Abstract:
A helmet backpack is provided to carry a helmet. A helmet enclosure combined with strapping form the helmet backpack. A helmet is inserted through an opening of the enclosure and secured with a zipper assembly, buttons and buttonholes, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO strips, a drawstring assembly and/or other closure. The strapping is used by a wearer to position and hold the enclosure on his or her back. The strapping may be adjustable in length for greater user comfort. Detachable straps are also allowed for, whereby the helmet backpack strap or straps may be removed or strapped in typical backpack style or worn across the wearer&#39;s chest in a bandoleer style. Certain models include pouches which may be located either internal or external to the helmet or to the enclosure. Padding is utilized to increase protection to the helmet and to reduce discomfort to the user. Certain models include a grab handle and/or a hook for handling or storing the enclosure or for attaching the enclosure to a belt or garment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application, Ser. No. 08/949,985, filed Oct. 14, 1997, now abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to backpack type carrying devices and more particularly to a device specifically designed for transporting helmets. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The helmet design and manufacturing industry strives to provide protective and attractive head gear for motorcyclists and bicyclists. These products are often decorated with corporate and brand name logos and signage. The price or economic value of a helmet can be relatively high depending upon market demand. The market value of a particular helmet can be determined by its effectiveness in head protection, weight, aesthetic appeal and prestige value of any distinctive decoration or signage. Motorcycle and bicycle riders commonly use their vehicles to transport themselves to distant locations, where it is inadvisable to leave a helmet unattended. Yet helmets are typically bulky objects that are awkward to carry when not in use. There has been a long felt need for an accessory device that allows a helmet wearer to conveniently transport a helmet with his or her person when dismounted and away from his or her vehicle. 
     Examples of specialized backpacks for carrying folding chairs or for providing protective clothing can be found in the Harrop, U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,793, which discloses a backpack for carrying a folding lawn chair, and Greenberger, U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,969, which discloses a backpack that is convertible between a backpack only mode and a backpack and protective outerwear mode. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet backpack that is especially adapted for carrying a helmet. Specific embodiments of the present invention may be adapted to transport, carry and/or store rigid and/or military helmets, sports helmets, motorcycle helmets and/or bicycle helmets. The helmet backpack includes an enclosure for holding the helmet, an opening through which the helmet is inserted and removed, and strapping which is attached to the enclosure. The enclosure comprises a shell and a backing. The backing is positioned against the back of a user where the helmet backpack is being worn as a backpack. The shell and backing together secure the helmet within the helmet backpack. The shell material may be soft and conform to the shape of an enclosed helmet. Shells of this type are manufactured of spandex, neoprene or other suitable fabrics. Alternatively, components of the shell and enclosure may also include hard materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or other suitable material known in the art, which maintain a rigid shape. Various embodiments of the shell and backing incorporate combinations of hard and soft fabrics and materials with or without foam-over-molding construction and/or optically transparent materials. Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention may incorporate open windows or apertures where a portion or portions of the secured helmet are exposed. 
     An opening is located on the enclosure and provides the user with a means to insert and remove the helmet from the helmet backpack. In certain embodiments of the helmet backpack, the opening includes a closure device for securing the helmet within the enclosure and inhibiting the unintended exit of the helmet from the enclosure. Various closure devices employ a drawstring, an elastic drawstring, a zipper, buttons with buttonholes, hook-and-eye assemblies, hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO strips, snaps or other suitable closing features or mechanisms. 
     Optionally, the backing of the helmet backpack may include soft padding to increase protection to the helmet and wearing comfort to the user. Alternatively, the backing may provide a rigid or semi-rigid framework which conforms to the back of a user and reduces discomfort caused by the rubbing of an enclosed helmet against the back of a helmet backpack wearer. 
     The strapping includes one or more straps and is used to attach the helmet backpack around the body of a wearer. The strapping is constructed of strong and flexible material such as canvas, nylon mesh or other suitable material. Certain preferred embodiments of the strapping include compression molding sections, as may portions of the enclosure as well. The strapping may be adjustable in length. This feature of adjustment allows for improved wearing comfort of the helmet backpack. Furthermore, the strapping may be detachable. The strapping may, in certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, be used to attach and secure the helmet backpack to a motorcycle for transportation. Certain versions of the present invention provide strapping that is also used as a handle for carrying the helmet backpack by hand. 
     Optionally, the helmet backpack may include additional features such as pockets, dual or multi-purpose strapping, additional storage compartments, a grab handle and/or an attachment hook. Pockets may be located on the inside or the outside of the enclosure, or as components of the strapping. The interior volume of a helmet contained within the enclosure is a particularly valuable location for a pocket. Certain versions of the helmet backpack include a pocket or pockets that reside within this interior volume of a helmet where the helmet is contained within the enclosure. Certain alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a separate grab handle and/or a hook attached to the strapping or the enclosure and for use in handling or storing the helmet backpack with or without an enclosed helmet. Certain hook and grab handle designs can also be used to attach the helmet backpack to a belt or to the clothing of a user. 
     Optionally, the helmet backpack of the present invention may further provide separate storage compartments, which increase the usefulness of the helmet backpack by providing additional storage volume. Certain designs of these separate storage compartments are compressible and expandable, and/or detachable and attachable. The ability to detach and attach separate storage compartments allows the user to configure the storage volume of the helmet for task specific requirements. 
     The use of fabrics and materials as components in the helmet backpack of the present invention to display emblems, logos and/or signage is of significant commercial importance. The popularity of designer label identification by sectors of the consumer market and the desire of many consumers to express an affiliation with or appreciation of a specific social stratum or movement, political or ethnic group, corporation, sports team, design house or product manufacturer can significantly increase the monetary value of particular models of helmet backpacks constructed in accordance with the present invention and marked with signage such as an emblem, logo or other trade dress. In addition, the promotional interests of a wide range of social organizations, charities, corporations, product manufacturers, advertisers and others are advanced by the dissemination of preferred embodiments of the present invention exhibiting or bearing specific mottoes, emblems, logos, trade dress and/or other signage. The inclusion of compression molding and the use of markable materials such as neoprene, nylon, spandex or other suitable material is especially beneficial for the manufacture of preferred embodiments of the present invention that present an emblem, a logo and/or other signage. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the helmet backpack of the present invention being worn while securing a helmet. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates construction details of the helmet backpack of FIG. 1 incorporating a soft and stretchable shell. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates construction details of the helmet backpack of FIG. 1 incorporating a rigid shell. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the helmet backpack of FIG. 1 incorporating the additional features of pockets, a storage hook and adjustable and detachable strapping. 
     FIG. 5 is a back view of the helmet backpack of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the helmet backpack of FIGS. 4 and 5 incorporating the additional features of handles as components of the strapping along with drawstring-style adjustable length straps. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates the helmet backpack of FIG. 1 incorporating a grab handle feature attached to the enclosure and a detachable and attachable storage compartment. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet backpack of FIG. 1 incorporating compression molding components in the strapping and enclosure and transparent windows and open apertures in the enclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate various aspects and features of the helmet backpack  2  of the present invention. In each of the drawing figure, like features are given like reference numbers. The various aspects and features of the helmet backpack  2  illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8 and/or described below are intended for use separately or in combination with one another. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, helmet backpack  2  is depicted being worn by a wearer  30 . Helmet backpack  2  includes an enclosure  6  and strapping  8 . Enclosure  6  is composed of shell  10  and backing  12 . Strapping  8  may include two individual straps  18 . The shell  10  and backing  12  may be constructed of a soft and stretchable or compliant material, a hard material, a foamed or padded material, or a combination or composite of these various materials. Preferably, at least the interior of the shell  10  is configured to closely conform to the dome-shaped exterior of a helmet  4 . An opening  16  allows access into the interior of the enclosure  6 . A zipper  14  or other closure device acts as a closing means for opening  16 . Both straps  18  are placed around the shoulders  32  of wearer  30 . Zipper  14  is shown in a fully closed position and a helmet  4  is thereby properly secured within enclosure  6 . 
     Alternatively, the helmet backpack  2  of the present invention may comprise a single strap  18  rather than two or more straps  18 , whereby a wearer carries the helmet backpack  2  with the single strap slung over one shoulder or slung across the front of the wearer&#39;s chest in a bandoleer style or in other suitable modes. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates construction details of the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 incorporating a soft and stretchable shell  10 . The helmet backpack  2  is shown to be partially enclosing a helmet  4 . Helmet backpack  2  includes enclosure  6  and strapping  8 . Enclosure  6  is composed of shell  10  and backing  12 . Strapping  8  includes two individual straps  18 . 
     Zipper  14  acts as a closing means for opening  16 . Zipper  14  may be made of metallic, plastic and/or composite components. Zipper  14  is shown to be in an open state in FIG. 1 where helmet  4  is not fully contained by enclosure  6 . Opening  16  may be placed, with and without a closing means, at various locations of enclosure  6  in alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention. Alternate embodiments of the helmet backpack  2  may employ button and buttonhole assemblies, hook-and-eye assemblies, zip-lock seals, hook-and-loop fasteners and other suitable closing means known in the art. 
     Shell  10  is composed of a soft stretchable yet resilient material or fabric such as neoprene, stretchable terry cloth, spandex, natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable materials known in the art. The material of shell  10  forms and/or stretches around the rigid shape of helmet  4  and conforms to the outside shape of helmet  4 . The resilient quality of the material of shell  10  insures that helmet  4  is held firmly against backing  12  and within helmet backpack  2  when zipper  14  is placed in a closed position. 
     Backing  12  is constructed with strong flexible fabric or material such as canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. Optionally, the backing  12  may include padding  20 . Padding  20  is made of a compressible and resilient padding or foam such as natural or synthetic rubber, plastic foam, cotton, fiber batting or other suitable material. Padding  20  reduces discomfort in the wearing of helmet backpack  2  by protecting a user from irritation caused by rubbing against helmet  4 . Straps  18  are attached at each end  19  to enclosure  6  and are made with a strong flexible material such as canvas, terry cloth, nylon, nylon mesh or other suitable material. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates construction details of the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 incorporating a rigid shell  10 . This construction of helmet backpack  2  is preferred by consumers who wish to have a hard or semi-rigid structure for the protection of their helmets. Helmet backpack  2  has an enclosure  6  that includes shell  10  and backing  12 . Straps  18  may be made of canvas, cotton, nylon and/or of other suitable natural or synthetic materials. Shell  10  is constructed of metal, metal alloy, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, plastic composite or other suitable rigid or semirigid material. Optionally, the backing  12  may also be constructed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. A foam layer  46  on the interior of the shell  10  and/or backing  12  presses against and conforms around the exterior of helmet  4 . Foam layer  46  insures that helmet  4  is protectively secured within enclosure  6 . Foam layer  46  is made of a compressible and resilient non-scratch padding or foam such as natural or synthetic rubber, plastic foam, cotton, fiber batting or other suitable material. Alternatively, the entire shell  10  and/or the backing  12  may be constructed of a rigid or flexible foam material, with or without a laminated fabric facing. 
     Backing  12  is constructed with strong flexible fabric or material such as canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. Opening  16  is located between shell  10  and backing  12 . Zipper  14  allows shell  10  to join and separate to allow a user to insert and remove helmet  4 . If desired, a flexible hinge  40  may be provided between shell  10  and backing  12  to allow access into the interior of enclosure  6  through opening  16  when zipper  14  is in an opened position. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 incorporating the additional features of pockets  58 ,  60 ,  62 , a storage hook  63  and adjustable and detachable strapping  8 . FIG. 5 is a back view of the helmet backpack  2  of FIG.  4 . Helmet backpack  2  includes shell  10 , backing  12  and straps  18 . Shell  10  includes external pocket  58 , internal pocket  60  and interior helmet volume pocket  62 . The external pocket  58  and internal pocket  60  may be permanently or detachably attached to the shell  10 , as described in more detail below in connection with FIG.  7 . 
     The interior helmet volume pocket  62  is a component of the enclosure  6  of the backpack  2  and is preferably made of a strong flexible fabric. The interior helmet volume pocket  62  extends into the interior volume  80  of the helmet  4 , when the helmet  4  is placed in the backpack  2 . Alternatively, the interior helmet volume pocket  62  may be made of stretchable material, allowing it to conform to the interior volume  80  of the helmet  4  when items placed in the interior helmet volume pocket  62 . 
     The shell  10  and backing  12  may be constructed of a soft and stretchable or compliant material, a hard material, a foamed or padded material, or a combination or composite of these various materials. Preferably, at least the interior of the shell  10  is configured to closely conform to the dome-shaped exterior of a helmet  4 . The straps  18  and pockets  58  and  60  are made with strong flexible fabric or material such as cotton, canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. 
     Optionally, the straps  18  may be detachable and/or adjustable. Hooks  64  and  66  are attachable to and removable from attachment points  68  and  70 . Attachment points  68  and  70  are each located on either shell  10  or backing  12 . Adjustment clasps  72  allow for the adjustment of the operational length of straps  18 . Sections  74  are passed through and secured by clasps  72 , thereby allowing a user of the helmet backpack  2  to modify the length of each strap  56  passing around his or her shoulders. 
     FIG. 4 further illustrates a storage hook  63  affixed to backing  12 . Storage hook  63  is used to handle, carry and/or store helmet backpack  2 . Storage hook  63  is used to attach helmet backpack  2  to a belt, or to an article of clothing, or to a storage location or feature. Storage hook  63  may also be provided with a lock for securing the helmet backpack  2  to a storage location, such as a luggage rack on a motorcycle. 
     FIG. 5 is a back view of helmet backpack  2 . FIG. 5 illustrates the position of interior helmet volume pocket  62  within the interior volume  80  of helmet  4 . An opening  82  through backing  12  provides access to the interior of interior helmet volume pocket  62 . Preferably, a hook-and-loop fastener, zipper  84  or other closure device is provided to open and close backing opening  82 . Alternatively, backing opening  82  may employ a drawstring, an elastic drawstring, buttons with buttonholes, hook-and-eye assemblies, snaps or other suitable closing features or mechanisms or may be made without any closing means at all. Backing opening  82  provides user access to the interior helmet volume pocket  62  and allows a user to place objects into and remove objects from pocket  62 . Additionally or alternatively, an interior opening  52  with a closure device  54  may be provided in the wall of the interior helmet volume pocket  62  for access between the interior of the enclosure  6  and the interior helmet volume pocket  62 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the helmet backpack  2  of FIGS. 4 and 5 incorporating the additional features of handles  92  as components of the strapping  8  along with drawstring style adjustable length straps  18 . Strapping  8  is shown to include straps  18  which each present a handle  92  for use in carrying helmet backpack  2  by hand. Furthermore, snap features  94  and  96 , which are located on handles  92  and straps  18  and are joined together to join and combine handles  92  into a more comfortable and manageable handhold. Drawstring adjustment feature  100  allows the operating length of straps  18  to be adjusted. 
     The shell  10  and backing  12  may be constructed of a soft and stretchable or compliant material, a hard material, a foamed or padded material, or a combination or composite of these various materials. Preferably, at least the interior of the shell  10  is configured to closely conform to the dome-shaped exterior of a helmet  4 . The straps  18  and pockets  58  and  60  are made with strong flexible fabric or material such as cotton, canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 incorporating a detachable and attachable storage compartment  112  attached to the enclosure  6 , as mentioned above in connection with FIG.  4 . Detachable storage compartment  112  may be constructed of cotton, canvas, nylon, plastic foam, neoprene or other suitable materials known in the art. Detachable storage compartment  112  is detachably attached to enclosure  6  by means of buttons and buttonholes, hook-and-eye assemblies, hook-and-loop fasteners, a zipper assembly  116  or other suitable attachment means. 
     FIG. 7 further illustrates the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 with a grab handle  118  feature attached to the enclosure  6 . Grab handle  118  is used to carry, handle and/or store helmet backpack  2 . Grab handle  118  is constructed of a loop of a strong, flexible material such as nylon, cotton or other suitable material. Various embodiments of grab handle  118  range in width from string-like shapes to wide strips of fabric. 
     The shell  10  and backing  12  may be constructed of a soft and stretchable or compliant material, a hard material, a foamed or padded material, or a combination or composite of these various materials. Preferably, at least the interior of the shell  10  is configured to closely conform to the dome-shaped exterior of a helmet  4 . The straps  18  and pockets  58  and  60  are made with strong flexible fabric or material such as cotton, canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the helmet backpack  2  of FIG. 1 incorporating compression molding components  202  in the strapping  8  and enclosure  6  and transparent windows  204  and open apertures  206  in the enclosure  6 . Helmet backpack  2  is shown containing a helmet  4 , which can be seen through transparent window  204  and open aperture  206 . The transparent window  204  may be constructed of a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible material and may be clear, colored or translucent. In a particularly preferred embodiment, transparent window  204  is constructed with a clear, flexible plastic film, such mylar or vinyl. Transparent window  204  allows a portion of helmet  4  to be visible and to allow the viewing of helmet  4  for the purpose of identification, display or other aesthetic intent. Open window  206  exposes the exterior of helmet  4  to the environment outside of helmet backpack  2 . This exposure is also done for the purpose of identification, display or other aesthetic intent. 
     The shell  10  and backing  12  may be constructed of a soft and stretchable or compliant material, a hard material, a foamed or padded material, or a combination or composite of these various materials. Preferably, at least the interior of the shell  10  is configured to closely conform to the dome-shaped exterior of the helmet  4 . The straps  18  may be made with strong flexible fabric or material such as cotton, canvas, terry cloth, spandex, neoprene or other suitable materials. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the shell  10  and straps  18  are constructed of a three-layer composite of nylon, foam and a thin outer layer of nylon, lycra or other fabric, which is compatible with compression molding techniques. Compression molding is a process by which a foam or other material is thermoformed to hold a shape after being removed from the mold, thereby allowing a user to choose a decorative element or other signage to be displayed on the helmet backpack  2 . This process is also referred to as foam-over molding or thermoform molding. There exist in the art other materials, fabrics and/or composites used in compression molding manufacture known and suitable for use in constructing compression molding  202 . Compression molding  202  is included on strap  18  and shell  10  of helmet backpack  2  and presents logos  214 . Alternatively, emblems  216  may also be displayed on the fabric of strap  18  and shell  10 . Strap  18  and shell  10  are each constructed of compression molding  202 , as described above, or compression molding  202  in combination with a strong flexible material or fabric such as spandex, neoprene, nylon, cotton, canvas, terry cloth or other suitable material. 
     While the present invention has been described herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments and the best mode for practicing the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, improvements and subcombinations of the various embodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.