Field of the Invention

The invention relates to vehicle safety items, devices, systems and methods and particularly to wearable safety items such as protective headwear and, more particularly, to protective headwear, systems and methods which encourage and provide notification of use of wearable safety items and improve safety for users of vehicles.

Background to the Invention

The wearing of wearable safety items, such as, for example, protective headwear, is advisable while carrying out various activities including, for example, using a vehicle or undertaking an activity such as when riding a bicycle, electric scooter (e-scooter) or a motorbike, skiing, snowboarding and working on a construction site. However, many people carry out such activities without wearing protective headwear.

Vehicle sharing services provide vehicles including, for example, bicycles and e- scooters, which are distributed in urban areas for use by registered users. The use of vehicle sharing services is rapidly increasing because they are very easy and quick to access and use and fulfil a missing transport link in an urban environment, such as the last mile/kilometre home. Typically, a user will gain access to the vehicle through an App loaded on the user’s mobile device and the vehicle sharing service tracks use of the vehicle until the user terminates their journey through, for example, the App, which re-locks the vehicle ready for access by the next user. As use of vehicle sharing services, such as bike sharing schemes, increases in busy urban

environments the number of sharing scheme-related accidents is also increasing. It is therefore desirable for users, vehicle sharing service providers and insurance providers to improve the safety of the service they use and provide whilst maintaining the ease and speed of use of the service.

Also, in some countries, it is illegal to use bicycles and e-scooters without wearing a helmet. Not wearing safety headwear, such as a helmet, when using a vehicle, for example, a bicycle or e-scooter, not only increases the risk of serious injury to a user of a vehicle but can also be a problem for other road users and others, such as, for example, vehicle sharing service providers or insurance service providers, which seek to encourage use of wearable safety items and may require information to assess risk of use of the vehicle. For example, an insurance policy may provide cover for the effects of injuries incurred as a result of an accident while carrying out an activity for which the wearing of a helmet is desirable. Indeed, the cover may only apply under the policy if the accident occurs while, for example, protective headgear is being worn. Moreover, it may be illegal in some countries for a user to use bicycles, e-scooters, skis and snowboards without using a helmet. Also, a vehicle sharing service provider may be, at least to some degree, responsible and/or liable for the safety of the user of its vehicles.

It is therefore desirable in the vehicle sharing and/or insurance service industries for there to be means and methods for determining whether or not a user of a vehicle is using wearable safety items, such as a helmet.

If a user of a vehicle is involved in a situation such as an accident, it is often a disputable, time-consuming and relatively expensive process to collect evidence and determine the cause of the situation. It is therefore also desirable in the industries for there to be means for efficiently recording and analysing such situations.

Wearable safety items include protective portions to prevent injury to a part of the body. For example, protective headwear, such as, for example, a helmet includes a protective portion to prevent injury to the head as a result of an accident or due to solid objects falling on the head.

When such headwear is subjected to a percussive force, such as that resulting from, for example, a cycling accident or perhaps even by simply dropping the helmet, damage can occur to the protective portion of the helmet. Such damage may be not readily detectable by eye. The helmet may be presumed to be undamaged whereas in reality its protective effect has been lost or at least significantly reduced as a result of, for instance, a hairline crack through the protective material.

It is desirable for users, vehicle service providers and insurance providers to have an understanding of the safety integrity of wearable safety items being used with vehicles. For example, it is desirable for users, vehicle service providers and insurance providers to have information relating to internal (e.g. structural) damage to helmets (often costing $100 plus). After a helmet has experienced an impact, whether due to an accident or having been dropped, it is not possible to easily ascertain whether or not there is internal EPS damage, thus rendering the helmet potentially no longer safe to use. It is therefore desirable for there to be an efficient, easy to use and low cost means for assessing and recording damage to a helmet which may have occurred.

Using and navigating a vehicle such as a bicycle, e-scooter or motorcycle on busy roads, such as in town and city environments, is potentially hazardous and safe use of in such environments requires concentration and constant use of the user’s visual and auditory senses. Patent document number US2003/0137413 discloses a protective helmet signalling system with remote activated navigation signals for use with the brake and turn signals of an open motorized vehicle. The system includes light sources provided on the helmet and means connected to the brake and turn signal controls of the vehicle for selectively energising respective light sources. The system provides light signals to indicate to other road users and pedestrians whether the vehicle is braking or about to make a turn.

However, known navigation systems use visual and/or audible interfaces to guide a user along a desired route and therefore are a potential distraction.

It is desirable in the industry for the user and the vehicle sharing service provider to provide improved navigation means and methods which enable the user of the vehicle to safely navigate while using the vehicle.

It is recognised that many accidents occur when a large motorised vehicle, such as, for example, a lorry, truck, bus or coach, turns across the path of a cyclist, often because the driver of the vehicle is not aware of the presence of a cyclist to one side of his vehicle. In the United Kingdom, where the law determines that vehicles are driven on the left of the road, such accidents most frequently occur when the vehicle makes a turn to the left and strikes a cyclist on the inside of the vehicle by turning across the path of the cyclist. This can happen either because the driver of the large motorised vehicle fails to check for the presence of the cyclist on the inside or because the cyclist, at the moment of checking, is located in a blind spot and so is not visible to the driver. These accidents also occur when large motorised vehicles turn across the path of other vehicles such as e-scooters and motorcycles. Of course, in other countries vehicles drive on the right side of the road, in which case such accidents most frequently occur when the large motorised vehicle makes a turn to the right. It is therefore desirable in the vehicle sharing and insurance service industries for there to be means and method for reducing accidents when using shared vehicles such as bicycles, e-scooters and motorcycles.

An objective of the of the present invention is to provide a safety wearable item, system and method which improves the safety of using vehicles such as bicycles, e- scooters and motorcycles and improves the provision of vehicle sharing services and insurances services.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided protective headwear comprising head sensor means operable to detect the head of a user is disposed in the protective headwear, and communication means operable to communicate the presence of the head of the user in the protective headwear to a receiver remote from the protective headwear.

The sensor means advantageously comprises at least one contact sensor. At least one of the contact sensors is advantageously a microswitch.

The protective headwear may further comprise a securing strap and a pair of mechanical connectors for securing the protective headwear to the head of a user, wherein connection of the mechanical connectors advantageously causes connection of an electric circuit providing an indication that the protective headwear is secured to a user's head.

The protective headwear may be foldable into a storable mode and unfoldable into a useable mode, and wherein the action of unfolding advantageously actuates the sensor means. The receiver remote from the protective headwear is preferably a mobile

communication device.

Additionally, or alternatively, the receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a remote computer server. Also according to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective headwear use confirmation system, the system comprising protective headwear according to the first aspect of the present invention above, and a remote computer server operable to communicate with the protective headwear.

The protective headwear and the remote computer server advantageously communicate through a remote mobile device.

Also according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of confirming the presence of a head in protective headwear, the method comprising: providing protective headwear, the protective headwear comprising sensor means and communication means; activating the sensor means to detect the presence of the head of a user in the protective headwear; and communicating the presence of the head of the user in the protective headwear to a receiver remote from the protective headwear.

The sensor means advantageously comprises at least one contact sensor. At least one of the contact sensors is advantageously a microswitch.

The protective headwear preferably comprises a securing strap and a pair of mechanical connectors for securing the protective headwear to the head of a user using the securing strap, whereby connection of the mechanical connectors advantageously causes connection of an electric circuit providing an indication that the protective headwear is secured to a user’s head. The protective headwear may be foldable into a storable mode and unfoldable into a useable mode, and whereby unfolding the protective headwear advantageously actuates the sensor means.

The receiver remote from the protective headwear is preferably a mobile communication device. Alternatively, or additionally, the receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a remote computer server.

Also according to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a computing system implementing a protective headwear use confirmation system; the computing system comprising: a network communication interface for

communicating, over one or more networks, with one or more protective headwear; one or more processors; and one or more memory resources storing instructions that, when executed by one or more of the processors, cause the computing system to: receive a protective headwear identification code associated with a protective headwear; and receive a signal indicative of confirmation that the head of a user is disposed within the protective headwear.

The network communication interface advantageously communicates, over the one or more networks, with the one or more protective headwear through a user application executing on mobile communication devices of users of the protective headwear use confirmation system.

The first aspect of the present invention encourages the wearing of protective headwear by a user, the method comprises providing protective headwear with means for sending a signal to signal receiving means located away from the protective headwear when the headwear is subjected to a predetermined action prior to its use in protecting the head. The present invention also provides a method of substantiating an insurance claim the liability for which is dependent upon the wearing of protective headwear at the time of an incident on which the claim is based, the method comprising providing protective headwear with means for sending a signal to signal receiving means located away from the protective headwear when the headwear is subjected to a predetermined action prior to its use in protecting the head.

Examples of headwear with which the present invention may be concerned include a bicycle helmet, a motorbike helmet, a helmet for use by the rider of a scooter or an electric scooter (e-scooter), a helmet for use in snow sports, a skating helmet or a helmet for use on a construction site

The predetermined action may be, for example: simply placing the headwear on the head, this action being detected by an element such as a microswitch; the connecting together of the elements of a strap which secures the headgear securely in position on the head of user; or, in the case of a folding helmet such as that disclosed in granted European Patent No 2627205, the sending of the signal may be triggered by the act of unfolding the helmet prior to its location on the head of the user.

The signal receiving means may be a mobile phone carried by the wearer of the headwear.

Communication between the signal sending means and the mobile phone may be by a short-range wireless interconnection such as Bluetooth.

The mobile phone may be provided with an app (an application which has been downloaded on the mobile phone) and this app is effective to transmit to, for instance, a database in a remote location, which database is maintained by the insurance provider. In this way, there can be maintained by the insurance provider a record of the periods during which the protective headwear was worn and through the App on the smartphone and/or GPS on the vehicle, the location and route may be uploaded to the vehicle sharing service provider and /or the insurance service provider. Should an insurance claim be made, then the database record will provide evidence as to whether, at the time of the incidents which is the basis of the claim, the protective headwear was being worn.

Similarly, confirmation that the user is wearing safety items such as safety headgear may enable the shared vehicle service provider to gift the user with an incentive reward for using safety equipment. This incentive reward may be, for example, a reduction in the fee for using the vehicle, which may be delivered to the user before the vehicle is unlocked or as a refund or a next-journey credit upon termination of the journey and re-locking of the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the signal may be sent directly from the headwear to the remote location where the database is maintained.

The database may be held by a party other than the insurer, for instance, a party which is independent of the insurance provider but which will provide the relevant evidence at the request of the insurance provider and/or the insured party.

The present invention also provides protective headwear incorporating a device, responsive to a predetermined action to which the headwear is subjected, for sending a signal to signal receiving means located away from the headwear.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided protective headwear comprising visual recording means and communication means, wherein the visual recording means is operable to record at least part of a journey undertaken by a user of a vehicle and the communication means is operable to transmit the recorded journey to a receiver remote from the protective headwear. The protective headwear may comprise a manual switch for activating the visual recording means.

The protective headwear advantageously comprises at least one contact sensor operable to activate the visual recording means upon contact from the user's head.

At least one of the least one of the contact sensors is advantageously a micro-switch.

The protective headwear further advantageously comprises a securing strap and a pair of mechanical connectors for securing the protective headwear to the head of a user, wherein connection of the mechanical connectors causes actuation of the visual recording means.

The visual recording means may comprise one, two, three, four or more cameras. One or more cameras may be integrally formed in the protective headwear.

The protective headwear may further comprise audio recording means. The audio recording means may be integrally formed with the visual recording means.

The protective headwear may be foldable into a storable mode and unfoldable into a useable mode, and whereby unfolding the protective headwear advantageously actuates the visual recording means.

The receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a mobile communication device.

The receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a remote computer server. Also according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of recording at least part of a journey undertaken by a user of a vehicle, the method comprising: providing protective headwear, the protective headwear comprising visual recording means and communication means; activating the visual recording means; and transmitting the recorded visual to a receiver remote from the protective headwear.

The sensor means advantageously comprises at least one contact sensor which activates the visual recording means when the protective headwear is being worn by the user.

At least one of the contact sensors is advantageously a microswitch.

The protective headwear advantageously comprises a securing strap and a pair of mechanical connectors for securing the protective headwear to the head of a user using the securing strap, whereby connection of the mechanical connectors advantageously causes actuation of the visual recorder.

The protective headwear may be foldable into a storable mode and unfoldable into a useable mode, and whereby unfolding the protective headwear advantageously actuates the visual recorder.

The receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a mobile communication device.

The receiver remote from the protective headwear may be a remote computer server. Also according to the second aspect of the invention there is provided a computing system implementing a recording system; the computing system comprising: a network communication interface for communicating, over one or more networks, with one or more protective headwear; one or more processors; and one or more memory resources storing instructions that, when executed by one or more of the processors, cause the computing system to: receive a protective headwear identification code associated with a protective headwear; receive a visual recording of at least part of a journey undertaken by a user on a vehicle.

The network communication interface advantageously communicates, over the one or more networks, with the one or more protective headwear through a user application executing on mobile communication devices of users of the protective headwear use confirmation system.

The second aspect of the invention, comprises providing an item of protective headwear having one or more cameras and transmitting the material recorded by the camera(s) to a remote destination.

The remote destination may be, for instance, the Cloud, that is to say, to a service that runs on the Internet. The transmission may be direct to the Cloud or via a mobile phone carried by the user.

In this way, the record of the incident may be safely preserved even if the headwear itself is stolen or otherwise is not subsequently accessible.

Examples of headwear with which the present invention may be concerned include a cycle helmet, a motorbike helmet, a helmet for use by the rider of a scooter or an electric scooter (e-scooter), a helmet for use in snow sports, a skating helmet or a helmet for use on a construction site or for military and/or police use. Activation of the camera(s) may be via a switch located on the helmet which may be hand operated. Activation may alternatively be effected by simply placing the headwear on the head, this action being detected by an element such as a microswitch; the connecting together of the elements of a strap which secures the headgear securely in position on the head of user; or, in the case of a folding helmet such as that disclosed in granted European Patent No 2627205, the sending of the signal may be triggered by the act of unfolding the helmet prior to its location on the head of the user.

The present invention also provides an item of protective headwear having one or more cameras and means for transmitting the material recorded by the camera(s) to a remote destination.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided protective headwear comprising a protective portion formed from an impact-absorbing material, wherein the impact-absorbing material comprises electrically conductive material arranged such as to provide an electrically conductive path across the impact absorbing material; and electrical measurement means for measuring an electrical characteristic across the impact-absorbing material and thereby determining the integrity of the impact absorbing material.

The protective portion may be formed from an expanded or foamed plastics material.

The electrically conductive material may comprise graphite. The electrically conductive material is preferably in the form of filaments.

The measurement means is advantageously external from the protective headwear. Also according to the third aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective headwear safety integrity determination method, the method comprising: providing a protective headwear according to the third aspect of the present invention;

connecting the measurement means to the protective headwear and measuring an electrical characteristic across the impact-absorbing material; and thereby determining the integrity of the impact-absorbing material.

The protective portion may be formed from an expanded or foamed plastics material.

The electrically conductive material may comprise graphite.

The electrically conductive material may be in the form of filaments. The measurement means is advantageously external from the headwear.

The third aspect of the present invention provides protective headwear having an electrically conductive material dispersed through at least part of a protective portion of the headwear.

Preferably the protective portion of the headwear is formed from an expanded or foamed plastics material, an example being polystyrene.

The electrically conductive material may be, for instance, a powdered material disposed throughout the protective portion of the headwear. An example of suitable electrically conductive material is graphite powder.

Alternatively, electronic conductor filaments are moulded in with EPS material. The integrity of the helmet could be ascertained by measurement of impedance, conductivity or by some other electrical method of measuring breaks.

Various ways may be provided to indicate that the helmet is damaged. These may include the use of lights or indicators on the helmet itself, the provision of an appliance at home, and use of a smartphone USB link possibly to a receiver located in a helmet store.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the headwear includes an integral light emitting device which is arranged to emit light if the electrical resistance is sufficiently increased. The light emitting device may be for instance an LED. The headwear may include a circuit having a switch for closing the circuit in order to test the electrical resistance, a sufficiently raised resistance being indicated by the lighting of the light emitting device. Alternatively, the light emitting device may indicate that the headwear is undamaged by emitting light of one colour and damaged by emitting light of another colour.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the headwear includes means for attaching it to external apparatus for determining the electrical resistance and in particular whether it has been sufficiently raised to indicate damage to the headwear.

Such external apparatus may be provided along with the headwear. Alternatively the electrical apparatus may be located remotely from the helmet, for instance, in a retail or other outlet to which the headwear can be taken for testing.

The present invention also provides a method of detecting damage to protective headwear in accordance with the invention, the method comprising determining whether the electrical resistance across the protective portion of the headwear has changed by an amount indicative of damage to the helmet. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for assisting navigation by a rider of a vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle, the apparatus comprising means for receiving signals and, responsive to said signals, means for indicating a proposed change of direction to the rider, said means being activatable remotely by means for determining a route to be followed and for transmitting signals to indicate said proposed change of direction, and said change of direction indicating means comprising means for impacting the body of the rider, creating a physical sensation thereupon, in a manner indicative of the proposed change of direction.

The impacting means advantageously comprises means for providing a tapping or vibrating sensation which can be felt by the rider either directly or through the rider’s clothing. The apparatus advantageously includes a protective helmet and the impacting means are provided on said protective helmet.

The apparatus advantageously includes means for switching on or off the operation of the impacting means.

The impacting means are advantageously vibrators located on the helmet at positions corresponding to the right and/or left temples.

The apparatus advantageously comprises means for communicating via Bluetooth

4. The apparatus advantageously includes means for determining location via Google Map or any other mapping App. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus determines location using a GPS on a mobile communication device or a GPS device mounted or integrated in safety headwear such as a helmet.

The indicator lights are advantageously provided on the right and left of the external part of the rider’s helmet, to indicate to other drivers and to pedestrians the intended change of direction of the vehicle.

The apparatus advantageously includes means for automatically cancelling indicated changes of direction once the change of direction has taken place.

Also according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assisting navigation by a rider of a vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle, the method comprising employing means for receiving signals and, responsive to said signals, means for indicating a proposed change of direction to the rider, said means being activatable remotely by means for determining a route to be followed and for transmitting signals to indicate said proposed change of direction, and said change of direction indicating means comprising means for impacting the body of the rider, creating a physical sensation thereupon, in a manner indicative of the proposed change of direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning system for avoiding a collision between a motorised vehicle and a cyclist, the system comprising a signal transmitting device to be carried by the cyclist, either on his person or on the cycle, means, to be carried by the powered vehicle (or the driver thereof) for receiving the signal if the cyclist is located at or near a side of the vehicle, and means, responsive to the receipt of said signal, for alerting the driver of the vehicle to the presence of the cyclist when the vehicle is about to turn across the path of the cyclist.

The signal transmitting device may be, for instance, an RFID device or a similar device.

The signal transmitting device may be mounted in any suitable location on the cycle or on the person. An example of the latter is the location of the device on the cyclist’s helmet. Preferably, the device is located within the helmet 9rather than being mounted on the outside of the helmet).

The driver alerting means may be mounted in any suitable location on the vehicle, typically in the proximity of the driver’s seat. It may be linked to the vehicle so as to detect when the vehicle is about to turn. Such linking may be via the operation of the vehicle’s turning indicator lights or by the turning of the steering wheel by the driver. The driver alerting means will alert the driver if, at the same time, it is receiving a signal from an adjacent cyclist indicating the cyclist’s presence.

The driver alerting means may include any suitable device which draws the driver’s attention to the presence of the cyclist. Such a device might be a sound emitting device or a device producing a visual signal or a device producing both a sound and a visual signal. An example is a fire claxon and/or a flashing light.

The driver alerting means may also or alternatively include means for either stopping further movement of the vehicle or for preventing the turning of the vehicle across the cyclist’s path. The present invention also provides a method for avoiding a collision between a powered vehicle and a cyclist, the method comprising providing the cyclist with means for transmitting a signal, providing the vehicle with means for receiving the signal if the cyclist is located at or near a side of the vehicle and for alerting the driver of the vehicle of the presence of the cyclist when the vehicle is about to turn across the path of the cyclist.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a cross section through protective headwear according to the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of protective headwear use confirmation system according to the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a cross section through protective headwear according to a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a front view of the protective headwear of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of visual recording system according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a cross section through protective headwear according to a third aspect of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of apparatus for assisting navigation by a rider of a vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of the elements of the apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is schematic drawing illustrating the application design of the apparatus of Figure 7; and

Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a plan view of a system and method for avoiding a collision between a motorised vehicle and a cyclist according to a fifth aspect of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, protective headwear 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprises a protective shell 12 having an external surface 14 and an internal surface 16, defining a protective cavity 18 in which a user’s head 20 is disposed when the protective headwear is being used.

The protective headwear 10 further comprises sensor means having a first sensor 22, , a second sensor 22 ₂ , and a third sensor 22 ₃ . The first sensor 22, is disposed on the internal surface 16 to face the top of a user head 20 when the protective headwear 10 is in normal use. The second and third sensors, 22 ₂ 22 ₃ , are disposed on opposing sides of a lower portion of the internal surface 16, such that, in normal use, the second and third sensors, 22 ₂ 22 ₃ face the user’s head behind each ear.

Although three sensors, 22,. 22 ₂ 22 _3, are described in the illustrated embodiment, other embodiments may have a single sensor 22, or more than three sensors.

The sensors 22 ₁ 22 _2, 22 ₃ are preferably contact sensors which sensor contact of the user’s head with each sensor, which may be, for example, microswitches.

The protective headwear 10 further comprises first and second securing straps, 24i 24 ₂ , having first and second mechanical connectors 26i 26 ₂ , respectively, operable to mechanically connect to each other to provide a connected securing strap operable, in its connected state to be disposed under the jaw of a user to secure the protective headwear 10 to the head 20 of a user.

The first and second securing straps, 24i 24 have an internal electrical circuit operable to be in an open circuit state when the first and second mechanical connectors 26 _! 26 ₂ are in a disconnected state and in a closed circuit state when the first and second mechanical connectors 26i 26 ₂ are in a connected state.

The protective headwear 10 further comprises a processor 28. The processor 28 comprises a controller 30, a charging unit 32, a rechargeable battery 34 (e.g. a Li-ion battery) and communication module 36 (e.g. Bluetooth with MCU).

The controller 30 is electrically connected to the sensors 22122 _2- 22 _3, and the first and second securing straps, 24i 24 ₂ through sensor connection 38 and strap connection 40.

The charging unit 32 has a charging connection input 42 (e.g. USB connector) to charge the rechargeable battery 34 from an external source.

The charging unit 32 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 34. The rechargeable battery 34 is electrically connected to provide power to the controller 30 and the communication module 36.

The controller 30 is electrically connected to the communication module 36. The communication module 36 is operable to communicate with a mobile communication device 44, such as, for example, a smartphone. Communication between the communication module 36 and the mobile communication device 44 is by short-range communications such as, for example, Bluetooth. The mobile communication device 44 is operable to communicate with a remote computer server 46 located in a remote location 48 from the protective headwear 10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, prior to use, the rechargeable battery 34 is charged through the charging connection input 42 of the charging unit 32. With a charged battery, in use, prior to using a vehicle or being given access to a vehicle, a user places the protective headwear 10 on their head like they would with known protective headwear.

However, with the protective headwear 10 of the present invention, the head 20 of the user contacts and thereby actuates contact sensors 22 22 _2, 22 ₃ . The actuated sensors are detected by the controller 30, through sensor connection 38. The user then mechanically connects the mechanical connectors 26i 26 ₂ to connect the securing straps, 24 24 ₂ under the user’s jaw and thereby secures the protective headwear to the head of the user. Connecting the mechanical connectors 26i 26 ₂ closes the internal circuit within the securing straps, 24i 24 ₂ and an electronic signal is detected flowing through the closed circuit by controller 30 through the strap connection 40.

Detection of the user’s head disposed against the sensors 22 22 _2, 22 ₃ and connection of mechanical connectors 26i 26 ₂ is indicative of the protective headwear being worn by the user. With these two conditions met, the controller 30 sends a headwear-on signal to the communication module 36. The communication module 36 communicates the headwear-on signal to the mobile communication device 44, which updates an App running on the mobile communication device 44. The App communicates receipt of the headwear-on signal to the remote computer server 46 through a mobile or Internet network. The remote computer server 46 records receipt of the headwear-on signal and location of the user and time dates the record for providing validation of legality of use of the vehicle and for insurance purposes. Upon termination of the user’s journey, the reverse process is undertaken whereby the controller 30 detects disconnection of the mechanical connectors 26i 26 and loss of contact between the sensors 22^ 22 _2, 22 ₃ and the user’s head 20, as the protective headwear 10 is removed. Detection of the removal of the protective headwear 10 is communicated from the controller 30 to the communication module 36 as a headwear-off signal along the location of the user recorded. The headwear- off signal is then communicated from the communication module 36 to the App on the mobile communication device 44. The App then communicates the headwear-off signal and the location from the mobile communication device 44 to the remote computer server 46 through the mobile or Internet network. The remote computer server 46 records receipt of the headwear-off signal and time dates the record for providing validation of legality of use of the vehicle and for insurance purposes.

Although the present invention has been described as protective headwear 10 having sensors 22I _, 22 _2, 22 ₃ and securing straps, 24i 24 ₂ having an internal electrical circuit, in an alternative embodiment the protective headwear 10 may have just the sensors 22 _v 22 ₂ 22 ₃ , from which the controller 30 would determine the wearing of the protective headwear 10 by the user.

Also, in an alternative embodiment, there may only a single sensor 122i.

Also, in an alternative embodiment, the protective headwear 10 may communicate over one or more networks directly with the remote computer server 46.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, protective headwear 110, according to the second aspect of the present invention, comprises a protective shell 1 12 having an external surface 1 14 and an internal surface 1 16, defining a protective cavity 1 18 in which a user’s head 120 is disposed when the protective headwear is being used. The protective headwear 110 further comprises sensor means having a first sensor 122i, a second sensor 122 ₂ , and a third sensor 122 ₃ . The first sensor 122 _T is disposed on the internal surface 1 16 to face the top of a user head 120 when the protective headwear 110 is in normal use. The second and third sensors, 122 ₂ 122 ₃ are disposed on opposing sides of a lower portion of the internal surface 116, such that, in normal use, the second and third sensors, 122 ₂ 122 ₃ face the user’s head behind each ear.

Although three sensors, 122i 122 ₂ . 122 ₃ are described in the illustrated embodiment, other embodiments may have a single sensor 122 ₃ or more than three sensors.

The sensors 122 122 ₂ . 122 _3, are preferably contact sensors which sensor contact of the user’s head with each sensor. The sensors 122i _, 122 _2, 122 _3, are more preferably micro-switches.

The protective headwear 110 further comprises first and second securing straps,

124i 124 ₂ , having first and second mechanical connectors 126i 126 ₂ , respectively, operable to mechanically connect to each other to provide a connected securing strap operable, in its connected state to be disposed under the jaw of a user to secure the protective headwear 1 10 to the head 120 of a user.

The first and second securing straps, M4 ₁ 124 ₂ have an internal electrical circuit operable to be in an open circuit state when the first and second mechanical connectors 126i 126 ₂ are in a disconnected state and in a closed circuit state when the first and second mechanical connectors 126i 126 ₂ are in a connected state.

The protective headwear 110 further comprises visual recording means such as a video camera 127 disposed on the external surface 114 on the front of the protective headwear 1 10, and suitably positioned such that it is able to record the region in front of a user as the user travels on their journey. The protective headwear 1 10 further comprises a processor 128. The processor 128 comprises a controller 130, a charging unit 132, a rechargeable battery 134 (e.g. a Li-ion battery) and communication module 136 (e.g. Bluetooth with MCU).

The controller 130 is electrically connected to the sensors 122i _, 122 _2, 122 ₃ the first and second securing straps, 124i 124 ₂ and the video camera 127 through sensor connection 138, strap connection 140 and camera connection 141.

The charging unit 132 has a charging connection input 142 (e.g. USB connector) to charge the rechargeable battery 134 from an external source.

The charging unit 132 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 134. The rechargeable battery 134 is electrically connected to provide power to the controller 130 and the communication module 136.

The controller 130 is electrically connected to the communication module 136.

The communication module 136 is operable to communicate with a mobile communication device 144, such as, for example, a smartphone. Communication between the communication module 136 and the mobile communication device 144 is by short-range communications such as, for example, Bluetooth.

The mobile communication device 144 is operable to communicate with a remote computer server 146 located in a remote location 148 from the protective headwear 110. Prior to use, the rechargeable battery 134 is charged through the charging connection input 142 of the charging unit 132. With a charged battery, in use, prior to using a vehicle or being given access to a vehicle, a user places the protective headwear 1 10 on their head like they would with known protective headwear. However, with the protective headwear 1 10 of the present invention, the head 120 of the user contacts and thereby actuates contact sensors 122i 122 _2, 122 ₃ . The actuated sensors are detected by the controller 130, through sensor connection 138. The user then mechanically connects the mechanical connectors 126i 126 ₂ to connect the securing straps, 124 _L 124 ₂ under the user's jaw and thereby secures the protective headwear to the head of the user. Connecting the mechanical connectors 126i 126a closes the internal circuit within the securing straps, 124i 124 ₂ and an electronic signal is detected flowing through the closed circuit by controller 30 through the strap connection 140.

Detection of the user’s head disposed against the sensors 122i. 122 _2, 122 ₃ and connection of mechanical connectors 126i 126 ₂ is indicative of the protective headwear being worn by the user. With these two conditions met, the controller 30 sends a signal to switch on the video camera 127 through the camera connection 141. The communication module 136 communicates the headwear-on signal to the mobile communication device 144, which updates an App running on the mobile communication device 144. The video camera 127 records the journey of the user of the vehicle and the recorded journey is transmitted from the communication module 136 to the App on the mobile communication device 144. The App transmits the recorded video of the journey to the remote computer server 146 through a mobile or Internet network. The remote computer server 146 records receipt of the recorded video and time dates the record.

Upon termination of the user’s journey, the reverse process is undertaken whereby the controller 130 detects disconnection of the mechanical connectors 126 ₃ 126 ₂ and loss of contact between the sensors 122i _, 122 ₂ 122 ₃ and the user’s head 120, as the protective headwear 1 10 is removed. Detection of the removal of the protective headwear 1 10 is communicated from the controller 130 to the video camera 127 which switches the video camera 127 off. The controller 130 also communicates the headwear-off signal to the communication module 136. The headwear-off signal is then communicated from the communication module 136 to the App on the mobile communication device 144. The App then communicates the headwear-off signal from the mobile communication device 144 to the remote computer server 146 through the mobile or Internet network. The remote computer server 146 records receipt of the headwear-off signal and location of the user and time dates the record and terminates the video recording record.

Although the present invention has been described as protective headwear 1 10 having sensors 122i. 122 _2, 122 ₃ and securing straps, 124i 124 ₂ having an internal electrical circuit, in an alternative embodiment the protective headwear 1 10 may have just the sensors 122, 122 ₂ . 122 ₃ , from which the controller 130 would determine the wearing of the protective headwear 110 by the user.

Also, in an alternative embodiment, there may only a single sensor 122i.

Also, in an alternative embodiment, the protective headwear 1 10 may communicate, over one or more networks, directly with the remote computer server 146.

Referring to Figure 6, according to a third aspect of the present invention protective headgear 210 has an electrically conductive protective portion 212. The protective portion 212 is formed from an impact absorbing material such as, for example, an expanded or foamed plastics material, such as, for example polystyrene which has an electrically conductive material dispersed in the impact absorbing material. The electrically conductive material may be, for example, graphite powder or filaments.

The electrically conductive protective portion 212 is disposed between, and in electrical contact with, a first electrically conductive terminal 214 and a second electrically conductive terminal 216. The first and second electrically conductive terminals, 214 and 216, have first and second electrical connectors, 218 and 220, respectively.

A protective shell 222 covers the first electrically conductive terminal 214. The protective shell 222 is formed from a hard plastics material such as, for example, polycarbonate.

An electrical measurement apparatus 224 has first and second terminal connectors 226 and 228 which are connectable to the first and second electrical connectors, 218 and 220, respectively, using first and second electric cables, 230 and 232, respectively. In use, the first and second electric cables, 230 and 232, are connected to the first and second electrical connectors, 218 and 220, respectively, and an electrical characteristic is measured across the electrically conductive protective portion 212. For example, the electrical resistance may be measured across the electrically conductive protective portion 212. Measurement of a higher than expected electrical resistance would be indicative of damage in the protective portion 212 and therefore it would be determined that the protective headwear would not provide adequate protection if used.

The protective headwear 210 may have an integral indicative light, such as, for example, an LED (not shown), which is arranged to emit light (or light of a predetermined colour) if the electrical resistance is measured above a predetermined threshold, indicative of a damaged protective portion 212. Alternatively, light may be emitted if the electrical resistance is measured in an acceptable range, indicative that the protective portion 212 is not damaged. The protective headwear may include a switch (not shown) for closing the circuit in order to measure the electrical resistance. Although the electrical measurement apparatus 224 is illustrated as a separate apparatus external to the protective headwear 210, in an alternative embodiment the electrical measurement apparatus may be integrated into the protective headwear 210.

An example of protective headwear 210 in accordance with the present invention is a cycling or motorcycling crash helmet. This may be manufactured by moulding the protective portion 212 of it from materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS). The polystyrene may be provided in bead form pre-expansion to which can be added an electrically conductive powder such as graphite. As a result the moulded protective portion of the helmet has dispersed therethrough the electrically conductive material. In another embodiment, electronic conductor filaments are molded in with EPS material.

Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus 300 for assisting navigation by a rider of a bicycle or motorcycle comprises a protective headwear such as a helmet 310 which communicates wirelessly via antenna 312 or Bluetooth with a mobile communication device 314 (e.g. Smartphone) loaded with Google maps 316 (or Waze or any mapping App) and the software application relevant to the invention. The helmet 310 is provided with vibrators, 318 and 320, located on the parts of the helmet 310 corresponding to the right and left temples of the rider. Helmet 310 is also provided with high intensity LED indicator lights 322 and 324 on its right and left sides.

The communication makes use of Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth version 4.0) Technology. The 2.4 GHz radio transmission communicates with the smartphone 314 which in turn streams information to the helmet 310. The user enters a destination into the smartphone 314 using Google Maps 316 or any other suitable mapping App (e.g. Waze or Citimapper). Google Maps identifies the location of the rider and determines whether the rider should continue forward or a right or left turn is to be undertaken at a particular road junction to follow the determined route for the journey. After receiving the turning signal, the smartphone 314 transmits a corresponding turning signal to the helmet 3Ϊ 0. The helmet 310 then provides left or right vibrations through the vibrators 318 and 320 as appropriate and also external indication via the appropriate LED lights 322 and 324.

As illustrated in Figure 8, helmet 310 carries the Bluetooth module 326 (version

4.0) with an integrated microprocessor control unit (MCU). Communication from

I

helmet 310 is to left and ride side vibrators 318 and 320 and left and right side LED Iights322 and 324. Helmet 310 is also provided with a rechargeable Li-ion battery 328, running on 3.7v and having 400mAh capacity, or any other battery having suitable voltage and capacity and charging circuit 330 having USB input 332 with a 500mA charging current, or any other suitable capacity.

Figure 9 shows the application design of the apparatus 300 of the invention (shown in Figure 7). The iOS/Android App includes the Bluetooth Framework (providing Bluetooth protocol implementation), the GPS framework which ascertains the current location of the phone, Google Map SDK (an external Google library) or other suitable library, and a UI/UX Application.

In use, the route, set by the user, is transmitted from the smartphone 314 directly to the helmet 310 of the user/rider and the route is presented to the user using the left and right vibrators 318 and 320 disposed on the helmet 310 and in contact with a part of the user/rider’s head. This enables the user/rider to follow the route without having to use their eyes to look at a map or their ears to listen to directions, enabling the user/rider to maintain their spatial awareness and attention in seeing and hearing typical dangers which may be encountered when riding a bicycle in a busy urban environments. Referring to Figure 10, a warning system 400, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, for avoiding a collision between a motorised vehicle 410 and a cyclist 412.

The system 400 has a cyclist signal transmitter 414, which is carried by the cyclist 412, either on their bicycle or on themselves such as, for example, attached or integrated into their helmet. The cyclist signal transmitter 414 may comprise, for example, an RFID or similar device.

The motorised vehicle 410 comprises driver alerting means such as a bicycle alert signal receiver 416. The bicycle signal alert signal receiver 416 may be carried by the motorised vehicle driver or may be attached to or integrated into the motorised vehicle 410. The bicycle signal alert signal receiver 416 may, for example, comprise an RFID reader.

In one embodiment the bicycle alert signal receiver 416 is linked to the indicator light stem or indictor lights of the motorised vehicle 410, such that movement of the indicator stem to switch an indicator light on actuates the bicycle alert signal receiver 416 to check for the presence of a cyclist 412 travelling in a direction which will intersect the proposed turning route of the motorised vehicle 410.

In another embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the bicycle alert signal receiver 416 is linked to the turning of the steering wheel of the motorised vehicle 410, such that turning the steering wheel of the motorised vehicle 410, actuates the bicycle alert signal receiver 416 to check for the presence of a cyclist 412 travelling in a direction which will intersect the proposed turning route of the motorised vehicle 410.

If the presence of a cyclist 412 is confirmed by the bicycle alert signal receiver 416, the driver is notified by an audible and/or visual signal at which time the driver can take avoiding action. The driver alerting system may be a fire claxon and/or a flashing light.

The means for alerting the driver may further comprise means for bringing the motorised vehicle to a stop and/or preventing the steering wheel from being turned. In a further embodiment, there may also be means for alerting the bicycle 412 that a motor vehicle 410 is proposing to turn across it’s intended path, therefore helping the rider of the bicycle/e-scooter to take avoiding action. A siren serves to warn the cyclist of the vehicle’s turning intention.