Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet is disclosed and is constructed from a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: An injection molded foam bicycle helmet and method of constructing same includes a dome-shaped internal frame and a surrounding coating of a foam based material. The dome-shaped frame is formed from an integrally molded, planar member including an annular lower perimeter body, at least one lateral arc-shaped rib extending from one side of the body to the opposite side of the body, and at least one longitudinal arc-shaped rib extending from the front of the body to the rear of the body. Both the lateral and longitudinal ribs deform out of the plane of the body and into arched configurations, thereby forming the dome-shaped frame. Each lateral rib is also operative to engage each of the longitudinal ribs so as to provide additional structural support for the frame. A number of positioning pins are also formed along the inwardly and outwardly facing sides of the body and the ribs for centrally positioning the frame within the mold.

Abstract: A helmet having a molded cover shell for decorating and protecting the exterior surface of a helmet body is formed from a helmet body and a thin clear plastic sheet of material molded in the shape of the upper exterior portion of the helmet's body and painted or colaminated on the interior surface of the cover prior to being fitted and affixed to the helmet's body, thereby giving the cover's decorative design a deep luster, and protecting both the helmet's exterior surface and the cover's decorative appearance.

Abstract: An aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet has a molded, plastic helmet body having an exterior shape which is streamlined to provide minimum resistance to frontal airflow. Downwardly extending ribs are formed in the interior surface to define channels for airflow to pass through the interior of the helmet. The rearward portions of the ribs of the helmet are extended downward beneath the lower edge of the helmet to insure that such airflow is not blocked by the back of the user. A pair of strap loops are also attached to the front and upper rear portions of the helmet and form a chin strap which is used to retain the helmet snugly in place upon the head of the user. The attachment points of the straps are specifically selected so that the sides of the strap engage the user's head and prevent tilting of the helmet when it is in use. The helmet may also be provided with a stretch cap with an airflow opening, which allows selection of exterior color, striping or other ornamentation.