HEAD PROTECTION DEVICE FOR TODDLERS

Abstract

A head protection device for toddlers comprises a hemi-spherical frame 101 attached with a pair of straps 102 to accommodate frame 101 around a toddler’s head, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 to determine dimensions of toddler’s head, a drawer arrangement for increasing/decreasing dimensions of frame 101, a pair of C-shaped plates 201 configured with plurality of suction cups 202 for adhering plates 201 to toddler’s head, a motion sensor for monitoring movements of toddler, an inflatable member 203 for preventing toddler’s head from any collisions, an impact sensor for detecting magnitude of shocks, an electromagnetic spring 204 for absorbing shocks generated by collision, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure applied by straps 102, a speaker 104 for notifying user, a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature of inner surroundings, and a touch sensor for detecting any touch corresponding to removal of frame 101.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a head protection device for toddlers that is capable of protecting the toddler's head from any injuries while performing physical activities by absorbing the shocks raised from the collisions with the surrounding objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Toddlers who are capable of walking and running are prone of falling at the corners and the edges of any of the furniture kept in the surrounding as they crawl or move around the tables and the chairs. The falling situation of the toddlers cause the serious injuries to the head. To avoid such injuries to the head of the toddlers helmets are used. Helmets are the equipment that provide the safety guard around the head of the toddlers at the time of falling or collision to the head of the toddlers.

[0003] Traditionally, head caps and rigid plastic helmets were used in order to provide the guard in surrounding of the head portion of the toddler. The traditional caps and helmets are neither fashionable, comfortable nor effective. Many are usually bulky and restrictive. Also, most of the current protective headgear is not enjoyable to wear, nor is it designed for use in the house during daily activities such as walking, playing, crawling, or learning to walk, nor are they designed for daily, non-sport activities such as playing in a playground. Thus, there exist a requirement to make an invention that aids the comfort to the user while wearing the helmets for different physical activities such as playing, walking or crawling.

[0004] US5615419A discloses about an invention that has a protective helmet for use by children is provided, with a top portion formed as a hollow dome, containing a plurality of ventilation openings. The top portion includes a stretch panel which extends from the top of the dome to a rim of the top portion. The protective helmet also includes a padded brim which is formed as a band mounted to and encircling an outer circumference of the top portion at the rim, and includes a stretch panel adjacent to the stretch panel of the top portion. The protective helmet further includes a first strap and a second strap mounted to the padded brim that are attachable to and detachable from each other. Each strap has an ear protection portion at the point of attachment to the padded brim that is configured to provide protection to the ears of the child, with a plurality of ventilation openings therein for the passage of air and sound. The top portion, padded brim, first strap, and second strap all have an inner and outer layer with flexible, resilient padding disposed there between and are constructed of an inexpensive, disposable material. Though, US'419 is able to protect the entire upper region of the head and the ears. However, the device fails to protect the toddlers head from the collisions.

[0005] US20040107482A1 discloses about an invention that is directed to a protective hat suitable for every day wear by infants, children, senior citizens or physically disabled individuals. Such hat protects at least the sides, top or rear of the wearer's head from injuries due to falls or bumps against hard objects while conducting routine, daily activities. Generally, the head protector of the present invention may comprise a cap member: and one or more flexible, resilient shock absorbent pads. The cap member may be constructed so as to fully enclose and/or encapsulate the one or more pads. Although, US'482 is able to provide a head protector that is attractive, comfortable for extended periods of time. However, the device fails to adjust the size of the protector in accordance to the head size.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are there in the market as mentioned in the prior arts that protects the toddlers from the head injuries but lacks in protecting the toddlers head from the collisions as well as adjusting the size of the protector in accordance to the head size. In addition to this the device also lacks in maintaining the temperature around the toddler's head.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of protecting the toddler's head from any injuries while performing physical activities by absorbing the shocks raised from the collisions with the surrounding objects as well as adjusting the size in accordance to the dimension of the toddler's head.

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 protecting the toddler's head from any injuries while performing physical activities by absorbing the shocks raised from the collisions with the surrounding objects.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adjusting the size in accordance to the dimension of the toddler's head.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of projecting images that entertain the toddlers to avoid removal of the safety guards.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintain the require temperature in surrounding of the toddler's head.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable to nature.

[0014] 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

[0015] The present invention relates to a head protection device for toddlers that is capable of protecting the toddler's head from any injuries while performing physical activities by absorbing the shocks raised from the collisions with the surrounding objects as well as projecting images that entertain the toddlers to avoid removal of the safety guards and maintaining the temperature in the surrounding while wearing the helmets.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a head protection device for toddlers, comprises of a hemi-spherical frame attached with a pair of straps to accommodate the frame around a toddler's head, fabricated with a cushioned layer for providing a comfortable experience to the toddler, a pressure sensor is integrated on the frame for detecting pressure applied by the straps on the toddler's face, a speaker installed in the frame to produce audio signals for notifying the user to loosen the straps, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame to determine dimensions of the toddler's head, a drawer arrangement integrated in the frame for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame to properly accommodate the frame on the toddler's head, a pair of C-shaped plates arranged radially on mouth portion of the frame and configured with plurality of suction cups for adhering the plates to the toddler's head, a temperature sensor is embedded in the frame for monitoring temperature of inner surroundings of the frame and Peltier units arranged on inner periphery of the frame to provide heating/cooling effect on the frame for maintaining an optimum temperature around the user's head.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motion sensor embedded on the frame for monitoring movements of the toddler to detect falling condition of the toddler, an inflatable member arranged on inner periphery of the frame to get inflated for preventing the toddler's head from any collisions, a touch sensor is embedded on the frame for detecting any touch corresponding to removal of the frame by the toddler, an AR (Augmented Reality) Projection unit integrated on the frame to project pre-fed digital images on a fixed surface in proximity to the toddler, an impact sensor embedded on the frame for detecting magnitude of shocks generated by the collision and an electromagnetic spring is integrated in between the frame and each of the plates expand/contract for absorbing shocks generated by the collision.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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 a top view of a head protection device for toddlers; and
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The present invention relates to a head protection device for toddlers that is capable of protecting the toddler's head from any injuries while performing physical activities by absorbing the shocks raised from the collisions with the surrounding objects as well as projecting images that entertain the toddlers to avoid removal of the safety guards and maintaining the temperature in the surrounding while wearing the helmets.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a top and a bottom view of a head protection device for toddlers are illustrated, respectively comprising a hemi-spherical frame 101 attached with a pair of straps 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the frame 101, a pair of C-shaped plates 201 arranged radially on mouth portion of the frame 101, configured with plurality of suction cups 202, an inflatable member 203 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101, an electromagnetic spring 204 is integrated in between the frame 101 and each of the plates 201 and a speaker 104 installed in the frame 101.

[0025] The proposed device includes a hemi-spherical frame 101 attached with a pair of straps 102 that are accessed by a user to accommodate the frame 101 around a toddler's head in a secured manner. The frame 101 is fabricated with a cushioned layer for providing a comfortable experience to the toddler. A pressure sensor is integrated on the frame 101 for detecting pressure applied by the straps 102 on the toddler's face.

[0026] The pressure sensor has a pressure transducer that has the sensing element placed on the constant area of the frame 101. When the straps 102 are engaged together to fit the frame 101 over the toddler's head, a force is detected that is sensed by the sensing element present over the constant area of the frame 1. The force exerted creates the vibration to the diaphragm of the pressure sensor. The vibration is then converted in the form of the electric signal that is sent to an inbuilt microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the processes it and extract the extent of the vibration that helps in calculating the amount of the pressure applied by the straps 102 over the toddler's head.

[0027] Further, in case the monitored pressure by the straps 102 on the toddler's head exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 104 installed in the frame 101 to produce audio signals for notifying the user to loosen the straps 102. The speaker 104 works on the principle of conversion of the electrical energy into the sound energy. When the electric current is sent by the microcontroller to the speaker 104, then a coil configured on a magnet in the speaker 104 creates the magnetic field. This magnetic field make the diaphragm in the speaker 104 to move back and forth that creates pressure waves in the air that the user perceives as a sound to notify the user to loosen the straps 102 engaged over the toddler's head.

[0028] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the frame 101 to determine dimensions of the toddler's head. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding of the frame 101. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is real-time images of the surrounding of the frame 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller.

[0029] Upon receiving the digital bit signal from the imaging unit 103, the microcontroller processes the signal and extract the concerned images of the toddler's head that is further utilized to calculate the dimension of the head of the toddler. Based on the detected dimension of the toddler's head, the microcontroller, actuates a drawer arrangement integrated in the frame 101 for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101.

[0030] The drawer mechanism comprises a carriage assembly and a DC (Direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the dimension of the frame 101. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the frame 101 up and down. The frame 101 opening is located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the frame 101 that is to be accommodated. To extend the frame 101, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction of the arrangement to provide translation to the frame 101 to adjust in accordance to the dimension of the head to properly accommodate the frame 101 on the toddler's head.

[0031] Continually, a pair of C-shaped plates 201 arranged radially on mouth portion of the frame 101 and configured with plurality of suction cups 202 ranging 4 to 6 for adhering the plates 201 to the toddler's head. The suction cups 202 works on creating vacuum within the cups 202 upon pressing over the plates 201 by squeezing out air from the cups 202 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cups 202 presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 202 to generate suction to adhere the plate with the toddler's head in view of properly engaging the frame 101 on the toddler's head.

[0032] As the frame 101 is accommodated over the toddler's head, a temperature sensor is embedded in the frame 101 monitors the temperature of inner surrounding of the frame 101. The temperature sensor is comprised of a vibrating wire, which operates on the basis of stress change owing to temperature change, is also included in the temperature sensor. The vibrating wire temperature meter is based on the idea that various types of materials have varying linear coefficients of expansion as temperature changes.

[0033] The vibrating wire is basically made up of a magnetic, high-tensile-strength stretched wire with two ends connected to any different material in such a way that any change in temperature immediately affects the tension in the wire and, as a result, the natural frequency of vibration. Because the temperature signal is converted to frequency, that gets utilized for temperature monitoring inside the frame 101. The temperature sensor's specifically developed vibrating wire detects changes in temperature and converts them to an electrical signal that is transmitted as a frequency to the microcontroller.

[0034] The microcontroller upon receiving the signal as the frequency analyses the signal and processes the signal to convert in the form of range of the temperature that is maintained at inner surrounding of the frame 101 and in case the monitored temperature inside the frame 101 exceeds or recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates multiple Peltier units ranging 2 to 4 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101 to provide heating/cooling effect on the frame 101 for maintain the temperature around the user's head. The Peltier unit is based on the Peltier effect that stated that the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. The Peltier effect related to production or absorption of heat at the junction of two metals on the passage of a current.

[0035] The Peltier unit consists of multiple pairs of semiconductor materials, typically made of bismuth telluride or other thermoelectric materials. These pairs are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. Each pair consists of a p-type and an n-type semiconductor.

[0036] When a direct current is applied to the Peltier unit, electrons flow from the n-type semiconductor to the p-type semiconductor on one side of the unit, while on the other side, electrons flow in the opposite direction. As the electrons move, they transfer thermal energy with them. At the junctions of the semiconductor pairs, heat is either absorbed or released depending on the direction of the current flow. This means that one side of the unit becomes cooler, while the other side becomes hotter. By reversing the direction of the current, the hot and cold sides get reversed and this functioning of the Peltier unit aids in the providing the heating as well the cooling effect on the frame 101 that maintains the temperature around the user's head.

[0037] Further, the frame 101 as integrated with a touch sensor that is present to detect any touch corresponding to removal of the frame 101 by the toddler. The touch sensor works in the similar way to the switch when the toddler touches the frame 101, then a sensing element monitors the touch of the toddler's hand on the frame 101 that allows the electric circuit present inside the sensor to get close and allows the flow of the electric current within the sensor. The microcontroller present inside the sensor if senses the flow of current in the electrical circuit, directs the speaker 104 to notify the user and actuates an AR (Augmented Reality) Projection unit integrated on the frame 101 to project pre-fed digital images on a fixed surface in proximity to the toddler.

[0038] The AR (Augmented Reality) Projection unit works by using the touch sensor that detects the touch of the toddler to remove the frame 101. this information is then used to adjust the AR projection unit in the real time, to project pre-fed digital images on a fixed surface in proximity to the toddler that are pre-fed in the projection unit in accordance to the desire of the toddler that helps in diverting the attention of the toddler from the frame 101 and prevents the toddler from removing the frame 101 from the head of the toddler.

[0039] Further, a motion sensor embedded on the frame 101 for monitoring movements of the toddler to detect falling condition of the toddler. The motion sensor typically consist of an infrared sensor that is associated with the electronics. The infrared sensors emit infrared radiation within the sensor's coverage area. As the toddler move through this area, the emitted light reflect back to the sensor. The sensor detect the changes in the reflected beams and analyses the mode of the motion of the toddler.

[0040] Upon detecting the mode and style of the motion of the toddler the microcontroller detects the situation that confirms the falling condition of the toddler while moving. In case the falling situation of the toddler is detected, the microcontroller actuates an inflatable member 203 arranged on inner periphery of the frame 101 to get inflated for preventing the toddler's head from any collisions. The inflatable member 203 consist of an air compressor that exerts the air pressure to the inflatable member 203 that inflates to form a baggy structure and provides the toddler a jerk-free support that results in preventing the toddler's head from any collisions.

[0041] Further, in case the collision is monitored, the microcontroller actuates an impact sensor embedded on the frame 101 for detecting magnitude of shocks generated by the collision. The impact sensor is an electronic device that detects the impact of the collision through the vibration created due to the sudden collision of the toddler's head and the plate that is sensed by the sensor and then converted in the form of the suitable electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal analyses the impact of the collision and actuates an electromagnetic spring 204 is integrated in between the frame 101 and each of the plates 201 to expand/contract for absorbing shocks generated by the collision.

[0042] The electromagnetic spring 204 consist of an electromagnetic coil where upon passing of the current due to the vibration, the coil generates a magnetic field and the coil is magnetized that generates a magnetic force. The magnetic force creates electromagnetic attraction leading to expanding and compressing of spring 204 that absorbs the shocks generated by the collision and prevents the toddler from any accidental injuries.

[0043] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0044] The present invention works best in the following manner where the hemi-spherical frame 101 attached with the pair of straps 102 are accessed by the user to accommodate the frame 101 around the toddler's head in the secured manner. The frame 101 is fabricated with the cushioned layer that provides the comfortable experience to the toddler. The pressure due to the straps 102 on the toddler's head is monitored by the pressure sensor and notifies the user by the speaker 104 to loosen the straps 102 in case the pressure is exceeded. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 determines the dimensions of the toddler's head, in accordance to which the size of the frame 101 gets adjusted due to the drawer arrangement to properly accommodate the frame 101 on the toddler's head. The pair of C-shaped plates 201 configured with multiple suction cups 202 for adhering the plates 201 to the toddler's head, for engaging the frame 101 on the toddler's head. The temperature sensor monitors temperature of inner surroundings of the frame 101, in case the monitored temperature exceeds/recedes a threshold value, the Peltier units provide the heating/cooling effect on the frame 101 for maintaining an optimum temperature around the user's head.

[0045] Additionally, the touch sensor detects any touch corresponding to removal of the frame 101 by the toddler, the speaker 104 notifies the user regarding the situation and the AR (Augmented Reality) Projection unit project the pre-fed digital images on the fixed surface in proximity to the toddler that diverts the attention of the toddler from the frame 101. Further, the motion sensor monitors the movements of the toddler to detect falling condition of the toddler, and in case the toddler founds to be falling the inflatable member 203 get inflated and prevents the toddler's head from any collisions. The impact sensor detects the magnitude of shocks generated by the collision and the electromagnetic spring 204 get expanded/contracted for absorbing shocks generated by the collision, thereby providing means to protect the toddler from any accidental injuries.

[0046] 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 head protection device for toddlers, comprising:

i) a hemi-spherical frame 101 attached with a pair of straps 102 that are accessed by a user to accommodate said frame 101 around a toddler's head in a secured manner, wherein said frame 101 is fabricated with a cushioned layer for providing a comfortable experience to said toddler;

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 toddler's head, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement integrated in said frame 101 for increasing/decreasing dimensions of said frame 101 to properly accommodate said frame 101 on said toddler's head;

iii) a pair of C-shaped plates 201 arranged radially on mouth portion of said frame 101 and configured with plurality of suction cups 202 for adhering said plates 201 to said toddler's head, in view of properly engaging said frame 101 on said toddler's head;

iv) a motion sensor embedded on said frame 101 for monitoring movements of said toddler to detect falling condition of said toddler, based on which said microcontroller actuates an inflatable member 203 arranged on inner periphery of said frame 101 to get inflated for preventing said toddler's head from any collisions; and

v) an impact sensor embedded on said frame 101 for detecting magnitude of shocks generated by said collision, wherein an electromagnetic spring 204 is integrated in between said frame 101 and each of said plates 201 that is actuated by said microcontroller to expand/contract for absorbing shocks generated by said collision, thereby providing means to protect said toddler from any accidental injuries.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated on said frame 101 for detecting pressure applied by said straps 102 on said toddler's face corresponding to an exceeded value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 104 installed in said frame 101 to produce audio signals for notifying said user to loosen said straps 102.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is embedded in said frame 101 for monitoring temperature of inner surroundings of said frame 101, in case said monitored temperature exceeds/recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units arranged on inner periphery of said frame 101 to provide heating/cooling effect on said frame 101 for maintaining an optimum temperature around said user's head.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch sensor is embedded on said frame 101 for detecting any touch corresponding to removal of said frame 101 by said toddler, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs said speaker 104 to notify said user.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein upon detecting said touch, said microcontroller actuates an AR (Augmented Reality) Projection unit integrated on said frame 101 to project pre-fed digital images on a fixed surface in proximity to said toddler, for diverting attention of said toddler from said frame 101.

6) 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.

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