WO2014066983A1

WO2014066983A1 - Mining helmet

Info

Publication number: WO2014066983A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/000922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas Morrison
Original assignee: CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN MINING INNOVATION
Current assignee: CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN MINING INNOVATION
Priority date: 2012-10-31
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2015-04-30

Abstract

Disclosed is a helmet for mining. The helmet includes: a breastplate; a shell integrated with the breastplate; and a transparent face shield that abuts the breastplate and shell. The shell surrounds a portion of a wearer's head and comprises forward directed light emitting elements, whereas the transparent face shield surrounds the remaining portion of the wearer's head. Also disclosed is a personal protection system that includes the helmet and ear protection for limiting the amount of ambient noise that the wearer hears.

Description

MINING HELMET

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Generally the present invention is directed to equipment worn by individuals working in an underground mine. More specifically, the invention relates to a helmet for mining and a personal protection system for personnel working in an underground mine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Although there have been many advances in the way in which mining is practiced today compared to the previous century, very little focus has been given to the safety equipment worn by those working in an underground mine. For example, machines controlled by a single operator have replaced teams of men with pick axes and shovels. However, the traditional hard hat with headlamp worn by miners throughout the 20^th century continues to be the main safety equipment worn by underground miners today.

[0003] For the most part, the traditional hard hat and headlamp have met the need of those working underground. However, as mines are getting deeper and deeper into the earth, it has been realized that the surface temperatures of the tunnels are reaching increasing high temperatures, which presents a new challenge to the workers. For example, in some mines in South Africa where the working depths are over 3,900 m, the ambient temperatures of the mines are typically in excess of 45°C.

[0004] In order to cool the mines to a point where it is safe for the workers, huge refrigeration units or fans on the surface are used to force cool air into the mines. The significant operating costs of refrigeration units extending nearly 4 km into the earth makes these systems less than ideal. Similarly, surface mounted fans are not ideal, since the air tends to heat up as it travels down the shaft towards the mine. By the time the air has reached the mine, it is only marginally cooler than the ambient air in the mine.

[0005] Adding to the discomfort experienced by the miner is the fact that their hard hats often trap heat emitted from their heads. Although, ventilation holes on the hard hat can help to remove this additional heat, they do very little in addressing the overall discomfort of the miner due to the temperatures of the mine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a helmet for mining. The helmet comprising: a breastplate; a shell integrated with the breastplate; and a transparent face shield that abuts the breastplate and shell. The shell surrounds a portion of a wearer's head and comprises forward directed light emitting elements, whereas the transparent face shield surrounds the remaining portion of the wearer's head.

[0007] In one embodiment, the light emitting elements are light emitting diodes.

[0008] In another embodiment, the shell is positioned posterior to the wearer's head.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the interior of the shell is at least partially lined with an impact absorbing material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the helmet further comprises cooling elements integrated with the shell. In one example, the cooling elements are refrigerated coils.

[001 1] In yet a further embodiment, the transparent face shield comprises shatter resistant photochromatic acrylic glass, polycarbonate or plastic.

[0012] In a still further embodiment, the transparent face shield is tinted for enhancing visible light available in the environment.

[0013] In another embodiment, the helmet further comprising air passages positioned on the breastplate, shell, transparent face shield or a combination of two or more of these for allowing ambient air to pass to and from the interior space of the helmet formed by the shell and transparent face shield. In an exemplary embodiment, filters are positioned within the air passages. The filters being either charcoal or high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filters.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the shell further comprises a camera. In one embodiment, the camera is a video camera. In another example, the camera is a multi-directional camera.

[0015] In an embodiment, the transparent face shield further comprises an augmented reality helmet mounted display (HMD) for displaying a computer generated image on the transparent face shield. In some cases, the HMD is a monocular HMD. In others, the HMD is a binocular HMD.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the interior space formed by the shell and the transparent face shield is dimensioned to allow for the wearer's head to have a full range of motion.

[0017] In a still further embodiment, the helmet further comprises a microprocessor for regulating the operating temperature of the cooling elements.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a personal protection system for personnel working in an underground mine. The system comprising: the helmet described above; and ear protection for limiting the amount of ambient noise that the wearer hears.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ear protection is noise cancelling headphones. In another embodiment, the ear protection further comprises speakers and a microphone and/or Bluetooth^® technology or other wireless technology.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the helmet and/or ear protection are connected to a battery. In some cases, the helmet and ear protection are connected to the same battery. In others, the helmet and ear protection are connected to separate batteries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a representation of the helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a front view of the helmet according to another embodiment of the present invention; and [0024] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the helmet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The following is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the helmet (1) of the present invention is made up of a breastplate (11), a shell (12) integrated with the breastplate (11), and a transparent face shield (15) that abuts the breastplate (11) and shell (12). The shell (12) surrounds a portion of a wearer's head (5) and comprises forward directed light emitting elements (14), whereas the transparent face shield (15) surrounds the remaining portion of the wearer's head (5).

[0027] The breastplate (11) of the helmet (1) rests on the upper body of the wearer to support the weight of the helmet (1). In one embodiment, the breastplate (11) rests mostly on the upper body in the area of the trapezius and shoulders. The breastplate (11) of this embodiment can also include an anterior region that will rest on the upper chest of the wearer, and a posterior region rests on the upper back.

[0028] To improve that overall comfort of the helmet (1) for the wearer, it is preferred that the breastplate (11) is made from a lightweight, but impact resistant, material. For example, the breastplate (11) can be made from, but not limited to, plastics, such as polycarbonates or poly ethylenes; aluminum; and carbon fiber. Portions of the breastplate (11) that come into contact with the wearer can also be lined with a foam, such as vinyl nitrile, or other impact absorbing material, in order to improve the comfort of the helmet (1) for the wearer.

[0029] Integrated with the breastplate (11) is the shell (12). The breastplate (11) and shell (12) can be formed together to produce a unitary structure. Otherwise, the shell (12) and breastplate (11) can be two separate elements that are reversibly connected to form a portion of the helmet (1). This latter arrangement may be advantageous to allow the breastplate (11) to be replaced, once the lining becomes spoiled. Moreover, a helmet (1) with separate breastplate (11) and shell (12) elements allows for a more custom fit for the wearer, since the size and shape of the breastplate (11) can be tailored to the individual. The breastplate (11) and shell (12) can be also fitted to accommodate biometric monitoring, such as heart rate, respiratory and temperature monitoring.

[0030] Similar to the breastplate (1 1), the shell (12) is made from a lightweight, but impact resistant, material. For example, the shell (12) can be made from, but not limited to, plastics, such as polycarbonates or poly ethylenes; aluminum; and carbon fiber. The material used to construct the breastplate (11) and the shell (12) need not be the same, however, it is preferred that they are the same.

[0031] The shell (12) extends vertically from the breastplate (1 1) and surrounds a portion of a wearer's head (5). The anterior portion (17), or forward facing part, of the shell (12) is preferably positioned so that the peripheral vision of the wearer is not obstructed by the shell (12). In another embodiment, the shell (12) and anterior portion (17) thereof are positioned posterior to the wearer's head (5). This arrangement allows for the wearer to turn his or her head as far as possible left or right with their view being minimally obstructed. To achieve this, the shell (12) should be setback from where the wearer's head (5) would normally be positioned if they were looking straight ahead.

[0032] For added protection for the wearer, a portion of the shell (12) can be lined with an impact absorbing material (16), such as a foam (FIG. 2). Preferably, the foam is vinyl nitrile.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the anterior portion (17) of the shell (12) typically forms an arch around the wearer's head (5) and neck (6). Formed in conjunction with the anterior portion (17) of the shell (12) or separately connected thereto, are forward directed light emitting elements (14). As shown in FIG. 2, these light emitting elements (14) can be strips of individual light emitting elements (14). Alternatively, the whole of the anterior portion (17) of the shell (12), or a majority thereof, can be provided with light emitting elements (14). In most cases, the light emitting elements (14) will be in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs), since LEDs can be powered through a battery or a similar low-voltage power source.

[0034] A camera (19) can also be mounted on the shell (12) or formed in conjunction with the anterior portion (17) thereof. The camera (19) can be a still image and/or video camera, which would allow the wearer to take pictures/videos of his or her surroundings. Alternatively, the camera (19) may be a multi -directional camera, which would allow images/videos to be taken in multiple directions from the helmet (1).

[0035] In environments where the ambient temperature is uncomfortable for the worker, cooling elements (18) may be integrated into the shell (12) of the helmet (1) or otherwise attached to the shell (2). As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling elements (18) may be in the form of cooling coils or an evaporator unit. The cooling coils may be part of a personal refrigeration system, which would include a condenser, expansion valve and compressor. The condenser, expansion valve and compressor may be compartmentalized and worn by the user as part of a utility belt or otherwise. Alternatively, one or more of these elements may be positioned on the helmet (1) outside the shell (12).

[0036] In another embodiment, the cooling elements (18) act as a heat pump to transfer heat from inside the helmet (1) to the environment.

[0037] The helmet (1) further includes a transparent face shield (15) that abuts the breastplate (11) and shell (12), and surrounds the portion of the wearer's head not surrounded by the shell (12). Preferably, the face shield (15) is connected to both the breastplate (11) and shell (12). In this case, the face shield (15) can be connected to the other two elements by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as pressure fitting, with or without, the use of adhesive. In some cases, it may be advantageous to connect the transparent face shield (15) to the breastplate (1 1) and shell (12) in a manner that allows the face shield (15) to be easily replaced, in the event of damage to face shield (15). For example, the face shield (15) may be dimensioned to fit within at least the shell (12) and screws provided to connect the face shield (15) to the interior surface of the shell (12).

[0038] The face shield (15) should be dimensioned to maximize the visual field of the wearer. In order words, when the helmet (1) is in use, the face shield (15) should provided the wearer with a normal visual field, which is approximately 60 degrees nasally from the vertical meridian in each eye, to 100 degrees temporally from the vertical meridian, and approximately 60 degrees above and 75 below the horizontal meridian. Another consideration for the size and shape of the face shield (15) is that the interior space formed by shell (12) and the face shield (15) should allow for the wearer's head to have a full range of motion. [0039] The face shield (15) should be made from an shatter resistant material, such as poly(methyl methacrylate), that is transparent to allow the wearer to visualize their surroundings. The same transparent material may also be used in the construction of the shell (12) and/or breastplate (11). To adapt to changing light conditions in the mine, the face shield (15) may be provided as photochromatic acrylic glass, polycarbonates or plastics. Such photochromatic materials will darken when exposed to light and lighten in low light conditions. To further enhance the visual experience of the wearer, the face shield (15) may be tinted to amplify ambient light and make it easier for the wearer to see objects in the environment in low light conditions. A suitable tint for this purpose would be yellow. Conversely, the transparent face shield could be tinted to reduce the amount of ambient light that passes through the face shield.

[0040] The face shield (15) can also include a helmet mounted display, which would allow a computer generated image to be superimposed on the face shield (15). Since the face shield (15) is transparent the computer generated image would be superimposed on a real-world view to form an augmented reality view. In one embodiment, the computer generated image is projected through a partially reflective mirror. Information displayed on the augmented reality helmet mounted display can include environmental readings, such as temperature, particulates in the environment, and warnings of hazards in the environment. The augmented reality helmet mounted display could also include messages from other workers or a central command, time remaining in the shift and countdowns to blasting. Audio associated with any of the graphical information displayed on the helmet mounted display could be broadcast to the wearer of the helmet (1) through ear protection (22).

[0041] The augmented reality helmet mounted display could be in the form of a monocular helmet mounted display, where information is projected in front of one eye, or information can be projected in front of both eyes in the form of a binocular helmet mounted display. In the case where a binocular helmet mounted display is provided, the information displayed in front of each eye can be the same or each eye can be shown separate information.

[0042] In some embodiments, air passages (21) are positioned on the breastplate (11), shell (12), face shield (15), or a combination of two or more of these. In some embodiments, the air passages (21) are positioned on the posterior region of the helmet (1). The air passages (21) allow for air from the environment to pass into the helmet (1) and vice-versa. In order to prevent particulate matter from entering the helmet (1), filters may be positioned within the air passages. These filters can be of any type known in the art, including, but not limited to, charcoal or high- efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filters.

[0043] Alternatively, one or more of these air passages (21) could be replaced or modified to transform the helmet (1) into an open or closed circuit self contained breathing apparatus, comprising a high pressure tank, a pressure regulator and inhalation connection at or in conjunction with the air passages (21).

[0044] The helmet (1) described herein can be used as part of a personal protection system for personnel working in an underground mine. The personal protection system also includes ear protection (22) that protects the wearer's ears from noise emanating from the environment.

[0045] The ear protection (22) can be standard ear muffs, or, preferably, are noise cancelling headphones. Such noise cancelling headphones can eliminate noise from the environment, and can act as speakers, so the wearer can receive messages from central command or a microprocessor (23) attached to the helmet (1). In some embodiments, the ear protection (22) can include a microphone and/or Bluetooth^® technology or some other wireless technology, so information, such as environmental data, can be transmitted from the wearer to another location or vice versa. In other words, it is preferred that the ear protection (22) permits two-way communication. This can be achieved through one or a combination of two-way communication technology, including a microphone, such as, but not limited to, radio (UHF and VHF), WiFi and cellular.

[0046] As mentioned above, a microprocessor (23) can be provided as part of the system or an additional feature of the helmet (1). The microprocessor (23) can through sensors obtain information about the environment of the mine or helmet, such as, but not limited to, the ambient temperature of the mine or helmet and particulate levels in the mine. The microprocessor can also be used to store and transmit information, such as, but not limited to, operating manuals for equipment, images and videos obtained by the camera (19), warnings about the condition of the mine, such as proximity to other workers or vehicles, and time remaining in the wearer's shift. This information can be transmitted to the ear protection (22) and/or displayed on the helmet mounted display. In conjunction with the microprocessor, or separate therefrom, a radio- frequency identification (RFID) tag, or similar tracking device, can be used to track the whereabouts of the helmet (1) and by extension the worker within the mine.

[0047] The various electrical components of the helmet (1), such as the microprocessor

(23), cooling elements (18), camera (19), light emitting elements (14) and ear protection (22) can be powered by a single battery pack that would be worn by the wearer of the helmet (1). Alternatively, multiple battery packs may be provided and any combination of the aforementioned powered through the various battery packs. In some embodiments, the various elements may be powered through batteries housed on the components themselves. For example, a battery encased within the microprocessor (23) could be used to power the microprocessor (23).

[0048] The personal protection system can also include a portable refrigeration unit connected to the cooling elements (18). This portable refrigeration unit can be housed with one or more battery packs described above, or can be a separate unit worn or carried by the user.

[0049] The present invention has been described with regard to one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A helmet for mining comprising: a breastplate; a shell integrated with the breastplate, wherein the shell surrounds a portion of a wearer's head and comprises forward directed light emitting elements; and a transparent face shield that abuts the breastplate and shell, wherein the transparent face shield surrounds the remaining portion of the wearer's head.

2. The helmet according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting elements are light emitting diodes.

3. The helmet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shell is positioned posterior to the wearer's head.

4. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interior of the shell is at least partially lined with an impact absorbing material.

5. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising cooling elements integrated with the shell.

6. The helmet according to claim 5, wherein the cooling elements are refrigerated coils.

7. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transparent face shield comprises shatter resistant photochromatic acrylic glass, polycarbonate or plastic.

8. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transparent face shield is tinted for enhancing visible light available in the environment.

9. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising air passages positioned on the breastplate, shell, transparent face shield or a combination of two or more of these for allowing ambient air to pass to and from the interior space of the helmet formed by the shell and transparent face shield.

10. The helmet according to claim 9, wherein filters are positioned within the air passages.

1 1. The helmet according to claim 10, wherein the filters are charcoal or high-efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filters.

12. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the shell further comprises a camera.

13. The helmet according to claim 12, wherein the camera is a video camera.

14. The helmet according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the camera is a multi-directional camera.

15. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the transparent face shield further comprises a augmented reality helmet mounted display (HMD) for displaying a computer generated image on the transparent face shield.

16. The helmet according to claim 15, wherein the HMD is a monocular HMD.

17. The helmet according to claim 15, wherein the HMD is a binocular HMD.

18. The helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the interior space formed by the shell and the transparent face shield is dimensioned to allow for the wearer's head to have a full range of motion.

19. The helmet according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a microprocessor for regulating the operating temperature of the cooling elements.

20. A personal protection system for personnel working in an underground mine, said system comprising: the helmet according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and ear protection for limiting the amount of ambient noise that the wearer hears.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the ear protection is noise cancelling headphones.

22. The system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the ear protection further comprises speakers and a microphone for two-way communication.

23. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the ear protection further comprises Bluetooth^® technology or other wireless technology.

24. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the helmet is connected to a battery.

25. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the ear protection is connected to a battery.

26. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the helmet and ear protection are connected to a battery.

27. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the helmet and ear protection are connected to separate batteries.