The present disclosure relates to a helmet. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a helmet for holding one or more cameras.

BACKGROUND

A protective helmet may be embedded with one or more cameras to support a range of activities such as recording sporting activities or imaging a space. Such a system is illustrated, for example, in US20170127746A1.

Cameras are usually sensitive elements that are prone to damage, and therefore care has to be taken when using them in environments where protective headgear is typically required.

SUMMARY

It is desirable to provide protective headgear with an embedded camera, or cameras, that improves on existing systems.

Furthermore, it is desirable to provide protective headgear that can reduce the risk of damage being applied to a camera, or cameras, used with the headgear.

It is desirable to be able to maintain by repair or replacement, the camera or cameras used within the headgear. Therefore, it is desirable that the helmet design permits removal and/or replacement of components.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a helmet for holding one or more cameras, the helmet comprising an outer layer comprising one or more apertures, a protective layer located within an interior portion of the outer layer, and one or more holders at least partially embedded within the protective layer, each holder being for mounting a camera and configured to receive the camera for mounting from a side of the protective layer that is opposite to a side of the protective layer facing the outer layer, hold the mounted camera in a position that enables the camera to detect light via one of the apertures, and permit removal of the mounted camera from the side of the protective layer that is opposite to the side of the protective layer facing the outer layer.

Optionally, the outer layer is rigid.

Optionally, the outer layer comprises a carbon fiber.

Optionally, the protective layer comprises foam.

Optionally, the protective layer comprises polyurethane foam.

Optionally, the protective layer comprises expanded polyurethane foam.

Optionally, the, or each, holder comprises a mounting portion for holding the camera.

Optionally, the mounting portion comprises an attachment portion arranged to permit removable attachment of the camera to the holder.

Optionally, the attachment portion comprises one or more threaded apertures, the, or each, threaded aperture is configured to receive a screw, and the, or each, threaded aperture is arranged to permit removable attachment of the camera to the holder using the screw.

Optionally, the protective layer is arranged to hold electronic components for the operation of the one or more cameras within the interior side of the helmet.

Optionally, the protective layer is arranged to permit removal of the electronic components for the operation of the one or more cameras from the interior side of the helmet. Optionally, the helmet comprises an inner layer arranged to be mounted within an interior portion of the protective layer.

Optionally, the inner layer is rigid.

Optionally, the inner layer comprises a carbon fibre.

Optionally, the inner layer is removably mountable within the interior portion of the protective layer.

Optionally, the inner layer is mounted within the interior portion of the protective layer using a sealant or an adhesive.

Optionally, the inner layer is mounted within the interior portion of the protective layer using a silicone sealant.

Optionally, the inner layer is mounted by application of the sealant or the adhesive to at least a portion of its edge.

Optionally, the inner layer is arranged to form a void at its edge with the protective layer and/or the outer layer for the accommodation of the sealant or the adhesive.

Optionally, the helmet comprises the one or more cameras.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of using the helmet of any preceding claim, the method comprising for the, or each, camera mounting the camera from the side of the protective layer that is opposite to the side of the protective layer that is facing the outer layer, and arranging the mounted camera such that the camera can detect light via one of the apertures. Optionally, the method comprises for the, or each, camera removing the mounted camera from the side of the protective layer that is opposite to the side of the protective layer facing the outer layer.

It will be appreciated that the method of the second aspect may include providing and/or using features set out in the first aspect and can incorporate other features as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1(a) is a schematic cross section of a helmet for holding a camera in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross section of the helmet of Figure 1(a), showing a camera mounted within the helmet, Figure 1(c) is a schematic cross section of a helmet in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1(d) is a schematic cross section of the helmet of Figure 1(c), showing a camera mounted within the helmet;

Figure 2(a) is a schematic of a holder that is a specific embodiment of any of the holders as disclosed herein, Figure 2(b) is a schematic of a further embodiment of the holder of Figure 2(a), Figure 2(c) is a schematic of the holder of Figure 2(b), showing the mounted camera;

Figure 3(a) is a schematic cross section of a helmet in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3(b) is a schematic cross section of the helmet of Figure 3(a) showing the camera mounted within the helmet, Figure 3(c) is a schematic cross section of a helmet corresponding to the helmet of Figure 3(a) for mounting the camera, Figure 3(d) is a schematic cross section of the helmet of Figure (c) showing the camera mounted within the helmet;

Figure 4 is a schematic showing a top down view of a helmet in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a further schematic of the helmet of Figure 4, showing the inner layer removed to provide access to the cameras;

Figure 6(a) is an image of a specific embodiment of the inner layer that comprises carbon fibre, Figure 6(b) is an image showing the outer layer and the protective layer prior to the implementation of the apertures or the cavities for the holders, Figure 6(c) is an image showing the outer layer and the protective layer having been processed, Figure 6(d) is an image showing the holders embedded within the slots formed in the protective layer, Figure 6(e) is an image of the helmet as shown in Figure 6(d) from a different angle;

Figure 7(a) is an image showing a specific embodiment of a holder for holding a camera, Figure 7(b) is an image showing a further specific embodiment of a holder for holding a camera, Figure 7(c) is an image showing specific embodiments of holders each for holding a camera, Figure 7(d) is an image showing cameras prior to mounting;

Figure 8(a) is an image illustrating the removal of the inner layer from the helmet; Figure 8(b) is an image showing the inner layer having been removed, Figure 8(c) is an image showing how a camera may be removed from its holder, Figure 8(d) is an image of the rear portion of the helmet, Figure 8(e) is an image showing an interior of the helmet, with the inner layer having been removed, Figure 8(f) is an image of the fan and heat sink unit; and

Figure 9(a) is an image showing the cameras and additional electronic components having been placed back within the helmet, Figure 9(b) is an image showing the inner layer having been fitted as part of the helmet, Figure 9(c) is an image showing silicone sealant being applied to the outer edge of the inner layer, Figure 9(d) is a further image showing the application of the silicone sealant, Figure 9(e) is an image showing the use of a clamp during application of the silicone sealant, Figure 9(f) is an image showing the silicon sealant being wiped up during its application, Figure 9(g) is an image showing the clamp being used to hold the parts together, Figure 9(h) is an image showing the helmet after assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1(a) is a schematic cross section of a helmet 100 for holding a camera (not shown) in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the helmet 100 may alternatively be referred to as a safety helmet, headgear, safety headgear, safety hardhat or any other suitable term as will be clear to the skilled person. The helmet 100 may, for example, be of the type that is used on building sites.

The helmet 100 comprises an outer layer 102 which comprises an aperture 104. In a specific embodiment, the outer layer 102 may be rigid and may comprise a carbon fibre. The aperture 104 may be formed by CNC machining of the outer layer 102.

The helmet 100 further comprises a protective layer 106 that is located within an interior portion of the outer layer 102. In a specific embodiment, the protective layer 106 may, for example, comprise foam such as polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam may be expanded polyurethane foam.

The use of a rigid outer layer 102 comprising carbon fibre and the protective layer 106 comprising expanded polyurethane foam can provide a durable hardhat, that is resistant to impact and is light weight. However, it will be appreciated that in further embodiments, other materials may be used to provide these characteristics, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

In the present example, the protective layer 106 is illustrated as being in contact with the whole inner surface of the outer layer 102. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments the protective layer 106 may only be in contact with part of the inner surface of the outer layer 102. Furthermore, there may be intermediate layers sandwiched between all or part of the protective layer 106 and the inner surface of the outer layer 102. The helmet 100 further comprises a holder 108 that is at least partially embedded within the protective layer 106, with the holder in Figure 1(a) being illustrated as being fully embedded within the protective layer 106. The holder 108 is suitable for mounting the camera (not shown).

The cavity for the holder 108 within the protective layer 106 may be formed by CNC machining.

The holder 108 is configured to receive the camera for mounting from a side of the protective layer that is opposite to a side of the protective layer 106 facing the outer layer 102. An arrow 110 is used to denote the direction that the camera would be received by the holder 108 in the present example

The holder 108 functions to hold the camera in a position that permits it to receive light via the aperture 104. An arrow 112 is used to denote the direction of light as received by the camera in the present example.

In specific embodiments, in addition to securely holding the camera, the holder 108 may also hold additional electronic components as may be required for the operation of the camera. In further embodiments, the protective layer 106 may alternatively, or additionally, be structured to accommodate the additional electronic components. In a specific embodiment, the protective layer 106 may be arranged to hold electronic components for the operation of the one or more cameras within the interior side of the helmet 100.

The holder 108 is configured to permit the removal of the camera from the side of the protective layer 106 that is opposite to the side of the protective layer 106 facing the outer layer 102. An arrow 114 is used to denote the direction that the camera would be removed from the holder 108 in the present example.

In a specific embodiment, the helmet 100 may have an outer carbon fibre shell (the outer layer 102) that has expanded polyurethane foam bonded to it (the protective layer 106). The foam gives the outer carbon fibre shell significant strength whilst also giving a medium to house the camera, and any additional electronics as may be required.

A chemical bond between the carbon and foam can provide adhesion between these components. A complex form may be provided on the inside foam surface which is relevant to the structural strength of the composite structure that is formed. Once the foam and the carbon are bonded, the complex form can result in a strong series of “box structures” (as are typically seen in corrugation) which can greatly enhance the strength.

Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross section of the helmet 100 of Figure 1(a), showing a camera 116 mounted within the helmet 100 using the holder 108.

Figure 1(c) is a schematic cross section of a helmet 118 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 118 corresponds to the helmet 100, but with the inclusion of an additional aperture 120 and an additional holder 124 to support the mounting of a further camera. Figure 1(d) is a schematic cross section of the helmet 118 of Figure 1(c), showing a camera 126 mounted within the helmet 118 using the holder 124.

It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, the helmet may comprise additional apertures and holders to support the mounting of more cameras. For example, the helmet may be configured to hold multiple cameras that may permit imaging over a wide area. For example, the helmet may be configured to hold 24 cameras.

A further embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of using the helmet of any of the embodiments disclosed herein. With reference to Figure 1(a) and 1(b), the method may include mounting the camera 116 from the side of the protective layer 106 that is opposite to the side of the protective layer 106 that is facing the outer layer 102 and arranging the mounted camera 116 such that the camera 116 can detect light via the apertures 104.

The method may further comprise removing the mounted camera 116 from the side of the protective layer 106 that is opposite to the side of the protective layer 106 facing the outer layer 102.

It is desirable to ensure that cameras used in such systems as disclosed herein are removable, thereby providing a means of removing and replacing the cameras in case they malfunction or are damaged. The embodiments disclosed herein provide a specific holder arrangement to hold the cameras, and to also permit their convenient removal.

The helmets 100, 118 allow the holder 108 (or holders when more than one are present) to be accessed from the inside, as opposed to the outside, of the helmet 100, 118, which is in contrast to known systems, such as that presented in US20170127746A1.

Permitting mounting, and demounting, of a camera from the inside of the helmet is more convenient than having the camera mountable, and demountable, from the outside. Furthermore, the present arrangement prevents the risk of the camera being accidentally removed from the exterior of the helmet or falling out. Therefore, in summary, the helmets as described herein leads to a reduced risk of damage to the camera (or cameras, when multiple cameras are present).

Furthermore, permitting mounting, and demounting of a camera from the inside of the helmet can minimise the disruption to the structural integrity of the hard hat by keeping the aperture to a minimum size. If mounted from the outside, there would need to be larger apertures for the removal of the cameras, which could lead to a reduction in the structural integrity of the helmet. Figure 2(a) is a schematic of a holder 200 that is a specific embodiment of any of the holders as disclosed herein, for example one or both of the holders 108, 124. The holder 200 comprises a mounting portion 202 for holding a camera. The mounting portion 202 may comprise an attachment portion 204 arranged to permit removable attachment of the camera to the holder 200.

Figure 2(b) is a schematic of a further embodiment of the holder 200 of Figure 2(a) showing a camera 206 for mounting. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 204 comprises threaded apertures 207 that are each arranged to receive a screw 208. The camera 206 is shown to comprise corresponding apertures 209 thereby permitting removable attachment of the camera 206 to the holder 200.

Figure 2(c) is a schematic of the holder 200 of Figure 2(b), showing the mounted camera 206.

In further embodiments, the holder 200 (or any of the other holders as disclosed herein) may comprise a groove (not shown) for an O-ring (not shown) which, in use, presses against the lens of the camera 206 to provide a seal against water and dust ingress.

In a specific embodiment, the holders 108, 124 of the helmet 118 comprise the holder 200 as described in Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(c). To mount the cameras 116, 126 in the helmet, the cameras 116, 126 are inserted into their respective holders 108,124 from the inside of the helmet 118, then screwed into their respective holder 108, 124 with the screws 208, which may be self-tapping screws.

The holders as disclosed herein may be 3D printed and may be formed by two separate parts. The holders as disclosed herein may enable the cameras to be secured and sealed, in a way that allows for replacement of any components that become defective. The holders as disclosed herein may give a secure hold for each camera in 6 degrees of freedom (3 degrees of translation, 3 degrees of rotation). In a specific embodiment, apertures may be CNC machined through the foam 106 and outer carbon fibre shell 102, and two-piece 3D printed parts fitted into these machined holes, one from each side, thereby forming the embedded holders within the protective layer 106.

Figure 3(a) is a schematic cross section of a helmet 300 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The helmet 300 corresponds to the helmet 100, but further comprises an inner layer 302 that is arranged to be mounted within an interior portion of the protective layer 106. The inner layer 302 may be rigid and/or may comprise a carbon fibre.

The use of a rigid carbon fibre inner layer 302 can ensure that the helmet 300 complies with legislative space requirement and can also support the harness, again in line with legislative requirements.

The inner layer 302 acts to protect the wearer. The protective layer 106 (for example, comprising foam) distributes the loads to ensure that there are no point loads.

In summary, contact between the inner layer 302 and the protective layer 106 can distribute the loads onto the inner carbon layer 302, thereby preventing any puncture-type failures, and allowing the inner carbon layer 302 to achieve its function as the 'legislative compliance' layer.

Figure 3(b) is a schematic cross section of the helmet 300 of Figure 3(a) showing the camera 116 mounted within the helmet 300.

Figure 3(c) is a schematic cross section of a helmet 306 corresponding to the helmet 300 of Figure 3(a) for mounting the camera 126. Figure 3(d) is a schematic cross section of the helmet 306 of Figure (c) showing the camera 126 mounted within the helmet 306. The following description is applied to the helmet 306 but it will be clear to the skilled person that this may also be applied to the helmet 300, or additional embodiments including holders for supporting the mounting of additional cameras.

In the present embodiment, when the inner layer 302 is mounted within the helmet, 306 the cameras 116, 126 within their respective holders 108, 124 are inaccessible from the interior of the helmet 306 and cannot be accessed without the removal of the inner layer 302. The inner layer 302 can therefore provide a protective cover for the back portions of the cameras 116, 126 and their related electronics, and can also provide a comfortable structure for a user wearing the helmet 306. The inner layer 302 may be structured to cover up all electronics and cabling, whilst providing locating pockets for head strap holders. An inner carbon fibre shell 302 may be used to ensure that the helmet 300 conforms with the BS EN 397:2012 standard.

It will be appreciated that it may be preferable to implement the electronics within the helmet rather than on the exterior, as is provided by some of the embodiments described herein.

In further embodiments, the inner layer 302 may permit access to the cameras 116, 126, for example by apertures within the inner layer 302. The apertures may be closable, thereby permitting selective access to the cameras 116, 126 as, and when, access is required.

In further embodiments, the inner layer 302 may be removably mountable within the interior portion of the protective layer 106. This may be provided by using attachments, clamps, or screws that permit simple removal of the inner layer 302 when it is necessary to access the protective layer for mounting or demounting of cameras 116, 126.

In further embodiments, the inner layer 302 may be mounted within the interior portion of the protective layer 106 using a sealant or an adhesive, which may, for example, be a silicon sealant. The adhesive or sealant may be applied to an edge portion 303 of the inner layer 302. The inner layer 302 may then be removed by cutting along the edge portion 303 where the adhesive or sealant has been applied to permit access to the holders 108, 124 for mounting or demounting the cameras 116, 126.

In summary, the concept of a foam sandwich hardhat design can achieve the following two objectives: firstly the design can provide the structural strength needed to satisfy the standards while optimising weight; and secondly the design can open up the necessary volume and structure within which to install and support the electronics.

The concept of a removable inner layer 302 as part of the above foam sandwich can provide structural strength while enabling access to the cameras and related electronics.

Figure 4 is a schematic showing a top down view of a helmet 400 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Also shown is a cross section of a portion of the helmet 400.

Figure 5 is a further schematic of the helmet 400 of Figure 4, showing the inner layer 302 removed to provide access to the cameras 116, 126.

In the present embodiment, the inner layer 312 is used to form a void 402 at its edge with the protective layer 106 to accommodate the sealant or adhesive. This can be seen in the “zoomed-in” portion, labelled 401.

Figure 6(a) is an image of a specific embodiment of the inner layer 302 that comprises carbon fibre.

Figure 6(b) is an image showing the outer layer 102 and the protective layer 106 prior to the implementation of the apertures or the cavities for the holders. The outer layer 102 comprises carbon fibre with expanded polyurethan foam forming the protective layer 106.

Figure 6(c) is an image showing the outer layer 102 and the protective layer 106 having been processed to provide apertures within the outer layer 102 and cavities for holding the holders, within the protective layer 106. The cavities may also be used to hold the electronics as may be required for the operation of the cameras.

Figure 6(d) is an image showing the holders embedded within the slots formed in the protective layer 106, and cameras and their associated electronics being mounted within the helmet 400. For clarity, only two cameras and holders have been labelled, which use numbering that is consistent with that as described previously. Figure 6(e) is an image of the helmet as shown in Figure 6(d) from a different angle.

Figure 7(a) is an image showing a specific embodiment of a holder 700 for holding a camera that may be used with any of the embodiments described herein, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

Figure 7(b) is an image showing a specific embodiment of a holder 702 for holding a camera that may be used with any of the embodiments described herein, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

Figure 7(c) is an image showing specific embodiments of holders 704, 706, 708, 710 each for holding a camera that may be used with any of the embodiments described herein, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

Figure 7 (d) is an image showing cameras 712, 714 prior to mounting.

Figure 8(a) is an image illustrating the removal of the inner layer 302 from the helmet 400. In the present embodiment, the inner carbon fibre layer 302 is removed by running a blade 800 all the way through the silicon 802 along the hardhat brim until the inner layer 302 is free from the outer layer 102 surface. Figure 8(b) is an image showing the inner layer 302 having been removed. Figure 8(c) is an image showing how a camera may be removed from its holder. In the present embodiment, the camera 206 may be removed by unscrewing two screws 208, and pulling the camera out of its holder 200.

Figure 8(d) is an image of the rear portion of the helmet 400. In the present embodiment, the helmet 400 further comprises a fan and heat sink unit 802 which may be provided at the rear of the helmet 400 to enable cooling of the electronics. The fan and heat sink unit 802 may include an aluminium spreader plate which contains a splitter which takes the axial flow from a fan 804 and directs it to the two lateral heat sinks 806 for assisted heat dispersion.

The helmet 400 interior may also have air ducts which aid in distributing hot air away, and vents at the side.

A frame 808 may be removed to permit removal of the fan and heat sink unit 802 by removing screws 810. The frame 808 may be epoxied into the hardhat 400 and can form a permanent part of the structure. The frame 808 of the present embodiment has the necessary tapped holes to allow the inner heat sink plus electronics to be removed from the inside of the hardhat 400.

Figure 8(e) is an image showing an interior of the helmet 400, with the inner layer 302 having been removed. Figure 8(f) is an image of the fan and heat sink unit 802.

With reference to Figure 8(c), the helmet 400 maybe reassembled by first returning the cameras back into their respective camera holders and screwing in the screws.

Figure 9(a) is an image showing the cameras and additional electronic components having been placed back within the helmet 400. As can be observed, the components have been fitted from the inner side of the helmet 400. Figure 9(b) is an image showing the inner layer 302 having been fitted as part of the helmet 400.

Figure 9(c) is an image showing silicone sealant being applied to the outer edge of the inner layer 302. It is preferable to ensure that the whole edge is covered by sealant prior to being sealed with the rest outer layer 102 and/or the protective layer 106.

Figure 9(d) is a further image showing the application of the silicone sealant. Figure 9(e) is an image showing the use of a clamp 900 during application of the silicone sealant. Figure 9(f) is an image showing the silicon sealant being wiped up during its application.

Figure 9(g) is an image showing the clamp 900 being used to hold the parts together, to permit the curing of the silicone, preferably overnight. Preferably, there are no gaps between the edges of the outer layer 302 and the inner layer 102 and/or protective layer 106. Figure 9(h) is an image showing the helmet after assembly.

In the present example 24 cameras are included plus 2 cameras for the purposes of location tracking. The helmet/hardhat 400 has been designed to accommodate this large number of cameras and associated electronics, while remaining durable and lightweight, as well as securely holding the required electronic components and cameras.

In a specific embodiment, the fan and heat sink unit 802 may also house one or more camera holders.

Common reference numerals and variables between Figures denote common features.

Various improvements and modifications may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the disclosure.