Apparatuses and Methods for Adjusting the Temperature Inside a Helmet

Abstract

This disclosure includes various helmets that may include: a thermoelectric element having at least one heating surface and at least one cooling surface, a thermally conductive cloth disposed within the helmet and selectively coupled to either the heating surface or the cooling surface such that the cloth is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element, and a power source. Some of the present helmets include a switch configured to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric element. Others of the present helmets include a plurality of thermally conductive fins disposed on an exterior surface of the helmet.

1 . A helmet comprising:
 a thermoelectric element having at least one heating surface and at least one cooling surface;   a thermally conductive cloth disposed within the helmet and selectively coupled to either the heating surface or the cooling surface such that the cloth is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric element;   a power source; and   a switch configured to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric element.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 ,
 where an external surface of the helmet comprises a plurality of thermally conductive fins;   the helmet configured such that either the heating surface or the cooling surface may be selectively thermally coupled to the external surface of the helmet.   
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the cloth comprises carbon fiber. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the cloth comprises silver. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the cloth comprises copper. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the cloth comprises silicon. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the power source is configured to accept a battery. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the power source comprises a rechargeable battery. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the power source comprises a solar power source. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the cloth is disposed within the helmet such that when the helmet is worn by a user, a majority of the cloth that contacts the user's skin contacts the user's temples. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a thermostat configured to adjust a temperature inside of the helmet. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 11 , where the thermostat is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric element when a temperature inside of the helmet reaches a threshold temperature. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a timer configured to deactivate the thermoelectric element after the thermoelectric element has been activated for a certain period of time. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one sensor configured to capture data indicative of conditions inside of the helmet; and   a processor configured to adjust a temperature inside of the helmet at least partly based on the data captured by the at least one sensor.   
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user input device configured to receive inputs indicative of a user's desired internal helmet temperature; and   a processor configured to adjust a temperature inside of the helmet at least partly based on the user inputs.   
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the helmet comprises a sports helmet. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the helmet comprises a motorsports helmet. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 1 , where the helmet comprises a construction helmet. 
     
     
         19 . A helmet comprising:
 a thermally conductive cloth disposed within the helmet; and   a plurality of thermally conductive fins disposed on an outer surface of the helmet and in thermal communication with the cloth.   
     
     
         20 . A method of controlling a temperature inside of a helmet, the helmet worn by a user, the method comprising:
 applying power to a thermoelectric element in thermal communication with a thermally conductive cloth that is in contact with the user's head and disposed within the helmet.