Helmet power adaptor devices and systems

Abstract

Device and system for adapting an RCA or E-LinQ™ cable powering a helmet into a communication device power source. A communicator connector powers a wireless communication device; an RCA or E-LinQ™ inlet receives power over the RCA or E-LinQ™ cable from a stable power source; an RCA or E-LinQ™ connector powers the helmet thereby providing passthrough connectivity from the stable power source to the helmet.

Description

HELMET POWER ADAPTOR DEVICES AND SYSTEMSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to powering a communication device and, more particularly, to sharing power from a vehicle with a helmet and a communication device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Snowmobile and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders often rely on in-helmet wireless communication systems to communicate with one another, or to perform hands-free phone calls. These communication systems typically rely on batteries for power.

[0003] In cold weather, particularly during extremely cold conditions, batteries tend to have a reduced capacity. Cold temperatures increase the internal resistance of the battery, which impedes the efficiency of the chemical reactions. Consequently, the battery's ability to hold a charge and supply powerto the communication system is diminished.

[0004] Despite this inherent characteristic, the communication system remains a vital component for snowmobile and ATV riders, for instance, for safety reasons. The ability to quickly communicate with other riders and access emergency services may be crucial, especially in remote or hazardous environments. Additionally, the communication system may enable riders to receive important updates and enhance situational awareness during their trips. Enhancing battery charge during a trip, especially in cold weather, may be challenging. The present invention provides at least a partial solution to this problem.SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In a first aspect, the technique described herein relates to a device for adapting an RCA cable powering a helmet into a communication device power source. The device comprises a communicator connector powering a wireless communication device, an RCA inletreceiving power over the RCA cable from a stable power source, and an RCA connector for powering the helmet. The device thereby provides passthrough connectivity from the stable power source to the helmet.

[0007] Additionally, or alternatively, the device may comprise a power adaption module for providing a power signal compatible with a USB™ standard and the communicator connector may be adapted to be compatible with the USB™ standard.

[0008] Additionally, or alternatively, the device may comprise a light indicator activating when the device is supplying power from the RCA cable to the helmet.

[0009] Additionally, or alternatively, the device may comprise a light strip connector for powering a light strip therethrough from the stable power source, and a button configured to selectively activate the light strip. Additionally, the button may select one or more colour schemes of the light strip.

[0010] In a second aspect, the technique described herein relatesto a system for powering a communication device using an RCA cable powering a helmet. The system comprises an RCA cable, powered from a vehicle, an output RCA cable powering the helmet, a communication cable powering the communication device, and an adaptor device. The adaptor device may comprise an RCA inlet for receiving power from the RCA cable, an RCA connector for powering the output RCA cable, and a communicator connector for powering the communication cable.

[0011] Additionally, or alternatively, the system may comprise a communicator cable disconnectably-connectable to the communicator connector. The communicator cable may comprise a terminal connector and a cable light indicator. The terminal connector may be located at an end of the communicator cable and may expose a voltage wire and a ground wire such that the voltage wire and the ground wire may be disconnectably-connected to a device. The cable light indicator may be attached to the terminal connector and connected to the voltage wire and the ground wire such that the cable light indicator activates when the communicator cable is powered through the communicator connector;

[0012] Additionally, or alternatively, the communicator connector may be a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

[0013] Additionally, or alternatively, the adaptor device may comprise a light indicator configured to activate when the RCA connector is providing power to the helmet.

[0014] Additionally, or alternatively, the system may comprise a light strip detachably- attachable to the helmet and the adaptor device may comprises a light strip connector for powering the light strip and a button configured to activate the light strip. Additionally, or alternatively, the button may select one or more colour schemes of the light strip.

[0015] In a third aspect, the technique describe herein relates to a device for adapting an E-LinQ™ connector powering a helmet into a communication device power source. The device comprises a communicator connector for powering a wireless communication device through a vehicle power source, an E-LinQ™ inlet interface compatible with an E-LinQ™ cable connected to the vehicle power source and configured to receive power therefrom when detachably-attached thereto, and an E-LinQ™ outlet interface configured to provide an E- LinQ™ inlet interface and to provide power to the helmet when detachably-attached thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, the communicator connector may be a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

[0016] Additionally, or alternatively, the device may comprise a light indicator configured to activate when the device is receiving power from the E-LinQ™ cable.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the technique described herein relate to a system for powering a communication device using an E-LinQ™ connector powering a helmet. The system comprises an E-LinQ™ cable connected to a vehicle and configured to be powered therefrom, a helmet comprising an E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet wherein the E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet is configured to power the helmet, and an adaptor device. The adaptor device may comprise a communicator connector for powering the communication device, an E-LinQ™ inlet interface compatible with the E-LinQ™ cable and configured to receive power therefrom when detachably-attached thereto, and an E-LinQ™ outlet interface compatible with the E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet and configured to provide power thereto when detachably-attached thereto.

[0018] Additionally, or alternatively, the system may comprise a communicator cable disconnectably-connectable to the communicator connector. The communicator cable may comprise a terminal connector and a cable light. The terminal connector may be located at anend of the communicator cable and exposing a voltage wire and a ground wire such that the voltage wire and the ground wire may be disconnectably-connected to a device. The cable light indicator may be attached to the outlet connector and connected to the voltage wire and the ground wire such that the light indicator activates when the inlet connector is connected to the power source.

[0019] Additionally, or alternatively, the communicator connector may be a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

[0020] Additionally, or alternatively, the adaptor device may comprise a light indicator configured to activate when the E-LinQ™ outlet interface is providing power to the helmet.

[0021] Additionally, or alternatively, the inlet connector and the outlet connector may be compatible with the USB™ standard.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further features and exemplary advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1A and IB, together Figure 1, are pictures depicting an exemplary embodiment of an RCA adaptor device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is pictures depicting an exemplary embodiment of an RCA adaptor device installed on a helmet in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a drawing depicting an exemplary embodiment of an RCA adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a picture depicting an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 5A, Figure 5B, Figure 5C, Figure 5D and Figure 5E, together Figure 5, are drawings depicting views of an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. More particularly:• Figure 5A is a drawing depicting a top view of an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.• Figure 5B is a drawing depicting a front view of an exemplary E-LinQ.™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.• Figure 5C is a drawing depicting a side view of an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.• Figure 5D is a drawing depicting a back view of an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.• Figure 5E is a drawing depicting an isometric view of an exemplary E-LinQ™ adaptor device in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a drawing depicting an exemplary illuminated cable in accordance with the teaching of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Riders of snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) often wear helmets for protection. The helmets make it inconvenient to use wired communication devices, and often a wireless communication device is used inside of the helmet. The wireless communication device allows for hands-free and distraction-free communication. This helps maintain the rider's focus on the road and reduces the risk of accidents caused by handling a phone while driving. Snowmobiling and riding ATVs is also often done in groups and having a communication device allows riders to communicate with each other easily. For instance, this maybe useful for coordinating routes, discussing safety concerns, or calling for assistance in case of emergencies. Additionally, some communication devices may be designed for snowmobile of ATVs and include GPS tracking, trail mapping, avalanche beacon integration, and emergency alert systems, enhancing safety and riding snowmobiling experience. Consequently, running out of battery for the communication device may compromise the safety of drivers.

[0030] Meanwhile, snowmobile and ATV helmets have seen several technological advancements in recent years, aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for riders.Heated visors are one example, where the helmet is designed to prevent fogging and ice buildup on the visor, ensuring clear visibility in cold and snowy conditions. These visors often feature integrated heating elements and can be controlled by the rider. Energy to power the heating element is typically provided by the vehicle. Manufacturer like Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) have innovated in ways to transmit power to from the vehicle to the helmet. Using an RCA cable has become increasingly common for that purpose and, more recently, E-LinQ™ connectors have been introduced. The E-LinQ™ connectors are disk shaped electromagnetic and electric connectors for use for snowmobile and ATV accessories such as helmet-mounted heated visors or outdoor clothing. Connecting the helmet to the vehicle ensures that the heated visor never runs out of power. Unfortunately, the visor connector is not meant to connect more than one device and especially not a device that does not use the same RCA or E-LinQ.™ connection interface.

[0031] A first aspect of the teachings presented herein relates to a device for adapting an RCA cable powering a helmet into a communication device power source. In a second aspect, the technique described herein relatesto a system for powering a communication device using an RCA cable powering a helmet. Both aspects are discussed hereinbelow as an RCA adaptor. Reference is now made to the drawings in which Figures 1 to 3 depict an RCA adaptor 100 attachable to a helmet 300.

[0032] When referring to "powering a helmet", persons skilled in the art will readily understand that it is not necessarily the helmet that is being powered, but rather one or many devices attached to the helmet. For instance, the device attached to the helmet may comprise a heated visor, a camera, a GPS, an avalanche transceiver, lights, etc. For simplicity, powering these devices attached to a helmet is referred to as powering a helmet.

[0033] The RCA adaptor 100 provides a communicator connector 104 for powering a wireless communication device (not shown), an RCA inlet 105 for receiving power overthe RCA cable (not shown) and an RCA connector 101 for powering the helmet 300. From the perspective of the helmet 300, the RCA adaptor 100 is a passthrough device that does not affect the signal (e.g., power) received from the RCA cable. One exemplary purpose of the RCA adaptor 100 is to convey power from a stable power source (e.g., a vehicle, a larger battery, ...) towards the communicator connector 104.

[0034] The RCA adaptor 100 may also comprise a light indicator 108 activating when the device is supplying power from the RCA cable to the helmet 300. The light indicator 108 may provide an efficient way for the user to ensure that the RCA connector 101 and the helmet 300 are correctly connected. In one embodiment, the light indicator 108 may comprise more than one LEDs and at least of the LEDs may be configured to illuminate when the RCA adaptor 100 draws a current of more than 0.6 amperes towards the helmet 300.

[0035] The RCA inlet 105 may be an RCA female connector. In other embodiments, the RCA inlet 105 may be a male connector, or a cable, straight or coiled, terminated with an RCA male or female connector. Similarly, the RCA connector 101 may be an RCA male connector. In one embodiment, the RCA connector 101 is a short, coiled cable terminated with a rightangle male RCA connector. In other embodiments, the RCA connector 101 may be a female RCA connector, or a cable, coiled or not, terminated with a male or female connector.

[0036] The communicator connector 104 may be compatible with a USB™ standard such as USB™ C or a micro-USB™ connector. Persons skilled in the art will readily recognize that other types of connectors could be used to accommodate other electronic devices such as a GPS, a headlight, or a camera for example.

[0037] Reference to "RCA" connectors, cables and the likes described herein refer to the RCA cables typically used to carry audio and video and also known as a phono connector. As skilled persons will recognize, RCA connectors and cables may also be used to carry a small amount of electrical power. In many cases, the metal sleeve of an RCA connector or cable serves as a ground or shielding conductor. While this ground connection is meant primarily to be used for signal integrity and noise reduction, it can also provide a pathway for a limited amount of electrical power.

[0038] A snowmobile or an ATV would typically provide a voltage that is compatible with vehicles' 12V system (i.e., the voltage of a vehicle battery is expected to be 12V while the voltage from an alternator of the snowmobile or ATV may be higher than 12V, but may still be referred to as a 12V power source). As such, in certain embodiments, the RCA adaptor 100 receives 12V power input through a female RCA connector 105. In one embodiment, the RCA adapter 100 further comprises a power adaption module (not shown) or converter for providing a power signal compatible with a USB™ standard. That is, depending on the USB™target voltage, the 12V power input is lowered to 5V in order to supply the specified voltage to the communication system through the communicator connector 104.

[0039] The power adaptation module may convert voltage using a voltage regulator (linear or switching), DC-DC converters or any other specialized integrated circuits designed for voltage conversion tasks. In one embodiment, the circuit uses a buck converter to lower the voltage.

[0040] In one embodiment, the communicator connector 104 provides female USB-C port and an extendable cable with a male USB™ connector (e.g., USB-C) is provided to connect thereto, and on the other end of the cable, provide USB-C and / or micro-USB™ female connector configured to connect to the communication system. Skilled persons will recognize that exact connectors may vary. For this reason, the communicator connector 104 may be configured as a generic port that allows different cables to be used, for example USB-C to micro-USB™.

[0041] In one embodiment, the RCA connector 101 may be an extendable cable with a 90- degree male RCA connector configured to connect to a female RCA connector of a heated visor (not shown) of the helmet 300.

[0042] The RCA adaptor 100 may also connect to a light strip 109 through a light connector 107 thereof. The light strip 109 may, for instance, be detachably attachable to the back of the helmet 300. The light strip 109 may, in addition to providing increased visibility of the rider, be used to identify the rider. That is, in one embodiment, the light strip 109 may use RGB LEDs and colour schemes of the light strip 109 may be changed by pressing a light strip button 106 of the RCA adaptor 100 one or more times. For instance, each time the button is pressed, the color scheme of the light strip 109 may change (e.g., from red, to green, to yellow, to blue, and to pink). In one embodiment, an "off" state is added to the sequence of colour schemes so that a single button can be used for selective activation and configuration of the light strip 109. Disabling the light strip 109 may be useful when, for instance, the rider has a passenger seated behind and does not wish to have the light shining in their face.

[0043] In a third aspect, the technique described herein relates to a device for adapting an E-LinQ™ connector interface powering a helmet (not shown) into a communication device (not shown) power source. In a fourth aspect, the technique described herein relates to asystem 200 for powering the communication device using an E-LinQ™ connector interface powering the helmet. Both aspects are discussed hereinbelow as an E-LinQ.™ adaptor 200 with particular reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0044] The E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 may be placed on an E-LinQ™ connector 201 of the helmet. In one embodiment, an E-LinQ™ outlet interface 202 is located on one face of E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 and is configured to detachably attach to an E-LinQ™ interface 201 of the helmet (i.e., where the power E-LinQ™ cable would normally be attached). One exemplary purpose of the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 is to convey power from a stable power source (e.g., a vehicle, a larger battery, ...) towards the communicator connector 203. The E-LinQ™ power cable (not shown) from the vehicle is detachably attachable on an opposite face of the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200, where an E-LinQ™ inlet interface 207 is provided. A communicator connector 203 is provided to allow connection of the communication device. Once assembled, the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 draws power from the vehicle and powers the helmet and the communication device. From the perspective of the helmet, the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 is a passthrough device that does not affect the signal (e.g., power) received from the E-LinQ™ power cable.

[0045] The E-LinQ™ outlet 202 and the E-LinQ™ inlet 207 may be a E-LinQ™ male or female connector. In other embodiments, the E-LinQ™ outlet 202 and the E-LinQ™ inlet 207 may be a cable, straight or coiled, terminated with a E-LinQ™ male or female connector. Positioning each of the E-LinQ™ outlet 202 and the E-LinQ™ inlet 207 on opposite sides of a disk may be an effective configuration as the disk may seamlessly be positioned on the helmet where it may be held in place magnetically without encumbrance for the rider.

[0046] A snowmobile or an ATV would typically provide a voltage that is compatible with vehicles' 12V system (i.e., the voltage of a vehicle battery is expected to be 12V while the voltage from an alternator of the snowmobile or ATV may be higher than 12V, but may still be referred to as a 12V power source). As such, in certain embodiments, the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 receives 12V power input through a E-LinQ™ inlet interface 207. In one embodiment, the E-LinQ™ adaptor 200 further comprises a power adaption module (not shown) or converter for providing a power signal compatible with a USB™ standard. That is, depending on the USB™ target voltage, the 12V power input is lowered to 5V in order to supply the specified voltage to the communication system through the communicator connector 203.

[0047] The power adaptation module may convert voltage using a voltage regulator (linear or switching), DC-DC converters or any other specialized integrated circuits designed for voltage conversion tasks. In one embodiment, the circuit uses a buck converter to lower the voltage.

[0048] In one embodiment, the communicator connector 203 provides female USB-C port and an extendable cable with a male USB™ connector (e.g., USB-C) is provided to connect thereto, and on the other end of the cable, provide USB-C and / or micro-USB™ female connector configured to connect to the communication system. Skilled persons will recognize that exact connectors may vary. For this reason, the communicator connector 203 may be configured as a generic port that allows different cables to be used, for example USB-C to micro-USB™.

[0049] Reference is now made to Figure 5 where a drawing depicts an illuminated cable 500. In each technique described hereinabove, the communicator connector (not shown) may be connected to an illuminated cable 500. The illuminated cable comprises a voltage wire and a ground wire (not shown) running through the illuminated cable 500, an inlet connector 501, an outlet connector 502, and a cable light indicator 503. The inlet connector 501 may be located at a first end of the cable and exposes the voltage wire and the ground wire such that they may be connected or disconnected to a power source. The outlet connector 502 may be located at a second end of the cable and expose the voltage wire and the ground wire such that they may be connected or disconnected to a device. The cable light indicator 503 may be located next to the outlet connector 502 and may be connected to the voltage wire and the ground wire such that it may illuminate whenever the inlet connector 501 is connected to the power source.

[0050] In one embodiment, the illuminated cable 500 is a USB™ compatible cable and the light indicator 503 is a LED cylinder located next to the outlet connector 502. When the USB™ cable 500 is connected to a USB™ port and the USB™ port is powering the cable, the LED cylinder 503 illuminates to indicate that the cable is properly powered. By providing a cable light indicator 500, the user readily knows when the cable is properly connected and powered without having to test the connected device.

[0051] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiment(s) of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for adapting an RCA cable powering a helmet into a communication device power source, the device comprising:- a communicator connector powering a wireless communication device;- an RCA inlet receiving power over the RCA cable from a stable power source; and- an RCA connector for powering the helmet, the device thereby providing passthrough connectivity from the stable power source to the helmet.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a power adaption module for providing a power signal compatible with a USB™ standard, wherein the communicator connector is adapted to be compatible with the USB™ standard.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a light indicator configured to activate when the device is supplying power from the RCA cable to the helmet.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:- a light strip connector for powering a light strip therethrough from the stable power source; and- a button configured to selectively activate the light strip.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the button is further configured to select one or more colour schemes of the light strip.

6. A system for powering a communication device using an RCA cable powering a helmet, the system comprising:- an RCA cable, powered from a vehicle;- an output RCA cable powering the helmet;- a communication cable powering the communication device; and- an adaptor device comprising:an RCA inlet for receiving power from the RCA cable; an RCA connector for powering the output RCA cable; and a communicator connector for powering the communication cable.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising:- a communicator cable disconnectably-connectable to the communicator connector, the communicator cable comprising: a terminal connector located at an end of the communicator cable and exposing a voltage wire and a ground wire such that the voltage wire and the ground wire may be disconnectably-connected to a device; and a cable light indicator attached to the terminal connector and connected to the voltage wire and the ground wire, wherein the cable light indicator is configured to activate when the communicator cable is powered through the communicator connector.

8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the communicator connector is a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

9. The system of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the adaptor device further comprises a light indicator configured to activate when the RCA connector is providing power to the helmet.

10. The system of any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising:- a light strip, wherein the light strip is detachably-attachable to the helmet; and wherein the adaptor device further comprises:- a light strip connector for powering the light strip; and- a button configured to activate the light strip.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the button is further configured to select one or more colour schemes of the light strip.

12. A device for adapting an E-LinQ™ connector powering a helmet into a communication device power source, the device comprising:- a communicator connector for powering a wireless communication device through a vehicle power source;- an E-LinQ™ inlet interface compatible with an E-LinQ™ cable connected to the vehicle power source and configured to receive power therefrom when detachably-attached thereto; and- an E-LinQ™ outlet interface configured to provide an E-LinQ™ inlet interface and to provide power to the helmet when detachably-attached thereto.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the communicator connector is a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

14. The device of claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising a light indicator configured to activate when the E-LinQ™ outlet interface is providing power to the helmet.

15. A system for powering a communication device using an E-LinQ™ connector powering a helmet, the system comprising:- an E-LinQ™ cable connected to a vehicle and configured to be powered therefrom;- a helmet comprising an E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet wherein the E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet is configured to power the helmet; and- an adaptor device comprising: a communicator connector for powering the communication device; an E-LinQ™ inlet interface compatible with the E-LinQ™ cable and configured to receive power therefrom when detachably-attached thereto; and an E-LinQ™ outlet interface compatible with the E-LinQ™ inlet interface of the helmet and configured to provide power thereto when detachably-attached thereto.

16. The system of claim 15 further comprising:- a communicator cable, disconnectably-connectable to the communicator connector, the communicator cable comprising: a terminal connector located at an end of the communicator cable and exposing a voltage wire and a ground wire such that the voltage wire and the ground wire may be disconnectably-connected to a device; and a cable light indicator attached to the terminal connector and connected to the voltage wire and the ground wire, wherein the cable light indicator is configured to activate when the communicator cable is powered through the communicator connector.

17. The system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the communicator connector is a USB C or a micro-USB connector.

18. The system of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the adaptor device further comprises a light indicator configured to activate when the adaptor device is powered by the E-LinQ™ cable.

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