Helmet having embedded antenna

Abstract

An enhanced protective helmet includes in one embodiment an outer shell and a molded lining disposed within the outer shell and contoured to surround a human head. The helmet further includes an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the molded lining. The helmet includes a connection point which can be mounted to the molded lining or otherwise extend away from the proximal end of the antenna, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna. The connection point receives a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna.

1 . An enhanced protective helmet comprising:
 an outer shell;   a molded lining disposed within the outer shell and contoured to surround a human head;   an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the molded lining; and   a connection point mounted to the molded lining, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna;   wherein the connection point is configured to receive a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the molded lining comprises shock-absorbent material. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is supported across a surface of the molded lining. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is embedded within the molded lining. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is a frequency modulation (FM) antenna. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is a radio frequency (RF) antenna. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the connection point is a female-type connector. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the connection point is interchangeable with an alternate connection point. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the molded lining comprises a material that dielectrically loads the antenna such that the antenna has a physical length from the proximal end to the free end corresponding to a first electrical length that is less than would be required of the same antenna pattern in free space to achieve the first electrical length. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna is configured in a pattern optimized for a particular wireless network. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet of  claim 1 , further comprising a tab operatively connected to one or more locations along the antenna, wherein pulling the tab severs the pattern at one of the locations, thereby changing an effective electrical length of the antenna and further optimizing the antenna for the particular wireless network. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna comprises a plurality of antennas. 
     
     
         13 . An enhanced protective helmet comprising:
 a shaped foam element contoured to surround a human head, the shaped foam element comprising a shock-absorbent material;   an elongated antenna having a proximal end and a free end, the antenna being supported by the shaped foam element; and   a connection point mounted to the shaped foam element, the connection point communicatively connected to the proximal end of the antenna;   wherein the connection point is configured to receive a connection from a mobile communication device, thereby linking the mobile communication device and the antenna.   
     
     
         14 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the antenna is embedded within the shaped foam element. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the antenna is a frequency modulation (FM) antenna. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the antenna is a radio frequency (RF) antenna. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the connection point is a female-type connector. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the connection point is interchangeable with an alternate connection point. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the shaped foam element comprises a material that dielectrically loads the antenna such that the antenna has a physical length from the proximal end to the free end corresponding to a first electrical length that is less than would be required of the same antenna pattern in free space to achieve the first electrical length. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the antenna is configured in a pattern optimized for a particular wireless network. 
     
     
         21 . The helmet of  claim 13 , further comprising a tab operatively connected to one or more locations along the antenna, wherein pulling the tab severs the pattern at one of the locations, thereby changing an effective electrical length of the of the antenna and further optimizing the antenna for the particular wireless network. 
     
     
         22 . The helmet of  claim 13 , wherein the antenna comprises a plurality of antennas.