US20130340149A1

US20130340149A1 - Detachable protective helmet shield and helmet

Info

Publication number: US20130340149A1
Application number: US13/530,122
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig A. RICHWINE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-22
Filing date: 2012-06-22
Publication date: 2013-12-26

Abstract

A helmet is disclosed with a detachable shield that completely envelopes or partially envelopes the helmet. This protective shield is replaceable and removable. When a helmet is scratched or worn, the protective shield may be replaced by a user. The protective shield may also be used to change the color or appearance of a helmet, as well as to alter the strength of the helmet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to helmets, and more particularly relates to detachable implements for helmets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Helmets are well-known in the art. They are used to protect athletes, such as football players, from impacts to the head and neck. They are used to protect constructions workers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, skiers, riot police, and the like. Typically, in most variations, these helmets comprise a bulbous polymeric shell of static color and design with interior padding which is latched around the head of a user.
When a helmet becomes scratched or damaged, it must usually be replaced in its entirety at significant cost to the user or an organization sponsoring the user, despite the fact most often the damage to the helmet is only superficial.
Helmets often bear markings associating a user with a particular organization, such as a logo of a professional football team or university. These logos are usually heat-pressed onto the surface of the helmet, and are particularly prone to being scratched or damaged. Users must usually buy new helmets altogether to associate themselves with a different organization, or to color-code the helmet to outerwear vesting the user.
Additionally, users have no means of adjusting or customizing the thickness, durability, or strength of a helmet to suit a particular purpose or situation.
There exists no efficient means in the art of replacing only the damaged components of a helmet, of changing the color scheme of a helmet, or of adjusting its strength. Current methods and apparati do not readily meet these needs. It is therefore desirable that a helmet be provided which can be used by athletes and professionals which does. What is needed is a helmet with a removable, detachable shell, as further disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a helmet with a detachable protective shield. Beneficially, such an apparatus would overcome many of the difficulties with prior art by providing a means for properly changing the helmet's color scheme, adjusting its strength, and facilitating quick repair of scratches and/or cracks.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparati and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a protective helmet comprising: a helmet having a smooth convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield; a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising: a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet; wherein the protective shield defines one or more apertures for receiving screws, the screws affixing the protective shield to the helmet.
The outer surface of the helmet may further comprise one or more protrusions insertable into recesses defined on the inner surface of the protective shield for securing the protective shield when attached to the helmet.
The protective helmet may be one of a football helmet, a motorcycle helmet, a skiing helmet, a biking helmet, and a hardhat worn by construction workers.
In some embodiments, the protective helmet further comprises a plurality of detachable protective shields, the protective shields interchangeable by a user at will.
Each protective shield may be of a different color. Each protective shield may be of a different thickness and interchangeable to add varies tiers of strength to the helmet.
A protective helmet also disclosed comprising: a helmet having a convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield; and a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising: a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet.
The protective shield may be detachably affixed to the helmet using one or more of snaps, Velcro®, adhesive, and screws. The protective shield may further comprise a cantilevered lip for engaging and gripping a reciprocally contoured edge on the helmet. The protective shield may further comprise a visor jutting forward of the helmet.
In alternate embodiments, the protective shield further comprises a graphic design indicating a user's affiliation with a team. In some embodiments, the protective shield further comprises one or more reflectors.
The protective shield may be transparent and meant to protect the helmet from scratching and wear. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the helmet defines a groove running laterally around the perimeter of the helmet for receiving or corresponding lip on the inner surface of the protective shield.
In some embodiments, the protective shield comprises one or more of polymeric materials, elastomeric materials, carbon fiber materials, rubber, silastic materials, and metal alloys. The protective shield may also be skinned with a multicolored graphic design. The protective shield may further comprise a thin, replaceable polymeric liner covering its inside surface.
In other embodiments, the helmet further comprises a detachable goggle strap disposed on a rearward portion of the helmet.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side elevational perspective view of a helmet and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an upper elevational perspective view of a helmet with attached protective shield in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a protective shield for a helmet in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a helmet in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a helmet and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a forward elevational perspective view of a helmet and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a helmet and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
FIG. 1A is a side elevational perspective view of a helmet 100 and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 100 comprises a helmet 102, a helmet shield 104, a cantilevered lip 106, and an inner surface 108.
The helmet is well-known to those of skill in the art, and generally comprises a bulbous polymeric shell which surrounds and protects a user's head. The helmet 102 differs from traditional helmets in that, inter alia, it has a recessed outer surface for receiving the helmet shield 104 (or protective shield 104), and may comprise means for detachably connecting, adhering, or fastening the helmet shield 104 to the helmet 102. Those means may include screws, Velcro, adhesive, magnets, snaps, or the cantilevered lip 106 as shown.
The cantilevered lip 106 comprises an alloy or polymeric ridge which juts roughly orthogonally inward from the inner surface of the helmet shield 104. This cantilevered lip 106 engages a corresponding edge of the helmet 102, thus securing the helmet shield 104 to the helmet 102.
In the shown embodiment, the helmet shield 104 comprises a rubber, polymeric or elastomeric shell which surrounds or partially surrounds or envelopes the helmet 102. This helmet shield 104 may be translucent or colored. It may bear logos or distinctive identifiers for associating a wearer/user with a particular team or organization. It may bear aesthetic markings for color-coordinating the helmet 100 with a user's outerwear.
FIG. 1B is a upper elevational perspective view of a helmet 120 with attached protective shield in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 120 comprises a helmet 102 and a helmet shield 104.
The shown embodiment 120 represents the helmet 100 in its assembled, or attached, configuration, with the helmet shield 104 detachably affixed to the helmet 102.
FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a helmet 200 in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 200 comprises a surface 108, snaps 202 a-c, a screw 204, a recessed groove 206, a protrusion 208, and an edge 210.
The exterior surface 108 of the helmet 102 in the shown embodiment comprises a groove running, or defines a recess, running laterally around the perimeter of the helmet 102 for receiving a corresponding lip, protrusion or contour on the inner surface of the protective shield 104.
The helmet 102 comprises snaps 202 a-c, which in the shown embodiment, comprise male snap members for engaging corresponding female snap members on the protective shield 104.
The screw 204 is insertably affixed into a bore hole in the helmet 102. The helmet 102 may comprise a plurality of bore holes or screw holes and screws 204 for securing the protective shield 104 to the helmet 102.
The edge 210 of the helmet 102 is engaged by the cantilevered lip of the protective shield 104.
Additionally or alternatively, the helmet 102 may comprise one or more protrusions 208 which jut outward from the convex surface of the helmet 102 and extrude into a recess on the inner surface of the protective shield, thus preventing forward, rear, and lateral slippage of the protective shield 104 in its affixed configuration. The helmet 102 may also comprise one or more magnets or iron plates for attracting corresponding magnets affixed to or within the protective shield 104.
The protrusion 208 may comprise a Velcro pad, a magnet, or polymeric protrusion forming part of an integrated piece with the helmet 102.
The recessed groove 206 may also serve to secure and stabilize the stretched elastic band of ski goggles, lights, or other items with straps stretched over the helmet 102.
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a protective shield 220 for a helmet in accordance with the present invention. The protective shield 220 comprises an aperture 222, a snap 224, a magnet 226, and a recess 228.
The protective shield 220 may comprise one or more magnets 226 for engaging corresponding magnets, metals or alloys on the helmet 102. The protective shield may also define or comprise holes for receiving a screw 204 traversing the protective shield 200. The protective shield 104 may also comprise male or female snap members 224, as well as one or more recesses for receiving corresponding protrusions 208.
FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a helmet 300 in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 300 comprises a helmet 102 and snaps 202 a-c, and visor 304.
The helmet 300 may comprise a visor 304 which extending in cantilevered fashion forward of the helmet 102.
FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a helmet 320 and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 320 comprises a helmet 102, a protective shield 104, a visor 304, and a liner 322.
As shown, the helmet shield 104 may vary in its shape, purpose and dimensions. It may also circumscribe, or envelope, only a portion of the helmet 102.
In the shown embodiment, the helmet shield 104 comprises the visor 304, and the helmet 320 is a dirt-biking helmet. The helmet 320 may be a motorcycling helmet, a hardhat, a skiing helmet, riot gear helmet, football helmet, or the like.
In the shown embodiment, the helmet shield 104 snaps to the helmet 102.
Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a liner 322, which comprises a thin film of elastomeric, silicone or polymeric material laid between the helmet shield 104 and the helmet 102. The liner 322 may be affixed to the helmet 102 or the helmet shield 104. The liner 322 protects the helmet 102 from wear imposed by the helmet shield 104. In some embodiments, the liner 322 defines holes, apertures or passageways for accommodating screws 204 and the like. The liner 322 may be from 0.1 millimeters to 2 centimeters in thickness. In some embodiments, the liner 322 adds additional padding and impact protection to the helmet.
FIG. 4 is a forward elevational perspective view of a helmet 400 and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 400 comprises a helmet 102, a helmet shield 104, a screw 204, and a protrusion 208.
The helmet 400 comprises a ski helmet. The protective shield 104 affixes over the top of the helmet 102, and is screwed in place.
In some embodiments, the helmet 320 comprises a plurality of protective shields 104 which may be interchangeable affixed to the helmet 102. In various embodiments, these protective shield(s) 104 differ in thickness, rigidity, and strength such that a user may customize the strength of the helmet 320 to suit particularized needs.
In some embodiments, a plurality of protective shields 104 may be affixed on top of one another, in stackable fashion, to give a user even more control over strength and helmet 320 rigidity.
The protrusion 208 in the shown embodiment is Velcro.
FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a helmet 500 and detached protective shield in accordance with the present invention. The helmet 500 comprises a helmet 102, a helmet shield 104, and a goggle strap 502.
The helmet shield 104 may itself comprise a plurality of detachable implements, such a handle 502.
The goggle strap 502 in the shown embodiment is polymeric and flexible. The goggle strap 502 is detachably affixed to the helmet 102 using screws, snaps, buttons, buckles, or other fasteners known to those of skill in the art.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A protective helmet comprising:

a helmet having a smooth convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield;

a rigid detachable protective shield for engaging and enveloping the recessed outer surface of the helmet, the protective shield comprising:

a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet;

wherein the protective shield defines one or more apertures for receiving screws, the screws affixing the protective shield to the helmet.

2. The protective helmet of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the helmet further comprises one or more protrusions insertable into recesses defined on the inner surface of the protective shield for securing the protective shield when attached to the helmet.

3. The protective helmet of claim 1, wherein the protective helmet is one of a football helmet, a motorcycle helmet, a skiing helmet, a biking helmet, and a hardhat worn by construction workers.

4. The protective helmet of claim 1, further comprises a plurality of detachable protective shields, the protective shields interchangeable by a user at will.

5. The protective helmet of claim 4, wherein each protective shield is of a different color.

6. The protective helmet of claim 4, wherein each protective shield is of a different thickness and interchangeable to add varying tiers of strength to the helmet.

7. A protective helmet comprising:

a helmet having a convex recessed outer surface for receiving an inner surface of a reciprocally contoured protective shield; and

a concave inner surface having inner contouring for engaging and abutting the reciprocal contouring on the outer surface of the helmet.

8. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield is detachably affixed to the helmet using one or more of snaps, buttons, Velcro®, adhesive, magnets, and screws.

9. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield further comprises a cantilevered lip for engaging and gripping a reciprocally contoured edge on the helmet.

10. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield further comprises a visor jutting forward of the helmet.

11. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield further comprises a graphic design indicating a user's affiliation with a team.

12. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield further comprises one or more reflectors.

13. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield is transparent and meant to protect the helmet from scratching and wear.

14. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the outer surface of the helmet defines a groove running laterally around the perimeter of the helmet for receiving or corresponding lip on the inner surface of the protective shield.

15. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield comprises one or more of polymeric materials, elastomeric materials, carbon fiber materials, silastic materials, and metal alloys.

16. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield is skinned with a multicolored graphic design.

17. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the protective shield further comprises a thin, replaceable polymeric liner covering its inside surface.

18. The protective helmet of claim 7, wherein the helmet further comprises a detachable goggle strap disposed on a rearward portion of the helmet.

19. A protective helmet comprising:

wherein the protective shield is detachably affixed to the helmet using one or more of snaps, buttons, Velcro®, adhesive, magnets, cantilevered lips, and screws;

wherein the protective shield is skinned with a multicolored graphic design;