Helmet cover system

• US 6,243,881 B1
• Filed: 02/25/1999
• Issued: 06/12/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brad D. Brinkman
• Original Assignee: Brad D. Brinkman
• Inventors: Brinkman, Brad D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Neas, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US09/257,220
• Time in Patent Office: 838 Days
• Field of Search: 241/0, 241/1, 241/2, 241/4, 242/2, 242/4, 242/5
• US Class Current: 2/422
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/003 Helmet covers
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/06 Impact-absorbing shells, e.g. of crash helmets
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/061 External coatings, e.g. with light reflective material helmet covers A42B3/003
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/08 Chin straps or similar retention devices

Abstract

A helmet cover system for visually enhancing conventional helmets thereby encouraging children to wear helmets. The inventive device includes an outer shell, a support strap attached to the outer shell, and a securing device for securing the outer shell about a conventional helmet. The outer shell preferably has a visually appealing appearance such as a cartoon character, a sport team'"'"'s helmet, or other desirable shape for children. The outer shell comprises a body, a cavity within the body having a lower opening, a face opening, and a curved member. The cavity is formed to removably receive the conventional helmet and yet be easily worn individually by the child upon their head without discomfort. The body of the outer shell is preferably comprised of injected foam material and painted with a resilient paint for providing a visually stimulating appearance to the child. The securing device is preferably a plurality of pieces of hook and loop fastener attached within the cavity and correspondingly to the conventional helmet, however snap devices may also be utilized to secure the outer shell to the conventional helmet. The curved member provides a motorcycle helmet appearance and also allows the addition of the appearance of a face of a famous character.

Claims

1. A helmet cover system comprising:

an outer shell having a visually appealing appearance;

a lower opening within said outer shell;

a face opening within said outer shell and connected to said lower opening;

a curved member attached to said outer shell extending between said lower opening and said face opening;

a cavity within said outer shell connected to said lower opening formed for receiving a conventional helmet; and

a securing means for removably securing said outer shell to said conventional helmet.

2. The helmet cover system of claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of hook and loop fasteners securable to an exterior surface of said conventional helmet and correspondingly to an interior surface of said cavity of said outer shell.

3. The helmet cover system of claim 2, including:

a pair of support straps secured to opposing sides of said outer shell; and

a connecting means for removably securing said pair of support straps to a chin of a child.

4. The helmet cover system of claim 3, wherein said outer shell is comprised of a foam rubber.

5. The helmet cover system of claim 4, wherein said outer shell includes at least one layer of rubberized paint creating a visually appealing design.

6. The helmet cover system of claim 5, wherein said visually appealing design is of a character.

7. The helmet cover system of claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of snap devices securable to an exterior surface of said conventional helmet and correspondingly to an interior surface of said cavity of said outer shell.

8. The helmet cover system of claim 7, including:

a pair of support straps secured to opposing sides of said outer shell; and

a connecting means for removably securing said pair of support straps to a chin of a child.

9. The helmet cover system of claim 8, wherein said outer shell is comprised of a foam rubber.

10. The helmet cover system of claim 9, wherein said outer shell includes at least one layer of rubberized paint creating a visually appealing design.