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(11) | EP 4 454 510 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A DEVICE TO DETECT DAMAGE TO A HELMET |
| (57) A helmet (1) comprises a shell element (4), a trigger element (5), an electrical
conductor element (6), an energy absorbing element (7), and an indicator (3). The
electrical conductor element (6) has a conducting state in which an electrical signal
is conductable through the electrical conductor element (6), and a non-conducting
state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor
element (6). The trigger element (5) is movable relative to the electrical conductor
element (6) to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element (6). When the
electrical conductor element (6) has been severed, it is no longer possible for the
electrical conductor element (6) to conduct the electrical signal. The trigger element
(5) is calibrated to move relative to the electrical conductor element (6) when a
force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinges on the shell element
(4) of the helmet (1). The threshold is equal to the force sufficient to permanently
deform the energy absorbing element (7) of the helmet (1).
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[0002] It is common for a helmet to become damaged during an accident or a collision. In the case of helmets constructed of multiple layers, it may difficult or impossible to see whether an interior part of the helmet has been damaged without taking the helmet apart. The damage to some parts of helmets may be very difficult to detect by visual inspection alone and sometimes the damage may be invisible to the human eye.
[0003] This invention is aimed at providing a device to detect damage to a helmet which overcomes at least some of these problems.
[0004] According to the invention there is provided a device to detect damage to a helmet, the device comprising:
an electrical conductor element,
the electrical conductor element having a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element, and a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element, and
a trigger element,
the trigger element being movable relative to the electrical conductor element to alter the electrical conductor element from the conducting state to the non-conducting state or to alter the electrical conductor element from the non-conducting state to the conducting state.
[0005] The device of the invention is suitable for use with a variety of different types of helmets, such as sports helmets, automotive helmets, or industrial safety helmets.
[0006] By using the electrical conductor element, it is possible detect damage even to an interior part of the helmet without being required to take the helmet apart. This is especially advantageous in the case of a helmet constructed of multiple layers. The electrical conductor element enables damage to be detected, even in the case of damage invisible to the human eye.
[0007] Because the trigger element moves relative to the electrical conductor element, the invention may detect damage without expensive or complex components being required. For example the invention does not require monitoring of an electrical field or a magnetic field to detect damage to the helmet.
[0008] The movable trigger element acts as a mechanical switch to either break the electrical conductor circuit or to complete the electrical conductor circuit. The operation of the device of the invention is simple, easily suitable for mass production, and provides failsafe results. The device does not require sophisticated monitoring equipment, or sampling equipment, or calibration before use. In the case of the trigger element acting to break the electrical conductor circuit, once the electrical conductor circuit is broken, it cannot be unbroken so there is no chance of a false negative reading, or of the performance or output readings drifting over time. A power source is only required to test the state of the electrical conductor circuit. A microcontroller is therefore not required.
[0009] The trigger element may be movable relative to the electrical conductor element to cause a physical deformation of the electrical conductor element. By physically deforming the electrical conductor element, the electrical conductor element may be altered from the conducting state to the non-conducting state or from the non-conducting state to the conducting state. The trigger element may be movable relative to the electrical conductor element to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element. By severing the electrical conductor element, the electrical signal will no longer be conducted through the electrical conductor element.
[0010] The trigger element may be configured to move relative to the electrical conductor element responsive to a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinging on a helmet. The trigger element may be calibrated prior to use to ensure that the trigger element will move when the force impinging on the helmet reaches the pre-defined threshold level. The threshold may be associated with a force sufficient to permanently deform an energy absorbing element of a helmet. In this manner the trigger element may be calibrated to ensure that the trigger element will move when the force impinging on the helmet reaches a level sufficient to permanently deform the energy absorbing element. The compressive stresses required to permanently deform energy absorbing elements are generally available from standard stress-strain curves for each particular type of energy absorbing element. The device may comprise an indicator to indicate damage to a helmet. In this manner it is possible for a user to easily determine whether the helmet has been damaged, even whether an interior part of the helmet has been damaged, without being required to take the helmet apart. This is especially advantageous in the case of a helmet constructed of multiple layers. It is possible for a user to easily determine whether the helmet has been damaged, even in the case of damage invisible to the human eye. The indicator may be configured to indicate damage to a helmet responsive to the alteration from the conducting state to the non-conducting state or from the non-conducting state to the conducting state. The indicator may comprise a light emitter, such as a light emitting diode. The indicator may comprise a sound emitter. A mobile device including near field communication (NFC) means, such as a smartphone, may be used to power the electrical conductor circuit and to display the state of the electrical conductor sensor. The indicator may have an operating state and a non-operating state. In this manner the power usage of the indicator may be minimised by the indicator remaining in the non-operating state until required. The device may comprise a user-interface element to alter the indicator from the non-operating state to the operating state. In this manner it is possible for a user to easily switch on the indicator when the user wishes to check whether the helmet has been damaged.
[0011] The invention also provides in another aspect a helmet comprising a device of the invention. The helmet may comprise:
a shell element, and
an energy absorbing element,
at least part of the electrical conductor element being located between the shell element and the energy absorbing element.
[0012] The shell element provides an outer cover to protect the electrical conductor element and the energy absorbing element from external abrasion, dirt, moisture, and the like.
[0013] The energy absorbing element absorbs the impact in the event of an accident or a collision to protect the head of the wearer.
[0014] At least part of the electrical conductor element may be located along at least part of an outer surface of the energy absorbing element. By locating the electrical conductor element in this manner, the alteration of the electrical conductor element from the conducting state to the non-conducting state or from the non-conducting state to the conducting state enables the invention to detect damage to the energy absorbing element, for example to detect permanent deformation of the energy absorbing element.
[0015] At least part of the trigger element may be located between the shell element and the energy absorbing element. The shell element provides an outer cover to protect the trigger element from external abrasion, dirt, moisture, and the like.
[0016] At least part of the trigger element may be located along at least part of an inner surface of the shell element. By locating the trigger element in this manner, the trigger element may be moved responsive to a force impinging on the shell element.
[0017] At least part of the trigger element may be integrally formed with at least part of the shell element. The integrally formed arrangement simplifies the manufacturing process and the assembly process.
[0018] At least part of the trigger element may extend through the shell element towards the electrical conductor element. A part of the trigger element may be located externally of an outer surface of the shell element. In this manner it may be possible to retrofit the device of the invention to an existing helmet. This arrangement enables standardisation of the trigger element penetration geometry. This arrangement enables fine tuning of the operation of the device of the invention.
[0019] The helmet may comprise a second electrical conductor element and a second trigger element, at least part of the second electrical conductor element and at least part of the second trigger element being configured to be located between the energy absorbing element and a head of a wearer. At least part of the second electrical conductor element may be located along at least part of an inner surface of the energy absorbing element. In the case where the energy absorbing element foam layer cannot be visually inspected for damage on the inner surface of the helmet, the second electrical conductor element sensor may be extended to cover that area. This ensures that any damage to the helmet may be detected.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of detecting damage to a helmet, the method comprising the step of moving a trigger element relative to an electrical conductor element to alter the electrical conductor element from a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element to a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element, or to alter the electrical conductor element from the non-conducting state to the conducting state.
[0021] By using the electrical conductor element, it is possible detect damage even to an interior part of the helmet without being required to take the helmet apart. This is especially advantageous in the case of a helmet constructed of multiple layers. The electrical conductor element enables damage to be detected, even in the case of damage invisible to the human eye.
[0022] Because the trigger element moves relative to the electrical conductor element, the invention may detect damage without expensive or complex components being required. For example the invention does not require monitoring of an electrical field or a magnetic field to detect damage to the helmet.
[0023] Some embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of a helmet according to the invention on a head of a wearer,
Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the helmet of Fig. 1 on the head of the wearer,
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view from below of the helmet of Fig. 1 and the head of the wearer,
Figs. 4 and 4a are cross-sectional front views of part of the helmet of Fig. 1,
Fig. 5 is a development view of an electrical conductor element part of the helmet of Fig. 1,
Fig. 6 is a development view of a trigger element part of the helmet of Fig. 1,
Fig. 7 is a stress-strain curve of an energy absorbing element part of the helmet of Fig. 1,
Figs. 8 and 9 are views similar to Figs. 3 and 4 of another helmet according to the invention,
Figs. 10 and 11 are views similar to Figs. 3 and 4 of another helmet according to the invention,
Figs. 12 and 13 are views similar to Figs. 3 and 4 of another helmet according to the invention, and
Figs. 14 and 15 are views similar to Figs. 4 and 4a of another helmet according to the invention.
[0025] Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 7 thereof, there is illustrated a helmet 1 according to the invention.
[0026] The helmet 1 comprises a shell element 4, a trigger element 5, an electrical conductor element 6, an energy absorbing element 7, and an indicator 3.
[0027] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 the electrical conductor element 6 is located between the shell element 4 and the energy absorbing element 7. In particular the electrical conductor element 6 is located extending along an outer surface 50 of the energy absorbing element 7.
[0028] The trigger element 5 is located between the shell element 4 and the energy absorbing element 7. In particular the trigger element 5 is located extending along an inner surface 51 of the shell element 4.
[0029] The electrical conductor element 6 has a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element 6 (Fig. 4), and a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element 6 (Fig. 4a).
[0030] The trigger element 5 is movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to alter the electrical conductor element 6 from the conducting state (Fig. 4) to the non-conducting state (Fig. 4a). The trigger element 5 comprises a plurality or protrusions or bards or teeth for engagement with the electrical conductor element 6. In particular the trigger element 5 is movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to cause a physical deformation of the electrical conductor element 6 (Fig. 4a). When the electrical conductor element 6 has been physically deformed, it is no longer possible for the electrical conductor element 6 to conduct the electrical signal. In this case the trigger element 5 is movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element 6. When the electrical conductor element 6 has been severed, it is no longer possible for the electrical conductor element 6 to conduct the electrical signal.
[0031] The trigger element 5 is calibrated prior to use, for example during manufacture. The trigger element 5 is calibrated to move relative to the electrical conductor element 6 when a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinges on the shell element 4 of the helmet 1. In this case the threshold is equal to the force sufficient to permanently deform the energy absorbing element 7 of the helmet 1. The force sufficient to permanently deform the energy absorbing element 7 is the stress at the inflection point 60 of the stress-strain curve for the energy absorbing element 7, as illustrated in Fig. 7. The energy absorbing element 7 may be provided in the form of an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, or an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) foam, or any other suitable energy absorbing foam.
[0032] The trigger element sensor 5 functions by effect of the known material properties of the EPS, EPP and other permanently deformable energy absorbing element 7 in the sport and/or automotive helmet 1. For any given compressive stress, the trigger element sensor 5 may be calibrated. The compressive stress at which the energy absorbing liner 7 is permanently deformed or damaged may be chosen. Fig. 7 illustrates EPS compressive stress vs compressive strain curves. The inflection point 60 on the stress-displacement curves shown in Fig. 7 illustrate where permanent EPS deformation occurs for example.
[0033] The indicator 3 may be used to indicate whether there has been damage to the helmet 1. In this case the indicator 3 indicates whether there has been damage to the helmet 1 in response to the alteration of the electrical conductor element 6 from the conducting state (Fig. 4) to the non-conducting state (Fig. 4a). The indicator 3 may be provided in the form of a light emitter, such as a light emitting diode. The indicator 3 has an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state the indicator 3 indicates whether there has been damage to the helmet 1. In the non-operating state the indicator 3 is deactivated to minimise power usage. The helmet 1 includes a user-interface element, such as a push button, to alter the indicator 3 from the non-operating state to the operating state.
[0034] The invention provides a passive damage detection sensing system. The indicator sensor 3 is fitted to the helmet 1 and determines if the EPS, EPP or other permanently deformable energy absorbing foam liner 7 is damaged or not. The indicator 3 takes no action until the user-interface button is pressed. The indicator 3 is activated with the push of a button.
[0035] Together the trigger element 5, the electrical conductor element 6, and the indicator 3 form a device to detect permanent damage to the helmet 1.
[0036] As illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the helmet 1 includes the conductive trace layer 6 covering the surface of the energy absorbing liner 7, the penetrating geometry layer 5, and an analog circuit with the indicator LEDs 3, and a power supply. The analog circuit may be placed at any suitable location on the helmet 1. The conductive trace layer sensor 6 has two states, conductive continuity and conductive discontinuity. By pushing the button on the indicator circuitboard, the LED 3 will indicate which state the conductive trace layer sensor 6 is in. The normal state is conductive continuity. In this state, the compressive stress threshold has not been reached and the conductive trace layer 6 is intact. This may be indicated by a green LED. The conductive discontinuity state occurs when the compressive stress threshold has been reached and the calibrated penetration geometry 5 has severed one or more conductive traces 6. This may be indicated by a red LED.
[0037] The calibrated penetration geometry layer 5 and the conductive trace layer 6 are located between the inside surface 51 of the helmet outer shell 4 and the outside surface 50 of the energy absorbing liner 7.
[0038] The trigger element sensor 5 may be calibrated for any density of EPS foam and therefore configured to any make or model of helmet 1. The electrical conductor element sensor 6 is a printed electronic system and is flexible which allows it to be fitted to complex geometries such as an EPS liner 7 in the helmet 1. The invention has minimum components and complexity, and the helmet 1 is highly reliable in operation.
[0039] The user may push the test button on the indicator 3 and a green LED will illuminate if the EPS foam 7 has not been permanently deformed. The EPS stress-displacement curve shown in Fig. 7 shows the inflection point 60 at which permanent EPS deformation occurs. The trigger element sensor 5 is calibrated to this specific load. Once this calibration point or threshold is exceeded and the EPS foam layer 7 has been damaged, the geometries 5 puncture the conductive traces 6 severing the circuit 6. If the user pushes the test button, a red LED will illuminate.
[0040] In use, the trigger element 5 is calibrated during manufacture. The electrical conductor element 6 is initially in the conducting state in which the electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element 6 (Fig. 4).
[0041] In the event of an accident or collision with a force less than the pre-defined threshold impinging on the shell element 4 of the helmet 1, the trigger element 5 does not move relative to the electrical conductor element 6. In particular the trigger element 5 does not sever the electrical conductor element 6, and the electrical conductor element 6 remains in the conducting state (Fig. 4).
[0042] In the event of an accident or collision with a force greater than or equal to the pre-defined threshold impinging on the shell element 4 of the helmet 1, the trigger element 5 moves relative to the electrical conductor element 6. This movement of the trigger element 5 relative to the electrical conductor element 6 severs at least part of the electrical conductor element 6 (Fig. 4a). This severing alters the electrical conductor element 6 from the conducting state (Fig. 4) to the non-conducting state (Fig. 4a). When the electrical conductor element 6 has been severed, it is no longer possible for the electrical conductor element 6 to conduct the electrical signal.
[0043] A user may then alter the indicator 3 from the non-operating state to the operating state by pushing the button of the user-interface element. The LEDs of the indicator 3 then emit light to indicate whether there has been damage to the helmet 1.
[0044] Fig. 4a illustrates the outer shell 4, the calibrated penetration geometry 5, the severed conductive trace layer 6, and the EPS/EPP or other energy absorbing foam 7.
[0045] In Figs. 8 and 9 there is illustrated another helmet 10 according to the invention, which is similar to the helmet 1 of Figs. 1 to 7, and similar elements in Figs. 8 and 9 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0046] In this case the helmet 10 comprises a second electrical conductor element 11 and a second trigger element 12. The second electrical conductor element 11 and the second trigger element 12 are located between the energy absorbing element 7 and the head 2 of the wearer. In particular the second electrical conductor element 11 is located extending along an inner surface 13 of the energy absorbing element 7.
[0047] The second electrical conductor element 11 has a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the second electrical conductor element 11 (Fig. 9), and a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the second electrical conductor element 11.
[0048] The second trigger element 12 is movable relative to the second electrical conductor element 11 to alter the second electrical conductor element 11 from the conducting state (Fig. 9) to the non-conducting state. In particular the second trigger element 12 is movable relative to the second electrical conductor element 11 to cause a physical deformation of the second electrical conductor element 11. When the second electrical conductor element 11 has been physically deformed, it is no longer possible for the second electrical conductor element 11 to conduct the electrical signal. In this case the second trigger element 12 is movable relative to the second electrical conductor element 11 to sever at least part of the second electrical conductor element 11. When the second electrical conductor element 11 has been severed, it is no longer possible for the second electrical conductor element 11 to conduct the electrical signal.
[0049] The second trigger element 12 is calibrated prior to use, for example during manufacture. The second trigger element 12 is calibrated to move relative to the second electrical conductor element 11 when a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinges on the shell element 4 of the helmet 10. In this case the threshold is equal to the force sufficient to permanently deform the energy absorbing element 7 of the helmet 10.
[0050] Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate the calibrated penetration geometry layer 5 and the conductive trace layer 6 between the inside surface of the helmet outer shell 4 and the outside surface of the energy absorbing liner 7. The second inner calibrated penetration geometry layer 12 and the second inner conductive trace layer 11 are on the inside surface of the energy absorbing liner 7 between the energy absorbing liner 7 and the head 2.
[0051] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate another helmet 20 according to the invention, which is similar to the helmet 1 of Figs. 1 to 7, and similar elements in Figs. 10 and 11 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0052] In this case the trigger element 5 is integrally formed with the shell element 4 during manufacture to form a single part 21.
[0053] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate the outer shell 4 of the helmet 20 formed with the calibrated penetration geometry 5, and the conductive trace layer 6 between the inside surface of the helmet outer part 21 and the outside surface of the energy absorbing liner 7.
[0054] In Figs. 12 and 13 there is illustrated another helmet 30 according to the invention, which is similar to the helmet 1 of Figs. 1 to 7, and similar elements in Figs. 12 and 13 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0055] In this case the trigger element 32 comprises an outer web part 33 and a plurality of inwardly protruding fingers 34. The shell element 31 includes a plurality of apertures 35. The outer web part 33 is located externally of an outer surface of the shell element 31. The inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 extend through the apertures 35 in the shell element 31 towards the electrical conductor element 6.
[0056] The inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 are movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to alter the electrical conductor element 6 from the conducting state (Fig. 13) to the non-conducting state. In particular the inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 are movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to cause a physical deformation of the electrical conductor element 6. When the electrical conductor element 6 has been physically deformed, it is no longer possible for the electrical conductor element 6 to conduct the electrical signal. In this case the inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 are movable relative to the electrical conductor element 6 to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element 6. When the electrical conductor element 6 has been severed, it is no longer possible for the electrical conductor element 6 to conduct the electrical signal.
[0057] The inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 are calibrated prior to use, for example during manufacture. The inwardly protruding fingers 34 of the trigger element 32 are calibrated to move relative to the electrical conductor element 6 when a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinges on the outer web part 33 of the trigger element 32. In this case the threshold is equal to the force sufficient to permanently deform the energy absorbing element 7 of the helmet 30.
[0058] Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the conductive trace layer 6 between the inside surface of the helmet outer shell 31 and the outside surface of the energy absorbing liner 7. The calibrated penetration geometry 32 is mounted on the external surface of the helmet outer shell 31 and accesses the conductive trace layer 6 via the holes 35 in the helmet outer shell 31.
[0059] Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate another helmet 40 according to the invention, which is similar to the helmet 1 of Figs. 1 to 7, and similar elements in Figs. 14 and 15 are assigned the same reference numerals.
[0060] In this case the trigger element 41 is movable relative to the electrical conductor element 42 to alter the electrical conductor element 42 from the non-conducting state (Fig. 14) to the conducting state (Fig. 15). The electrical conductor element 42 includes a plurality of gaps or openings 43. In the non-conducting state the gaps or openings 43 prevent the electrical conductor element 42 from conducting the electrical signal (Fig. 14). The trigger element 41 is used to bridge these gaps or openings 43 in the conducting state (Fig. 15). With the trigger element 41 bridging the gaps or openings 43, the electrical conductor element 42 conducts the electrical signal.
[0061] In this case the electrical conductor element 42 is initially in the non-conducting state in which the electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element 42 (Fig. 14). In the event of an accident or collision with a force less than the pre-defined threshold impinging on the shell element 4 of the helmet 40, the trigger element 41 does not move relative to the electrical conductor element 42. In particular the trigger element 41 does not complete the circuit of the electrical conductor element 42, and the electrical conductor element 42 remains in the non-conducting state (Fig. 14).
[0062] In the event of an accident or collision with a force greater than or equal to the pre-defined threshold impinging on the shell element 4 of the helmet 40, the trigger element 41 moves relative to the electrical conductor element 42. This movement of the trigger element 41 relative to the electrical conductor element 42 allows the trigger element 41 to act as a bridge to complete the circuit of the electrical conductor element 42 (Fig. 15). This bridging alters the electrical conductor element 42 from the non-conducting state (Fig. 14) to the conducting state (Fig. 15). When the gaps or openings 43 in the electrical conductor element 42 have been bridged, it is possible for the electrical conductor element 42 to conduct the electrical signal (Fig. 15).
[0063] Fig. 14 illustrates the open circuit conductive bridging configuration with the outer shell 4, the conductive bridging element 41, the conductive trace layer 42, and the EPS/EPP or other energy absorbing foam 7. Fig. 15 illustrates the closed circuit conductive bridging configuration with the outer shell 4, the conductive bridging element 41, the conductive trace layer 42, and the EPS/EPP or other energy absorbing foam 7.
[0064] Throughout the description and claims of this patent specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to" and they are not intended to and do not exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this patent specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the patent specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
[0065] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this patent specification including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this patent specification including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0066] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this patent specification in connection with this patent application and which are open to public inspection with this patent specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
1. A device to detect damage to a helmet, the device comprising:
an electrical conductor element,
the electrical conductor element having a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element, and a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element, and
a trigger element,
the trigger element being movable relative to the electrical conductor element to alter the electrical conductor element from the conducting state to the non-conducting state or to alter the electrical conductor element from the non-conducting state to the conducting state.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the trigger element is movable relative to
the electrical conductor element to cause a physical deformation of the electrical
conductor element.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the trigger element is movable relative to
the electrical conductor element to sever at least part of the electrical conductor
element.
4. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the trigger element is configured
to move relative to the electrical conductor element responsive to a force greater
than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinging on a helmet.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the threshold is associated with a force sufficient
to permanently deform an energy absorbing element of a helmet.
6. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the device comprises an indicator
to indicate damage to a helmet.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the indicator has an operating state and a
non-operating state.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the device comprises a user-interface element
to alter the indicator from the non-operating state to the operating state.
9. A helmet comprising a device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8.
10. A helmet as claimed in claim 9 wherein the helmet comprises:
a shell element, and
an energy absorbing element,
at least part of the electrical conductor element being located between the shell element and the energy absorbing element.
11. A helmet as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least part of the trigger element is located
between the shell element and the energy absorbing element.
12. A helmet as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least part of the trigger element is integrally
formed with at least part of the shell element.
13. A helmet as claimed in claim 10 wherein at least part of the trigger element extends
through the shell element towards the electrical conductor element.
14. A helmet as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the helmet comprises a second
electrical conductor element and a second trigger element, at least part of the second
electrical conductor element and at least part of the second trigger element being
configured to be located between the energy absorbing element and a head of a wearer.
15. A method of detecting damage to a helmet, the method comprising the step of moving
a trigger element relative to an electrical conductor element to alter the electrical
conductor element from a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable
through the electrical conductor element to a non-conducting state in which an electrical
signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element, or to alter the
electrical conductor element from the non-conducting state to the conducting state.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. A device to detect damage to a helmet (1), the device comprising:
an electrical conductor element (6),
the electrical conductor element (6) having a conducting state in which an electrical signal is conductable through the electrical conductor element (6), and a non-conducting state in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor element (6), and
a trigger element (5),
the trigger element (5) being movable relative to the electrical conductor element (6) to alter the electrical conductor element (6) from the conducting state to the non-conducting state,
wherein the trigger element (5) is movable relative to the electrical conductor element (6) to cause a physical deformation of the electrical conductor element (6),
wherein the trigger element (5) is movable relative to the electrical conductor element (6) to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element (6),
wherein the trigger element (5) is configured to move relative to the electrical conductor element (6) responsive to a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinging on a helmet (1).
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the threshold is associated with a force sufficient
to permanently deform an energy absorbing element (7) of a helmet (1).
3. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 2 wherein the device comprises an indicator
(3) to indicate damage to a helmet (1).
4. A device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the indicator (3) has an operating state and
a non-operating state.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the device comprises a user-interface element
to alter the indicator (3) from the non-operating state to the operating state.
6. A helmet (1) comprising a device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5.
7. A helmet (1) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the helmet (1) comprises:
a shell element (4), and
an energy absorbing element (7),
at least part of the electrical conductor element (6) being located between the shell element (4) and the energy absorbing element (7).
8. A helmet (1) as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least part of the trigger element (5)
is located between the shell element (4) and the energy absorbing element (7).
9. A helmet (1) as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least part of the trigger element (5)
is integrally formed with at least part of the shell element (4).
10. A helmet (1) as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least part of the trigger element (32)
extends through the shell element (31) towards the electrical conductor element (6).
11. A helmet (1) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10 wherein the helmet (1) comprises
a second electrical conductor element (11) and a second trigger element (12), at least
part of the second electrical conductor element (11) and at least part of the second
trigger element (12) being configured to be located between the energy absorbing element
(7) and a head (2) of a wearer.
12. A method of detecting damage to a helmet (1), the method comprising the step of moving
a trigger element (5) relative to an electrical conductor element (6) to alter the
electrical conductor element (6) from a conducting state in which an electrical signal
is conductable through the electrical conductor element (6) to a non-conducting state
in which an electrical signal is not conductable through the electrical conductor
element (6),
wherein the trigger element (5) is moved relative to the electrical conductor element (6) to cause a physical deformation of the electrical conductor element (6),
wherein the trigger element (5) is moved relative to the electrical conductor element (6) to sever at least part of the electrical conductor element (6),
wherein the trigger element (5) is moved relative to the electrical conductor element (6) responsive to a force greater than or equal to a pre-defined threshold impinging on a helmet (1).