TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to field of helmets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a thermally regulated safety and riding helmet for providing cooling effect to a user wearing the helmet.

BACKGROUND

[002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Protective headwear, such as helmets are used for several different purposes, or activities, such as while riding a two- wheeler vehicle, riding a cycle, at construction sites, in forest services, in military applications, in industrial operations such as operating melting furnaces and other such applications that need head protection. The use of headwear or helmets can be very beneficial to the user as the helmets protects head of the user in case of any accidents. However, this would require the user to wear the helmet during the entire duration of the activity. This means that the head portion of the user would be in contact with the helmet for a long duration of time. The constant usage of the helmet can be extremely uncomfortable to the user due to continuous sweating especially in summer and hot conditions.

[004] The continuous usage of helmet and the head sweating can also lead to wetness of the inner layer of the helmet. Even when performing activities such as riding a bike, the heat of the body is lost through head, wherein wearing a helmet can prevent heat loss. However, it can also lead to sweating, especially at forehead and certain portions of the head in contact with a helmet. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a conventional bike helmet 100 may have a possible sweat point 110 as indicated. Even in case of other such applications, as mentioned above, similar problem of sweat capture and discomfort of usage may exist.

[005] There is therefore a need to provide a helmet that overcomes the aforementioned limitation and includes a heat regulating effect or a cooling effect that makes the helmet wearing experience more enjoyable and comfortable to the user. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[006] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome difficulties faced by wearer of conventional helmets during riding or during engagements in professions requiring safety of head, such as at construction sites, mining etc.

[007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a helmet that prevents sweating of the wearer due to prolonged use.

[008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a helmet with heat regulating effect or a cooling effect that makes the helmet wearing experience more enjoyable and comfortable to the user.

[009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a helmet that provides the heat regulating or cooling effect in desired location as well as by providing a current of cool air.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a concept for thermally regulated helmet that can be implemented without any major changes in basic structure of conventional helmets.

[0011] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermally regulated helmet that meets the governing safety regulations for helmets.

SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a thermally regulated helmet that improves experience of its wearer by preventing sweating during prolonged use. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a safety and/or a riding helmet that includes cooling mechanism that enables any or a combination of cooling at desired locations and a current of cool air directed to face of the wearer, thereby preventing sweating and improving wearer’s experience.

[0013] In an aspect, the disclosed helmet is based on one or more of integrated thermoelectric coolers (also referred to as heat regulating device hereinafter) that are in the helmet. The integrated thermoelectric coolers include a thermoelectric cell that work based on Peltier effect to provide cooling; a heat sink coupled to one side of the thermoelectric cell; a cooling element plate coupled to the other side of the thermoelectric cell; and at least one air circulating component configured to cool the heat sink.

[0014] In one embodiment, the integrated thermoelectric cooler is configured with the helmet such that the corresponding cooling element plate is in contact with forehead of the wearer such that, when the thermoelectric cell is activated by application of a voltage, the cooling element plate in contact with forehead of the wearer provides cooling effect to the forehead of the wearer. A flexible graphite sheet with self-adhesive may be fixed on the cooling element plate of the integrated thermoelectric coolers such that the graphite sheet covers complete forehead of the wearer.

[0015] In another embodiment, there can be additional integrated thermoelectric cooler configured with the helmet that include a second DC fan configured adjacent the corresponding cooling element plate such that air from the second DC fan, after being cooled by the cooling element plate, is directed to face of the wearer.

[0016] The heat sink may include fins for dissipation of heat transferred by the thermoelectric cell from the cooling element plate to the heat sink. The air circulating component can be a DC fan configured to blow air over the fins to efficiently remove heat from the heat sink

[0017] The integrated thermoelectric coolers may be configured within the helmet in cavities created within a Styrofoam layer of the helmet. Thus, basic structure of the helmet is not effected.

[0018] The helmet may include holes for entry and exit of air that is circulated by the

DC fan for cooling the heat sink. There can be ducts/pipes coupled between the DC fan and the holes for directed flow of air.

[0019] The holes may be configured to minimize effect on impact strength of the helmet. Besides, the helmet incorporating the one or more integrated thermoelectric coolers/ heat regulating device meets the penetration test and impact absorption tests as stipulated in the relevant safety regulations for safety and riding helmets.

[0020] The holes may be covered with perforated metal mesh, whose surface may be configured to repel water to minimize water ingress.

[0021] The helmet may further include channels to drain any water that may enter through the mesh on the holes. The channels may be coupled to water exit holes.

[0022] The helmet may include a rechargeable li-ion battery to power the thermoelectric cells and DC fans of the integrated thermoelectric coolers.

[0023] The helmet may include one or more switches between the integrated thermoelectric coolers and the battery to control operation of the one or more integrated thermoelectric coolers. [0024] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion or a sweat point in a conventional bike helmet.

[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates an overview of a heat regulating device of the disclosed thermally regulated helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0028] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded front view of a heat regulating device showing the various components, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2C illustrates a partial exploded side view of the heat regulating device of

FIG. 2A, showing the relative heat content between a heat sink and a thermoelectric cell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0030] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a thermoelectric cell of the heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary image showing a helmet fitted with the heat regulating device of FIG. 2A for cooling forehead of its wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0032] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate exemplary images of the heat regulating device of FIG.

2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate thermal images of an exemplary heat regulating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate thermal images of a human face to show the cooling effect or temperature difference on a human forehead, before and after using the thermally regulated helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0036] FIGs. 7A-7D illustrate exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A and provided with heat adjustment button, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGs. 8A-8D illustrate exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2 A at a jaw portion of the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9A illustrates a thermal image of an interior of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0039] FIG. 9B illustrates temperature testing of an interior of a helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate inlet and outlet holes for air covered with perforated metal mesh, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0041] FIG. IOC illustrates duct/pipe configured between DC fan and the holes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 11 A illustrates a helmet fitted with a DC fan for providing a current of air over face of its wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 11B illustrates images showing air guide, air inlet vents and switches placed on the helmet, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 12A illustrates a helmet fitted with a heat regulating device configured to provide a current of cool air over face of its wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 12B illustrates an exploded view of the heat regulating device configured to provide a current of cool air over face of its wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 12C illustrates thermal images showing cooling effect of the helmets of

FIG. 2E and 12A respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. [0048] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or

“might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0049] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0051] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

[0052] The present disclosure relates to field of safety and riding helmets. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a thermally regulated helmet. The thermally regulated helmet may include a heat regulating device for providing a cooling effect that makes the helmet wearing experience more enjoyable and comfortable to the user. The heat regulating effect is also provided to reduce generation of sweat and to reduce wetness in the interior region of the helmet that may come in contact with one or more sweat points on head of a user. In an embodiment, the heat regulating device may include using components that involve passing electricity through the junction of dissimilar metals to causes heat to flow from one metal to the other.

[0053] The present disclosure may enable the heat regulating effect by using a thermoelectric cooler (TEC)that works based on Peltier effect to transfer heat from one surface of the YEC to the other surface, which is coupled with a heat sink to absorb the heat. The heat sink is actively cooled by pushing air through the heat sink. The thermoelectric cooling of the heat regulating device provides absolute reliability, no sensitivity to motion or level, requires small size and weight of the device and ensures minimal battery drain. The heat regulating device also ensures removal of heat and/or providing cooling effect for various parts of the head of a user including, but not limited to, forehead, posterior portion of the head, anterior portion, frontal jawline, areas near ears and earlobe and any other such portion of the head. The heat regulating device may enable to remove heat from the forehead through an optimized heat exchange mechanism to make user to experience instant coolness. In an embodiment, in addition to the heat sink and the TEC, the heat regulating device may also include other components that enable heat exchange or transfer including, but not limited to, an air circulating component, a metal plate and other such components useful for this purpose. Various other components may also be used for heat exchange process.

[0054] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a heat regulating device for regulating heat in an interior region of a helmet. FIG. 2A illustrates an overview of a heat regulating device 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an example embodiment, the heat regulating device 200 may include at least one of an air- circulating component 202, a heat sink 204, a thermoelectric cell (TEC) 206 and a cooling plate 208. The heat sink 204 may be operatively coupled to the air-circulating component 202 on one end and the thermoelectric cell 206 on the other end as shown in an exploded view 250 of FIG 2B. The thermoelectric cell 206 may be further coupled with the cooling plate 208 as shown in FIG. 2C. The above mentioned arrangement is exemplary and it may be appreciated that other arrangements are also possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 2C illustrates a partial exploded side view 260 of the heat regulating device 200 of FIG. 2A, showing the relative heat content between a heat sink and a thermoelectric cell, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2C and in accordance with an embodiment, the heat regulating device, during its operation, may include a hotter region and a cooler region, during its operation. The TEC 206 may include a set of ceramic plates 272 and 270 and a set of thermoelectric cells 266. Upon configuring the heat regulating device in a helmet, the TEC may enable dissipating heat such that one ceramic plate272 of the TEC becomes hotter and another ceramic plate 270 gets cooler due to heat flowing effect of the TEC. The heat sink 204 (herein shown as 262), may include a base portion 264 that may be in touch with the ceramic plate 272 to enable absorbing or passing heat away from the hotter portion (hotter ceramic plate) of the TEC into the further area 262 of the heat sink. The air circulating component 202 enables to dissipate heat further away from the heat sink into the external environment. The cooling plate 208 (herein shown as 268) may be in contact with the cooler ceramic plate 270 of the TEC such that cooling plate 208 (or 268) may absorb the coolness from the cooler ceramic plate (270) to pass on the coolness to the inner area of the thermally regulated helmet that may be in contact with a portion of head of the user.

[0056] The heat sink may include a configuration that allows to maximize its surface area that may be in contact with the cooling medium surrounding it, such as, for example, the air. The heat sink may be made from an element that includes good heat sink properties such as heat transfer capability, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and other such properties. In an embodiment, the heat sink may be made from at least one of copper and aluminium. In an exemplary embodiment, aluminium based heat sink may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, an aluminium heat sink having dimensions of 34.4 x 34.5 x 9.80 mm may be used. The present disclosure may not be restricted with the mentioned material/dimension and several other materials and/or dimensions of the heat sink can be possibly used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] The air circulating component 202 may be any device that may enable better circulation of air within the helmet to which the heat regulating device may be coupled. In an embodiment the air circulating component may be a fan or a blower. In certain applications, the air circulating component can be means provided in the helmet for forced circulation of ambient air, for example holes and air channels, such as when the helmet is being used by a bike rider or for other applications for safety. In an alternate embodiment, the air circulating component may be a DC fan (5V) with dimensions 30 x 30 x 6.8 mm. The present disclosure may not be restricted with the mentioned type/dimension and several other types and/or dimensions of the air circulating component can be possibly used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] The cooling plate 208 may be a metal plate that may absorb the coolness from a cold portion/plate of the TEC 206 and spread to a desired area. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal plate may be a copper plate of pre-determined dimension such as, for example, 75mm x 35 mm x 0.24 mm. Preferably a thicker metal plate may be used. In an embodiment, the thickness may be in the range of 1 to 2 mm. In another embodiment, the cooling plate may be made of flexible copper. In yet another embodiment, the cooling plate may be made of flexible graphite sheet. It is to be appreciated that the mentioned dimensions are only exemplary, and the present disclosure is not restricted by the mentioned type/dimension/material and several other types and/or dimensions/materials of the cooling plate can be possibly used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view 270 of a TEC 206 of the heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2D, the TEC may include a set of ceramic plates, which may include a cold and hot side during operation i.e. a ceramic plate 272 including a cold side 274 and a ceramic plate 276 including a hot side. The TEC may include thermoelectric cells including multiple p-type semiconductor pellet 278 and multiple n-type semiconductor pellet 280 that may enable passage of heat flow in one direction to obtain the cold side and the hot side of TEC 206. The TEC 206 may further include wire leads 284 and a conducting tab 282 for electrical connection. In an exemplary embodiment, the conducting tab may be made of copper. The present disclosure may not be restricted with the mentioned type/material of TEC and several other materials, types and/or dimensions of the TEC can be possibly used within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] In an embodiment, the fan size and/or size of other components such as heat sink or TEC may be varied to optimize the dimensions of the components for best performance. In another embodiment, heat regulating device may include a regulator component so as to control input voltage supplied to the assembly unit to control or regulate the cooling effect. Various other modes of operation or adjustment is possible within the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, by integrating the heat regulating device with the helmet, a temperature drop in the range of 1 to 20 degree Celsius may be achieved in the interior portions of the thermally regulated helmet. Several optimizations may lead to further cooling or drop in temperature and is possible within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the thermally regulated helmet may include diagonally matching heat sink fins. Various other configurations to attach the heat regulation unit and/or additional blowers may be possible.

[0061] FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary image showing a helmet 290 fitted with the heat regulating device 200 of FIG. 2A for cooling forehead 292 of its wearer. Also shown in the figure is a switch 294 located on an outer surface of the helmet 290 to activate the regulating device 200, and a battery 296 for powering the TEC 206 of the heat regulating device 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source may be a rechargeable li-ion battery, connected to the heat regulating device 200 through the switch 296. As can be appreciated, there can be circuitry and socket for charging of the battery 296. The heat regulating device 200 may be positioned at or near sweat points in the helmet 290. The thermally regulated helmet thus obtained may be worn while any activity such as, for example, riding a two-wheeler vehicle, riding a cycle, at construction sites, in forest services, in military applications, in industrial operations such as operating melting furnaces and other such applications that need head protection. The heat regulating device may be coupled or positioned within an inner area of the helmet by using known integration techniques. The helmet may also be attached by adhesives or sewed inside an inner layer of an existing helmet. This enables integrating the heat regulating device 200 with conventional helmets possible without any structural changes in the helmet. However, various other techniques are possible for positioning or placing the heat regulating device 200 within the helmet.

[0062] The entire assembly including the TEC, the air circulating component, the heat sink and the cooling plate may be assembled to provide the heat regulating device as shown in FIGs. 3A-3B that illustrates exemplary images 300, 350 of a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIGs. 4A-4B illustrate thermal images 400, 450 of an exemplary heat regulating device 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cooling plate indicates lesser heat content (cooler surface). Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the red portion indicates hotter portion near the hot ceramic plate of TEC and the heat sink, and the blue portion indicates a cooler region near the cold ceramic plate of TEC and the cooling plate. FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate a thermal image of a face/head region of the user showing the cooling effect or temperature difference on a human forehead, wherein image 500 is a thermal map before using the thermally regulated helmet, and image 550 is a thermal map before using the thermally regulated helmet which clearly shows cooler region in forehead of the user. For example, the user may wear the thermally regulated helmetat highest cooling level for 30 minutes ride, wherein it was observed that without cooling effect the temperature on forehead is 36.3°C (as shown in FIG. 5A), however, with cooling, the temperature of forehead reached to 31.5°C (as shown in FIG. 5B), thus resulting in no sweating and better comfort in hot weather.

[0064] FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet attached or integrated with a heat regulating device 200 of FIG. 2 A. In an embodiment, heat regulating device may include one or more slots that are made on a forehead region of the thermally regulated helmet, to fix the assembled heat regulating unit and for air inlet 602 as well as air exhaust outlet 604, as shown in FIG. 6A. The air exhaust outlet 604 may be a front hole covered with metallic wire mesh for better hot air exhaust and to shield the air circulating component of the heat regulating device. The heat regulating unit may be positioned within the helmet such that cooling plate of heat regulating device may be in direct or indirect contact with a head portion of a user wearing the helmet, as shown in 632 of FIG. 6C. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat regulating device 200 may be affixed within an inner layer or Styrofoam layer of helmet by using adhesive, wherein wire based installation may be done through the Styrofoam which is protected with an inner liner.

[0065] FIGs. 7A-7D illustrate exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device 200 of FIG. 2A and provided with heat adjustment button, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The thermally regulated helmet may be provided with an operating switch, such as switch 294 shown in FIG. 2E. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch may function as ON/OFF and level change may be placed on right side of the thermally regulated helmet (shown by circular button in FIG. 7A) fixed using adhesive such as glue and protected with jaw pads. The thermally regulated helmet may also be provided with a power source (battery) for powering the TEC. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source may be a battery such as, for example, 3.7V rechargeable li-ion battery, connected with charge and output connector to power the switch. The thermally regulated helmet may operate on long press of switch for 2 seconds to turn ON the helmet. In an exemplary embodiment, a switch for heat regulating device maybe provided with three adjustable levels of coolness/cooling effect such that by pressing the switch once the level may be easily changed.

[0066] The heat regulating device 200 may not only be connected to the forehead portion of the thermally regulated helmet but may be provided at other points near the head or face that may enable better cooling effect while wearing the thermally regulated helmet. In an exemplary embodiment, a heat regulating device 200 may be connected to a chin region of the thermally regulated helmet. FIGs. 8A-8D illustrates an exemplary images of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2 A at a jaw portion of the thermally regulated helmet. The heat regulating device may be installed in the jaw or chin protector area of a helmet that may be operated by multiple setting, for example, a three level-ON/OFF switch powered by battery source such as, for example, a 3.7 V rechargeable li-ion battery. As shown in FIG. 8A, heat regulating device may be installed near chin protector in such a way that colder region may be in indirect contact with the chin or lower face of the user, shown as 802 in FIG. 81 and the air circulating component or DC fan may be installed near the heat sink (shown as 822, FIG. 8C) on outer side of the same area (shown as 824 in FIG. 8C) The thermally regulated helmet may also include a cool air blower 812. All the components may be attached in such a way that air is directed to flow over cold heat sink and circulate on face, and the hot heatsink is placed outside the helmet 824. In an embodiment, the thermally regulated helmet may include a combination of independent multiple heat regulating devices integrated at various regions of the helmet. In an exemplary embodiment, independent multiple heat regulating devices may be connected to a forehead portion of the thermally regulated helmet and a chin region of the thermally regulated helmet to enable better cooling effect while wearing the thermally regulated helmet.

[0067] FIG. 9A illustrates a thermal image of an interior of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A. As seen in FIG. 9A, upon choosing a setting of the heat regulating device, a certain region in the interior of the thermally regulated helmet may become relatively cooler, as shown to be 17 degree Celsius, than its surrounding region. FIG. 9B illustrates temperature testing of an interior of a thermally regulated helmet coupled with a heat regulating device of FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG. 9B, the inner portion near the chin protector shows the temperature as 20.9 degree Celsius. [0068] In an exemplary embodiment, an assembly unit of the heat regulating device may be tested under room temperature and ambient conditions to observe the performance of TEC. Table 1 indicates results of assembly testing, as performed in the present disclosure. As observed, even in conditions as hot as 44 degree Celsius, the TEC temperature was observed to be 19 degree Celsius, indicating the cooling effect of the heat regulating device.

Table 1: Assembly unit testing at room temperature and hot chamber conditions [0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat regulating device may be tested for various sizes or dimensions of components to provide the most effective cooling. Table 2 indicates results of size based testing of device as performed in the present disclosure, wherein the size of heat sink was varied to observe cooling effect. As observed, the three samples were tested at same ambient conditions. It was observed that by increasing the heatsink size by 5mm, the cooling is increased by 1.5 °C. This clearly displays the effect of heatsink size variation on the cooling effect or heat regulation. The chosen size may also take into account the compatible size comfortable to a user based on which the dimensions may be chosen.

Table 2: Assembly unit testing for varying size of heat sink of heat regulating unit

[0070] FIG. 10A illustrates inlet and outlet holes for air, wherein, as shown, there can be two exhaust holes 1004 for hot air exit and two inlet holes 1002 for each heat regulating device 200. Each of the holes 1002 and 1004 can be covered with perforated metal mesh that is configured to minimize water ingress through the holes 1002. 1004.

[0071] FIG. 10B illustrates exemplary shapes of the holes that have been arrived at by trying out different shapes, sizes and locations, and testing them for performance in respect of cooling and impact resistance of the helmet. The holes 1022 shaped as cluster of holes within a diameter ‘D’ of 30mm may be located on front side of the helmet, and the holes 1024 shaped as slots with length ‘L’ and width ‘W’ of 30mm and 6mm respectively can be located on sides of the helmet.

[0072] The effect of incorporating one or more heat regulating devices 200 in a conventional helmet on sturdiness and safety it provides to the wearer was checked by carrying out mandated tests, such as those stipulated by DOT FMVSS No. 218 standard and ECE regulation R-22.05. The helmets incorporating the proposed heat regulating device 200 withstood all the tests, i.e., penetration test as per S5.2 and S7.2 of FMVSS No. 218 by dropping a weight of 2kgs with stipulated geometry and hardness from the stipulated height of 3mts. No indentation was formed. Similarly, the proposed helmet was subjected to impact absorption tests as stipulated in sub clause 7.3.6 of clause 7.3 of the ECE regulation R-22.05 and met the stipulated criteria.

[0073] FIG. IOC illustrates duct/pipe 1032 configured between DC fan and the holes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 11 A illustrates a helmet 1100 fitted with an air blower 1104 for providing a current of air 1104 over face of its wearer, in addition to a heat regulating device 200 for cooling the forehead 292 of the wearer. The blower 1104 may be powered by the rechargeable battery 296 and can be controlled by one or more switches, in addition to the switch 294 provided to control the heat regulating device 200.

[0075] FIG. 11B illustrates images showing air guide 1106 to guide air blown by the blower 1104 over the face of the wearer, air inlet vents 1108 for entry of air for the blower 1104 to such, and a pair of switches 1110, which may include functionality of the switch 294, to control the blower 1104, placed on the helmet 1100. The switch 1110 may be connected to a single battery 196, and each can be operated independently.

[0076] However, as can be understood, the blower 1104 of helmet 1100 can provide only a limited relief to the wearer in facial region as the air shall not be cool. It would therefore, be advisable to have an arrangement for blowing cool air over the face of the wearer to provide higher level of relief from heat and sweating.

[0077] FIG. 12A illustrates another embodiment of the disclosed helmet fitted with two heat regulating devices 200-1 and 200-2, configured to provide cooling on foreheat 292 by contact, and by providing a current of cool air over face of its wearer, respectively.

[0078] FIG. 12B illustrates an exploded view of the heat regulating device 200-2 configured to provide a current of cool air over face of its wearer. The heat regulating device 200-2 to provide a current of cool air can include as a DC fan 1202 (functionally similar to the air circulatory component 202), a heat sink 1204 (functionally similar to the heat sink 204), a TEC 1206 (functionally similar to the TEC 206), a cold side heat sink 1208 (functionally similar to the cooling element plate 208), and a blower 1210 (also referred to as a second DC fan). The blower 1210 is configured to blow air through the cold side heat sink 1208, which cools the blown air, towards the face of wearer. Also, the blower 1210 is optimized to enhance cooling effect, as the blown air is blown through the cold side heat sink 1208. As shown, the heat regulating device 200-2 is fitted in chin region of the helmet 1200. [0079] FIG. 12C illustrates thermal images 1232 and 1234 showing cooling effect of the helmets of FIGs. 12A, i.e., with blower cooling, and 2E, i.e., with forehead cooling alone, respectively. The helmet 1200 when used during long ride with forehead cooling alone, temperature of forehead reached 36°C, and when used along with blower cooling, forehead temperature was limited to 31°C. The difference helps in preventing sweating thereby providing more comfort in hot weather, besides helping inprevention of dehydration or heatstroke. The cool air also adds to ease of breathing.

[0080] Thus, the present disclosure provides a suitable solution for preventing discomfort caused by conventional helmets, especially due to sweating by enabling forehead and facial cooling to add comfort while wearing the helmet. This may not be possible with conventional helmets that include closed inner pads, which with rising heat and humidity, make it more difficult for a user to wear, especially in hot weather. In accordance with the present disclosure, the thermally regulated helmet is integrated or coupled to a heat regulating device to provide thermal stabilization or cooling effect at the head region of a user by providing a cooling effect at several variable conditions, and with different options of settings to choose an extent of cooling effect. To achieve a more comfortable interior of the thermally regulated helmet, cool air circulation inside the thermally regulated helmetwith compact design can actually improve comfort especially for long term usage.

[0081] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.

[0082] In the foregoing description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well- known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0083] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[0084] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[0085] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0086] The present disclosure provides a helmet that overcome difficulties faced by wearer of conventional helmets.

[0087] The present disclosure provides a helmet that prevents sweating of the wearer due to prolonged use.

[0088] The present disclosure provides a helmet with heat regulating effect or a cooling effect that makes the helmet wearing experience more enjoyable and comfortable to the user.

[0089] The present disclosure provides a helmet that provides the heat regulating or cooling effect in desired location as well as by providing a current of cool air. [0090] The present disclosure provides a concept for thermally regulated helmet that can be implemented without any major changes in basic structure of conventional helmets. [0091] The present disclosure provides a thermally regulated helmet that meets the governing safety regulations for riding and safety helmets.