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WO2015073104A1 - Enveloppe de casque de protection, et procédé associé pour appliquer une enveloppe sur un casque de protection - Google Patents

Enveloppe de casque de protection, et procédé associé pour appliquer une enveloppe sur un casque de protection Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015073104A1
WO2015073104A1 PCT/US2014/053846 US2014053846W WO2015073104A1 WO 2015073104 A1 WO2015073104 A1 WO 2015073104A1 US 2014053846 W US2014053846 W US 2014053846W WO 2015073104 A1 WO2015073104 A1 WO 2015073104A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
helmet
wrap
layer
cover
football
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2014/053846
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hal Clay MUMME
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Raid Enterprises LLC
Original Assignee
Air Raid Enterprises LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Raid Enterprises LLC filed Critical Air Raid Enterprises LLC
Publication of WO2015073104A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015073104A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00—Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/003—Helmet covers

Definitions

  • PROTECTIVE HELMET WRAP AND RELATED METHOD OF APPLYING WRAP TO A PROTECTIVE HELMET
  • This disclosure relates generally to protective helmets for football, baseball, softball, lacrosse, hockey, extreme sports and motor sports and, more particularly, to a cost-efficient, flexible and durable wrap or cover for a protective helmet that adheres substantially flush to the exterior shell of the protective helmet for use and is easily removable and replaceable.
  • football helmets vary in size and exact shape to meet the physical dimensions of the particular player (and the player's position) wearing the helmet, each football helmet is substantially the same overall shape and contains the same basic elements.
  • a football helmet includes a hard plastic exterior shell or base.
  • the interior of the base includes padding such as multiple inflatable pockets to try to cushion the blows a player receives to his head to prevent brain injuries, skull fractures and other head injuries.
  • the football helmet may have vents or openings near the top of the helmet as well as ear holes on each side of the helmet.
  • the exterior of the helmet includes a face mask made of one or more rigid bars in various arrangements depending on the player's position and preference.
  • the helmet also includes a chin strap, which connects to each side of the helmet and goes under the player's chin as the name implies, i.e., beneath the facemask.
  • the ends of the strap are typically attached directly to the football helmet to one or more snaps located on each side of the helmet.
  • Each side of the strap should have equal tension such that the helmet is held snugly on the player's head during play.
  • a need is identified for a protective helmet covering or wrap that may be applied directly to the exterior shell of the protective helmet to change exterior appearance of the helmet, i.e., the design, color and/or logo without making any permanent changes to the helmet.
  • the protective helmet covering or wrap should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but sufficiently durable to withstand the rigors applied to the helmet and wrap or cover during the athletic event.
  • the protective helmet covering or wrap should be both cost-efficient and easy to apply to a protective helmet and equally easy to remove from the helmet.
  • a wrap for covering a protective helmet having an exterior shell has a flexible layer removably disposed around at least a portion of the exterior shell of the protective helmet such that said flexible layer is substantially flush with the exterior shell of the protective helmet.
  • the wrap may have an additional layer positioned directly over the flexible layer.
  • the layers may be constructed of different materials, such as a vinyl material for the flexible layer and a plastic material for the additional layer.
  • the wrap may also include a final layer constructed of the same material as the additional layer.
  • the wrap is positioned around substantially the entirety of the exterior shell of the protective helmet.
  • a removable cover for an athletic helmet having a protective shell has a printable film for positioning over the protective shell of the athletic helmet and a laminate material for substantially covering the printable film.
  • the printable film may be clear and/or configured to be imprinted with a logo, while the laminate material may have a glossy finish.
  • the removable cover may include an adhesive layer for attaching directly to the protective shell of the athletic helmet.
  • the removable cover may have a thickness of less than 0.10 mm.
  • the removable cover may be shaped to correspond with the shape of the protective shell of the athletic helmet.
  • Another related aspect of this disclosure is a method of applying a wrap to a football helmet.
  • the method includes providing a layer of vinyl material and transferring the layer of vinyl material to the football helmet.
  • Other steps that may be used in this method of applying a wrap to a football helmet include laminating the vinyl layer, printing a layer of vinyl material, heating, stretching and sealing the layer of vinyl material, adding an adhesive to the football helmet and removing any excess vinyl from the layer of vinyl material that is not transferred directly to the football helmet.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a representative football helmet
  • FIG. 2 is a front view of a representative football helmet
  • FIG. 3 is a back view of a representative football helmet
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of a football helmet with a wrap covering the helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of the football helmet with the wrap covering the helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a back view of the football helmet with the wrap covering the helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIGs. 7a and 7b are a partial cut-away top view of the wrap and an enlarged side view of the wrap;
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of a barrel applicable for use in applying the wrap to the football helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIG. 9 is a top view of a hoop applicable for use in applying the wrap to the football helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIGs. 10a- 10c are various views of the wrap and the barrel used in applying the wrap to the football helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure; and [0026] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the method of applying the wrap to the football helmet forming one aspect of the disclosure.
  • a helmet covering or wrap is hereinafter described.
  • the helmet covering or wrap allows the personalization of the athletic helmets in an aesthetically pleasing, yet efficient and cost-effective manner.
  • a representative football helmet 10 is illustrated.
  • the football helmet 10 is substantially the same shape and includes the same features as a traditional football helmet.
  • the football helmet has a rigid, protective exterior shell or base 20, an interior portion with padding 30, a facemask 40, a plurality of vents/openings 50 and ear holes 60.
  • the chin strap and related snaps on the helmet are not shown.
  • the helmet shown in Figures 1-3 is a solid, single color with no logos or other indicia on the exterior shell.
  • each team's helmet may be designed in a number of different colors, color patterns with various logos or other indicia located on the exterior shell.
  • cover or wrap 70 positioned over substantially the entirety of the protective shell 20 of the helmet 10.
  • the wrap 70 in made of a unitary construction and conforms generally to the shape of the exterior shell 20 of the helmet 10.
  • the cover or wrap 70 is substantially flush over the shell of the helmet such that there are no air bubbles or loose pockets of air.
  • the cover or wrap 70 has a different color/pattern (indicated by the grid-like pattern) than the plain color of the representative helmet along with an eagle logo 80 positioned on each side of the helmet.
  • the particular color scheme and design is not intended to be limiting as the cover or wrap may be made with nearly any design and color scheme and may be left up to the imagination of the buyer or designer of the cover or wrap.
  • the cover or wrap 70 is made of a first flexible layer 90 configured to be removably disposed around at least a portion of the exterior shell of the protective helmet.
  • the first layer 90 may be a printable vinyl material or film, cast vinyl, vinyl polymer or vinyl derivative.
  • the vinyl material comprising the first layer 90 provides sufficient flexibility.
  • the vinyl material comprising the first layer 90 has superior conformability and elastic properties such that it may be applied substantially flush with the exterior shell of the helmet such that it easily conforms to the shape and contour of the exterior shell of the helmet.
  • the first layer 90 may be stretched around the entirety of the exterior shell of the helmet 10. As a result, installation is relatively easy and no air channels or bubbles exist between the first layer of the wrap and the exterior shell of the helmet. Of course, it should be appreciated that the first layer 90 does not have to stretch around the entirety of the exterior shell of the helmet. For example, the first layer 90 may only be applied to a portion of the exterior shell of the helmet, such as only the left-side or right-side of the helmet. As a result, the first layer 90 may be used to create a two-tone or different colored pattern on the helmet, such as the one side of the helmet that is not covered with the first layer has the color of the shell of the helmet while the other side of helmet covered with the first layer 90 has the color of the wrap.
  • the vinyl material may be imprinted via an inkjet or laser printer with essentially any desired color, logo and/or design, which avoids the additional step of placing stickers or decals with a logo on the helmet after the printing process is complete.
  • the vinyl material is durable such that it withstands normal wear and tear from contact that is typical in sports, such as football.
  • the vinyl film is 3M IJ380Cv3 vinyl.
  • the vinyl makes up the base layer for the cover or wrap and may be applied to the helmet with or without a pressure- activated adhesive for easy sliding and positioning over the helmet.
  • the vinyl material should be relatively thin to substantially conform to and wrap substantially around the entirety of the helmet. Typically, the thickness of the vinyl material is between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm.
  • the first layer 90 is durable enough to be used by itself on the helmet without additional layers, which are discussed below.
  • the cover or wrap 70 may also include a second layer 100 positioned substantially entirely over the first layer 90.
  • the second layer 100 is typically made of a clear plastic or clear vinyl film, such as a laminate material to improve the strength, stability, appearance and other properties of the cover or wrap.
  • the laminate is typically a thin, extremely flexible film that provides additional protection for the first layer of the cover or wrap.
  • the second layer 100 also improves the visual appearance of the wrap or cover 70 by providing a high resolution glossy finish. Namely, the second layer 100 or laminate protects the graphic design and color scheme on the first layer 90.
  • the laminate may be 3M Overlaminate 8580, which has excellent resistance to water.
  • the laminate is applied after a sufficient amount of time has elapsed after printing the first layer 90.
  • the second layer 100 may be applied in various manners, including a cold roll lamination method or a printer.
  • an optional third layer 110 may be applied over the second layer 100 of the wrap 70 as illustrated in Figures 7a and 7b.
  • the third layer 110 may be used for improved durability and may be constructed of the same material as the second layer, i.e., a laminate material.
  • the cover or wrap 70 may be easily removed from the helmet without the need for heat and/or chemicals.
  • the cover or wrap 70 may be easily peeled off the exterior shell of the helmet like an adhesive bandage by hand.
  • the first step 170 is the selection of the design for the cover or wrap that will be placed over the football helmet.
  • the design and/or color scheme may be selected.
  • the design is typically generated 180 on a computer application.
  • the helmet is merely a single color scheme with no particular design element, no design needs to be generated on the computer application and instead the particular color of vinyl may simply be selected.
  • the next step 190 involves printing the first vinyl layer with or without a design element.
  • vinyl is produced in large rolls, which may be fed to a laser or inkjet printer. The printer is used to decorate the first or vinyl layer with the particular color and/or design scheme.
  • the next step 200 involves a lamination process wherein the vinyl sheet (or first layer) is laminated with a second layer (or an additional lamination step may be used to add a third layer if desired) to provide a glossy high resolution finish to the vinyl wrap or cover and to protect the design of the first layer.
  • a cold roll lamination method, a printing process or other suitable lamination method may be used.
  • the wraps or covers (which are typically in the form of large sheets) undergo a cutting step 210.
  • This process involves cutting the vinyl wrap or cover into appropriate sized sheets.
  • Each sheet typically may be cut and sized such that it may be used for covering two different football helmets.
  • the sheets may be cut into any desired size.
  • the final steps involve transferring 230 and securing 240 the wrap or cover to the helmet.
  • an adhesive may be applied 220 to the helmet to further aid in the wrap or cover firmly adhering to the helmet.
  • a cylindrical plastic barrel 120 having a circular opening 130 at one end is used to assist in the transferring step 230 and securing step 240 illustrated in Figures lOa-lOc.
  • the wrap or cover 70 is in the form of a sheet or multi-layered sheet.
  • the wrap or cover 70 is typically transferred or placed over the open end, i.e., the circular opening 130 of the barrel 120 as shown in Figure 10a.
  • the wrap may be secured to the barrel by using duct or masking tape or some other adhesive or securing means as shown in Figure 10b.
  • the next steps are heating 250, stretching 260 and sealing 270 the wrap or cover 70.
  • the football helmet 10 is firmly pressed on the wrap or cover as shown in Figure 10c.
  • a vacuum may be used to further stretch and seal the wrap to the helmet.
  • a hoop 140 (as illustrated in Figure 9) may be used to assist in the transferring process.
  • the hoop 140 may be made of different materials, including but not limited to wood or metal.
  • the hoop may have two rings including an inner ring 150 and an outer ring 160.
  • the outer ring 160 is capable of being clamped to the inner ring 150 via a fastener or the like. Similar to the process utilizing a barrel 120 discussed above, the wrap or cover 70 in the form of a sheet is typically transferred or placed over the inner ring 150 of the hoop 140. Once the wrap is secured over the inner ring 150, the outer ring 160 may be clamped to the inner ring 150 to keep the wrap secure.
  • the wrap or cover is secured to the hoop, the next steps are heating, stretching and sealing the wrap or cover 70. As heat is applied, the football helmet 10 is firmly pressed on the wrap or cover 70. A vacuum may be used to further stretch and seal the wrap to the helmet.
  • the wrap or cover may be transferred onto the helmet by removing the back from the laminated sheet of vinyl and the cover/wrap is fit snugly over the helmet such that there should not be any wrinkles, folds or air bubbles. Instead, the wrap or cover fits directly over the helmet in a substantially snug manner, i.e., form-fitting or flush to the helmet.
  • the vinyl covering the ear holes must be removed or "punched out" 280 which can be completed manually or by an automated process with a machine.
  • the removing step 280 may include a trimming step to cut around the edges of the football helmet to eliminate any excess vinyl that is not needed to cover the helmet, which may be completed by scissors, a knife or the like.
  • the football wrap or cover may completely cover substantially the entirety of the exterior of the football helmet.
  • the wrap may only cover a portion or half of the helmet to create a dual color pattern.
  • the half not covered by the wrap would maintain the color of the helmet and the half covered by the wrap would be the color of the wrap.
  • the wrap or cover is typically applied to the helmet without a facemask 40 attached thereto.
  • the facemask 40 is typically removed from the helmet. Accordingly, once the football helmet wrap or cover is completely secured around the helmet and the excess vinyl is trimmed or cut, the facemask 40 may be attached or reattached 290 to the helmet 10 and the helmet is ready to use within minutes.
  • the vinyl and laminate materials are relatively inexpensive materials so the football helmet wraps or covers are not particularly expensive for colleges and high schools to employ. Once the football helmet wrap or cover is used, it may be easily removed by simply peeling the vinyl cover off the helmet like an adhesive bandage to return to the football helmet to its original state or to apply a differently designed or colored cover or wrap. It should be further appreciated that the wrap and process for applying the wrap to a helmet discussed herein are not limited to football helmets, but may also be used on other protective helmets, such as baseball, softball, lacrosse and hockey helmets, motorcycle and racing car helmets as well as other extreme and outdoor sports helmets, such as skiing and snowboarding helmets.

Landscapes

  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une enveloppe pour recouvrir un casque de protection ayant une coque extérieure qui permet la personnalisation du casque de façon efficace et économique. L'enveloppe comprend une couche souple disposée amovible autour d'au moins une partie de la coque extérieure du casque de protection, de telle sorte que ladite couche souple est sensiblement alignée avec la coque extérieure du casque de protection. La couche souple de l'enveloppe peut être faite d'une matière de vinyle. L'enveloppe peut avoir une couche supplémentaire positionnée directement sur la couche souple, la couche supplémentaire étant faite d'une matière plastique.
PCT/US2014/053846 2013-11-13 2014-09-03 Enveloppe de casque de protection, et procédé associé pour appliquer une enveloppe sur un casque de protection Ceased WO2015073104A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361903556P 2013-11-13 2013-11-13
US61/903,556 2013-11-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015073104A1 true WO2015073104A1 (fr) 2015-05-21

Family

ID=53042370

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2014/053846 Ceased WO2015073104A1 (fr) 2013-11-13 2014-09-03 Enveloppe de casque de protection, et procédé associé pour appliquer une enveloppe sur un casque de protection

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20150128330A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2015073104A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016049115A1 (fr) * 2014-09-25 2016-03-31 Gentex Corporation Ensemble revêtement de casque
US10134312B2 (en) * 2015-11-18 2018-11-20 Indian Industries, Inc. Interchangeable covers for stanchions
US9861153B2 (en) * 2016-04-04 2018-01-09 Pro-Tekt Athletic Sciences, Inc. Protective headgear with non-rigid outer shell
USD856598S1 (en) 2017-12-22 2019-08-13 Gentex Corporation Helmet cover
USD902494S1 (en) * 2018-10-30 2020-11-17 Xenith, Llc Helmet
US12002324B2 (en) 2020-10-28 2024-06-04 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Electronic gaming cabinet with removable, protective and informational external surface layering

Citations (5)

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US4838973A (en) * 1986-07-02 1989-06-13 General Motors Corporation Method of applying painted carrier films to automobile body parts
US5525290A (en) * 1992-04-09 1996-06-11 Wes Carpenter Method of manufacturing a decorated helmet
EP0668030B1 (fr) * 1994-02-17 1997-05-02 AGV S.p.A. Appareil et procédé pour décorer des casques en les recouvrant d'une feuille en matière synthétique prédécorée
US20020127361A1 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-09-12 Sandt Richard L. Heat-sealable laminate
US20110088149A1 (en) * 2004-12-03 2011-04-21 Omnitek Partners Llc Method For Applying a Protective and Decorative Covering to Sports Helmets

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US3155981A (en) * 1963-02-05 1964-11-10 Mckissick John Football helmet cover
US4993082A (en) * 1990-01-05 1991-02-19 Giro Sport Design, Inc. Method for making helmet with indelibly ornamented cover
FR2680305A1 (fr) * 1991-08-13 1993-02-19 Besset Martine Couvre casque amovible et interchangeable.
US5732414A (en) * 1997-02-12 1998-03-31 Creative Football Concepts, Inc. Helmet having a readily removable and replaceable protective layer
JP2962700B2 (ja) * 1998-01-22 1999-10-12 オージーケー販売株式会社 ヘルメット装置
US20080222782A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2008-09-18 Paul Michael Stokes Decorative Removable Helmet Cover
US7802321B2 (en) * 2005-11-16 2010-09-28 Janice Boyd Motorcycle helmet cover
US8978165B2 (en) * 2010-03-22 2015-03-17 Jorge L. Franco Helmet protective skin
EP2371230A1 (fr) * 2010-04-02 2011-10-05 Lazer Sport NV Housse de casque

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4838973A (en) * 1986-07-02 1989-06-13 General Motors Corporation Method of applying painted carrier films to automobile body parts
US5525290A (en) * 1992-04-09 1996-06-11 Wes Carpenter Method of manufacturing a decorated helmet
EP0668030B1 (fr) * 1994-02-17 1997-05-02 AGV S.p.A. Appareil et procédé pour décorer des casques en les recouvrant d'une feuille en matière synthétique prédécorée
US20020127361A1 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-09-12 Sandt Richard L. Heat-sealable laminate
US20110088149A1 (en) * 2004-12-03 2011-04-21 Omnitek Partners Llc Method For Applying a Protective and Decorative Covering to Sports Helmets

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150128330A1 (en) 2015-05-14

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