GB2477009A

GB2477009A - Helmet wrap

Info

Publication number: GB2477009A
Application number: GB1016983A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin James Dover; Martyn O'brien
Original assignee: EARTH AINTH FLAT Ltd
Current assignee: EARTH AINTH FLAT Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2010-10-08
Publication date: 2011-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-08
Also published as: GB2477009B; GB2477009B8; GB0921569D0; GB201016983D0; GB2477009A8

Abstract

A helmet cover is constructed from specific patterns a1, a2 of an elastic printable fabric to fit a range of specific helmet types; the helmet cover is secured to a helmet via detachable securing straps c which secure to the chin harness of a helmet; the helmet cover further includes hollow piping e to receive illumination means which may be in the form of electroluminescent wire g threaded through the hollow piping; the helmet cover includes an internal pouch d which may receive a power supply for the illumination means; the pouch is preferable water proof.

Description

L

PATENT APPLICATION FOR THE HELMET WRAP RANGE

Description -Introduction

The Helmet Wrap, a tight fitting helmet cover, that forms a tight fitting skin type cover for most helmet types.

It is proposed to make a series of helmet covers to suit inter alia, cycling, equestrian, skate boarding, ski, cricket, military and industrial safety helmets.

The common features between said covers are a plurality of specifically shaped panels that are over lock stitched along the seams, an elasticated hem and a plurality of safety securing straps which vary in number and design to suit specific helmet types and shapes are used.

Openings in specific panels are created to allow attachments to or attachments on the helmet. Examples being: a slit in the rear panel of the ski helmet covers which allows the use of safety goggles straps; another example being the four apertures in the cricket helmet cover that allows the attachment of the face guard.

In one embodiment a grip strip is stitched into the internal hem of the helmet cover to enhance and secure the correct fitting of the cover, for example, a cricket helmet cover may have such a fitment at the front peak to prevent the cover from riding up the helmet.

In one embodiment a means for a self contained illumination device is provided.

Detailed Description

Detailed Overview The helmet covers are made from a plurality of panels, generally three panels, though certain versions may utilise more or less panels in order to achieve the best fitment (examples shows as "A" in figures 1 to 13).

The panels are made from a resilient/elastic material containing elastane combined with either nylon or polyester, or any other suitable material. The said panels are specifically shaped to take into account the general shape of each helmet type and the elasticity of the material being used (as shown in Figures 3, 6, and 12).

The panels are sewn together using over-lock stitching. Once sewn together the panels form a tight fitting cover. The rim of the helmet cover (shown as "B" in Figures, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13) has an elasticated band sewn into it to create a desired level of tension, thereby griping the underside of the helmet to which the cover is fitted, Said rim is finished using double stitching.

Internal Securing Strap (Detailed fully in Figure 18 and labelled as "C" and "CR" in Figures, 1, 2,4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13) Once the cover is constructed a plurality of safety securing straps are then fitted into the desired positions.

The straps are made up of a band (Labelled C2 in Figure 18) that may or may not be elasticated which has a Velcro hook pad attached at one end (Labelled Cl in Figure 18). The non Velcro ends (Labelled C4 in Figure 18) of the straps are sown into the underside rim (Labelled "4" in Figure 18) of the cover at the specific key points (Labelled "C" in Figures, 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13) A corresponding Velcro hop pad is sown nto the nside hem (Labeed C3 in Figure 18) of the wrap at the specified attaching points.

For example on the cycle helmet cover these are fitted one on either side of the side panels and one at the rear base of the centre panel, as shown in Figure 2, Labelled C. The safety securing straps are designed to connect the cover to the helmet via the helmets internal harness I chin straps. The harness / chin straps can appear in differing locations including the side and rear of the helmet. The harness / chin straps may vary in design and configuration thus preventing a band fixed on both sides from surrounding the harness. The detachable element of the safety securing strap permits it to encircle all types of harness / chin straps due to the use of the Velcro pads (Figure 18, Cl and C3) at one end together with the elasticated band (Figure 18m C2). The straps are fitted at specific key points depending on the helmet type being covered. Velcro is our specified example for this embodiment, but it is noted that other methods of splitting and reconnecting the band can be used, such as a clip on either side, Velcro on both sides, or any other suitable method.

Grip Strips, (Detailed in Figures 15, 16 and 17, and Labelled.1 in Figures 10 and 12) Grip Strips can be positioned inside the helmet cover at key positions on different versions of helmet covers, these are attached by being sewn into position. These can be made from the hooked side of a Velcro pad or a rubberised strip which is attached inside of the cover, which serves to stiffens the cover in the appropriate area and also grips the helmet preventing the cover from moving. It is acknowledges that the Grip Strips may be attached to the cover using other methods such as but not limited to gluing. It is important to note that glue could be damaging to a helmet shell and therefore we have selected stitching as the preferred method.

In one embodiment, the cricket wrap (see Figures 10, and 12), this is essential as the elasticated rim in this case does not envelop the entire helmet and thus can be prone to riding up" or moving. Figure 15 shows how the "riding up reveal the helmet and thus the cover does not fully fit or match. The Grip Strip is fitted as shown in Figure 16 and forms a grip between the cover and the helmet shell, thus solving this issue (as shown in Figure 17).

Designs/Patterns Various designs, colour, prints, text, logos may be incorporated into the fabric of the cover.

Personalisation Panels The panels have been organised to allow personalisation using common techniques such as embroidery, vinyl printing, and screen printing to work without the need for additional specialised equipment. For example the front panel being a prime branding site has been created in one complete panel be by ensuring that the seams are positioned either side of this panel, rather than through the middle of it, in doing so, this can now be personalised either before or after fabrication. Without the need to avoid the seam and thus allows centralised branding. This concept extends to the rear and side panels.

Reflective Pane's and Attachments Reflective panels can be included in the fabric itself, or added later using either vinyl strips that are heart sealed on the covers, or attached via another suitable method, inter alia, sewing, gluing, webbing.

Pane' Shape (As defined in Figures 3, 6, 9 and 12) Whilst it is recognised that the shape of the panels may not initially be considered to be a relevant technical feature of this application, it is the applicants contention that the panel size and shape is a critically important function in ensuring that each type of cover perfectly fits each type of helmet with enough elasticity to cover various sizes, this has been achieved through extensive trial and error. A prime example being the shape of the peaked panels (shown in Figure 6) that when combined creates a tensioned area precisely around the peak, thus encompassing the peak of the helmet while keeping its form. The other helmet types detailed all include their own bespoke shaped panels, without which the covers would not fit the helmet tightly.

The components of the helmet cover have been designed to be flexible enough to be used to create a cover for most helmet types. Example embodiments include, but are not limited to: Cycle Helmet Cover, Peaked Helmet Cover, Cricket Helmet Cover, BMX Helmet Cover, Ski Helmet Cover and Illuminated Versions -Cycle Helmet Cover (Details in Figures 1, 2 and 3) The Cycle helmet Cover, encompasses all common features of the helmet cover including the material used and method of construction. It has specifically shaped panels (Figure 3) consisting of a centre strip (Labelled Al) running from the front to the back of the helmet, which is flanked either side by two semi circular panels (Labelled A2). The safety securing straps (Labelled "C") are positioned in three key points, one either side of the helmet to encircle the chin strap and one at the rear of the helmet that encircles the harness.

-Peaked Helmet Cover inter alia, equine and hard hats. (Detailed in Figures 4, 5, and 6) The peaked helmet cover encompasses all common features of the helmet cover including the material used and method of construction. The shapes of the panels consist of a tailored centre panel that has been altered at key points, the side panels are also altered (See Figure 6). These alterations create a high tension at specific points where the peak is situated. When combined the tension forces the helmet cover to encircle the peak, keeping its form (Specifically shown in Figure 6, Labelled A3 and A4). The safety securing straps (Labelled "C") are positioned at two key points, one either side of the helmet to encircle the chin strap. In this embodiment the example shown includes S panels (Labelled Al, A2, A3 and A4), the front of the centre panel (Labelled A3) is tailored specially to create the required tension in unison with the front side panels (Labelled A4).

-Cricket Helmet Cover (Detailed in Figures 10, 11 and 12) The cricket helmet cover encompasses all common features of the helmet cover including the material used and method 0f construction. The panels are specifically shaped and sized to cover the helmet whilst avoiding the peak entirely. The peak being left uncovered to maintain visibility of the batsman. If the peak is covered the visibility is reduced and any reduction would not be acceptable by cricketers. The panels (detailed fully in Figure 12) are made up of a centre piece (Labelled Al) has been tailored to meet the beginning of the peak; this is flanked by two side panels (Labelled A2).

Additionally, at the front of the centre panel a grip strip (Labelled J which is fully detailed in Figure 17) is made from the hooked side of a Velcro pad is attached to the inside rim of the cover which grips the helmet preventing the cover from riding up. This is essential as the elasticated rim in the case does not envelop the entire helmet. Finally, four apertures (Labelled "i") are created in the side panels, two on either side. These are specifically positioned to allow the face protection device to be fitted over the helmet cover via the pins that are fitted to the helmet (as shown in Figure 11, Labelled "k"). The safety securing straps (Labelled "C") are positioned at two key points, one either side of the helmet to encircle the chin strap.

-BMX Helmet Cover (Detailed in Figures 7, 8 and 9) This cover has been designed to be a flexible as possible, allowing it to fit "melon" or "round' shaped helmets of varying sizes. This has been achieved by using 6 triangular shaped panels (as shown in Figure 9). As a result this embodiment also fits inter alia the Equine Skull Cap, Skater Helmet, Ski Helmets, Military and similar styles The BMX Helmet cover encompasses all common features of the helmet cover including the material used and method of construction. The shape and number panels used in this case are 6 equal triangular panels (Labelled A) that when combined form a flexible semi-sphere. The safety securing straps (Labelled "C") are positioned at two key points, one either side of the helmet to encircle the chin strap.

-Ski Helmet with Goggle Strap Cover The Ski Helmet Cover encompasses the same features as the BMX Helmet Cover, but has an aperture in the form of a slit that is cut in the rear panel that allows the goggle strap clip that maybe fitted to the helmet to function. The slit is positioned to allow both bottom mounted clips and mid mounted clips to function correctly.

Illuminated Cover (Detailed in Figures 13 and 14) In other embodiments, the cover may have an illuminating means fitted. Whilst it recognised that any form of illumination may be fitted including a conventional bulb, LED, reflective or phosphorescing means, it is proposed to utilise electroluminescent wire, hence forth referred to as "EL" wire. Said wire being a known product. The EL wire (Labelled "g") is located within piping (Labelled "e') which can be made from power netting material or a suitable alternative material. This is connected to a power unit (Labelled "h") containing battery and inverter. The said unit is located in a pouch (Labelled "d") that is situated inside of the rear of the helmet cover.

Figure 14 shows the route of the EL wire (labelled "g") which travel from the Power Unit (Labelled "h') then under the cover and is then fed into the piping entry point (Labelled "f" in Figure 14 and 13) and through the piping. The Piping as shown in figure 13 runs along the centre seams of the cover in this embodiment, but can also run along any aspect of the cover, seam or panel alike.

In the examples shown, two EL wires are used, however this is not limited to two wires and one or more wires may be used to achieve effective illumination.

Pouch (Details in Figures 13 and 14) The pouch is securely fastened to the inside of the helmet cover, the position shown in Figure 13d this encompasses the power unit on three sides with an opening that can be securely closed (Figure 14d) using a Velcro pad, zip, seal strip, poppers, buttons or any other suitable closing method. The panel can be made of either fabric to function solely as a pouch, or from a water resistant material such as plastic to enable protection from rain and other water hazards.

The pouch is closed using Velcro hook (Figure 14, p) and loop pads (Figure 14, o) as this enables the wires to pass through the opening and for secured closing on either side of the said wires. Thus creating the best seal / closure possible.

Method of Attaching the EL Wire to the He'met Coser The EL wire can be attached to the helmet cover either along the seams or across any part of the helmet cover using inter-alia: piping, tubing, or stitching: (Examples piping being shown in Figure 13e).

In one embodiment the EL wire is attached along the seams of the helmet cover to create the best effect, however it is acknowledged that the positioning of the EL wire may vary depending on the design, style, shape and needs of the end user.

There are two key options in attaching the EL wire, one being to allow the wire to be removed, the other to lit the wire permanently to the helmet cover.

-Piping (Figure 13,e).

A hollow tube is formed to produce piping (Figure 13, e) that holds the EL wire securely in place. This allows the EL wire to be easily fitted and removed allowing the helmet cover to be washed safely or for the EL wire to be replace or repaired.

The piping is made of power netting, which is elasticated and thereby forms part of the cover without distorting its shape, this material is netted thereby allowing the illumination to be seen. Other suitable material such as clear transparent elastic may also be used.

In this embodiment, the width of the netting is folded in half and the two ends are then over-lock stitched into the edge of the appropriate panels, thus creating a hollow tube through which the EL wire can laterally be threaded. The piping in some embodiments will run along either side of the centre panel, thus creating an all round visible luminescent light.

-Tubing Tubing can be created using specific lengths of plastic or other suitable material that can be attached to the helmet cover either by stitching, gluing or other suitable method. This can be added to the helmet cover during or after the production and can therefore be retro-fitted.

An example of this approach is to use a strip of clear elastic that is stitched on either edge of the elastic width to the helmet cover creating a tube of adequate space for the EL wire to be threaded.

-Stitching / Fixed Attachment The EL wire can be permanently fixed to the helmet wrap using a number of methods such as direct stitching, gluing or any other suitable method.

Power Unit (Figure 14h) The power unit encompasses an inverter, power source, and control mechanism in a box.

In this embodiment the inverter is powered by batteries and can have numerous settings, induding but not limited to: ON, OFF, or FLASHING.

In order to fit the dual illumination strips, EL Wire, a power unit needs to be attached to the said wire. This can been achieved in this embodiment by creating a specific power module that encompasses two wires with female connector block (Figure 14,m) that then connect to male connectors blocks on the EL wire (Figure 14,1).

This unit has been specifically developed for the purpose of the illuminated helmet wrap.

In using two wires with connector blocks, we are able to easily exchange either EL wire as they can now be of a fixed length. Without the two blocks the EL wire is forced to be spiced together and this does not form as connection as well as this method, the connection being prone to breaking or splitting. We have used a short strip of electrical wire (Figure 14, n) running from the power unit to the connector blocks as it is more flexible than EL wire and thus creates a stronger and more durable cable.

The combination of the dual wires, with two independent connector blocks, and two separate EL wires together make up the full illumination unit.

It is acknowledged that this is one embodiment and that a number of other methods of connecting the EL wires to the power source could be used. For example a single wires that is then split into two connections, direct connection (i.e. no connector blocks) and other similar methods.

Figures I Cycle Side 2 Cycle Below 3 Cycle Panels 4 Peak Left Side Peak below 6 Peak Panels 7 BMX Side 8 BMX Below 9 BMX Panel Cricket Side 11 cricket Blow 12 Cricket Panels 13 illminated Wrap Parts 14 EL Wiring APANELS Riding Up I Movement Al CENTRE PANELS 16 Grip Strips A2 SIDE PANELS 17 Grip Strip Result A3 PEAK PANEL 18 Internal Safety Strap A4 PEAK FRONT SIDE

A

BHEM

C STRAP

D POUCH

E PIPING

F PIPING ENTRY POINT

GEL WIRE

H POWER UNIT

I HOLES

JGRIPSTRIP

K Cricket Helmet Pins L Connector Blocks

Claims

CLAIMS1) The helmet wrap, is created using printable elasticated fabric that is made from specific patterns to fit specific helmet shapes, which are sewn together to form a tight fitting and versatile helmet cover which encompasses additional features inter alia; elasticated rim, detachable internal securing straps, grip strips, reflective strips, bespoke apertures and illumination which in turn encompasses hollow piping, internal pouch with secure closure, illumination source and power unit.
2) A detachable internal securing strap as defined in Claim 1 and shown in Figure 18, is a unique securing device that is made from an elasticated band that is detachable at one end and is fitted to address the difficulty of securing a helmet cover to the varying and expanding range of fitted chin straps and internal safety harnesses on modern helmets. The combined elastication and detachable end allows the strap to be versatile in function and can be stretched to encircle all types of internal fitments at varying strategic points, thus allowing the helmet cover to be fitted safely and securely.
3) The internal securing strap as defined in claim 2 is fitted in two key locations either side of the helmet allowing the strap to encircle the chin straps. Examples labelled "C" in multiple figures.
4) The internal securing strap as defined in claim 2 is fitted to the rear of the helmet (as shown in Figures 1cr and 2cr), thus allowing it to encircle the internal harness or any other suitable rear aspect of the helmet.
5) The internal securing strap as defined in claim 2 can be strategically position in two or three locations as defined in claims 3 and 4, depending on the specific helmet being covered.
6) The internal securing strap as defined in claim 2 has a detachable end that is secured by way of Velcro hook and loop pads, See figure 18, points Cl and C3.
7) The Grip Strips as defined in claim 1, are fitted where necessary to the inside of a helmet wrap to prevent the cover for moving or riding up, example shown in Figure 10], and detailed in Figure 15, 16 and 17.
8) The Grip Strip as defined in claim 7, is made from a Velcro hook pad, that is attached to the inside of the helmet cover, allowing the hook pad to grip said helmet, thus preventing movement in the area the strip is applied to.
9) The Illumination Device as defined in Claim 1, encompasses key elements including: hollow piping) pouch, illumination source, and power device, which together form a visible light source.
10) The hollow piping as defined in claims 1 and 9, creates a tube that is fitted on the helmet cover allowing a lighting source to be inserted at one end and held securely in place. See figure 13e.
11) The pouch as defined in claims 1 and 9, shown in Figures 13 and 14, is fitted internally to the rear of the centre panel to house the power device.
12) The pouch as defined in claim 1 and 9 encompasses as water resistant material, thus protecting the power device.
13) The pouch as defined in claim land 9 is sewn in place at three sides leaving the final side open and closable using a Velcro hook and loop pad as shown in Figure 140 and 14p, This permits the wires from the power source to exit the pouch and for the pouch to be closed around said wires 14) As defined in claim 1 and 9, an illumination source is fitted the helmet cover, thus increasing visibility of the wearer.15) The illumination source as defined in claim 14 is threaded through the piping as defined in claim 10 thus allowing the light source to be run across any aspect, panel or seam of the helmet wrap.16) A power device as defined in claim 1 and 9 is a battery powered unit including an inverter to provide an AC source to power the illumination method. The power device has been specifically designed with two female wire connectors.Amendments to the claims havebeen filed as follows Claim I Helmet wrap with lighting source being Electro Luminescent wire lighting piped through the wrap, having an integral power inverter located in the wrap in an internal pouch, the hollow piping is sewn into the wrap; this piping houses the EL wire light source, the EL wire is powered by a power pack inverter which produces light from the helmet, the wrap, pouch and piping are made from elasticised fabrics which can have waterproof qualities, the power pack is housed in a stretch material pouch located inside the wrap, the wrap rim is elasticised.Claim 2 As in claim I a hook pad grip strip is an additional securing feature relevant to certain helmets placed inside a panel of the wrap to allow further securing of the wrap to the inside of a helmet.Claim 3 A helmet cover with lighting source as in claim I where in additional securing features for the wrap include internal securing straps, located at specified points to encircle the helmets internal chin straps, the straps maybe of a single elasticised length as a band sewn between two points on the rim of the wrap or one side made detachable using hook and loop pads to allow fltrnent around many new configurations of helmet straps including rear straps.Claim 4 As in claim I lighting source of EL wire is used to create a lighting source which is fed through the Piping to create a highly visible light source with constant light.Claim 5 As in claim 1 lighting source of EL wire is used to create a lighting source which is fed through the Piping to create a highly visible light source with flashing light.Claim 6 A helmet cover with lighting source as in claim I in which 360 degree illumination is achieved through the use of EL wire light source and piping being sewn into the wrap.Claim 7 A helmet cover with lighting source as in claim 1, an internal pouch with closure is sewn into the wrap to provide an area to house the power source, said pouch can vary in location and shape but is normally positioned at the rear internal centre panel of the wrap.Claim 8 . ., * * As in claim 3, detachable safety straps one side sewn into wrap the other detachable using a hook and loop pad can be included in certain embodiments to allow for new helmet thin and neck strap configurations. Sf,,S *