IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,256,799
Granted Patent B2
US 12,256,799 · App. 17/742,563 · Granted Mar 25, 2025

Systems and methods for smart helmet

Inventors: Bill C. Hartlieb (Spokane, WA); Andrew J. Berg (Spokane, WA)
Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
A42B3/306A42B3/044A42B3/283A42B3/303
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,256,799
App. No.
17/742,563
Granted
Mar 25, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

A helmet for a rider of an on-road or off-road vehicle protects the rider's head. The helmet also may include various features for enhancing the riding experience. For example, the helmet may include electrical connections for power various features of the helmet. The helmet may include a shell defining a front opening, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. An electronics housing may be detachably attached to the exterior surface at a rear portion of the helmet shell opposite the front opening, the electronics housing including electronic components that are configured to power and/or control one or more components of the helmet.

Claims (16)

1. A helmet, comprising:

a helmet shell defining a front opening, the helmet shell having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and

an electronics housing detachably attached to the exterior surface at a rear portion of the helmet shell opposite the front opening, the electronics housing defining a cavity and including electronic components that are configured to power and/or control one or more components of the helmet, the components including at least one light positioned completely within the cavity of the electronics housing.

2. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light includes at least one brake light or at least one tail-light, and the one or more components of the helmet include a microphone, one or more speakers, or the at least one brake light or the at least one tail-light.

3. The helmet of claim 1 , further comprising a power connection system configured to electrically couple the electronics housing to a power source, wherein the power connection system includes a power input port and a power port.

4. The helmet of claim 3 , wherein the power input port is supported at the interior surface of the helmet shell located near a bottom of the helmet.

5. The helmet of claim 3 , wherein the power input port is configured to:

receive a power cord of the power source; and

electrically connect the helmet to the power source to allow the one or more components of the helmet to be connected directly to the power source.

6. The helmet of claim 3 , wherein the power input port is electrically connected to the electronics housing to provide power to the electronic components of the electronics housing.

7. The helmet of claim 3 , wherein the power port is configured to electrically connect to an external accessory to the helmet shell.

8. The helmet of claim 3 , wherein the external accessory includes a heated helmet shield, heated goggles or eye protection, a camera equipment, and/or a lighting equipment.

9. The helmet of claim 1 , further comprising a manual controller configured to be selectively activated and deactivated to perform various functions associated with the helmet, wherein the various functions include adjust volume, control Bluetooth connection, pair with a cell phone, play, stop, and pause music, answer incoming calls, refuse incoming calls, end calls, and/or connect to various voice-activated systems.

10. The helmet of claim 1 , wherein the electronic components include at least one control board positioned within the electronics housing.

11. The helmet of claim 10 , wherein the at least one light is positioned on the at least one control board.

12. The helmet of claim 10 , wherein the electronic components include a battery positioned within the housing.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 12, 2022
From: HARTLIEB, BILL C.; BERG, ANDREW J.
To: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
Reel/Frame 059985/0775 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 63188248 · May 13, 2021
Related Publication 20220361622A1 · Nov 17, 2022
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