaimed elements necessary to carry out the invention.

[0042] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each member of a group may be cited and claimed individually, or in any combination with other members of that group or other elements found herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group may be included in or removed from the group. When any such inclusion or removal occurs, this specification is deemed to contain the modified group thereby satisfying the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which these exemplary embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be presented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, all statements and specific examples of embodiments of the invention described herein are intended to cover structural and functional equivalents of those embodiments. Additionally, these equivalents are intended to include both currently known equivalents and those developed in the future (i.e., any element developed that performs the same function, regardless of its structure).

[0044] This disclosure relates to a protective helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and that the two helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet required industry standards.

[0045] According to one aspect, this disclosure describes in detail a dual-shell helmet adapted to transform into two separate helmets. The dual-shell helmet may include a first shell adapted to be worn over a user's head and extending circumferentially and vertically over the user's head. The dual-shell helmet may also include a second shell adapted to be detachably fitted over the first shell, such that at least a portion of the second shell is adapted to move between a first position and a second position. The first position may correspond to an expanded position, where the second shell expands to allow separation from the first shell, and the second position may correspond to a retracted position, where the second shell retracts and is adapted to be fitted over either the first shell or the user's head. Furthermore, the dual-shell helmet may include a protective cushioning device adapted to be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell. The protective cushioning device may include a first cushioning pad and a second cushioning pad, the first cushioning pad adapted to be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell; the second cushioning pad adapted to be detachably fitted into either the inner surface of the second shell or the first cushioning pad. Therefore, when the second shell is separated from the first shell, the first cushioning pad can be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell to form a first helmet, and the second cushioning pad can be fitted onto the inner surface of the second shell to form a second helmet. Furthermore, when the second shell is fitted over the first shell, the protective cushioning pad device can be fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell to form a combined helmet.

[0046] In one embodiment, the first cushioning pad may include a first set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the first cushioning pad, such that a first set of recesses are formed between the first set of protrusions. In another embodiment, the second cushioning pad may include a second set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the second cushioning pad, such that a second set of recesses are formed between the second set of protrusions. Therefore, when the second cushioning pad is assembled within the first cushioning pad to form a protective cushioning pad device, the first set of protrusions of the first cushioning pad can engage with the second set of recesses of the second cushioning pad, and the second set of protrusions of the second cushioning pad can engage with the first set of recesses of the first cushioning pad.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second cushioning pads may be adapted to be bent in order to facilitate the removal of the second cushioning pad from the first cushioning pad.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first helmet and / or the second helmet may include a locking device to secure the first helmet and the second helmet, thereby forming a combined helmet. Furthermore, the locking device may facilitate locking the second helmet in a second position.

[0049] In one embodiment, the dual helmet may include a first strap and a second strap, which are detachably connected to each other to form a combined strap, and the first strap and the second strap may be adapted to hold any one of the first helmet, the second helmet, and the combined helmet above the user's head. The first strap may be adapted to be fitted with the first helmet, the second strap may be adapted to be fitted with the second helmet, and the combined strap may be adapted to be fitted with the combined helmet. Furthermore, each of the first and second straps may include an ear canal to receive the user's ear.

[0050] In one embodiment, the dual helmet may include a comfort foam adapted to be detachably fitted and disposed within either or a combination of a first and a second cushioning pad, and wherein the dual helmet includes a face protector adapted to be detachably attached to any of the first helmet, the second helmet, and the combined helmet.

[0051] refer to Figures 1A to 1H The proposed dual helmet 100 (also referred to herein as helmet 100 or combined helmet 100) can be converted into two separate helmets, namely a first helmet 102-1 and a second helmet 102-2, and can be further converted and combined into dual helmet 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, the proposed helmet 100 can be configured to transform into, for example... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The combined helmet 100 shown, and as shown Figure 1E and Figure 1F The illustrated separated state shows the combined helmet 100 separated into a first helmet 102-1 and a second helmet 102-2. The helmet 100 may include a first shell (also labeled 102-1 herein) and a second shell (also labeled 102-2 herein), which are detachably assembled to each other and respectively define the shell of the first helmet 102-1 and the shell of the second helmet 102-2. The combined helmet 100 (in the combined state) and the first helmet 102-1 and the second helmet 102-2 (in the separated state) can be configured to be worn on the head of a wearer (also referred to herein as a rider or user) and can extend circumferentially and vertically above the top of the wearer's skull to protectively cover the head and protect the wearer's chin and face.

[0053] refer to Figure 1C and Figure 1DIn one embodiment, the second helmet 102-2 may have a second shell 102-2 detachably mounted above the first shell 102-1, such that at least a portion of the second shell 102-2 can be expanded to allow the second helmet 102-2 to separate from the first helmet 102-1, thereby separating the dual helmet 100 into two separate helmets. Once the second helmet 102-2 has separated from the first helmet 102-1, the second shell 102-2 of the second helmet can retract from its expanded state. (See reference...) Figure 1C The second helmet 102-2 may be provided with locks 104-1 and 104-2 to lock the second shell portion of the second helmet 102-2, thereby keeping the second helmet 102-2 in the retracted state.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, the second shell 102-2 of the second helmet 102-2 can be expanded and divided into two parts, which can be hinged to each other at at least one point 106.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, when the dual helmet is used as a single helmet in its combined state, locks 104-1 and 104-2 facilitate locking the second helmet 102-2 above the first shell of the first helmet 102-1. Furthermore, when the dual helmet is converted into two sets of helmets, locks 104-1 and 104-2 also facilitate locking the second shell to form the second helmet 102-2.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 1F As shown, the second helmet 102-2 may include a set of locking mechanisms 104-3 and 104-4 located on the left / right and rear lower sides of the second helmet 102-2, respectively. Furthermore, the first helmet 102-1 may include a set of locking guides 104-5 and 104-6 located on the left / right and rear lower sides of the first helmet 102-1, respectively. The locking mechanisms 104-3 and 104-4 may be adapted to engage with and be locked within the locking guides 104-5 and 104-6, thereby enabling the first helmet 102-1 and the second helmet 102-2 to be locked together, thus providing a combined helmet 100.

[0057] In one embodiment, the dual helmet 100 may include a first cushioning pad 108-1 (also referred to herein as a first protective cushion or a first foam) and a second cushioning pad 108-2 (also referred herein as a second protective cushion or a second foam), the first cushioning pad 108-1 and the second cushioning pad 108-2 being detachably assembled together and disposed within a first housing such that when the dual helmet 100 is used as a single helmet in a combined state (combined helmet 100), the first cushioning pad 108-1 and the second cushioning pad 108-2 can be used as a single cushioning pad (also referred herein as a protective cushioning pad device).

[0058] In one embodiment, a first cushioning pad 108-1 may be permanently or removably disposed within a first housing 102-1, while a second cushioning pad 108-2 may be removably fitted within the first cushioning pad 108-1. Furthermore, the second cushioning pad 108-2 may be detached from the first cushioning pad 108-1 and may be fitted within the second housing 102-2 of a second helmet 102-2 to provide a first helmet 102-1 and a second helmet 102-2, each having a different cushioning pad and both meeting desired industry standards.

[0059] In one embodiment, the helmet 100 may include a comfort foam 110, which is detachably fitted and disposed within a first cushioning pad 108-1 and / or a second cushioning pad 108-2 to provide additional comfort to the wearer. In another embodiment, such as Figure 1A , Figure 1C , Figure 1E and Figure 1G As shown, the first helmet 102-1 and / or the second helmet 102-2 may include a face shield 112 (also referred to herein as a chin guard), which is fitted together with the corresponding shell to protect the wearer's face and chin from impacts and accidents. The face shield 112 may also be provided with comfort foam on the inside to provide comfort and protection to the wearer.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 1B , Figure 1D , Figure 1F and Figure 1H As shown, helmets 102-1 and 102-2 may include goggles 114 made of a transparent material to protect the wearer from wind, dust, water, and sunlight. The goggles 114 may be movably fitted to helmets 102-1 and / or 102-2 to allow the wearer to adjust the goggles 114 as needed. The first helmet 102-1 and the second helmet 102-2 may include a visor guide 120 to secure the goggles 114 to the respective helmet.

[0061] In one embodiment, comfort foam may be attached to the first cushioning pad 108-1 and the second cushioning pad 108-2, as well as the face shield 112, to provide additional impact protection to the first helmet 102-1 and the second helmet 102-2.

[0062] The dual helmet 100 may include a second shell located on the outermost side of the dual helmet 100 and associated with the second helmet 102-2. The helmet may include a first shell 102-1 disposed within the second shell and associated with the first helmet 102-1. The helmet 100 may also include a first cushioning pad 108-1 fitted within the first shell 102-1 and associated with the first helmet 102-1.

[0063] In one embodiment, a second cushioning pad 108-2 associated with the second helmet 102-2 may be detachably fitted within the first cushioning pad 108-1, such that the second cushioning pad 108-2 can be easily separated from the first cushioning pad 108-1 by slightly bending either the second cushioning pad 108-2 or the first cushioning pad 108-1. In another embodiment, when the dual helmet is used as a combined helmet 100, the second cushioning pad 108-2 may be reassembled with the first cushioning pad 108-1 to form a combined foam 108, or to form a combined cushioning pad 108.

[0064] In one embodiment, the dual helmet 100 may include comfort foam 110 disposed within the second cushioning pad 108-2. In another embodiment, the first helmet 102-1 may include ear foam pads 118-1, and the second helmet 102-2 may include ear foam pads 118-2 to provide comfort to the wearer's ears and protect the wearer's ears from impacts and accidents.

[0065] Reference Figure 1F In one embodiment, the dual helmet may include a first strap 116-1 and a second strap 116-2, which are detachably connected to each other using Velcro (but not limited to) to form a combined strap. The first strap 116-1 may be associated with a first helmet 102-1, and the second strap 116-2 may be associated with a second helmet 102-2 to facilitate holding either the dual helmet 100, the first helmet 102-1, or the second helmet 102-2, or a combination thereof, above the wearer's head.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the materials of the first housing 102-1, the second housing 102-2, and the face shield 112 may be selected from combinations of materials including, but not limited to, glass fiber, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, composite fiber, plastic, metal, alloy, and aramid.

[0067] In one embodiment, the lining of the first housing 102-1 and the lining of the second housing 102-2 may be provided with any one or a combination of polystyrene foam and koroyd materials with shock absorption capabilities, but are not limited to such materials.

[0068] In one embodiment, the retention system may include two sets of straps riveted to a first shell 102-1 associated with a first helmet and a second shell 102-2 associated with a second helmet, respectively. In one embodiment, the sets of straps may include one or more engagement devices, such as, but not limited to, rivets, to attach the sets of straps to the first shell 102-1 and the second shell 102-2. When the helmet is used as a combination helmet, the two sets of straps may be connected to each other using Velcro or similar fasteners. When the dual helmets are used in a separate state, the two sets of straps can be separated and used as separate retention systems for the first helmet 102-1 and the second helmet 102-2, respectively.

[0069] In one embodiment, the straps may include a set of foam components assembled with the straps in the retention system. The straps may include ear canals to receive the wearer's ears. The retention system may also include a set of locking elements to hold and secure the helmet over the wearer's head.

[0070] In one embodiment, the foam assembly can be detached from the retention system and can be used as comfort foam for or around the ears of the helmet wearer. In an exemplary embodiment, the foam assembly can be fitted with Velcro to attach the foam assembly to the portion of the helmet surrounding the wearer's ears in a second helmet.

[0071] In one embodiment, a first buffer pad 108-1 may be permanently or removably disposed within a first housing 102-1, while a second buffer pad 108-2 may be removably assembled and disposed within the first buffer pad 108-1. In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first buffer pad 108-1 facing the second buffer pad 108-2 may have a serrated arrangement of a first set of protrusions (also referred to herein as first male couplings) positioned at predetermined locations, such that a first set of recesses (also referred to herein as first female couplings) are formed between the first set of protrusions. Furthermore, the surface of the second buffer pad 108-2 facing the first buffer pad 108-1 may have a serrated arrangement of a second set of protrusions (also referred to herein as second male couplings) positioned at predetermined locations, such that a second set of recesses (also referred to herein as second female couplings) are formed between the second set of protrusions.

[0072] In one implementation, such as Figure 2As shown, when the helmet 100 is in the combined state, the first set of protrusions of the first buffer pad 108-1 can engage with the second set of recesses of the second buffer pad 108-2, and the second set of protrusions of the second buffer pad 108-2 can engage with the first set of recesses of the first buffer pad 108-1, thereby combining the two buffer pads 108-1 and 108-2 together to form the combined buffer pad 108.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the second cushioning pad 108-2 may be a structure suitable for being fitted between the second shell 102-2 (as associated with the second helmet 102-2) and the first cushioning pad 108-1. In one embodiment, the structure of the second cushioning pad 108-2 may have a second set of recesses 206 or cut-out portions 206 (also referred to herein as second female engagement devices 206) configured at predetermined locations around the structure of the second cushioning pad 108-2.

[0074] In one embodiment, bending the second cushioning pad 108-2 facilitates pulling or removing the second cushioning pad 108-2 from the first cushioning pad 108-1. In one embodiment, the first cushioning pad 108-1 may include a strip 204 fitted within the structure of the first cushioning pad 108-1 to facilitate bending of the first cushioning pad 108-1, thereby removing the second cushioning pad 108-2 from the first cushioning pad 108-1.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the structure of the second cushioning pad 108-2 may be made of a material selected from polystyrene and polystyrene foam, but is not limited to such materials.

[0076] Furthermore, the first cushioning pad 108-1 may be a structure suitable for being fitted within a first housing 102-1 associated with the first helmet 102-1. The structure of the first cushioning pad 108-1 may be adapted to accommodate a second cushioning pad 108-2 when needed. In one embodiment, the structure of the first cushioning pad 108-1 may have a first set of protrusions 202 (also referred to herein as a first male engagement device 202) configured at predetermined locations around the structure of the first cushioning pad 108-1.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the structure of the first cushioning pad 108-1 may be made of a material selected from polystyrene and polystyrene foam, but is not limited to such materials.

[0078] In one embodiment, when the dual helmet 100 is in the combined state, the first male engagement device 202 associated with the first buffer pad 108-1 can engage with the second female engagement device 206 associated with the second buffer pad 108-2 in order to attach the second buffer pad 108-2 within the first buffer pad 108-1.

[0079] As used herein, and unless the context otherwise requires, the term “linked to” is intended to include both direct linking (in which two elements are connected to or in contact with each other) and indirect linking (in which at least one additional element is located between two elements). Therefore, the terms “linked to” and “linked with” are used synonymously. In the context of this document, the terms “linked to” and “linked with” are also semantically used to indicate “communicatively coupled” to a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other via the network, possibly through one or more intermediate devices.

[0080] Furthermore, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced element, component, or step may exist, be used, or be combined with other elements, components, or steps not explicitly referenced. Where the specification or claims refer to at least one thing selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, ..., N, this should be interpreted as requiring only one element from that group, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[0081] Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above, other and further embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, variations, or examples, which are included to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to them.

[0082] Advantages of the present invention

[0083] This invention protects the driver and front passenger of a vehicle, particularly the driver and front passenger of a two-wheeled vehicle, from accidents.

[0084] The present invention provides a robust and reliable protective helmet that can be easily and quickly converted into two helmets with protective cushioning.

[0085] The present invention provides a protective helmet that can be easily converted into two helmets with protective cushioning, and the two helmets are comfortable, robust, safe, and meet the required industry standards.

[0086] The present invention provides a compact and comfortable cushioning device for helmets, which can be easily and quickly converted into two sets of cushioning pads for two different helmets when needed.

[0087] The present invention provides a cushioning device comprising two cushioning pads detachably assembled with each other, wherein the two cushioning pads have an effective design that allows the two cushioning pads to form a single, compact and comfortable cushioning pad when assembled together.

[0088] The present invention provides a compact and effective retention system for helmets that can be easily and quickly converted into two sets of retention straps for two different helmets when needed.

Claims

1. A dual-helmet, the dual-helmet being adaptable to transform into two separate helmets, the dual-helmet comprising: A first housing, adapted to be worn on a user's head, and extending circumferentially and vertically above the user's head; A second housing, adapted to be detachably mounted on top of the first housing, such that at least a portion of the second housing is adapted to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to an expanded position, in which the second housing expands to allow separation of the second housing from the first housing, and the second position corresponds to a retracted position, in which the second housing retracts and is adapted to be mounted on top of either the first housing or the user's head; and A protective cushioning device, adapted to be fitted onto the inner surface of the first housing, wherein the protective cushioning device comprises: A first cushioning pad, adapted to be fitted onto the inner surface of the first housing, and A second buffer pad, the second buffer pad being adapted to be detachably fitted into either the inner surface of the second housing or the first buffer pad; Wherein, when the second shell separates from the first shell, the first cushioning pad is fitted onto the inner surface of the first shell to form a first helmet, and the second cushioning pad is fitted onto the inner surface of the second shell to form a second helmet; and When the second shell is mounted on top of the first shell, the protective cushioning device is mounted on the inner surface of the first shell to form a combined helmet.

2. The dual-face helmet according to claim 1, wherein, The first cushioning pad includes a first set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the first cushioning pad, such that a first set of recesses are formed between the first set of protrusions.

3. The dual-layer helmet according to claim 2, wherein, The second cushioning pad includes a second set of protrusions positioned at predetermined locations on the inner surface of the second cushioning pad, such that a second set of recesses is formed between the second set of protrusions.

4. The dual-face helmet according to claim 3, wherein, When the second buffer pad is assembled inside the first buffer pad to form the protective buffer pad device, the first set of protrusions of the first buffer pad engages with the second set of recesses of the second buffer pad, and the second set of protrusions of the second buffer pad engages with the first set of recesses of the first buffer pad.

5. The dual-face helmet according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first and second cushioning pads is adapted to be bent in order to remove the second cushioning pad from the first cushioning pad.

6. The dual-face helmet according to claim 1, wherein, Either the first housing and the second housing, or a combination of the first housing and the second housing, includes a locking device configured to lock the second housing in the second position and to lock the first housing and the second housing together to provide the combined helmet.

7. The dual-face helmet according to claim 1, wherein, The dual helmet includes a first strap and a second strap, which are detachably connected to each other to form a combined strap, and the first strap and the second strap are adapted to hold any one of the first helmet, the second helmet and the combined helmet above the user's head.

8. The dual-face helmet according to claim 7, wherein, The first strap is adapted to be fitted with the first helmet, the second strap is adapted to be fitted with the second helmet, and the combined strap is adapted to be fitted with the combined helmet.

9. The dual-face helmet according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the first and second straps includes an ear canal to accommodate the user's ear, and wherein the first and second straps are detachably connected to each other using Velcro.

10. The dual-face helmet according to claim 1, wherein, The dual helmet includes a comfort foam adapted to be detachably fitted and disposed within either the first and second cushioning pads or a combination of the first and second cushioning pads, and wherein the dual helmet includes a face protector adapted to be detachably attached to any of the first helmet, the second helmet, and the combined helmet.

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