Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device that is capable of providing a clear visibility to a bicycle rider by diverting the snow, rain, and sun rays from line of sight of the rider/ user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bicycle helmets are essential for protecting riders from head injuries during accidents by absorbing impact energy. However, adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, and intense sun rays pose significant challenges. Rain reduces visibility and creates slippery road surfaces, while snow increases difficulty in handling due to icy or slushy roads. Intense sunlight causes glare, impairing vision and potentially leading to accidents. Due to these issues, riders are often in search for a helmet that is wearable in all weather conditions and is able to solve these issues.

[0003] Traditionally, cyclists have addressed adverse weather conditions to maintain clear visibility using several methods. In rain, riders attach transparent plastic or makeshift visors to helmets or handlebars to deflect rain and enhance visibility. During snowfall, goggles or sunglasses with anti-fog coatings are worn to prevent condensation and maintain clear vision. In bright sunlight, cyclists use tinted or polarized sunglasses to reduce glare. While these methods improve visibility to some extent, they pose several challenges and drawbacks. Transparent plastic visors fog up or distort vision under varying temperatures. Goggles or sunglasses, while reducing glare, might be uncomfortable over long rides and do not provide adequate protection from debris or rain. Also, these solutions often require adjustment or removal, diverting attention from cycling and potentially impacting overall comfort and safety.

[0004] KR20230078915A discloses about an invention which includes a removable helmet member to protect the head in case of impact on a hat mainly used for outdoor activities. The present invention relates to an umbrella that can be fixed to the helmet to respond to various situations that may occur in rainy weather. It is impossible to avoid the rain when wearing the helmet. In order to solve this problem, a semi-circular top is attached on the helmet to secure a plastic Korean traditional hat shape so that rain can flow down, and a top is attached to the top of the shape to prevent the same to be separated. The present invention is to avoid rain with a helmet and a Korean traditional hat shape. Above the helmet, there is a top above the helmet. The top at the top is thin enough to fit to the top on top of the helmet. In addition, the Korean traditional hat shape on the helmet has a hole in the size of the top on the helmet, so the top can be attached and detached thereto. The Korean traditional hat is folded in a zigzag pattern, so rainwater droplets run down on the surface when it rains. The present invention saves gas costs by allowing users to travel by bicycle rather than by car even on rainy days because the umbrella blocks the rain. Although, KR’915 discloses about an invention that relates to an umbrella that can be fixed to a helmet to respond to various situations that may occur in rainy weather. However, the cited invention lacks in orienting by detecting the direction of the rain.

[0005] US2014189939A1 discloses about an invention which includes an inner layer having a concave shape, an outer layer having a convex shape, and a sun visor. The outer layer covers the inner layer and includes an outer layer attachment member and an outer layer lock member. The sun visor includes a shade member and a sun visor attachment member connected to and distal to the shade member. The sun visor attachment member is adapted to rotatably engage with the outer layer attachment member to form a fulcrum. The sun visor lock member is adapted to operatively engage the outer layer lock member so as to releasably lock the sun visor into a fixed position. The sun visor lock member and the outer layer lock member operatively engage so as to allow the sun visor to be releasably locked into one of a plurality of fixed positions. The sun visor attachment member and the outer layer attachment member rotatably engage via a snap fit fastener. Although, US’939 discloses about an invention that relates to bicycle helmets having a sun visor. However, the cited invention lacks in providing a wind shield to the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of protecting a user from rain, snow and sun rays while riding a bicycle. However, these devices are incapable of adjusting their orientation in an automated manner as per the direction of the rain or sunrays, and fails in providing clear visibility to the user while riding the bicycle. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in shielding the user from the high speed wind.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a shade to a user for facilitating in clear visibility while riding a bicycle, by monitoring the rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions along with their direction. In addition, the developed device also provides a shield in front of the user’s face by determining direction and intensity of the wind.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring adverse weather condition like rain/ snow/ extreme sun rays and accordingly provide a shade to divert them from line of sight of the user, thus facilitating in clear visibility of the user while riding a bicycle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting direction of the rain and sun rays and accordingly change orientation of the shade in an automated manner to provide optimal shading to the user, thereby allowing the user to comfortably ride the bicycle.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining direction and intensity of wind and accordingly provides a shield in front of the user’s face, thus shielding the user from the detected wind.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device that is capable of protecting a user riding the bicycle from extreme weather condition like rain, snow, and sun rays, by providing a shade over the user while riding the bicycle according to the direction of the rain / sun rays.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device comprises of an elliptical frame developed to be positioned around a cycling helmet worn by a user while riding a bicycle, plurality of suction cups are arranged on inner periphery of the frame for adhering to the helmet’s surface in view of securing the frame on the helmet, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame and paired with a processor to determine dimensions of the helmet, plurality of inflatable members arranged on inner periphery of the frame for gripping the helmet in view of ensuring stable attachment and prevent displacement of the frame, a sensing module integrated in the frame for monitoring extreme real-time weather conditions, an L-shaped extendable rod installed on the frame for extending to position an inverted V-shaped extendable member arranged on the rod in front of the user for providing a shade in order to allow the snow to get diverted from line of sight of the user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a microphone integrated in the frame for enabling the user to provide input voice commands for changing orientation of the member, a motorized hinge joint integrated within the member for providing converging/diverging movement to change orientation of the member as per the user’s requirements, the sensing module consists of a rain sensor, sun sensor and snow sensor for detecting rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions, along with their direction, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rod and frame, a motorized sliding unit is integrated in between the rod and frame for translating the frame as per detected direction of the rain and sunrays to provide optimal shading to the user, an anemometer is integrated in the frame for determining direction and intensity of wind, an extendable link installed on the frame for extending to positon a transparent plate arranged on end of the link in front of the user’s face in view of shielding the user from the detected wind, and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device that is capable of detecting rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions, along with their direction and accordingly provides a shade to the user riding a bicycle for facilitating in clear visibility of the user during the ride in adverse weather conditions.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device is illustrated, comprising an elliptical frame 101 positioned around a cycling helmet, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the frame 101, plurality of inflatable members 104 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101, an L-shaped extendable rod 105 installed on the frame 101, an inverted V-shaped extendable member 106 arranged on the rod 105, a microphone 107 integrated in the frame 101, a motorized hinge joint 108 integrated within the member, a motorized sliding unit 109 is integrated in between the rod 105 and frame 101, an extendable link 110 installed on the frame 101, and a transparent plate 111 arranged on end of the link 110.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of an elliptical frame 101 that is developed to be positioned around a cycling helmet worn by a user while riding a bicycle by means of multiple suction cups 102 (ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers) that are arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101 for adhering to the helmet’s surface in order to secure the frame 101 firmly with the helmet. The frame 101 serves as the main structure and is made from strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. The outer surface of the frame 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance from constant exposure to sun rays and rain and reduce friction from wind.

[0024] The suction cups 102 are used to create a vacuum seal between the helmet surface and the frame 101. When the suction cups 102 are pressed against the helmet surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the cup’s flexible rim and the surface, this seals off the area within the suction cups 102, as a result of which the frame 101 get securely installed on the helmet. Upon affixing the frame 101, the user is required to activate the device manually by pressing a button associated with the device and assembled with the frame 101. The button is a type of switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conduction of electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0025] After activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device and linked with the button generates a commands to actuate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives in vicinity of the frame 101 with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the helmet.

[0026] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0027] The microcontroller further processes the received signals in order to determine dimensions of the helmet. Based on the determined dimensions, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate multiple inflatable members 104 (ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers) arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101 to get inflated for gripping the helmet. The inflatable member comprises of an air compressor which extracts the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air and which is further injected in the members. The inflatable members 104 are laminated of multiple thin polymeric films, when air is inserted in the inflatable member by means of air compressor, the films are puffed and the members becomes soft and attain a structure of the determined dimension of the helmet for ensuring stable attachment and prevent displacement of the frame 101.

[0028] Upon stable attachment of the frame 101 with the helmet, the microcontroller in association with a sensing module that consists of a rain sensor, sun sensor and snow sensor, starts to monitor the extreme real-time weather conditions. The rain sensor comprises of two modules, a rain-board module that detects rain and a control module, which compares the analog value and converts it into a digital value. The rain-board module comprises of copper tracks that serves as a variable resistor, wherein the resistance of the track varies with respect to the wetness on the rain-board. The analog value of the varying resistance is then converted into the digital value by the control module, wherein the digital value is digitally sent to the linked microcontroller.

[0029] The sun sensor comprises of a photodiode, wherein the photodiode is capable of measuring intensity of illuminance as when beam of sunlight strikes the photodiode, then the photodiode has a tendency to loosen electrons causing an electric current to flow. More the intensity of sunlight, stronger is the electric current generated by the sun sensor, the intensity of the current is signaled to the linked microcontroller.

[0030] The snow sensor used herein is an optical snow sensor that works by emitting infrared light beams across a monitored area. When snowflakes fall into this area, they scatter the infrared light, which is detected by a receiver within the sensor. The amount of scattered light increases with snow accumulation, allowing the sensor to distinguish between no snow, light snow, and heavy snow conditions. This information is then processed by the sensor's electronics and sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal.

[0031] The microcontroller continuously receives and processes the signals from the sensors associated with the sensing module, in order to detect rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions. On successful detection of any of the three weather conditions, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate an L-shaped extendable rod 105 installed on the frame 101 to extend and position an inverted V-shaped extendable member 106 arranged on the rod 105, in front of the user. The extension of the rod 105 is powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 105.

[0032] The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend. The piston is attached to the rod 105, wherein the extension of the piston corresponds to the extension of the rod 105 resulting in positioning of the member in front of the user.

[0033] Simultaneously, with the positioning of the member, the microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 109 integrated in between the rod 105 and frame 101 for translating the rod 105 as per detected direction of the rain and sunrays. The motorized sliding unit 109 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation, the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the rod 105 along the frame 101 as per detected direction of the rain and sunrays for providing an optimal shade to the user in order to allow the rain/ snow/ sun rays to get diverted from line of sight of the user for facilitating in clear visibility of the user.

[0034] In case the user wants to change the orientation of the positioned member, the user is required to provide input voice commands for changing orientation of the member by means of a microphone 107 integrated in the frame 101. The microphone 107 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 107, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to the microcontroller linked to the microphone 107.

[0035] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 107, the microcontroller recognizes the user input voice command and based on that the microcontroller generates a command to actuate a motorized hinge joint 108 integrated within the member for providing converging/diverging movement to change orientation of the member. The hinge is a piece of metal that interconnects the member and allows the member to converge/diverge along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a bi-directional direct current motor that is linked with the microcontroller.

[0036] The bi-directional direct current motor is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the hinges to rotate the member. When the motor rotates, then provides movement to the hinges followed by which the member also converge/diverge to change its orientation as per the user’s requirements in order to protect the user from the weather conditions and allow the user to comfortably ride the bicycle.

[0037] As the user ride the bicycle, the microcontroller in association with an anemometer integrated in the frame 101, determine direction and intensity of the wind. The anemometer used herein is an ultrasonic anemometer that measures the speed and direction of the wind. It uses ultrasonic sound waves to determine instantaneous wind speed by measuring the quantity of sound wave travel between a pair of transducers that are sped up or step down by the effect of wind. The ultrasonic anemometer works on the principle that the travel time of sound waves through the air is affected by the wind speed component parallel with the direction. The anemometer sends the determined speed/direction to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal.

[0038] The microcontroller processes the received data from the anemometer in order to determine the speed and direction of the wind blowing in the vicinity of the user. In accordance to which the microcontroller actuates an extendable link 110 installed on the frame 101 for extending to positon a transparent plate 111 arranged on end of the link 110, in front of the user’s face. The extension of the link 110 is powered by the pneumatic unit associated with the device in the same manner as for the rod 105 to extend the link 110 and position the transparent plate 111 in front of the user’s face for shielding the user from the detected wind.

[0039] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the elliptical frame 101 is positioned around the cycling helmet worn by the user while riding the bicycle via multiple suction cups 102. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 determine dimensions of the helmet and based on that multiple inflatable members 104 are actuated by the microcontroller to get inflated for gripping the helmet. The microcontroller in association with the sensing module detect rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions, along with their direction and based on the weather condition the microcontroller actuate the L-shaped extendable rod 105 to position the inverted V-shaped extendable member 106 in front of the user for providing a shade in order to allow the snow/ rain/ sun rays to get diverted from line of sight of the user. Simultaneously, the motorized sliding unit 109 is actuated for translating the rod 105 as per detected direction of the rain and sunrays, to provide optimal shading to the user. Further, the user via the microphone 107 provides input voice command for changing orientation of the member, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinge joint 108 to change orientation of the member as per the user’s requirements in order to protect the user from the weather conditions. Afterwards, the anemometer determines direction and intensity of wind, based on which the microcontroller actuates the extendable link 110 to positon the transparent plate 111 in front of the user’s face in view of shielding the user from the detected wind.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A bicycle helmet-mounted extreme weather protection assistive device, comprising:

i) an elliptical frame 101 developed to be positioned around a cycling helmet worn by a user while riding a bicycle, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged on inner periphery of said frame 101 for adhering to said helmet’s surface, in view of securing said frame 101 on said helmet;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said helmet, wherein plurality of inflatable members 104 arranged on inner periphery of said frame 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to get inflated for gripping said helmet, in view of ensuring stable attachment and prevent displacement of said frame 101;
iii) a sensing module integrated in said frame 101 for monitoring extreme real-time weather conditions, based on which said microcontroller actuates an L-shaped extendable rod 105 installed on said frame 101 for extending to position an inverted V-shaped extendable member 106 arranged on said rod 105, in front of said user’s, for providing a shade in order to allow said snow to get diverted from line of sight of said user, thus facilitating in clear visibility of said user; and
iv) a microphone 107 integrated in said frame 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice commands for changing orientation of said member, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 108 integrated within said member for providing converging/diverging movement to change orientation of said member, in order to protect said user from said weather conditions, as per said user’s requirements, thereby allowing said user to comfortably ride said bicycle.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module consists of a rain sensor, sun sensor and snow sensor for detecting rainy, sunny and snowy weather conditions, along with their direction, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said rod 105 and hinge joint 108.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein a motorized sliding unit 109 is integrated in between said rod 105 and frame 101 for translating said rod 105 as per detected direction of said rain and sunrays, to provide optimal shading to said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an anemometer is integrated in said frame 101 for determining direction and intensity of wind, based on which said microcontroller actuates an extendable link 110 installed on said frame 101 for extending to positon a transparent plate 111 arranged on end of said link 110, in front of said user’s face, in view of shielding said user from said detected wind.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.