Protective Helmet Cap

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap, which covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A helmet cap comprising:
 an outer shell configured into a plurality of padded segments;   the outer shell configured to attach to a helmet.   
     
     
         2 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of padded segments comprises energy absorbing material. 
     
     
         3 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one strap attachment point for attaching a strap to secure the outer shell to the helmet. 
     
     
         4 . The helmet cap of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one strap attachment point is configured to facilitate attachment of the outer shell to a football helmet facemask. 
     
     
         5 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one ear hole configured in the outer shell. 
     
     
         6 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one ventilation gap configured in the outer shell. 
     
     
         7 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable fastener that, when manipulated, alters internal dimensions of the helmet cap. 
     
     
         8 . The helmet cap of  claim 7 , wherein the adjustable fastener comprises hook-and-loop fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is configured to securely attach to a football helmet. 
     
     
         10 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is configured to securely attach to a baseball batting helmet. 
     
     
         11 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising a smooth inner surface providing a low frictional layer between the outer shell and the helmet. 
     
     
         12 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner surface constructed of honeycomb material providing a low frictional layer between the outer shell and the helmet. 
     
     
         13 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell is constructed of material having a low coefficient of friction. 
     
     
         14 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments has a substantially rectangular shape. 
     
     
         15 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments has a substantially trapezoidal shaped. 
     
     
         16 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein each of at least a subset of the plurality of padded segments comprises at least one convex edge that facilitates a ventilation gap configured in the outer shell. 
     
     
         17 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of padded segments comprises at least one of polyurethane, rebound foam, closed-cell foam, neoprene foam, viscoelastic polymer gel, or memory foam. 
     
     
         18 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein the outer shell comprises waterproof material. 
     
     
         19 . The helmet cap of  claim 1 , wherein a first subset of the plurality of padded segments located in an upper area of the outer shell has a substantially trapezoidal shaped. 
     
     
         20 . The helmet cap of  claim 19 , wherein a second subset of the plurality of padded segments located in a lower area of the outer shell has a substantially rectangular shaped.