HELMET SKIN

Abstract

A non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types. In a preferred embodiment, the skin includes an upper curved surface having an opening, and a narrowing base portion. Each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are preferably stretchable. The base portion also preferably has a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves. The upper curved surface preferably has a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions. An opening may be provided, in the skin, for use in attaching goggles, straps or other accessories associated with the helmet. Preferably, the helmet skin is capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, types and sizes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to helmet coverings, also known as helmet “skins.”

Specialized helmets, available in a variety of shapes and sizes, are presently used for a plethora of sports, such as biking, skiing, motorcycles, snow-boarding, horseback riding, skate boarding, etc. Whether the helmet is used for recreational or competitive purposes, it is often desirable to provide the helmet with readable information on its outer suface, either to identify a sponsor, advertiser and/or event by logo, slogan or name, and/or to identify the user by name or number, for example. For this purpose thin, stretchable helmet coverings or “skins” have been developed. These helmet skins provide an economical way for individuals, race sponsors, etc. to identify the event, sports teams, sponsor, advertiser, individual racer, etc. Protective helmet covers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,752 to Joseph S. Smith, entitled “Cover For Protective Helmets And The Like,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein; however, the Smith helmet cover is not intended to be used when the helmet is worn, is not a decorative cover or one meant to convey messages, and has no opening for holding accessories.

Various disadvantages are currently associated with prior known helmet skins, however. One such disadvantage is that known helmet skins are typically designed to fit specific helmet types and sizes. A typical size for a helmet skin for covering bike helmets, ski helmets and open face motorcycle helmets is about 18 cm in height and about 28 cm in length. No known helmet skins fit a variety of helmet shapes and sizes, or a variety of different types of helmets in addition to those just mentioned, as used for different activities (e.g., motorcross, lacrosse, snow board, etc.). No known helmet skins are also generally symmetrical in shape and appearance, making it difficult for such skins to fit bike and other types of helmets which are often asymmetrically-shaped. Known helmet skins also do not have fittings or openings for goggles or other helmet accessories. Additionally, many helmet skins are not breathable, reflective or water-repellant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior helmet coverings or skins, while providing new advantages not previously obtainable with such skins.

In a preferred embodiment, an asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin is provided and adapted to cover a helmet. The skin is capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types. The skin includes a stretchable upper curved surface and a stretchable narrowing base portion. The base portion has a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves. The upper curved surface has a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions. The skin is capable of covering a wide variety of helmet types, shapes and sizes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a portion of the skin, such as its rear portion, includes an opening, which may include an attachment mechanism suitable for attachment or connection to goggles, sunglasses, or other helmet accessories. The opening is preferably resealable, and may utilize various closure mechanisms such as: buttons; Velcro®; a zipper; a zip-lock closure; a magnet; buttons; clips; snaps; buckles; laces; or lace. The base portion may be tightened using a drawstring or elastic cord and/or may be fastened using any of the previously mentioned closure mechanisms.

Regarding the general shape of the skin, the upper curved surface is preferably substantially devoid of concavities. Given helmet shapes, it is preferable that the rear portion of the skin have a surface area which is substantially larger than the surface area of the front portion of the skin. It is also preferable that the diameter of the base portion is substantially less than the diameter of the widest portion of the upper curved surface. Currently preferred skin dimensions are about 15-20 centimeters in height, and a about 30-35 centimeters in length.

The skin preferably has a stretch range of between about 30-60 percent and, most preferably, between about 40-50 percent.

As to the composition of the material of the skin, at least one or more of the following materials may be used: acrylic, nylon, polyester and spandex. One preferred blend is greater than 80% polyester and greater than 10% spandex. It may be desirable to provide a skin material which is one or more of the following: water repellant; reflective; and breathable.

Preferably, the helmet skin of the present invention is suitably shaped and sized to cover at least a reasonable size range of each of the following helmet types: bicycle; motorcycle; snowboarding; skiing; skateboarding; and rollerblading. Other helmet types may be covered, as well.

The skin may also include decorations and/or information relating to advertising or sponsorship.

The skin may be provided with a reflective print using a heat transfer method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top, front, left-side perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the helmet skin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom, rear, right-side perspective view of the helmet skin embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial, sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top and side perspective view of the skin of the present invention shown covering a bike helmet;

FIG. 6 is a rear and side perspective view of the skin of the present invention shown covering a ski board helmet;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the skin of the present invention shown covering a football helmet;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the skin of the present invention shown covering a motorcycle helmet;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a helmet skin according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a rear and side perspective view of the helmet skin shown in FIG. 9, which may be used to cover helmet types such as ski, snow board, motorcycle or bike helmets.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS

The terms used in the claims of the patent as filed are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law.

“Non-protective” means that the skin does not provide any padding or shock-absorbing ability in addition to those abilities associated with the helmet itself.

Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, a preferred embodiment of the helmet skin of the present invention is shown. The helmet skin, generally designated as reference numeral 10, includes a skin 15 terminating at a lower edge in a base portion 15. Base portion 15 may include an elastic cord or drawstring, or include other means or mechanisms, described further below, for tightening the base portion to secure the skin about the helmet. Preferably, skin 15 is substantially asymmetrical, such that a vertical axis X-X passing through the center of base portion 17 and generally perpendicular to it divides the skin into two portions A and B, in which one portion (here A) is substantially larger than B. In FIG. 1, portion A is substantially larger than portion B so that asymmetrical skin 15 can accommodate helmet types with a larger frontal or rear lobe, for example.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-2, in a preferred embodiment, helmet skin 10 preferably has the following size ranges (pattern size is measured, prior to sewing, as discussed below): length “l” of between about 30-35 centimeters; and a height “h” of between about 15-20 centimeters. Different skin sizes may be used to fit three-quarter face helmets or full face helmets.

In one preferred embodiment, from two identical skin patterns (one preferred size for each pattern was about 20 cm in height and about 35 cm in length), each side of the pattern is sewn together at the seam at the top. The elastic band is sewn at the bottom. A closure mechanism, such as a Velcro® closure, may be sewn in at the rear, for example, of the helmet cover. When completed, the finished (unstretched) approximate size was about 20 cm in height and about 28 cm in length.

The helmet skin may be made of nylon and/or acrylic material. One preferred blend material for the skin is: 82% nylon and 18% spandex. A preferred material for the elastic band of the base is 92% nylon and 8% spandex. A disadvantage of a material with a nylon percentage this high is that it may be difficult to print on this fabric, and the color on such fabric may fade in a relatively short period of time (i.e., 2-3 days). However, it has been determined that a blend of a fabric primarily made of polyester (e.g., a skin material that is greater than 80% polyester, such as 87% polyester, and greater than 10% spandex, such as 13% spandex) will not have such a problem, and instead will be durable such that the color will not substantially fade over time. This blend may also be made of mesh, if desired. Using this fabric blend, the preferred skin exhibited a stretch of about 42 percent lengthwise and about 49 percent height-wise, as compared to those unstretched dimensions. It is currently believed that a preferred stretch range for similar-composition skin materials is about 30-60 percent and, most preferably, about 40-50 percent. (This is for general dimensions of height and length.)

Preferably the fabric is readily compressible (e.g., it may be carried unobtrusively in a pocket). Also, the fabric preferably has sufficient porosity such that moisture may be passed through the fabric by a wicking mechanism, such that the fabric “breathes.” The fabric preferably is also tear-resistant and soil/stain-resistant.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 9-10, in an alternative preferred embodiment, helmet skin 10 may include an opening 13, which may but need not be located at the rear of the skin. Opening 13 may but need not be provided with a clip or strap 15 (FIG. 10), which may be used to attach straps 22 associated with goggles 21, for example. Opposing opening sides 13a may be opened and resealable using any known resealable fastening means, such as Velcro®, elastic Velcro®, zippers, elastic zippers, a zip-lock fastener, magnets, buttons, clips, snaps, buckles, drawstrings, elastic drawstrings, laces, etc.

As shown in FIG. 10, helmet skin 10 may be designed or colorized with any patterns, colors or logos that may be desired, and may include helmet wearer identifications such as names or numbers, or sponsor/advertiser identifying or other information.

As described here, in the preferred embodiment helmet skin 10 is preferably a “one size fits all” skin that will cover most helmet shapes, sizes and types (whatever the sport used for). The unique ability of the helmet skin of the present invention to be a “one size fits all” skin is facilitated by the preferred size ranges described above, as well as by the assymetrical shape described in connection with FIG. 1, above.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, whether the helmet is used for recreational or competitive purposes, it may be desirable to provide the skin with readable information on its outer suface, either to identify a sponsor, advertiser and/or event by logo, slogan or name, and/or to identify the user by name or number, for example. Decorations may also be provided, as shown.

Preferably, the helmet skin employs a reflective print that can be printed anywhere on the skin using well known heat transfer methods, such as by permanent print heat transfer sublimation, in any manner as well known in the art. (Exemplary processes are described, for example, at: http://www.heatpress.com/heat.php (describing heat transfer press machines available from Geo Knight & Co.) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dye-sublimation_printer) (discussing the use of a computer printer known as a dye-sublimation printer). The use of sprayable, reflective skins is also possible.

Other changes and modifications constituting insubstantial differences from the present invention, such as those expressed here or others left unexpressed but apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types, comprising:

an upper curved surface having an opening, and a narrowing base portion, wherein each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are stretchable;

the base portion having a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves; and

the upper curved surface having a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions.

2. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the base portion includes an elastic cord.

3. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the upper curved surface is substantially devoid of concavities.

4. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin has a stretch range of between about 30-60 percent.

5. The helmet skin of claim 4, wherein the stretch range is between about 40-50 percent.

6. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the skin has a surface area which is substantially larger than the surface area of the front portion of the skin.

7. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin comprises at least one or more of the following materials: acrylic, nylon, polyester and spandex.

8. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin comprises greater than 80% polyester and greater than 10% spandex.

9. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises at least one of the following: elastic; cord; buttons; Velcro®; or zipper.

10. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the base portion may be tightened or closed using one or more of the following: elastic strap or drawstring; cord; zipper; zip-lock closure; magnet; button; clip; snap; buckle; Velcro®; or lace.

11. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the base portion is substantially less than the diameter of the widest portion of the upper curved surface.

12. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the material comprising the upper curved surface of the skin is water repellant.

13. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the material comprising the upper curved surface of the skin is reflective.

14. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the material comprising the upper curved surface of the skin is breathable.

15. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin has a height in the range of about 15-20 centimeters, and a length in the range of about 30-35 centimeters.

16. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the opening includes an attachment mechanism suitably shaped and sized for connection to at least one of the following: goggles or sunglasses.

17. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin is suitably shaped and sized to cover at least a reasonable size range of each of the following helmet types: bicycle; motorcycle; snowboarding; skiing; skateboarding; and rollerblading.

18. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin is provided with a reflective print using a heat transfer method.

19. The helmet skin of claim 1, wherein the skin includes at least one of the following: decorations; or information relating to advertising or sponsorship.

20. An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types, comprising:

an upper curved surface and a narrowing base portion, wherein each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are stretchable;

the base portion having a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves; and

the upper curved surface having a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions;

wherein the skin is capable of covering a wide variety of helmet types, shapes and sizes, and has a height in the range of about 15-20 centimeters, and a width in the range of about 30-35 centimeters.

21. An asymmetrically-shaped, non-protective skin covering a helmet and capable of fitting a variety of helmet shapes, sizes and types, comprising:

an upper curved surface and a narrowing base portion, wherein each of the upper curved surface and the narrowing base portion are stretchable;

the base portion having a substantially symmetrical shape such that a vertical axis extending in a substantially perpendicular direction to the base portion and through a center of the base portion divides the base portion into substantially symmetrical halves; and

the upper curved surface having a substantially asymmetrical shape such that the vertical axis divides the upper curved surface into asymmetrical front and rear portions;

wherein the skin is capable of covering a wide variety of helmet types, shapes and sizes.