Adapter, configured to releasably attach a camera to a full-face type helmet, and a full-face type helmet comprising such an adapter

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter (25), configured to releasably attach a camera (23) for capturing a video image to a full-face type helmet (1), wherein: • - the adapter comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of a recess (15) of a chin section (9) of the helmet to allow the adapter to be releasably attachable to said chin section; and • - the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct (27) extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user. The invention furthermore relates to a full-face type helmet for protecting a head of a user comprising such an adapter.

Description

[0001] Title: Adapter, configured to releasably attach a camera to a full-face type helmet, and a full-face type helmet comprising such an adapter

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an adapter that is configured to releasably attach a camera, in particular a camera for capturing a video image, to a full-face type helmet. The present invention furthermore relates to a full-face type helmet comprising such an adapter.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Helmets for cycling and motorcycling are well known in the art. One type of helmet is a full-face helmet that covers the entire face of the person wearing the helmet to provide optimal protection during action sports. Full face helmets typically include an outer shell with two main openings, wherein the front opening may be covered by a visor, and the lower opening covers the head of the person wearing the helmet and accommodates the neck of the person wearing the helmet. These fullface helmets are for instance commonly used in bicycle motocross (BMX), motocross, (down-hill or enduro) mountainbiking, racing, and in wintersports.

[0006] In action sports, there has been a trend towards mounting cameras on helmets, including full-face helmets, over the last few years. Conventionally, cameras are often mounted on the top of the helmet, or at a side of the helmet. Cameras mounted in this way have several disadvantages. A camera mounted on top of or at a side of the helmet is prone to being damaged. Also, the helmet itself is often in the recorded field of view of the camera. In addition, these locations of a camera might make putting on goggles or other equipment more difficult. Further, when the camera records sounds the camera will pick up a lot of wind noise.

[0007] Mounting a camera more close to the forehead of the user would overcome some of these drawbacks. However, this would compromise the structural integrity of the helmet, leading to suboptimal safety of the helmet.

[0008] An alternative way of mounting the camera to the helmet is with a chin mount. A chin mount attaches a camera to the helmet at the location of the chin of the user. This has the advantage of the helmet not being in the recorded field of view of the camera. However, the chin mount is protruding forward relative to the helmet, which has several disadvantages. Firstly, the weight of the chin mount and the camera may cause the helmet to be displaced (drop forward), disrupting the view of the user and leading to suboptimal protection of the user’s head. Secondly, when performing jumps the chin mount can come into contact with the handlebar, which may inadvertently adjust the position or orientation of the camera relative to the helmet, damage the camera, displace the helmet on the user’s head or cause the (motor) bike to be moved in an unwanted direction.

[0009] United States patent application US 2022 / 031006 A1 is considered the closest prior art, and discloses a protective helmet for motorcycle riders, pilots or racing car drivers that comprises a visual communication system. The visual communication system comprises an array of light emitting devices arranged inside the helmet in a manner such that light emitted by the light emitting devices is visible to a user of the helmet. The light emitting devices are configured to emit specific light patterns, a pattern being associated with a specific driving or riding aid. The array of light emitting devices is located outside of the user field of view and the generated light signal is directed towards a peripheral vision portion of the user. The helmet furthermore comprises a forward mounted camera arranged to film the environment in the field of view of the user, that is arranged in the chin section of the helmet. Relative to this prior art document, at least the characterizing features of claim 1 are novel.

[0010] United States patent applications US 2006 / 277666 A1 and US 2017 / 127746 A1 disclose helmets that comprise a camera that is mounted at the location of the forehead.

[0011] United States patent application US 2005 / 278833 A1 , as well as international patent application WO 2016 / 140384 A1 and the German patent application DE 10 2013 019775 A1 , are acknowledged as further prior art.

[0012] Thus, there is a need for a solution that is able to provide full-face helmet with a camera system that overcomes these disadvantages.

[0013] Object of the invention

[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide for a full-face helmet with an improved camera system. It is a further object of the invention to provide for a full-face helmet with a camera system that provides a realistic point-of-view, while not compromising the structural integrity of the helmet.

[0015] It is a further object of the invention to provide for a full-face helmet with a camera system that combines a realistic point-of-view and improved user comfort, while not compromising the structural integrity of the helmet.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] Said objective is achieved with the adapter, configured to releasably attach a camera for capturing a video image to a full-face type helmet, according to claim 1 of the present invention, wherein: the adapter comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of a recess of a chin section of the helmet to allow the adapter to be releasably attachable to said chin section; and the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

[0018] The adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user. These ducts add to the performance and comfort of a user wearing the helmet. Performance is especially important when the helmet with camera system is used by elite riders during races. The comfort of air ducts facilitating sufficient fresh air to the user is however also important outside races, for example when professional athletes and amateurs may wear the helmet during prolonged training sessions.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the adapter, the one or more than one air duct is defined between the chin section and the adapter. The adapter may comprise a recess that defines the air duct between an outer wall of the adapter, and an inner wall of a recess in the chin section.

[0020] According to a more preferred embodiment of the adapter, the one or more than one air duct is defined between the adapter and the camera. In a similar manner as air ducts being formed between the chin section and the adapter, a recess in the adapter that is configured to receive the camera may have recesses that, when the camera is placed into said recess, defines air ducts between the camera and the adapter. Said objective is furthermore achieved with a full-face type helmet for protecting a head of a user according to claim 2 of the present invention, comprising such an adapter, wherein: the adapter of the camera system comprises the shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section to thereby releasably attach the camera to the chin section; and the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

[0021] The full-face type helmet is configured for protecting a head of a user comprising a shell for protecting a cranium of the head, and a chin part attached to said shell. The chin part has a substantially U-shaped design comprising two cheek sections and a chin section that connects the cheek sections to one another at their ends opposite the shell. The shell and the chin part together define a visor opening. The helmet further comprises a camera system comprising a camera for capturing a video image. The chin section comprises a recess, and the camera system extends at least partially into the recess. An adapter of the camera system comprises the shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section, wherein the adapter is configured to releasably attach the camera to the chin section.

[0022] The full-face helmet according to the present invention records a video image having a realistic point-of-view (the camera recording generally in a line of sight of the user) while not compromising the structural integrity of the helmet. In addition, because the camera system extends at least partially into a recess in the chin section, the camera system is protruding less, such that it has a better weight distribution than conventional chin mounts that position the camera in a vulnerable position in front of the chin part. This improved weight distribution leads to improved user comfort. A camera mounted on a side of the helmet causes a shift in the centre of gravity to the left or right side, and a more protruding chin mount causes a shift forwards.

[0023] Further benefits of the full-face helmet according to the present invention are that the camera is less prone to being damaged, specifically since at least part of the camera system extends into the recess and is thus protected by the chin part of the helmet. Compared to the traditional chin mounts, the camera system is also less likely to come into contact with the handlebar of the (motor) bike for instance while performing jumps. The location at the chin part makes the camera system easy to operate, specifically when compared with a camera mounted on top of the helmet. Furthermore, the camera system forms no hinder for putting on goggles or other equipment. In addition, a microphone of the camera system may pick up less wind noise.

[0024] Detailed embodiments

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the full-face helmet according to the present invention, the camera system comprises a shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section.

[0026] According to the invention, an adapter of the camera system comprises the shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section, wherein the adapter is configured to releasably attach the camera to the chin section. This may mean that the outer contour of the adapter is shaped and dimensioned to be complementary to at least a part of the inner contour of the recess.

[0027] It can be imaged that such an adapter is used to make the system versatile for different sizes or shapes of cameras. This allows the user to select an adapter that can be used to releasably attach the camera of their choice, without the need to have different helmets for each different camera size or shape. It further allows the use of cameras that do not have a shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section, because the camera can be attached to an adapter that has a shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section.

[0028] According to an even further preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user. The one or more than one air duct may be defined between at least one of the chin section and the adapter, and the adapter and the camera. A better air flow towards the mouth of the user is beneficial for the availability of oxygen to the user, which may improve their performance.

[0029] The above-mentioned adapter may further comprise one or more than one air guide that is configured to guide air into the one or more than one air duct. This may improve the flow of air such that more oxygen reaches the mouth of the user.

[0030] It may also be possible to attach an air filter to the chin section. In this way, when there is no need for a camera system the recess in the chin section can be closed-off by an air filter to prevent e.g. insects, sand or debris from flying into the user’s mouth.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, the camera system comprises a power source operably connectable to the camera.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, this power source is arranged in the shell. Specifically, it may be arranged in a back part of the shell.

[0033] Having a power source connected to the camera, but not necessarily directly attached to the camera has the advantage of allowing the power source to be located in the shell, leaving more room for the other elements of the camera system in the recess of the chin section. An additional benefit may be an improved weight distribution. Placement of the power source at the back of the shall counterbalances the weight of the camera in the chin section, and thereby balances the total weight of the camera system relative to a neck of the user. This increases user comfort.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the power source may be removed from the helmet independently of the camera. It may also be possible to remove the power source together with the camera, and then disconnect the power source from the camera. This allows for easy charging of the power source, but also for easy selection of a power source with the appropriate capacity for the next intended use. For instance selection of a more light-weight power source with less capacity for a short race of a few minutes, compared to a power source with higher capacity (which is generally heavier) for a tour of a couple of hours.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the camera system comprises one or more than one microphone.

[0036] In an embodiment of this, the one or more than one microphone comprises a first microphone that is directed towards the user, and configured to record audio produced by the user. In a further embodiment, that may be combined with this embodiment, the one or more than one microphone comprises a second microphone that is directed away from the user, and configured to record audio from the environment.

[0037] Thus, the camera system may comprise two microphones: a first microphone facing towards the user, and a second microphone facing away from the user. A microphone facing towards the user is advantageous for recording a voiceover while filming, since the microphone is located close to the mouth of the user and the microphone is mostly shielded from the wind. Additionally, the microphone faced towards the user may also be used for operating the camera via voice commands, allowing the user to start and stop recording handsfree. On the other hand, a microphone facing away from the user is advantageous for instance while racing. The user may have an accelerated or heavier breathing, and a microphone facing away from the user is picking up less breathing sounds.

[0038] The invention furthermore relates to an adapter, configured to releasably attach a camera for capturing a video image to a full-face type helmet, wherein: the adapter comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of a recess of a chin section of the helmet to allow the adapter to be releasably attachable to said chin section; and the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

[0039] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

[0040] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the invention are illustrated in the following description with reference to the enclosed drawings which are provided by way of illustration only and which are not limitative to the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more of the objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.

[0041] Brief description of the drawings

[0042] The present invention is described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are shown and in which like reference numbers indicate the same or similar elements. Fig. 1 shows an example of a full-face type helmet according to the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows an example of a detail of a chin section of the full-face type helmet of Figure 1 and a camera system.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows another example of a detail of a chin section of the fullface type helmet of Figure 1 and a camera system.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a detail of the chin section of the full-face helmet of Figure 1 , wherein the camera system is replaced by an air filter.

[0046] Detailed description

[0047] Fig. 1 shows an example of a full-face type helmet 1 according to the present invention. The helmet 1 comprises a shell 3 for protecting a cranium of the head. The helmet 1 further comprises a chin part 5 attached to said shell 3. The chin part 5 has a substantially U-shaped design comprising two cheek sections 7 and a chin section 9. The chin section 9 connects the cheek sections 7 to one another at their ends opposite the shell 3. The shell 3 and the chin part 5 together define a visor opening 11.

[0048] The helmet 1 comprises a camera system 21 comprising a camera 23 for capturing a video image. The chin section 9 comprises a recess 15. The camera system 21 extends at least partially into the recess 15.

[0049] The camera system 21 comprises a power source 29 operably connectable to the camera 23.

[0050] The power source 29 is arranged in the shell 3, specifically in a back part of the shell 3.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a detail of a chin section of a full-face type helmet 1 according to the present invention and a camera system 21. The camera system 21 comprises a shape corresponding to the recess 15 of the chin section 9.

[0052] The camera system 21 comprises air ducts 27 extending in the recess 15 and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

[0053] The camera system 21 comprises a first microphone 24 facing towards the user, configured to record audio produced by the user, and a second microphone 26 facing away from the user configured to record audio from the environment. Fig. 3 shows a detail of a chin section 9 of a full-face type helmet 1 according to the present invention and a camera system 21.

[0054] An adapter 25 of the camera system 21 comprises the shape corresponding to the recess 15 of the chin section 9, wherein the adapter 25 is configured to releasably attach the camera 23 to the chin section 9. Although it is preferred that the adapter 25 comprises a recess 33 configured to releasably receive a camera 23, preferably of one of the major action cam suppliers, it is also conceivable that the camera 23 may be integrated into the adapter 25 according to an alternative embodiment (shown in Figure 2). Using an adapter 25 provides a very versatile system, because the shape of the adapter 25 may be selected to correspond to the shape of a chin section 9 of a specific type of helmet 1 of the user. After all, different types of helmets 1 may have chin sections 9 having recesses 15 in various shapes. Moreover, the adapter 25 may be provided in various alternatives to provide recesses 33 that are configured to releasably receive a camera 23 of different types and / or brands, preferably of one of the major action cam suppliers. The adapter 25 defines air ducts 27 extending in the recess 15 of the chin section 9, wherein said air ducts 27 are configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

[0055] The air ducts 27 are defined by a recessed part of the outer wall of the adapter 25, such that, when the adapter is arranged in the recess 15 of the chin section 9, the air ducts 27 are defined between the chin section 9 and the adapter 25. It can be imagined that air ducts 27 can also be defined between the adapter 25 and the camera 23 in a similar way, i.e. by recessed parts 35 in the inner wall of recess 33 of the adapter 25, or can be comprised within the adapter 25.

[0056] The adapter 25 comprises air guides 28 that are configured to guide air into the air ducts 27.

[0057] The camera 23 comprises a first microphone 24 facing towards the user, configured to record audio produced by the user, and a second microphone 26 facing away from the user configured to record audio from the environment.

[0058] Fig. 4 shows an additional benefit of the full-face type helmet 1 according to the present invention: an air filter 31 that comprises a shape corresponding to the recess 15 of the chin section 9 can also be releasably attached to the helmet 1 when the camera system is not needed. Modifications and additions to arrangement disclosed above are obvious to those skilled in the art and covered by the scope of the appended claims. Although they show preferred embodiments of the invention, the above described embodiments are intended only to illustrate the invention and not to limit in any way the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that where features mentioned in the appended claims are followed by reference signs, such signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting on the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is particularly noted that the skilled person can combine technical measures of the different embodiments. The scope of protection is defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Adapter, configured to releasably attach a camera for capturing a video image to a full-face type helmet, wherein: the adapter comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of a recess of a chin section of the helmet to allow the adapter to be releasably attachable to said chin section, characterized in that the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

2. Adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more than one air duct is defined between the chin section and the adapter.

3. Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more than one air duct is defined between the adapter and the camera.

4. A full-face type helmet for protecting a head of a user comprising: a shell for protecting a cranium of the head, a chin part attached to said shell, having a substantially U-shaped design comprising two cheek sections and a chin section that connects the cheek sections to one another at their ends opposite the shell, wherein the shell and the chin part together define a visor opening; and a camera system comprising a camera for capturing a video image, wherein the chin section comprises a recess, and wherein the camera system extends at least partially into the recess, characterized in that said helmet comprises an adapter according to claim 1 , wherein: the adapter of the camera system comprises the shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section to thereby releasably attach the camera to the chin section; and the adapter comprises or defines one or more than one air duct extending into the recess and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

5. The full-face type helmet according to claim 4, wherein the camera system comprises a shape corresponding to the recess of the chin section (9).

6. The full-face type helmet according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the one or more than one air duct is defined between the chin section and the adapter.

7. The full-face type helmet according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the one or more than one air duct is defined between the adapter and the camera.

8. The full-face type helmet according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the adapter comprises one or more than one air guide that is configured to guide air into the one or more than one air duct.

9. The full-face type helmet (1) according to any of claims 4-8, wherein the camera system comprises a power source operably connectable to the camera.

10. The full-face type helmet according to claim 9, wherein the power source is arranged in the shell.

11. The full-face type helmet according to claim 10, wherein the power source is arranged in a back part of the shell.

12. The full-face type helmet according to any of claims 4-11 , wherein the camera system comprises one or more than one microphone.

13. The full-face type helmet according to claim 12, wherein the one or more than one microphone comprises a first microphone that is directed towards the user, and configured to record audio produced by the user.

14. The full-face type helmet according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more than one microphone comprises a second microphone (26) that is directed away from the user, and configured to record audio from the environment.

Images