GB2254545A

GB2254545A - Helmet cover

Info

Publication number: GB2254545A
Application number: GB9107685A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denis Stuart Jacobs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-04-11
Filing date: 1991-04-11
Publication date: 1992-10-14
Also published as: GB9107685D0

Abstract

A cover (1) is arranged to receive and to enclose fully a helmet (10). The cover (1) has an opening through which the helmet (10) can be passed and closure means (2) for closing the opening. The cover (1) further has two apertures (4) through which a locking element (11) can pass to be locked through a helmet (10) within the cover (1). The helmet (10) is thus protected from rain and scuffing when fixed to the wheel (12) of a motorcycle, for example, when not in use. <IMAGE>

Description

HELMET COVER The present invention relates to a cover for a helmet.

Those engaging in activities which require the use of a helmet, such as motor cycling, are often faced with the problem of where to store the helmet since it is not always convenient to carry the helmet when not in use. A motor cyclist will often lock the helmet to a wheel of the machine passing a chain or one of the several known forms of rigid "U-locks" through the wheel and through the chin piece of a full face helmet and then locking the chain or U-lock so that the helmet is securely attached to the wheel of the machine. However, this leaves the helmet vulnerable to entry of rain water, for example into the interior of the helmet, and to scuffing or damage by passers by, flicked up stones, or the like.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a cover arranged to receive and to enclose fully a helmet, the cover having an opening through which a helmet can be passed and closure means for closing the opening, the cover further having two apertures through which a locking element can pass to be locked through a helmet within the cover.

The user can place a helmet within the cover and then pass the two ends of the locking element through the apertures and lock the locking element through the helmet as conventional. The cover can then be closed using the closure means to enclose fully the helmet. In this way, the helmet is protected against entry of rain water and/or superficial damage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided in combination, a locking element having an elongate section and a lock for locking together the ends of the elongate section, and a cover arranged to receive and to enclose fully a helmet, the cover having an opening through which a helmet can be passed and closure means for closing the opening, the cover further having two apertures through which the ends of the locking element can pass to be locked through a helmet within the cover by the lock.

The closure means preferably comprises a zip fastener, although other means such as "Velcro" (Registered trade mark) strips or press-stud fasteners can be used.

The material of the cover should preferably be waterproof and may be PVC, polythene, canvas, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

An example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates schematically the cover in use.

In the drawing, there is shown a generally cuboid cover 1. It will be understood that other shapes, such as generally spherical or hemispherical, may be used.

The cover 1 has a zip 2 on three edges so that a front flap 3 can be fully opened to provide easy access to the interior of the cover 1. The cover 1 has a pair of apertures 4 in a face 5.

In use, the user places a helmet 10 inside the open cover 1. A U-lock is then passed through a wheel 12 of a motorcycle as conventional and the ends of the U-lock 11 are passed through the apertures 4 in the cover 1. A locking bar 13 is passed through the chin piece 14 of the helmet 10 and the ends of the U-lock 11 closed as conventional. The cover 1 is then closed by means of the zip 2.

The apertures 4 may have strengthening rings at the peripheries of the cover 1 so as to prevent tearing of the cover 1. Alternatively, the apertures 4 may have elasticated peripheries so as to prevent entry of water.

Whilst a U-lock 11 has been described, a padlock and chain can also be used. The chain is passed through the wheel 12 and the apertures 4 and the ends of the chain can be locked through the chin piece 14 of the helmet 10 using the padlock.

The material of the cover 1 is preferably such that the cover 1 can be folded to a relatively small size for ease of transport, perhaps in the user's pocket or stored on the seat or carrier frame of a motorcycle, for example.

The cover may be provided with a handle so that it can additionally be used as a bag for a helmet.

Furthermore, the position of the apertures may be altered from that shown in the drawing; for example, the apertures may be positioned horizontally next to one another, rather than one above the other as shown.

It will be appreciated that, whilst the invention has been described with particular reference to its use for protecting a helmet which is to be locked to a motorcycle, the cover can also be used whenever a helmet is locked to an object by means of a padlock and chain, U-lock or similar.

Claims

1. A cover arranged to receive and to enclose fully a helmet, the cover having an opening through which a helmet can be passed and closure means for closing the opening, the cover further having two apertures through which a locking element can pass to be locked through a helmet within the cover.

2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the apertures have elasticated peripheries.

3. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the apertures have strengthening rings around their peripheries.

4. A cover according to any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a handle.

5. In combination, a locking element having an elongate section and a lock for locking together the ends of the elongate section, and a cover arranged to receive and to enclose fully a helmet, the cover having an opening through which a helmet can be passed and closure means for closing the opening, the cover further having two apertures through which the ends of the locking element can pass to be locked through a helmet within the cover by the lock.

6. A combination according to claim 5, wherein the apertures have elasticated peripheries.

7. A combination according to claim 5, wherein the apertures have strengthening rings around their peripheries.

8. A combination according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cover has a handle.

9. A cover substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawing.