US 4,903,350 A · Aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet

Abstract

An aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet has a molded, plastic helmet body having an exterior shape which is streamlined to provide minimum resistance to frontal airflow. Downwardly extending ribs are formed in the interior surface to define channels for airflow to pass through the interior of the helmet. The rearward portions of the ribs of the helmet are extended downward beneath the lower edge of the helmet to insure that such airflow is not blocked by the back of the user. A pair of strap loops are also attached to the front and upper rear portions of the helmet and form a chin strap which is used to retain the helmet snugly in place upon the head of the user. The attachment points of the straps are specifically selected so that the sides of the strap engage the user's head and prevent tilting of the helmet when it is in use. The helmet may also be provided with a stretch cap with an airflow opening, which allows selection of exterior color, striping or other ornamentation.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A streamlined bicycle helmet comprising:

a molded body having a cavity formed in the lower portion thereof for receiving a user's head, at least two ribs protruding from the interior surface of said body into said cavity to form at least one passage for air to flow between the user's head and said body, and at least one aperture formed in a front portion of said body for admitting air therethrough to said passage;
chin strap means including a front strap affixed to said front portion of said body and adapted to engage a forward portion of the user's head as it passes from the points of attachment to said body to a fastening means proximate the user's chin, and a rear strap affixed to an aft portion of said body and adapted to pass from the points of attachment to said body to points of attachment with said front strap;
and
a cap for placement over the exterior surface of said body, said cap including at least one opening corresponding to the position of said aperture for admitting air therethrough to said passage.

1 more element

A streamlined bicycle helmet, comprising:

a molded plastic body which is generally oval in shape at a front portion of said body and is tapered toward a rear portion of said body in streamlined fashion, said body including a cavity formed in the lower portion thereof for receiving a user's head, at least two ribs protruding from the interior surface of said body into said cavity to form at least one passage for air to flow between the user's head and said body, and at least one aperture in said front portion for facilitating the flow of air therethrough to said passage;
chin strap means including a front strap affixed to said front portion of said body and adapted to engage a forward portion of the user's head as it passes from the points of attachment to said body to a fastening means proximate the user's chin, and a rear strap affixed, to said rear portion of said body and adapted to engage a rearward portion of the user's head as it passes from the points of attachment to said body to points of attachment with said front strap;
and
a stretchable fabric cap fitted over the exterior surface of said body and having at least one opening therein corresponding to the position of said aperture.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet

Life of this patent

Aerodynamically streamlined bicycle racing helmet

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18