NL2035251B1

NL2035251B1 - A full-face type helmet comprising a camera system

Info

Publication number: NL2035251B1
Application number: NL2035251A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Gerjan Kimmann Niek
Original assignee: Nigeki B V
Priority date: 2023-07-04
Filing date: 2023-07-04
Publication date: 2025-01-10
Also published as: CN121099926A; WO2025009965A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a full-face type helmet 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.

Description

Title: A full-face type helmet comprising a camera system

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a full-face type helmet. In particular, it relates to a full-face helmet comprising a camera system.

Background of the invention

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 full- face helmets are for instance commonly used in bicycle motorcross (BMX), motorcross, (down-hill or enduro) mountainbiking, racing, and in wintersports.

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.

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.

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.

Thus, there is a need for a full-face helmet with a camera system that overcomes these disadvantages.

Object of the invention

It is therefore 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.

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.

Summary of the invention

At least one of the foregoing objects is achieved according to the present invention that relates to a full-face type helmet 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.

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.

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.

Detailed embodiments

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.

In a further preferred embodiment, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 5 microphone that is directed away from the user, and configured to record audio from the environment.

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 voice- over 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.

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.

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.

Brief description of the drawings

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.

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.

Fig. 3 shows another example of a detail of a chin section of the full- face type helmet of Figure 1 and a camera system.

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.

Detailed description

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

The camera system 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 of a full-face type helmet 1 according to the present invention and a camera system 21.

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.

The adapter 25 defines air ducts 27 extending in the recess 15 and configured to guide air towards a mouth of the user.

The air ducts 27 are defined between the chin section 9 and the adapter 25. It can be imagined that air ducts can also be defined between the adapter 25 and the camera 23, or can be comprised within the adapter 25.

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

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.

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.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. A full-face helmet (1) for protecting a head of a user, comprising: - a shell (3) for protecting a cranium of the head, - a chin section (5) attached to said shell (3), having a substantially U-shaped design comprising two cheek sections (7) and a chin section (9) connecting the cheek sections (7) together at their ends opposite the shell (3), wherein the shell (3) and the chin section (5) together form a vision opening (11), and - a camera system (21) comprising a camera (23) for capturing a video image, wherein the chin section (2) comprises a recess (15), and wherein the camera system (21) extends at least partially into the recess (15).

2. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the camera system (21) comprises a shape corresponding to the recess (15) of the chin section (9).

3. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 2, wherein an adapter (25) of the camera system (21) comprises a 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).

4. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 3, wherein the adapter (25) comprises one or more air channels (27) extending into the recess (15) and configured to direct air towards a mouth of the user.

5. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 4, wherein the one or more air channels (27) are defined between at least one of: - the chin section (5) and the adapter (25), and - the adapter (25) and the camera (23).

6. The full-face helmet (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the adapter (25) comprises one or more air guides (28) configured to guide air into the one or more air channels (27).

7. The full-face helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera system (21) comprises a power source (29) operatively connected to the camera (23).

8. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 7, wherein the power source (29) is located in the shell (3).

9. The full-face helmet (1) according to claim 8, wherein the power source (29) is located in a rear portion of the shell (3).

10. The full-face helmet (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera system (21) comprises one or more than one microphone (24, 26).

11. The full-face helmet (1) of claim 10, wherein the one or more microphones comprise a first microphone (24) facing the user and configured to record audio produced by the user.

12. The full-face helmet (1) of claim 10 or 11, wherein the one or more microphones comprise a second microphone (26) directed away from the user and configured to record audio from the environment.